Great Speeches: Words That Shaped the World

by Edward Humphreys

This classic hardback collection brings together over 40 of the most powerful and stirring speeches delivered in history, from rousing battle speeches to impassioned political addresses.

Since the time of the ancient Greeks, oratory has been a great force in shaping historical events. This anthology collects such moments of the past 400 years in the words of their participants, from speeches given in times of war and sorrow, such as Winston Churchill's 'This Was Their Finest Hour', to those delivered in moments of hope, such as Barack Obama's election victory address. Other speeches

• Susan B. Anthony - 'On a Woman's Right to Vote'
• John F. Kennedy - 'Ich bin ein Berliner'
• Martin Luther King, Jr. - 'I've Been to the Mountain Top'
• Nelson Mandela - 'Inaugural Address'
• Malala Yousafzai - 'They thought that the bullets would silence us'
• Greta Thunberg - 'You have stolen my dreams and my childhood'

This inspiring compendium is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in how words can shape history.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2012

Reviews

[Manu Datta · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many speeches here with do not resonate well with me - of Kings and Queens of England, and yet there are those by Martin Luther King, M.K. Gandhi, Barack Obama and many others who are path breaking and refreshing as to read today as in the past. Whereas no single speech could have changed any event, most of these rallied perhaps even those who disagreed with the speakers until then.

[Jane Riordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, I found this rather a disappointing read. A lesson perhaps that a speech is best experienced by hearing it and, sometimes, reading the text doesn't have the same impact, intimating that a good portion of the success or longevity of a speech is the skill of the orator.

[Dhwani Swadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read full review here: https://thereandtheir.com/2016/04/26/...

An inspiring book with the best speeches from around the world!

While most of us, or at least those of us who are interested in history know of these speeches, reading them in their entirety is a completely different experience. Especially when you know the context, some of these speeches give you goosebumps.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read!