Robert Gunning

Robert Gunning (1908-1980) was an American businessman, journalist, and writing consultant best known for developing the Gunning Fog Index, a readability formula that measures text complexity. His work focused on making written content more accessible to readers through clear, straightforward language. As founder of Robert Gunning Associates in 1944, he worked with major newspapers and business organizations to improve the clarity of their writing. His consulting firm helped publications like The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, and Business Week streamline their content for better reader comprehension. Gunning authored several influential books on writing and readability, including "The Technique of Clear Writing" (1952) and "How to Take the Fog Out of Writing" (1964). His readability principles emphasized using shorter sentences, concrete language, and active voice to enhance understanding. The Gunning Fog Index remains widely used in journalism, business communication, and academia to assess text difficulty. His lasting influence on clear writing practices has made him a significant figure in the fields of readability research and professional communication.

Readers primarily know Gunning for his business writing textbooks and readability work. Most reviews focus on "The Technique of Clear Writing" and his fog index formula. Readers noted: - Clear explanations of writing principles - Practical examples and exercises - Still relevant decades after publication - Useful for both students and professionals Common criticisms: - Dated references and examples - Some find the writing style dry - Book layouts and formatting need updating - Limited coverage of digital/web writing Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "The Technique of Clear Writing" - 3.8/5 (47 ratings) Amazon: "How to Take the Fog Out of Writing" - 4.2/5 (12 ratings) "Helped me improve dramatically in technical writing," notes one Amazon reviewer. Another Goodreads user commented: "The principles are sound but presentation is outdated - needs a modern revision." Limited review data exists as many of his works are out of print or used mainly in academic settings.

The Technique of Clear Writing (1952) A technical guide focusing on principles of clarity in written communication, introducing the Fog Index readability formula.

How to Take the Fog Out of Writing (1964) A practical manual explaining methods to simplify complex writing and eliminate unnecessary complexity in business and technical documents.

The Technique of Clear Writing: 25th Anniversary Edition (1977) An updated version of the original text, incorporating additional examples and revised guidelines for clear writing in modern contexts.