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  • The Elements of Eloquence

  • By: Mark Forsyth
  • Narrated by: Simon Shepherd
  • Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,171 ratings)
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The Elements of Eloquence

By: Mark Forsyth
Narrated by: Simon Shepherd
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Summary

In an age unhealthily obsessed with substance, this is a book on the importance of pure style, from the best-selling author of The Etymologicon and The Horologicon. From classic poetry to pop lyrics and from the King James Bible to advertising slogans, Mark Forsyth explains the secrets that make a phrase - such as 'Tiger, Tiger, burning bright', or 'To be or not to be' - memorable.

In his inimitably entertaining and witty style he takes apart famous lines and shows how you, too, can write like Shakespeare or Oscar Wilde. Whether you're aiming for literary immortality or just an unforgettable one-liner, The Elements of Eloquence proves that you don't need to have anything to say - you simply need to say it well.

©2013 Mark Forsyth (P)2014 Audible Studios

Critic reviews

“Sparkling ... the book offers many pleasures ... I laughed out loud at the examples chosen” (Charles Moore, Daily Telegraph)
“An informative but highly entertaining journey through the figures of rhetoric ... Mark Forsyth wears his considerable knowledge lightly. He also writes beautifully.” (David Marsh, Guardian)
“It is good news that the popular author of The Etymologicon should now potter round the rhetorical warehouse at our elbow, commenting on the choicer goods on view, for he is well-informed and amusing.” (Christopher Howse, The Spectator)
“The Elements of Eloquence makes a daunting, potentially boring subject exciting ... Forsyth's wickedly clever, irreverent take on rhetoric should cement his reputation as a virtuoso: it is hard to think of any other book that tackles the topic with such style.” ( South China Morning Post)

What listeners say about The Elements of Eloquence

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Rhetoric, Rhetoric, Rhetoric!

This book is hilarious, whilst also being informative, insightful, and... hilarious.

The linking between chapters is inspired and it's full of things that I have never thought about. I've passed on facts from this book to all my friends. I won't say it makes you a great party guest but it certainly sparks interesting conversations.

My only criticism is that in order to use the information I needed a written copy as well: I cannot work out how to spell all the Greek terms on my own. However, I would have never have been able to pronounce the terms without the audio book.

The narrator has a soothing, rhythmical voice that meant I could even listen to this book whilst running.

It was fantastic to learn the method to the madness, and madness to the method, that makes up the English language.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Listen to to be a better listener.

Listen to this to be a better listener, listen to this to be a better writer, and listen to this to be a better critic.

Mark clearly defines some of the 'flowers of rhetoric', then illustrates them with well-known examples from literature.

Brilliantly narrated. The content is so good, and so very accessible, that you'll also want to buy the printed copy for reference.

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15 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastically witty, insightful and interesting

This book covers a broad range of rhetoric techniques, some of which I was entirely unfamiliar with, in a remarkably accessible way.

The narration is superb and I cannot fault Simon Shepherd for his work.

The book is structured in a manner that covers 1 chapter per rhetoric technique, but the author went through great pains to ensure they each chapter neatly dove-tales into the next, giving the book a greater sense of cohesion then some similar books in this field. The author puts a lot of opinion and humour into this book, I would most certainly read/listen to this book again.



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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fantastic, fabulous, funny and fluent!

Best thing I've listened to on audible thus far! Highly recommended, entertaining and eloquent: you'll drive your friends nutty, your partner barmy and your colleagues up the wall!

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Unexpectedly brilliant

I have listened to many audiobooks - this one is the best. Very surprising as the subject matter could have been dry and boring. It is interesting, informative and occasionally laugh out loud funny. Many thanks to both author and narrator.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding insight into English language

What did you like most about The Elements of Eloquence?

It opened my eyes to the linguistic foundations that make or break language. I thoroughly enjoyed it and book provided me with a new understanding of language and what the difference is between various way of expression.

Any additional comments?

Great educational story and excellent narration by Simon Shepherd who made a topic that could easily become boring very interesting until the end.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Interesting and funny

Well read interesting and funny like all of this series. I was sad when the book ended.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Mark Forsyth : brilliant and witty as ever

What did you like most about The Elements of Eloquence?

I read his Etymologicon and became a fan straight away . What he writes about , he explains well , in a very funny and witty way . He knows his onions .

What other book might you compare The Elements of Eloquence to, and why?

Wordcatcher : An Odyssey By Phil Cousineau . A book by Phil Cousineau is an odyssey to boredom . Very tedious and unexciting . It has a substance , but delivered in an inaccessable way .

What about Simon Shepherd’s performance did you like?

It was great . A very clear voice and easy to listen to .

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Would this satisfy your curiosity ?

Any additional comments?

-

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Mr
  • 02-12-14

Eloquent Eloquence

If you could sum up The Elements of Eloquence in three words, what would they be?

Great, Great, Great

What could Mark Forsyth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The book delivered in all ways, it flowed, it connected, kept the listeners interest, good examples. I will listen again and again as it is both educating and an easy listen with examples that bear remembering.

What does Simon Shepherd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Simon, the narrator, delivered as though he was the author, he allowed me to listen while I was driving, there were times when I wanted to rewind and listen again, but I decided to be patient and his narration was so comfortable I will listen again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The book had no "special" moments, but thoroughly enjoyed listening, learning and the content was both educating and entertaining.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, for those that are interested in how our language is sculpted this is well worth a listen.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Not as good as The Entymologicon...

...but still and enjoyable and enlightening journey through the forms of rhetoric. The narration is excellent, but I'd recommend having the text as well, so you can easily refer back to previous chapters.

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5 people found this helpful