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Eloquence Is Power - (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American Histo) by Sandra M Gustafson (Paperback)
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Highlights
- Oratory emerged as the first major form of verbal art in early America because, as John Quincy Adams observed in 1805, "eloquence was POWER.
- About the Author: Sandra M. Gustafson is associate professor of English at the University of Notre Dame.
- 320 Pages
- Language + Art + Disciplines, Public Speaking
- Series Name: Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American Histo
Description
About the Book
Based on the author's thesis (Ph.D--University of California, Berkley).Book Synopsis
Oratory emerged as the first major form of verbal art in early America because, as John Quincy Adams observed in 1805, "eloquence was POWER." In this book, Sandra Gustafson examines the multiple traditions of sacred, diplomatic, and political speech that flourished in British America and the early republic from colonization through 1800. She demonstrates that, in the American crucible of cultures, contact and conflict among Europeans, native Americans, and Africans gave particular significance and complexity to the uses of the spoken word.Gustafson develops what she calls the performance semiotic of speech and text as a tool for comprehending the rich traditions of early American oratory. Embodied in the delivery of speeches, she argues, were complex projections of power and authenticity that were rooted in or challenged text-based claims of authority. Examining oratorical performances as varied as treaty negotiations between native and British Americans, the eloquence of evangelical women during the Great Awakening, and the founding fathers' debates over the Constitution, Gustafson explores how orators employed the shifting symbolism of speech and text to imbue their voices with power.
Review Quotes
ÝGustafson¨ provides an intensive examination of the Colonial speech.
"Choice"
ÝThis book¨ makes an innovative contribution to the history of the book in early America.William and Mary Quarterly"
Gustafson's contribution is lively, imaginative, and informed.
"Journal of American History"
In this careful and intelligent work, Gustafson returns oratory to its important political and cultural role in early America .
"American Studies"
"Gustafson's contribution is lively, imaginative, and informed.
"Journal of American History""
"In this careful and intelligent work, Gustafson returns oratory to its important political and cultural role in early America .
"American Studies""
[Gustafson] provides an intensive examination of the Colonial speech.
"Choice"
[This book] makes an innovative contribution to the history of the book in early America.William and Mary Quarterly"
Gustafson not only provides a new context for thinking about the verbal performances of prominent patriarchs like Cotton, Edwards, and Adams, but beautifully realizes the subversive potential of oral performance for outsiders like Sarah Edwards and Samson Occom. (Janice Knight, University of Chicago)
About the Author
Sandra M. Gustafson is associate professor of English at the University of Notre Dame.