Books Economical Writing Book by Deirdre McCloskey

Economical Writing by Deirdre McCloskey is a concise and engaging guide focused on improving clarity, brevity, and effectiveness in writing. The book distills the craft of writing into thirty-five clear and practical rules that help writers produce prose that is both sparkling and readable, especially in fields like economics where good writing can be rare.

McCloskey’s style is conversational and witty, making complex advice easy to absorb. She emphasizes that good writing results not just from adherence to rules but from a rigorous revision process and intuitive judgment. The book challenges outdated or overly pedantic guidelines—like excessive footnoting—and offers concrete strategies to rethink writing approaches at all levels, from the overall structure to individual word choices.

Key features include:

Guidance on avoiding unnecessary jargon and complexity to enhance reader engagement.

Methods to make paragraphs and sentences sharper and more persuasive.

Suggestions for cultivating a lively, clear prose that enlivens even technical subjects.

Encouragement to balance clarity with personality and fun in writing.

Practical advice that applies broadly beyond economics to academic, professional, or business communication.

Praised as superior to classic style manuals, Economical Writing is equally suited for expert writers seeking refinement or beginners aiming to write with confidence and precision. It champions writing as clear thinking made visible and serves as a toolkit to transform mediocre prose into captivating, efficient communication.

With just 176 pages, it is both digestible and impactful—a must-read for entrepreneurs, academics, and anyone who wants to improve their writing clarity and power.

Publication Details:

Published by University of Chicago Press, 3rd Edition, 2019

Part of the Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing series

Includes an appendix by Stephen T. Ziliak

This book is recognized as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to communicate ideas effectively and beautifully.

1 BOOK