The Writer's Blue Book

*The Writer's Blue Book*, edited by Leigh H. Irvine and published by Crown Publishing Company in 1902, is a practical manual for writers, editors, typewriters, clerks, and business correspondents. The handbook addresses contemporary issues in English composition and covers capitalization rules, punctuation guidelines, style codes (including a maritime world code), forms of address, and a dictionary of capitals with complete index. Content emphasizes revision and clarity, citing authorities like Century magazine and Theodore L. De Vinne. The text advocates the "blue pencil" method of editing, illustrated with examples from Macaulay and Dickens. Sample topics include eliminating superfluous words, proper article usage, and correcting common grammatical errors found in contemporary newspapers and business correspondence. The manual provides practical exercises and real newspaper examples demonstrating careless composition.