"The Dictionary of Concise Writing" is a thorough examination of how to write tight, well-crafted prose. The book begins with a section on "Perfectibility of Words" which defines wordiness and provides various examples of the different types. The following section is "The Imperfectability of People" which discusses the prevalence and acceptance of wordiness in society.

The extensive dictionary actually begins on page 49. Each listed phrase or word combination is followed by suggested substitutions, an example using the "wordy" phrase, and the same example using the correct substitution. If you are wondering if your writing could be more concise or looking for a suggestion for a phrase that just doesn't feel right, or just want to learn better writing skills then this is the book for you. It is the largest and most useful compendium of excessively wordy phrases and practical, workable substitutions that I have had the pleasure of using. A highly recommended purchase for anyone doing any serious writing.

...Any writer worth his or her salt has heard of author Robert Fiske's books, created and designed to help the aspiring, novice and experienced writer alike to hone their craft. In his Dictionary of Concise Writing, Fiske shows not only how to avoid common pitfalls but also how to strive for originality. He is also an expert on one particular handicap of many writers'... the tendency to use redundant or extraneous, excessively wordy phrases in their narrative prose.
This compilation of experience and wisdom is divided into two major parts; the first covers identifying and correcting excessive wordiness, which in itself may take many authors several months to thoroughly peruse. The second part is a collection of the worst of these writers' sins and his remedy to rectify them. Of course, you don't have to take his advice, but it's strongly advised that you do. After all, he's the expert.
And lest this reader/reviewer succumb to the temptation to wax over long praising this neat, fun and easy to read example of terse prose, let me suffice it to say that no writer with any grit should be without this reference.

THE DIMWIT'S DICTIONARY is not exactly a kind book - it will shred every linguistic prop a writer is comfortable with & proud to know & use. Not that I'm proposing writers reinvent the way they write, I am, however, encouraging they use this dictionary to discover how hackneyed their writing might be. It is a litmus test to learn what separates the ho-hum from the memorable; the bland from the interesting.

Discover just how original, or not, is your writing. Learn about Ineffectual phrases, Moribund metaphors & Infantile phrases; Overworked words, Inescapable pairs & Torpid terms; Withered words, Wretched Redundancies & Egregious English; Quack equations, Foreign phrases, Grammatical gimmicks & much, much more!

THE DIMWIT'S DICTIONARY is an invaluable tool all writers need to have on their tool shelf, not to be taken too seriously or too much to heart, or brain, as is the case, as an author could get dreadfully pompous!

Somewhat self-righteous and pedantic at times, but highly pertinent on the whole. Actually makes very good reading. Mister Fiske seems to entertain a pet hate for foreign metaphors, French in particular, except when it suits him (portmanteau is coat-hanger in English).
Would definitely recommends it as a teaching reference at university level.
As a last word, Mister Fiske would do us a great favour by publishing all his works into one single book. References to other work(s) smacks of (concerted) mercantilism.

The Dimwit's Dictionary by Robert Hartwell Fiske (Editor of the online journal about the English language: "Vocabula Review") is filled cover to cover with alternatives to over 5,000 tiresome cliche phrases. The entries are of two types. One type offers synonyms for cliche words and phrases, from "Achilles' heel" (foible, deficiency, etc.) to "you name it" (and so forth, and the like). The other type of entry identifies flawed and horribly overused verbal expressions, and categorizes them by type: "zillions" is an infantile phrase; "advice is cheap" is a quack equation; and "nipping at your heels" is a moribund metaphor. The value of this second type of entry is straightforward - if one is using any such phrase in their writing, then reaching for synonyms simply isn't enough; it's time to completely rework the expressed thought. Both types of entries are presented alongside one another in this alphabetized volume. Overall, The Dimwit's Dictionary is easy to use, and should be cover-to-cover reading (not simply used sporadically as a reference, but a page-by-page reading and explicit indoctrination in what phrases to avoid) for every neophyte writer who aspires to effective and memorable writing.

This book is great if one wants to wrtie effective letters and reports--anything with conciseness. It helps one better understand English business language with ease. This book also gives you ensight how concise writing is used. The digest book is filled with to-day, today phases that would get your point across. I recommend this book highly to those that write for business and technical envorinment.

I love this guy! His book is great! Talking with him must be like talking to the Oracle of concise writing. Once you start reading his book, every few sentences you'll find a phrase that catches you with the phrase's clarity. Like, "Wow! That is clear!" He gives specific substitutions of commonly used phrases in his book- a dictionary full. That's great for when you need to pull it out in the middle of what you're writing. You know, when you're writing and you fear that what you wrote will put your reader to sleep? Mr. Fiske adds his perspective - including examples to illustrate his own opinions - of the writing failings of academics, politicians, journalists, businesspeople, lawyers. But pages 33 to 336 of Mr. Fiske's book belong to his dictionary. Each entry in Mr. Fiske's dictionary is actually a word or phrase followed by concise substitutions for that word/phrase, and then two examples. The first example shows the head word/phrase in a sentence. The second example shows a substitution in the first example's sentence of the head word with a replacement word/phrase. This book is clear enough for a kid in seventh grade. If you are brave enough to regularly check your writing using the "Dictionary of Concise Writing", your writing will gain clarity and punch.

As a professor of social work and public health, I would unhesitatingly recommend Robert Fiske's "Dictionary of Concise Writing" to my students. This is just the sort of book by which they, along with anyone else who uses the English language, can immeasureably profit. What's more, the books opening chapters are a delight to read. Anyone who can write, as Mr. Fiske does, "With a dash of panache and a dollop of polish, our words will approach perfection" has, quite simply, got to be read. Professor Betty J. RuthBoston University