New Hart's Rules: The Oxford Style Guide, 2nd Edition

Edition: New Hart's Rules: The Oxford Style Guide is a reference for writers and editors preparing copy for publication. Its 21 chapters cover topics including punctuation, hyphenation, layout, illustrations, bibliographies and notes, indexing, scientific publishing, and differences between UK and US English.

At a glance

Twenty-one chapters address writing and preparing copy for print or electronic publication.
The stated coverage includes punctuation, hyphenation, headings, illustrations, indexing, scientific publishing, and reference notes.
A new chapter summarises differences between UK and US English.
The listing says examples are clearly displayed to support accessibility.

Price

£9.99Save 44%

Reference price: ~~£17.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Broad editorial coverage makes it relevant as a desk reference across a range of publishing tasks.
UK and US English conventions are included in a dedicated chapter.
The 480-page reference is a substantial, clearly defined print edition.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication
Publisher	OUP Oxford
Edition	2nd
Publication date	28 Aug. 2014
Language	English
Print length	480 pages
ISBN-10	0199570027
ISBN-13	978-0199570027

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	458 g
Dimensions	19.38 x 3.1 x 10.67 cm

What to know before buying

The description presents this as the updated second edition, but the listed publication date is 28 Aug. 2014. Buyers seeking current conventions should consider that date when deciding whether it suits their work.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Writers and editors preparing copy for publication.
Proofreaders and publishing professionals needing a reference on editorial conventions.
Business, technical, and other professional writers who consult style guidance.

Less suited to

Readers mainly looking for a general creative-writing course rather than a publishing style reference.
Buyers who specifically need a newly published guide reflecting developments after the listed 2014 publication date.

New Hart's Rules: The Oxford Style Guide, 2nd Edition · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.7 / 5 · 327 ratings

5 stars80%80%
4 stars18%18%
3 stars2%2%
2 stars0%0%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback describes the book as a useful, clear and comprehensive reference, with particular relevance to business and technical professionals, editors and proofreaders. The favourable overall rating distribution is consistent with that positive picture, though ratings alone cannot show which topics or edition details matter most to an individual buyer. Its reported usefulness aligns with the wide publishing coverage described in the listing, while the listed 2014 publication date remains worth considering for readers who need the latest conventions.

Positive themes

Customers describe it as useful for writers and professionals, including business and technical users.
Feedback highlights clarity, concise presentation, and broad coverage, including less settled areas of English usage.
Customers consider it useful for editors and proofreaders.

Frequently asked questions

What topics does New Hart's Rules cover?

The listing describes guidance on publishing terms, layout and headings, illustrations, hyphenation, punctuation, bibliographies and notes, scientific publishing, and indexing.

Does the book compare UK and US English?

Yes. The description says the second edition adds a chapter summarising differences between UK and US English.

Who is this style guide intended for?

It is presented as a reference for writers and editors preparing copy for publication, including print and electronic work.

How long is this edition?

The listing gives a print length of 480 pages and identifies it as the second edition.