Communication & Mass Media Studies: Speeches

A historian and former presidential speechwriter presents an unprecedented two-volume collection of the greatest speeches in American history.

Obama first captured America's attention with his keynote address to the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Now, Obama's superb and captivating oratory style has earned him comparisons to John F. Kennedy and even Martin Luther King. He speaks on themes of race, identity, community and his hoped-for vision of America. His legions of supporters gravitate towards his unblemished idealism.

Publishing into the teeth of the 2008 election, a selection of the best, most rousing presidential stump speeches, with essential critical context relating the speeches of the past to politics today.

Over 50 momentous and thought-provoking speeches from a wide range of historical eras and nations. Complete with biographies of each speaker, the history of why each speech was significant and what happened as a result, this is a fascinating history of the world told through the speeches that shaped it.