ISBN0321270762

John Lannon was a successful author of a college writing and composition textbook. He then created various spinoffs so that his publisher could cover more markets: business writing, technical writing, and so on (for both college and high school).

So he's really not a current specialist in technical writing, and he's not employed as a technical writer. He's just an English instructor who has been using essentially the same basic materials in all his books for decades.

This text is a perfect example. It has very little to do with today's field of technical communications. There are many other textbooks that have more specific and up-to-date examples and guidelines for contemporary technical writers. Any book by Hackos, for example, runs circles around this one.

In any case, he and his publisher don't need your single-copy sale. They sell thousands of these books for coursewide use at many schools across the country for use in very elementary courses. They don't care about individual users.

So save your money and buy something else!

i was supprised that it was the teachers edition but it will still be usefull thanks

This book is a step-by-step instruction to different kinds of technical writing. It is easy to understand and follow. The topics are well organized and clearly outlined, which makes it easy to read.
It's a nice reference book if you have to look up different writing styles.

Other reviews seem to focus on the fact that the newer edition doesn't have enough "new stuff." The examples are updated, the listed websites are updated, there are several expanded sections. Technical writing isn't like neuroscience or some field that is rapidly expanding, so it's not going to have huge new sections of material. If there is any drawback to the book, it's that it covers EVERYTHING which may be overwhelming if you are just want to pick up a quick reference.

Overall it's a good book particularly if you are using it for a class where you have an instructor who can take you into more depth on each topic. It's not a Stephen King style page turner, but obviously that's not what it's trying to be.

Recommended for savvy readers and students.