A Discourse Being Introductory to his Course of Lectures on Elocution and the English Language (1759)

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sheridan, Thomas, 1719-1788

Contributor:

Mohrmann, G. P., 1925-

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"A Discourse Being Introductory to his Course of Lectures on Elocution and the English Language" by Thomas Sheridan is a scholarly address delivered in the mid-18th century, specifically in 1759. The book serves as a foundational piece in the study of elocution, which focuses on the art of effective speaking and presentation in the English language. It reflects the intellectual currents of the time, aiming to refine public speaking skills as crucial to the development of English and the promotion of eloquence in formal settings. In this discourse, Sheridan critiques the neglect of elocution and proposes a systematic approach to studying the English language that aligns with classical rhetorical traditions. He emphasizes the importance of spoken language over written, arguing that effective communication through speech is essential for moral and societal progress. The book outlines a vision for establishing formal education in elocution, proposing that mastering the spoken word can elevate both individual and national dignity. Sheridan's passionate advocacy underscores his belief that nurturing oratory skills will lead to personal refinement and enhance public discourse, positioning eloquence as vital for thriving democratic society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Tor Martin Kristiansen, Sue Fleming, Joseph Cooper and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

Notes:

Reading ease score: 50.1 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2011-12-30