Gift Idea #3: The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition

One of my good friends suggested I make some end-of-the-year gift recommendations. OK, thanks, I will! Previously: Gift Idea #1 and Gift Idea #2

What: When you give someone The Chicago Manual of Style, you give them the answers to the universe! What's the difference between "toward" and "towards"? When should you hyphenate an adverb? Why do people quietly mock you when you put two spaces after a period? This book knows!

Who to give it to: Grammar geeks or people who would like to become grammar geeks. Or, I suppose, people who want to be thought of as grammar geeks, even if they aren't. Also, people who like the robin egg blue cover of the latest edition.

Gifting tip: You could also purchase an online subscription to the website, which gives the user access to (and searching ability within) both the 15th and 16th editions. The website also features additional subscription-free content, such as the delightful "Chicago Q & A." The voice behind this editorial advice column, Carol Fisher Saller, also has a blog and a book (The Subversive Copy Editor).


Finally, a word of caution. Please tell the recipient of this gift that with great power comes great responsibility, and that the public at large generally does not appreciate uninvited attempts to correct its grammar.