Ben Yagoda

Ben Yagoda is an American journalist, author and professor emeritus of English and journalism at the University of Delaware. He has written extensively about language, writing, and cultural history, with several acclaimed books on these subjects. His most widely known works include "About Town: The New Yorker and the World It Made" (2000), which examines the history and influence of The New Yorker magazine, and "The Sound on the Page" (2004), which explores writing style and voice. "When You Catch an Adjective, Kill It" (2007) and "How to Not Write Bad" (2013) have established him as an authority on writing mechanics and style. Yagoda's work frequently appears in major publications including Slate, The New York Times Magazine, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. His blog "Not One-Off Britishisms" documents the increasing use of British terms in American English, reflecting his ongoing interest in the evolution of language. As a professor, Yagoda taught journalism and nonfiction writing at the University of Delaware from 1992 to 2019, helping shape a generation of writers and journalists. His academic background combines with his journalistic experience to inform his analytical approach to writing and language.

Readers note Yagoda's clear writing style and ability to explain complex language topics with relatable examples. His books on writing and grammar resonate with both students and professionals. Liked: - Uses humor and entertaining anecdotes to teach writing concepts - Balances academic research with accessible explanations - Provides practical tips for improving one's writing - Includes relevant historical context and evolution of language usage Disliked: - Some find his writing style too informal for academic topics - Occasional digressions and tangents from main points - Can be repetitive across different books - Some explanations seen as oversimplified Ratings: Goodreads averages: - "The Sound on the Page" - 3.8/5 (189 ratings) - "How to Not Write Bad" - 3.7/5 (405 ratings) - "When You Catch an Adjective, Kill It" - 3.8/5 (267 ratings) Amazon averages around 4.2/5 across his books, with readers highlighting his "conversational tone" and "clear explanations of complex concepts."

The Art of Fact: A Historical Anthology of Literary Journalism (1997) A collection of literary journalism pieces spanning from Daniel Defoe to contemporary writers, with historical context and analysis.

Will Rogers: A Biography (2000) A comprehensive biography of the American humorist and social commentator Will Rogers, covering his life from 1879 to 1935.

About Town: The New Yorker and the World It Made (2000) A historical examination of The New Yorker magazine's development and influence from its founding in 1925 through the end of the 20th century.

The Sound on the Page: Style and Voice in Writing (2004) An analysis of writing style and authorial voice, featuring interviews with contemporary writers about their craft.

When You Catch an Adjective, Kill It: The Parts of Speech, for Better and/or Worse (2007) An exploration of grammar and language usage focusing on the eight parts of speech in English.

Memoir: A History (2009) A historical overview of memoir writing from Augustine to contemporary times, examining the genre's evolution and cultural significance.

How to Not Write Bad: The Most Common Writing Problems and the Best Ways to Avoid Them (2013) A guide addressing common writing errors and methods for improving writing clarity and effectiveness.

The B Side: The Death of Tin Pan Alley and the Rebirth of the Great American Song (2015) A historical account of American popular music's transformation from the 1950s through the 1960s.