U.S. Presidents as Orators


Book Description

First systematic critique of the rhetoric of 21 presidents focusing on the nexus of oratory and politics.




U.S. Presidents as Orators


Book Description

This first systematic critique on the rhetoric of 21 presidents shows how political constraints shaped rhetoric and how oratory shaped politics. An introduction places American public address in the context of classical rhetorical practices and theory and sets the stage for the bio-critical essays about presidents ranging from Washington to Clinton. Experts analyze the style and use of language, important speeches and their impact, and their ethical ramifications. Each essay on a president also keys major speeches to authoritative texts and offers a chronology and bibliography of primary and secondary sources. For students, teachers, and professionals in American public address, political communication, and the presidency.







Inaugural Speeches from the Presidents of the United States - Complete Edition


Book Description

The 'Inaugural Speeches from the Presidents of the United States - Complete Edition' presents a singular, comprehensive collection that spans over two centuries of American history and rhetoric. This anthology encompasses a broad spectrum of political ideologies, personal philosophies, and the evolving American ethos, reflected in the inaugural addresses of its Presidents. From the founding fathers' vision of a nascent republic to contemporary leaders grappling with modern challenges, the collection offers an unparalleled look at the literary and oratorical styles that have shaped the United States. The diversity of the contributions, from George Washingtons unifying appeal to Barack Obamas message of hope and change, marks this collection as a significant body of work in both literary and historical terms. The illustrious authors of these speeches, each having held the highest office in the United States, bring a varied array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the anthology. The convergence of their voices provides a unique lens through which to understand the shifting contours of American national identity, policy, and values. This anthology not only aligns with key historical and cultural movements but also showcases the personal convictions and public missions that have propelled the nation forward. The compilation is thus as much a reflection of the individual Presidents as it is of the era and circumstances that shaped their messages. 'Inaugural Speeches from the Presidents of the United States - Complete Edition' is an indispensable volume for anyone interested in the confluence of American history, politics, and literature. It offers readers the rare opportunity to journey through the landmark moments of U.S. history as articulated by its Presidents, inviting a deeper understanding of the American promise and the office of the Presidency itself. By engaging with these speeches, readers are afforded a comprehensive view of the nations challenges and triumphs, through the words of those who have led it. This anthology is thus recommended for its educational value, its breadth of vision, and the dialogue it fosters between epochs, ideals, and the enduring endeavor of governance.




My Fellow Americans


Book Description

THE STORIES BEHIND the WORDS THAT MAKE HISTORY "Four Score and Seven Years Ago" The Gettysburg Address as told by an eyewitness of the event "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" Franklin Delano Roosevelt's stirring call to courage "Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You" John F. Kennedy's unforgettable inaugural address "Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall" Ronald Reagan's demand for freedom for the people behind the Iron Curtain Plus Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton on the speeches that influenced them most Also hear... The voices of every U.S. president since Benjamin Harrison in 1889 A reading of the first presidential speech ever, George Washington's "American Experiment" address A reenactment of Abraham Lincoln's incendiary "House Divided" speech Campaign recordings of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson FDR's assertion that Americans have a "Rendezvous with Destiny" Dwight D. Eisenhower's warning against the "Military-Industrial Complex" JFK proclaiming "Ich Bin Ein Berliner" Lyndon Johnson adopting the civil rights hymn "We Shall Overcome" Gerald Ford promising that "Our Long National Nightmare Is Over" Ronald Reagan consoling the nation after the space shuttle Challenger explosion George H. W. Bush's call for a "Kinder and Gentler Nation" Bill Clinton speaking from the pulpit where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his final sermon George W. Bush's ultimatum to Iraq and his promise to its people that "The Day of Your Liberation Is Near"







Republican Orators from Eisenhower to Trump


Book Description

This is the first thorough and systematic interrogation of Republican Party oratory and rhetoric that examines a series of leading figures in American conservative politics. It asks: How do leading Republican Party figures communicate with and influence their audiences?; What makes a successful speech, and why do some speeches fail to resonate? Most importantly, it also investigates why orators use different styles of communication with different audiences, such as the Senate, party conventions, public meetings, and through the media. By doing so it shines important new light into conservative politics from the era of Eisenhower to the more brutal politics of Donald Trump. The book will appeal to students and scholars across the fields of US politics, contemporary US history, and rhetoric and communication studies.




American Speeches Vol. 1 (LOA #166)


Book Description

A historian and former presidential speechwriter presents an unprecedented two-volume collection of the greatest speeches in American history.




American Speeches: Political Oratory from Patrick Henry to Barack Obama


Book Description

From the American Revolution to the present day, public oratory has profoundly shaped American history and culture-not only our politics but our language and our sense of national identity. Edited by historian and former presidential speechwriter Ted Widmer, American Speeches presents the complete texts of forty-seven of the greatest speeches in American history: from Patrick Henry's address before the Virginia Convention in 1775 ("give me liberty, or give me death!") to "A More Perfect Union," Barack Obama's profound meditation on race from the 2008 presidential campaign. Classic speeches like Sojourner Truth's stirring declamation to the 1851 Women's Rights Convention, Abraham Lincoln's masterpiece at Gettysburg, John F. Kennedy's still-inspiring inaugural address, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s prophetic "I Have a Dream" speech, and Ronald Reagan's clarion call at the Brandenburg Gate come together to form a dynamic portrait of our ongoing struggle to define and to realize the possibilities of the American experiment. For almost thirty years, The Library of America has presented America's best and most significant writing in acclaimed hardcover editions. Now, a new series, Library of America Paperback Classics, offers attractive and affordable books that bring The Library of America's authoritative texts within easy reach of every reader. This book features detailed biographical notes about the speakers, an essay on the choice of the texts, and explanatory notes.




The Leading Orators of Twenty-Five Campaigns


Book Description

This book offers fascinating insights into the speeches that have shaped America's political landscape over the past two centuries. From George Washington to Donald Trump, this book highlights the most notable speakers and their most powerful speeches. It is a must-read for anyone interested in U.S. politics. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.