The Elements of Eloquence, Mark Forsyth
The Elements of Eloquence, Mark Forsyth
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The Elements of Eloquence
Secrets of the Perfect Turn of Phrase

Author: Mark Forsyth

Narrator: Don Hagen

Unabridged: 5 hr 29 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Ascent Audio

Published: 11/01/2014


Synopsis

From classic poetry to pop lyrics, from Charles Dickens to Dolly Parton, even from Jesus to James Bond, Mark Forsyth explains the secrets that make a phrase—such as “O Captain! My Captain!” or “To be or not to be”—memorable.

In his inimitably entertaining and wonderfully witty style, he takes apart famous phrases and shows how you too can write like Shakespeare or quip like Oscar Wilde. Whether you’re aiming to achieve literary immortality or just hoping to deliver the perfect one-liner, The Elements of Eloquence proves that you don’t need to have anything important to say—you simply need to say it well.

In an age unhealthily obsessed with the power of substance, this is a book that highlights the importance of style.

About Mark Forsyth

Born in London in 1977, Mark Forsyth (a.k.a The Inky Fool) was given a copy of the Oxford English Dictionary as a christening present and has never looked back. His book The Etymologicon was a Sunday Times Number One Bestseller and his TED Talk "What's a snollygoster?" has had more than half a million views. He has also written a specially commissioned essay "The Unknown Unknown" for Independent Booksellers Week and the introduction for the new edition of the Collins English Dictionary. He lives in London with his dictionaries, and blogs at blog.inkyfool.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Roy

I don’t have all that much to say about this book (not counting the whole lot of nonsense I append to the end of this review). It’s a short read—charming, light. It promises the key to eloquence, but is probably better for a quick laugh. Nevertheless, I’ve been looking for a book to summarize some o......more

Goodreads review by Shira

I am so in love with Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth that only a few chapters in, I added it to my paperback wishlist. You have to understand--me owning treeware means I know that I'll want to read and reread it several times. Otherwise, I check it out from the library so it doesn't take up sp......more

Goodreads review by TS

Delightfully charming, witty and illuminating on a topic which could've been dry and droll. Mark Forsyth's own brand of eloquence made this book immensely enjoyable. I especially loved how his references ranged from the classics to even modern pop songs. I'll be reaching for this, time and again.......more