Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric Paperback – January 28, 2016

By far the best description of rhetorical figures in English. The book is distinguished from other works by the vast repertoire of examples used to support each figure and especially by the detailed analysis of the nuances of use of particular figures.For example, the chapter on praeteritio (saying things by not saying them), rather than giving a few examples, as is typical, has about fifty. These examples are subdivided into classes depending on exactly how the figure is used, "I will not speak of...", "Never mind that", "short-lived promise", "withheld details" and so on; and there is another classification of the various purposes of the figure - e.g. to gain credit for discretion, to enhance the force of, to limit debate, or for amusement. The author carefully describes how different variants of each figure support some particular point.The examples are drawn mainly from nineteenth century sources, especially Dickens and Melville, although Churchill is frequently cited.My only minor complaint about the book is that the title is slightly more general than the contents. The book is really about Classical English Rhetorical Figures, not Rhetoric generally. There is not much on structuring an argument generally, for instance, which is classically considered part of rhetoric.Because of the multitude of interesting examples and the fine gradations in the use of each figure, the book is fun to read or leaf through. It is produced with great care and craftsmanship overall as well.

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.

For those who enjoy the aesthetic possibilities of written and spoken English, "Farnsworth's Classic English Rhetoric" must be in their library.Farnsworth's compilation of choice examples is comprehensive;it is not easily rivaled.He reviews 22 rhetorical figures ( chapter 1 reviews 3 figures; chapter 7 considers antithesis with isocolon). All 22 figures were selected for their practicality: all can be readily employed.A reviewer, Rhetorician ( July 15,2011), criticized this book for its incomprehensive treatment of rhetoric. That complaint can be dismissed. But Rhetorician is right, I think, to criticize Farnsworth's lack of specification. Farnsworth could at least have explicitly stated that he covers only rhetorical schemes; rhetorical tropes are important too and deserve treatment ( Farnsworth, in the preface, agrees; hopefully he will compile a book of tropes). The distinction would have helped those less familiar with the various aspects of rhetoric. This does not affect my rating , however.This is a great book.-----For those interested in tropes: I recommend looking at "Style and Statement" by Edward P.Corbett--though it is not as comprehensive as Farnsworth.Also worth looking at is "Power Writing,Power Speaking," an older book. The book is listed in the bibliography; it is not as comprehensive as Farnsworth either.

Most books on usage or rhetoric are compendiums of bad usage or bad rhetoric: what not to do. They are often amusing, but there is something lacking. After brief discussions of a rhetorical figure, Farnsworth's book cuts to the chase and gives the reader example after example of the best writers using the figure beautifully. And beautiful writing is much more enjoyable, and instructive, to read than page after page of barbarisms. Very highly recommended.

I think this is a very necessary book; not just academic, but FULL of examples, cataloged in detail, with commentary. One reviewer harshly noted that this isn't really great for a cover-to-cover read; I agree. But, I do not think that diminishes Farnsworths accomplishments here. Just do not read it cover-to-cover; read some, savor, have some fun, set it down. Don't make a slog of it; this stuff is very enjoyable, probably best in small joyous doses.

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!