Episode · How I Write · 2025-12-10
Books mentioned on Ward Farnsworth: 14 Ways To Make Your Writing Memorable | How I Write Classic Episode
Every so often, I'll re-publish some of my favorite How I Write interviews. This classic episode is with Ward Farnsworth, a law professor and former dean at the University of Texas School of Law who has written popular books about clear thinking, language, and philosophy.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Tom Jones
Tom Jones is a classic comedic novel by Henry Fielding that follows the misadventures of a foundling in 18th-century England.
Discussed“It's as possible for a man to know something without having been at school as it is to have been at school and to know nothing from this beautiful novel called Tom Jones by Henry Fielding.”
Where to get it
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Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric
Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric by Ward Farnsworth and Cara Van Miriah is a comprehensive guide exploring the foundational principles and historical techniques of effective writing and classical rhetoric.
Recommended“You know, we only focused on three techniques and these books, rhetoric and style, classical English style, classical English rhetoric. They're part of a series. These are the two that I love. And especially this one about style.”
Where to get it
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Farnsworth's Classical English Style
Farnsworth's Classical English Style is a comprehensive guide by Ward Farnsworth that examines the mechanics, elegance, and historical foundations of effective writing through analysis of master stylists.
Recommended“You know, we only focused on three techniques and these books, rhetoric and style, classical English style, classical English rhetoric. They're part of a series. These are the two that I love. And especially this one about style.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“If your readers enjoy this sort of thing, they got a whole book they can read. Let me just do an unapologetic plug for your book. I never do this, but I No, I absolutely love your books. They're so simple. They're so fun to flip through, and everyone who's serious about writing should have definitely rhetoric and style just”