The Art of Oratory - 150 of the Most Inspirational and Influential Speeches in History

by Charles Mosley

The speeches in this book changed history. Sometimes they did so straightforwardly, for instance by setting in train a change of mind among the audience, as Wilberforce began to do over the slave trade. But sometimes it was by changing the way posterity has viewed a decision already taken, as Socrates did at his trial even though he was condemned to death. Every speech has been chosen on its merits. Such merits are of two kinds, however. A speech may be and usually is a highly readable essay in the art of immediate persuasion. But it is sometimes more the trigger by which a world historical personage has catapulted mankind into action afterwards. As such, it may have had a more long-term historical than an immediate impact. For that reason the accompanying remarks explaining the context of every speech and giving an account of the speaker are as vital as the speech itself. The speeches in this book changed history. Sometimes they did so straightforwardly, for instance by setting in train a change of mind among the audience, as Wilberforce began to do over the slave trade. But sometimes it was by changing the way posterity has viewed a decision already taken, as Socrates did at his trial even though he was condemned to death. Every speech has been chosen on its merits. Such merits are of two kinds, however. A speech may be and usually is a highly readable essay in the art of immediate persuasion. But it is sometimes more the trigger by which a world historical personage has catapulted mankind into action afterwards. As such, it may have had a more long-term historical than an immediate impact. For that reason the accompanying remarks explaining the context of every speech and giving an account of the speaker are as vital as the speech itself.

Genres: Reference

345 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[A.J. Deus · Rating 1 out of 5]

For the first 200 pages, I cannot find any speech that relates to the title's promises of 'influential' or 'inspirational' oratory, let alone do I learn about its 'art'. This disconnect is complemented by introductions that lack context and comprehension for those unaccustomed with the intricate details of the times. The selected oratory only increases with Churchill to a level that somewhat matches the title. But the well read know them already.

My take: do not bother.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not related to Sir Oswald