The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster With an Essay on Daniel Webster as a Master of English Style   By: Edwin Percy Whipple (1819-1886)

The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster With an Essay on Daniel Webster as a Master of English Style, edited by Edwin Percy Whipple, presents a remarkable collection of the renowned politician's most influential speeches and writings. This comprehensive volume offers readers a deeper understanding of Daniel Webster's eloquence, legal prowess, and his significant contributions to American history.

One of the book's standout features is its meticulous organization. Whipple has carefully arranged the speeches and orations chronologically, highlighting the development of Webster's ideas and his evolving political career. The inclusion of an introductory essay by Whipple further contextualizes Webster's life and achievements, shedding light on his mastery of the English language.

Webster's speeches, in particular, showcase his exceptional rhetorical skills and profound understanding of legal and constitutional matters. From his captivating defense of the Federalist Party to his profound arguments on the preserving the Union in the face of secession, Webster's words resonate with power and conviction. As readers delve into each speech, they are transported back in time to witness the gripping oratories that once captivated audiences across the nation.

Through the speeches, Webster emerges as a true advocate for consensus, compromise, and the principles upon which the United States was founded. His persuasive arguments and impassioned pleas for unity serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the idea of American greatness. Whether addressing complex economic policies or contentious debates on slavery, Webster consistently demonstrates a balanced, thoughtful approach that resonates with readers even today.

In addition to his political endeavors, the book also sheds light on Daniel Webster's exceptional writing style, as elucidated by Edwin Percy Whipple in his essay. Whipple astutely analyzes the nuances of Webster's language, highlighting his use of rhythm and rhetoric to convey ideas with clarity and impact. This exploration of Webster's linguistic prowess further enhances readers' appreciation for his mastery of English style.

While this collection is undoubtedly a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and students of political science, its wealth of knowledge and the compelling nature of Webster's speeches make it accessible to a wide range of readers. The edition's meticulous annotations and Whipple's insightful commentary provide essential background information, ensuring a fuller understanding of the historical context in which these speeches were delivered.

Overall, The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster is an exceptional compilation that pays homage to one of America's greatest orators. Whipple's careful curation and analysis offer readers an immersive experience into the mind and eloquence of the influential statesman. As a definitive collection of Webster's speeches, this book preserves his legacy, allowing new generations to appreciate his contributions to American discourse and the art of public speaking.

First Page:

The object of the present volume is not to supersede the standard edition of Daniel Webster's Works, in six octavo volumes, edited by Edward Everett, and originally issued in the year 1851, by the publishers of this volume of Selections. It is rather the purpose of the present publication to call attention anew to the genius and character of Daniel Webster, as a lawyer, statesman, diplomatist, patriot, and, citizen, and, by republishing some of his prominent orations and speeches of universally acknowledged excellence, to revive public interest in the great body of his works. In the task of selection, it has been impossible to do full justice to his powers; for among the speeches omitted in this collection are to be found passages of superlative eloquence, maxims of political and moral wisdom which might be taken as mottoes for elaborate treatises on the philosophy of law and legislation, and important facts and principles which no student of history of the United States can overlook without betraying an ignorance of the great forces which influenced the legislation of the two Houses of Congress, from the time Mr... Continue reading book >>