William Strunk, Jr.

Date of Birth: July 1, 1869

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: September 26, 1946

Biography

William Strunk, Jr. was an American professor of English and an author, best known for his book “The Elements of Style,” commonly referred to as “Strunk & White.” Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Strunk pursued his higher education at the University of Cincinnati, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1890. He then went on to obtain a Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1896. Strunk spent much of his career as a professor at Cornell, where he influenced countless students with his teachings on English composition and literature. “The Elements of Style,” first published in 1918, was originally a private manual for his students. However, it gained widespread acclaim after being revised and expanded by his former student, E.B. White, in 1959. The book remains a seminal guide for writers, emphasizing clarity, brevity, and the importance of proper grammar. Strunk’s work has had a lasting impact on the field of writing and continues to be a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.

5 Interesting Facts about William Strunk, Jr.

1. William Strunk, Jr. originally wrote “The Elements of Style” as a 43-page booklet for his students at Cornell University.

2. Strunk was a mentor to E.B. White, who later expanded and popularized “The Elements of Style.”

3. He contributed significantly to the field of literary criticism, particularly with his work on Shakespeare and James Fenimore Cooper.

4. Strunk was a member of the Modern Language Association and actively participated in academic conferences and publications.

5. He served as an editor for various literary journals and was known for his meticulous attention to detail.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Strunk, Jr.

1. “Omit needless words.”

2. “Vigorous writing is concise.”

3. “A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.”

4. “The surest way to arouse and hold the reader’s attention is by being specific, definite, and concrete.”

5. “Write in a way that comes naturally.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Strunk, Jr.’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to the field of writing are invaluable.

Children

William Strunk, Jr. had three children: Robert, Theodore, and Ethel. His family life was relatively private, and he focused much of his energy on his academic and literary pursuits.