The purpose of the compilers of this volume is:— First, to provide some new material in poetry and eloquence that has never before appeared in books of this character, in addition to many standard selections familiar to the general public; Se ... Read more

The purpose of the compilers of this volume is:— First, to provide some new material in poetry and eloquence that has never before appeared in books of this character, in addition to many standard selections familiar to the general public; Second, to furnish selections that will stand the test of literary criticism and at the same time prove to be popular and successful for public entertainment; Third, to offer for the use of classes in public speaking such carefully selected literature of varied scope as will be helpful and stimulating in the practice of reading aloud and profitable in acquiring power of vocal interpretation; Fourth, to stimulate interest in the works of the authors from whom we have chosen and in the speeches or books from which extracts have been taken; Fifth, to present as models for students in public speaking notable specimens of eloquence, among which are masterpieces of the seven great orators of the world and from the six great triumphs in the history of American oratory; Sixth, to provide carefully chosen scenes from a few standard, modern dramas for class-room and platform use. In these scenes the attempt has been made to preserve the spirit and unity of the plays, to shorten them to practical length, and to adapt them to the demands of the public audience. Less