General
The New Fowler's Modern English Usage
Oxford University Press 0-19-860263-4
Revised third edition. A superb authority since 1926 (first edition).
The Oxford Guide to English Usage
Oxford University Press 0-19-280024-8
Clear, crisp and thorough guide to current use of English.
teach yourself correct english
teach yourself 0-340-86786-8
Sounds dull and forbidding, but isn't. Readable and covers a lot of useful topics in a short space.
Mother Tongue
Penguin Language/Linguistics 0-140-14305-X
Witty, intelligent look at how English developed and is used today. Not a reference textbook, but packed with nuggets.
The King's English
HarperCollins 0-00-638746-2
Brilliant and eccentric scan of interesting words.
The Stories of English
Penguin 0-141-01593-4
The most famous professor of English language today discusses many aspects of English. Intelligent, but not a specialist academic book. If you like exploring English, try this Aladdin's cave.
The Guardian Stylebook
Guardian Books 1-84354-991-3
Learn how the Grauniad achieves the accuracy and consistency of expression that elude less rigorous masters of the language. Witty, authoritative and instantly usable.
The Economist Style Guide
Profile Books Ltd 1-86197-535-X
We like this a lot. Everyone who writes regularly should have one at their desk.
The Elements of Style
Longman 0-205-31342-6
Brilliant little book by authors who really cared about using language well. Blows apart the silly notion that Americans cannot write English.
Plain English for Lawyers
Carolina Academic Press 1-59460-151-8
Another superb lesson from America in how to write well. Wydick is a professor of law and a gifted writer. This book is not just for lawyers, although they will find it invaluable.
Lifting the Fog of Legalese
Carolina Academic Press 1-59460-212-3
Same comments as for Wydick, who says "This book belongs in the library of every lawyer who takes language seriously."