The Columbian Orator: Containing a variety of original and selected pieces together with rules, which are calculated to improve youth and others, in the ornamental and useful art of eloquence

by Caleb Bingham (Editor), David W. Blight (Editor)

First published in 1797, The Columbian Orator helped shape the American mind for the next half century, going through some 23 editions and totaling 200,000 copies in sales. The book was read by virtually every American schoolboy in the first half of the 19th century. As a slave youth, Frederick Douglass owned just one book, and read it frequently, referring to it as a "gem" and his "rich treasure."

The Columbian Orator presents 84 selections, most of which are notable examples of oratory on such subjects as nationalism, religious faith, individual liberty, freedom, and slavery, including pieces by Washington, Franklin, Milton, Socrates, and Cicero, as well as heroic poetry and dramatic dialogues. Augmenting these is an essay on effective public speaking which influenced Abraham Lincoln as a young politician. As America experiences a resurgence of interest in the art of debating and oratory, The Columbian Orator--whether as historical artifact or contemporary guidebook--is one of those rare books to be valued for what it meant in its own time, and for how its ideas have endured. Above all, this book is a remarkable compilation of Enlightenment era thought and language that has stood the test of time.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Education, Philosophy, Classics

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1797

About the author

Caleb Bingham (1757-1817) was a textbook author. Among his most influential works were books on oratory, or public speaking. He spent much of his career in Boston, Massachusetts as a publisher and bookseller. Bingham was educated at Dartmouth College and valedictorian of his class of 1782. He also taught at the College.

Reviews

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first book purchased by Fredrick Douglass and it was instrumental in the development of his thinking and speaking ability. It was a pleasure to read.

[Rich Offman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe the lore, Frederick Douglass self-taught with little more than the Bible and this book originally published in 1797. And the lore: Douglass observed a group of kids practicing oratory with this book. Impressed by their performance, he stole a loaf of bread and traded for it. More than a one of my 126 English intervention students who hate reading threatened to steal my copy of this book - so they could read it.

[Dalton Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be older and more traditional, but it is absolutely excellent for anyone seeking to improve their knowledge and daily learning.

There is certainly great amounts of wisdom, wit, and intelligence ridden through each of its rustic pages. The power of Eloquence which rides its pages is often overwhelming in today's modern age, many readers of this may find themselves surprised something such as this isn't taught or given today in modern classrooms.

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of flowery language and mythologies of various religions and cultures with Christianity dominating. Many of the orations lacked a concise statement of a theme or purpose. For the modern reader, dates for the excerpts would be helpful, as well as notes on the historical background.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frederick Douglass used this book for inspiration, while writing his beautiful speeches. Also used for college students graduating in the 1770s.