Episode · How I Write · 2026-08-05
David Perell & Mark Forsyth: books mentioned on How I Write (Aug 2026)
Writing Techniques I Wish I Knew Earlier (Mark Forsyth Interview)
David Perell discussed The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth. Mark Forsyth discussed Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Elements of Eloquence
The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth is a reference book that breaks down rhetorical figures and patterns of writing designed to make phrasing memorable and impactful.
Discussed“And now what I want to do is go through like 10 or 11 this from your book Elements of Eloquence.”
Where to get it
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Bleak House
Bleak House by Charles Dickens is a sprawling and intricate Victorian novel that famously critiques the British judicial system through the interminable chancery lawsuit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce.
Discussed“His great novel, Bleak House, the first line, the first sentence of that book is one word long.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (3) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
Passing Stranger in a Strange Land
“I think there's a heavy metal album called Stranger in a Strange Land, but I can't remember who it's by.”
Passing Rivals
“And her I think her her novel um Rivals has become massive hit TV series of late.”
Passing David Copperfield
“I mean to for some reason we never apply this um rule of there must be a main verb to the title of a book like Bleak House or David Copperfield.”