Great Speeches in History / Various

by Various Authors, Norman Rodway (Narrator), Samuel West (Narrator)

From Socrates to Charles I, Danton to Lincoln - here are some of history's most significant figures with their most important speeches. Fighting for justice, for freedom of speech, and sometimes even for their lives, these orators demonstrate the finest resources of language in the service of the most dramatic issues of their day. Classical music of the period sets the scene.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Robert Federline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is properly named "Great Speeches" and not "Greatest Speeches." The latter would involve too much controversy. What makes a speech great depends upon many factors, not the least of which is the context in which it is delivered. More could be done about giving the context of some of these speeches. A better job was done for the later speeches.

An audiobook is an excellent choice for sharing speeches, of course. In this instance, I could not help thinking, however, that I could do a better job of conveying the passion and urgency of several of these speeches. I felt that some of the deliveries were far too lackluster. They failed to convey the depth of feeling which the speeches themselves insisted upon.

The book was interesting, but not compelling. Given the topic, this book should be compelling.

[Simone Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well narrated and some powerful speeches. These speeches are probably best appreciated outside of a collection like this though, with more context.

[Jay Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well spoken reproductions of famous speeches from history.

Its interesting hearing very different styles and it is inspiring to be spoken to, from such great moments of civilisation.

[Mike Ogilvie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part it was enjoyable, but not stupendous. I was expecting the chosen speeches to be a little more relevant and pertinent.

I think this book is more valuable as a general nod to history rather than as weighty speeches that hold their value.


[NARRATION: The narrators were [author:Norman Rodway|23975], Samuel West, Elizabeth Bell, and Peter Marinker. They are all great orators in the general sense. But something about the performances (maybe it was the content itself) didn't come across as engaging. One annoying trick that seemed to be a common theme is to end each speech with a huge swell of volume like the speech concluded with a great big exclamation point. I'm not sure if I've ever heard anyone conclude an actual speech that way - more like something you do when reenacting a speech.]

[Matthew Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

These speeches were just ok. Maybe you had to be there. And the voice actors were passable to bad.

[Geraldine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually the audio version--good to listen to in the car. The speeches are inspiring and applicable today.

[Sare Öztürk]

Not sure I downloaded all the parts