For issues of usage, I prefer the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English
Usage. It gives balanced coverage of the widest variety of usage points you're
likely to find, along with commentary about what a huge range of earlier usage
 guides have said, and a real descriptive investigation into how
well-respected writers actually use the language.

I like the Chicago Manual of Style for issues such as punctuation, spelling,
distinctive treatment of words, etc. But I don't find the grammar section in
the latest edition particularly helpful. The politest way I can describe
Garner's work, both in the Chicago Manual and in his standalone works, is that
it is a somewhat idiosyncratic rehash of a lot of prescriptive nonsense that
has been thoroughly debunked many times before. (OK, that's not very polite,
but it's the best I can manage.)

Michael Kischner wrote:
> I'd like to hear what members recommend when they are asked about guides
> to usage and style.  The people who ask me typically are not academics
> and do not want textbooks.  I myself tend to go to the online Chicago
> Manual (which you have to subscribe to).  Any other good ideas?  In
> retiring two years ago, I find I did too good a job of not bringing
> books home from the office!
> To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web
> interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select
> "Join or leave the list"
> 
> Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/
> 

To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at:
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html
and select "Join or leave the list"

Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/