The Elements of Eloquence

Secrets of the Perfect Turn of Phrase

By: Mark Forsyth

Narrated by: Don Hagen

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.

©2014 Mark Forsyth (P)2014 Gildan Media LLC

Witty, but

Would you consider the audio edition of The Elements of Eloquence to be better than the print version?

A paperback is probably the proper method to memorize this mesmerizing manual for manufacturing memorable mannerisms.

Delightful!

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

crack for wordgeeks

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Elements of Eloquence?

there were so many: quotes from famous poems and lyrics from rock songs

Have you listened to any of Don Hagen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

not sure if I have but he did a great job on this one

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh out loud several times

Any additional comments?

I got lucky with this book - it could have been very dry, based on the title. But it was wonderful - educational and very funny at the same time. I will probably listen to it again, something I rarely do with a book. I may even buy the written version so I can take notes (I listen while driving).

Brilliant, Breathtaking, and Bombastic

If the title of my review caught your eye you have Mark Forsyth to thank. The book was such a great read... In addition to being very well written, funny, and spending just enough time in each section, The Elements of Eloquence provided so many "a ha moments" about why certain phrases seem to stick and others dont.

If you are interested in language at all I cant recommend this book enough.

painful, but so good

it stretches your brain poking it into your skull this book. terms new terms lots of terms lots of technical terms you get the idea. you will definitely be better after reading this book. Maybe more confused than ever but better because you will know how things are constructed. And what can be more wonderful than not only being eloquent but knowing why you are being so. Enjoy the read.

Very entertaining but not for the kiddos

Really enjoyed it, however I was caught off guard when the author would quote someone dropping an F bomb a few times. No big deal, just glad my 2 year old wasn't listening at the time, not ready for him to add that to his vocabulary just yet.

Interesting & What Fun !!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Elements of Eloquence to be better than the print version?

Can't answer this - I have not seen the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the word play!! The book explains techniques of good writing and speaking in a very clever and interesting way.

Which character – as performed by Don Hagen – was your favorite?

Not a relevant question. This book has no characters -- but you do get a nice feeling about the author's sense of fun and playfulness.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I savored it a chapter at time; and I have gone back and listened to it many times now.

Any additional comments?

Who would have thought that learning grammar could be so fun.

Fantastically witty!

loved this book and will listen to it over and over. blah blah blah blah blah blah this book I loved.

Ignore the nay sayers

If you read the negative reviews on Amazon, you’re bound to have a good laugh at their ridiculous attempt at sophistry. People are so pretentious, especially many who fancy themselves “writers.” There is a stick that needs removing. Just enjoy the book.

If you’re really concerned with their comments, listen to the epilogue first where Forsyth essentially dispenses with pretense and gives an honest review of the tangle that is our English understanding of such definitions.

As for the book itself, I love Forsyth and his narrator. Forsyth is witty and very enjoyable to listen to. See his book Etymologicon. I love grammar and writing, so I gave this book a go in an attempt to extend my understanding on devices, and I’m happy I did.

This is NOT an education on devices nor is it a book written to help you improve your writing. Merely, it is a fascinating stroll down history lane on how the device has been used (even recently) and what it is. It is entertainment… informative entertainment.

If you’re not a prat, give it a go. You’ll enjoy it. If you are, follow Forsyth’s recommendation in the epilogue.

Cheers!!

easy to follow

lots of information, but geniously arranged to make it more interesting, and easy to mentally digest.

Pretty good

I expected more advise on how to use and combine these figures in the context of a text.