The Proud Critic: William Zinsser’s Writing About the Arts

William Zinsser has some very constructive and helpful hints on good critiquing in the chapter Writing About the Arts from his book On Writing Well. First, Zinsser makes a clear distinction between a reviewer and a critic. However, Zinsser’s high-handed, snobbish tone makes reviews sound cheap and shallow, something he describes as “plainer and less sophisticated” than a critique (196). He obviously believes that criticism requires a larger investment of knowledge and skill than your everyday review.

After identifying the difference between a review and a critique, Zinsser extensively describes what not to do when writing criticism. Again, his know-it-all tone makes him sound as if he is the be-all and end-all of good criticism. Regardless, Zinsser seems to know what he is talking about and definitely has some well-founded tips on how to keep your readers’ interest, while still retaining your credibility as a writer. He emphasizes the importance of detail, knowledge in the medium, and most of all, personality. He describes criticism as something that should be “stylish, allusive” and full of zest and character (202). Zinsser also welcomes humor as an acceptable “lubricant in criticism” (203). But he warns against using it inappropriately. Obviously, Zinsser regards good criticism as a careful art that requires both experience and know-how, and while his tone is one of haughty superiority, his advice is both helpful and valuable.