From EDWIN W. BARTLETT, A. M., Principal of the High School, Woburn, Mass. Having carefully examined "The National Speaker," I am happy to state, that it appears to me most admirably adapted to the purposes intended. The different parts of the work are well arranged, and the selections show that they have been very judiciously made. The elocutionary analysis is evidently the result of much labor, being concise, definite, and clear. It seems to contain all the necessary rules for good reading and speaking, illustrated by most appropriate examples. In short, I am much pleased with the whole work. From FRANKLIN CROSBY, A. M., Principal of the High School, South Reading, Mass. are The arrangements and selections of "The National Speaker such as to commend it to all who are interested in elocution as a branch of school studies. An "Elocutionary Analysis" is certainly a new feature in an American compilation. In my opinion, the selections are admirably adapted to insure that variety so necessary in a work of this nature. While a few of the most legible of the ancient landmarks are allowed to remain, I am glad to see that a desire for a change imparts to this book that freshness of matter so essential to success. From J. PEARL, A. M., Principal of the College Street Female Seminary, New Haven, Ct. I have examined with much pleasure "The National Speaker," and am pleased with the arrangement, and the selection of its pieces; I think the elocutionary analysis better adapted to promote correct enunciation and articulation than any work of the kind with which I am acquainted. From CHARLES R. COBURN, Esq., President of the New York State Teachers' Association, and Teacher in Oswego Academy, N. Y. Mr. Henry B. Maglathlin, — Sir, I am highly pleased with your works on elocution. They seem to be just such books as are required by every person who is engaged in teaching the elements of good reading and speaking. The "Elocutionist" contains what its title indicates, "the principles of elocution rendered easy and comprehensive," and is eminently practical. Notwithstanding its brevity, I think it sufficiently full. "The National Speaker" is well arranged, and the selections, which embrace a suitable variety of style, are judiciously made; the most of them being taken from late eminent writers and speakers in Europe and America. From GEORGE SPENCER, A. M., Author of Latin Lessons, and Principal of Utica Academy, N. Y. I have examined "The National Speaker " with some care, and am pleased with it. Its "principles of elocution" are such as are sanctioned by nature and the most correct usage, and are expressed in clear and simple language. It will fully meet the want I have felt of a similar work for my classes in this branch of study. PREFACE. THE great want, which the author has felt, during a large and varied experience in teaching, of a brief yet comprehensive and practical text-book of elocution one that could fur nish learners, in their earlier school-days, when the organs of speech are most flexible and susceptible of culture, with a comparatively thorough and systematic vocal "drill," has induced the publication of this Practical Elocutionist. It is the result of much reading and thought, and will be found, it is believed, to contain all the leading principles upon which good reading and speaking depend, as clearly stated and as fully explained as could be expected in a work so elementary in its nature. Technical terms have been avoided as much as possible; and when found necessary, no new ones have been introduced, but such as seemed the most just and expressive have been selected from Dr. Rush and other approved authorities. Allusion has been made to the most common of the many errors in reading and speaking, and all of them suitably noticed. Particular pains has been taken to furnish concise and definite rules for the right use and application of all the elements of vocal expression. Under the rules there have been arranged numerous illustrations, with a special view to their being used as "drill exercises." Young scholars, in going through the book for the first time, may have their progress very much facilitated by the teacher reading or pronouncing, and requiring the learners to repeat after him, in concert or otherwise, at the time of giving out the lesson, such illustration as it may happen to contain. By suitably varying from the order of the book, in practising the exercises, any variety of vocal transition may be secured, and the most inveterate habit of a monotonous style in reading or speaking be, in a very short time, completely broken up and effectually remedied." The rhetorical notation is very simple, and as exhibited on the fifty-fifth and the three pages immediately following, will make it perfectly easy for any pupil, who has properly mas tered the rules and principles preceding, to indicate, as he may have need, the right oral expression of any exercise for reading or speaking. In preparing the "Elocutionist" numerous English_and American works relative to the subject treated have been examined and compared. Of these, great indebtedness is acknowledged to the well-known very original and philosophical treatise on "The Human Voice," by James Rush, M.D.; Murdoch and Russell's "Orthophony, or Vocal Culture in Elocution;" Barber's "Grammar of Elocution;" Gardner's "Music of Nature;" and the productions of Walker, Knowles, Bell, Wood, Smart, J. E. Worcester, Webster, Porter, Bronson, Caldwell, Day, W. Russell, Vandenhoff, and some others, have been consulted with more or less advantage. But it has been considered scarcely necessary to give any more particular reference to authorities, since it has been seldom found convenient to use the language of others, whenever occasion has been given of adapting and assimilating their views to the peculiar design and arrangement of this manual. The author's "National Speaker," it is proper here to mention, contains, in addition to the matter of "The Practical Elocutionist," a new and interesting collection of pieces in prose, poetry and dialogue, original and selected, for declamation and recitation; including addresses and exercises especially adapted to examination days, evening and day exhibitions, and presentation occasions. HENRY B. MAGLATHLIN. Boston, May, 1849. |