Reclaims public speaking as a central cultural form of the nineteenth century This pioneering collection brings alive the world of public speaking between the American Revolution and the age of the Suffragettes. It presents over seventy speeches by a diverse range of female and male activists, politicians, tribal leaders, fugitive slaves and preachers from both sides of the Atlantic, debating the crucial issues of the day, from socialism and imperialism to slavery and women's suffrage. Complete with detailed notes, introductions, illustrations and suggestions for further reading, it provides a unique introduction to transatlantic history and culture. Key Features: - Places famous speeches by Emmeline Pankhurst, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde alongside previously unpublished texts. - Offers a more racially, ethnically and politically varied range of speeches than ever collected before. - Includes illustrations and suggestions for further readings. - A 'how to use this book' section provides historical contextualisations and valuable guidance for steering classroom discussions. Tom F. Wright teaches English and American Studies at the University of Sussex.