The orator's own book

Preface

The Orator's Own Book purports tor be a careful selection of exercises in Elocution, containing specimens, either for committing to memory or for reading, from the most celebrated authors of ancient and modern times. In forming a style of public speaking, much of the manner must of -course depend upon training and example ; but in the matter of thought and expression models must be selected, which, by the universal consent of mankind, are deemed worthy of imitation. In the great variety here presented the leisure hours of the student may find profitable occupation, and a copious fund of ideas may be collected, to prepare him, when he listens to oratory, to judge of true eloquence flowing from a furnished mind.

The directions for public speaking have been made as brief and intelligible as possible, and are derived both from observation and established authorities. In this respect the present is conceived to be an improvement on former works which have had mainly the same objects in view ; to this feature is added a superiority of typographical execution.

Little reference has been had as to the admission of what had previously been selected, and some extracts

V1I1 PREFACE.

are given which are well known to those who have passed through a course of study ; thinking that what is excellent should not he despised because it is known. A careful scrutiny of the contents is solicited in forming comparisons ; and, as future editions are contemplated, the editor will gladly receive any contributions addressed to him through the publishers.