Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric

A useful introduction to a much neglected and important subject.

Great book on rhetoric by a brilliant writer, Ward Farnsworth, who is a Dean of the University of Texas School of Law. It is very well written and can be used by anyone interested in improving their language skills. The book is full of examples from the classic literature and philosophy. Another great book by Mr Farnsworth is 'Practicing Stoic'.

As many readers know, before the advent of modern media books and speeches formed the main entertainment of the middle class. Because of this, the English language was developed into an art form by orators like Lincoln and Churchill and writers like Chesterton and Shaw.Nowadays, efficient writing is recommended and the various elements of rhetoric are increasingly forgotten. Yet, Ward Farnsworth has written several books trying to arrest that trend.Farnsworth is light on terminology and heavy on examples. He shows both how English was and can be used if one wants to be not only terse but eloquent.The books need to be read and reread if you want to develop a classical style of your own. Taken together they are, arguably, the best introduction to classical English available for those without an extensive literary background.Worth checking out if you want to improve your writing or merely to see how mellifluous English can be.

This is a must have for anyone that loves rhetoric. It is easy to read and it has awesome examples from different eras. Great as a reference book

This is the lost art of expression, without the cheap vulgarity of modern times. Farnsworth will show you how to make your words rhythmic and beautiful. I seek to make my words beautiful because I seek to make my life beautiful, since words are what I live by. So whether you are simply appreciating the art of rhetoric, or planning to make rhetoric your art, you will find this book exceptional!It is not just smothered in artistry, it is smothered in intelligence! It oozes with examples of that old world magnetism I sought in a work of this type, and drips with the unbridled romanticism and passion of a time when men were men, and women glad of it! It whispers, it shouts, and it thunders with revolutionaries and philosophers reborn! Buy this book for your heart, buy this book for your soul, BUY THIS BOOK!