The Elements of Style Foreword and Intro Precis

E.B. White, in the Foreword and Introduction of his revised edition of "The Elements of Style", introduces Will Strunk, and the origins of the book. Will Strunk, White's professor at Cornell pre-1920s, had a "little book" which he used to teach his English 8 course. Strunk eventually passed, and after he did, White was asked to revise and remake his "little book", which included many grammar and language rules of English. White generally kept the book the same, not wanting to lose the character or flavor the professor put into the book, but added a few ideas of his own as well within the introduction and chapter on writing. He seems to think highly of his old professor, as he describes him with the utmost respect and reverence. Strunk himself is characterized as a funny little man with a distinctive, but pleasant personality, who would have been a joy to meet and converse with.
These two sections of the book captured my attention with the slight humor, and story behind the writing. I'll be interested to read Strunk's and White's ideas about writing itself, and the few basic rules that must be followed. I'd like to see how I add up in their eyes (whether I make the mistakes or not while I write). I think that it's so funny that "omit needless words" was his number one rule, because that is something so many people, including myself, struggle with, but is so crucial to strong, concise writing.