The purpose of the compilers of this volume is:—
First, to provide some new material in poetry and eloquence that hasnever before appeared in books of this character, in addition to manystandard selections familiar to the general public;
Second, to furnish selections that will stand the test of literarycriticism and at the same time prove to be popular and successful forpublic entertainment;
Third, to offer for the use of classes in public speaking suchcarefully selected literature of varied scope as will be helpful andstimulating in the practice of reading aloud and profitable in acquiringpower of vocal interpretation;
Fourth, to stimulate interest in the works of the authors from whom wehave chosen and in the speeches or books from which extracts have beentaken;
Fifth, to present as models for students in public speaking notablespecimens of eloquence, among which are masterpieces of the seven greatorators of the world and from the six great triumphs in the history ofAmerican oratory;
Sixth, to provide carefully chosen scenes from a few standard, moderndramas for class-room and platform use. In these scenes the attempt hasbeen made to preserve the spirit and unity of the plays, to shorten themto practical length, and to adapt them to the demands of the publicaudience.
To avoid reprinting material which is already universally accessible, wehave inserted no scenes from Shakespeare; but the reader is referred to[Pg iv]Fulton and Trueblood's "Choice Readings" (published by Ginn andCompany), which contains copious Indexes to choice scenes fromShakespeare, the Bible, and hymn-books. The two volumes include a widefield of literature best suited for public speaking.
The selections throughout the book are arranged under six differentclasses and cover a wide range of thought and emotion. While many shadesof feeling may be found in the same selection, it has been our aim toplace each one under the division with which, as a whole, it is mostclosely allied.
We are grateful to the many authors and publishers who have courteouslypermitted us to use their publications. Instead of naming them in thepreface we have chosen to make due acknowledgment in a footnote wherevertheir selections appear in the volume.
F. and T.