Minimalism is one of the latest terms being bandied around in the world of technical writing. Most folks trace its origins to the result of years of research in cognitive studies and learning.

Although they belong to different writing genres, I recommend every technical writer to read the Minimalist Master, Hemingway. To learn the art of telling details in precis form. With no injury to either form or content.

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place is a case in point. The longest sentence in the story is also the only detailed description of a surrounding where the early part of the story is set.

They sat together at a table that was close against the wall near the door of the cafe and looked at the terrace where the tables were all empty except where the old man sat in the shadow of the leaves of the tree that moved slightly in the wind.

Read that aloud for its “sound quality.” Tell me if you found yourself helplessly submitting to its power of placing those empty tables right in front of you. And then the minimalism in action. Here.

…took a leathercoin purse from his pocket and paid for the drinks, leaving half a peseta tip.

Up to till point in the story, Hemingway leaves us no hint of the country where the story takes place. With nothing more than a Peseta tip, he tells us we are in Spain.

But these are just a few reasons why I love Hemingway. Read the complete story. Re-read it. Study the process of attaining that perfect state where art and craft lose themselves in each other. If this doesn’t convince you, mull on what James Joyce says about this story:

He [Hemingway] has reduced the veil between literature and life, which is what every writer strives to do. Have you read ‘A Clean Well-Lighted Place’?…It is masterly. Indeed, it is one of the best short stories ever written…”

It would thrill my soul if one of you better-informed guys started a discussion of sorts.