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The Elements of Eloquence
- Narrated by: Simon Shepherd
- Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins
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The Elements of Eloquence
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Publisher's Summary
In an age unhealthily obsessed with substance, this is a book on the importance of pure style, from the best-selling author of The Etymologicon and The Horologicon. From classic poetry to pop lyrics and from the King James Bible to advertising slogans, Mark Forsyth explains the secrets that make a phrase - such as 'Tiger, Tiger, burning bright', or 'To be or not to be' - memorable.
In his inimitably entertaining and witty style he takes apart famous lines and shows how you, too, can write like Shakespeare or Oscar Wilde. Whether you're aiming for literary immortality or just an unforgettable one-liner, The Elements of Eloquence proves that you don't need to have anything to say - you simply need to say it well.
Critic Reviews
“An informative but highly entertaining journey through the figures of rhetoric ... Mark Forsyth wears his considerable knowledge lightly. He also writes beautifully.” (David Marsh, Guardian)
“It is good news that the popular author of The Etymologicon should now potter round the rhetorical warehouse at our elbow, commenting on the choicer goods on view, for he is well-informed and amusing.” (Christopher Howse, The Spectator)
“The Elements of Eloquence makes a daunting, potentially boring subject exciting ... Forsyth's wickedly clever, irreverent take on rhetoric should cement his reputation as a virtuoso: it is hard to think of any other book that tackles the topic with such style.” ( South China Morning Post)
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What listeners say about The Elements of Eloquence
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 15-04-2017
Perfect for word Geeks
This is a very practical text on how to write more compellingly, using engaging stories and amusing delivery to highlight what are actually very classical techniques ... All in bite-sized chunks of information
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 28-07-2019
Surprised: In A Good Way
For some reason I expected this book to be about etymology. It isn't. When the narrator informed me the book was about the figures of rhetoric, I couldn't have been less interested. Although the idea sounded dull, I kept listening. I absolutely loved this book. I'll probably listen to it again, and again. It's fascinating, informative and full of things you feel you'll actually end up using (evidently not in this review).
What I learned most, is how flexible English really is. How impact is more important than correctness, even in writing. A must-have for lovers of our language.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Luke
- 03-01-2016
Very clever and witty
Beautifully written and superbly read book that is a joy to listen to. Highly recommended.
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- Tania Crivellenti
- 01-03-2020
Must read/listen to anyone passionate about language
The book and the reading are brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Funny and engaging and very far from a dry book on language. Lots of contemporary examples and one chapter linking to the next. Loved it and intend to go back to it more than once.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Engineer
- 11-07-2019
Amazing
Very interesting introduction to eloquence, couldn't recommend it enough. The narrator did a great performance.
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- Emjay
- 15-12-2016
Really enjoyed this Audiobook.
I enjoyed this book. I found it fascinating and funny. I will listen to this again, evidence that I have no life if my husband is to be believed. However everyone knows husband's are usually wrong. Don't they!
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- Rob
- 28-05-2020
Brilliant, just brilliant
Fascinating to listen to. Inspiring and engaging.
Now to put into practice the points so eloquently put.
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