In the back of the bookstore prior to his interview, Mr. Lutz discussed some recent and disappointing trends in punctuation and grammar, a subject about which he is writing a book.

WSJ: Celebrating a Decade of the Believer

"People get passionate about grammar, " says Mr. Appleman, author of a book on business writing.

WSJ: Grammar, a Victim in the Office

With a grammar and words to fill it, the reader is equipped for the business end of the book: reference.

ECONOMIST: Fantasists