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WARD, LOCK, AND TYLER, WARWICK HOUSE,

PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

270. f. 478.

BEETON'S

NATIONAL REFERENCE BOOKS.

For the People of Great Britain and
Ireland.

The Cheapest and Best Reference Books in the World. Each containing from Five Hundred and Twelve to Five Hundred and Sixty Columns.

1. Beeton's British Gazetteer.

2. Beeton's British Biography.

3. Beeton's Modern Men and Women.

4. Beeton's Bible Dictionary.

5. Beeton's Classical Dictionary.

6. Beeton's Medical Dictionary.

7. Beeton's Date Book.

8. Beeton's Dictionary of Commerce and Manufactures of the World.

9. Beeton's Modern European Celebrities.

LONDON:

WARD, LOCK, & TYLER, Warwick House,
Paternoster Row.

PREFACE.

Ir is unnecessary to say much by way of preface. The subject of the following work is of such a nature as hardly to require an introduction, and the arrangement is too simple to need a long explanation.

The object of the compiler has been to bring together, in a convenient form, specimens of the political, ecclesiastical, and miscellaneous oratory of the greatest speakers, both of present and past times. These specimens have been drawn from the best authorities, and, wherever it was possible, have been chosen so as to be truly representative of the speakers.

The arrangement is chronological, the orators following one another in the order of their birth. This, in two or three instances, interferes with the chronological order of the speeches, but the plan chosen appeared the best, and, when once decided on, it was as well to adhere to it.

A brief memoir of each of the speakers has been added, including the principal incidents of his public life, and pointing out, in many instances, the most striking features of his eloquence. Occasional notes have also been given where these could at all add clearness or interest to the speeches.

Several compilations have already been issued of a similar nature to the one now before the reader. It, however, covers a larger field than any of them, and, it is hoped, will, in consequence, be found more entertaining and more useful.

To the student of history a collection of oratory such as this cannot fail to be of value. Here he will find vivid illustrations of many of the most interesting and exciting passages in the annals of the world. And to the student of oratory-to him who wishes to learn how to address a public audience with effect-it will be still more useful. Eloquence, it has been often said, must be taught by

means of examples.

Turning over this book, then, perhaps the

reader may catch something of the spirit of enthusiasm which glows on every page, and may be stirred up to greater exertions in a field in which such noble triumphs are to be won.

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