Originally published in 1846, this little book contains some excellent examples of essays, lectures and poetry on a variety of subjects. It makes an amusing read and is a wealth of information about the time in which it was written. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. "The speaker or miscellaneous pieces selected from the best English writers, and disposed under proper heads with a view to facilitate the improvement of youth, in reading and speaking . To which is prefixed an essay on elocution." Contents Include : Narrative pieces Didactic pieces Argumentative pieces Orations and harangues Dialogues Descriptive pieces Pathetic pieces