"I refer to Fowler often, but not necessarily to solve
a problem in usage, grammar, or pronunciation. I refer to it for spiritual
sustenance. It shows me how bad a writer I am and encourages me to do
better."
-- Clifton Fadiman, “Commentary on ‘A Dictionary of Modern
English Usage’ by H.W. Fowler” (1941), in Weigh the Word 186, 186 (Charles B.
Jennings et al. eds., 1957). (from Garner’s Usage Tip of the Day)
I refer to Fowler mostly for amusement. I have the 1965 edition, where the entry on French words is particularly amusing. (Fowler does not approve of their use, as you might imagine.)
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