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The Elements of Eloquence

Secrets of the Perfect Turn of Phrase
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth is a captivating exploration of the art of rhetoric and expression. Drawing on examples from the King James Bible to contemporary pop lyrics, Forsyth unpicks memorable phrases—from "O Captain! My Captain!" to "To be or not to be"—revealing the techniques that create lasting impact. With wit and charm, he teaches readers how to craft language with the flair of Shakespeare or the sharpness of Oscar Wilde, whether for literary greatness or a clever one-liner.

This book celebrates style over substance, demonstrating that eloquence is about how you say something, not just what you say.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for writers, students of literature, and anyone fascinated by language and effective communication. It suits those looking to enhance their writing style or understand the mechanics behind great phrasing, appealing both to classic literature lovers and fans of modern lyricism.

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Originally published: London: Icon, 2013.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the #1 international bestselling author of The Etymologicon and The Horologicon comes an education in the art of articulation, from the King James Bible to Katy Perry…

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.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780425276181

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 October 2014

Country: United States

Imprint: Berkley Publishing Corporation,U.S.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 198g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Mark Forsyth, author of The Horologicon and The Etymologicon, was given a copy of The Oxford English Dictionary as a christening present and has never looked back. He is the creator of The Inky Fool, a blog about words, phrases, grammar, rhetoric, and prose. He has contributed to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Huffington Post. He lives in the UK.

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