This critical analysis identifies the different rhetorical strategies and techniques that Emerson used first as a traditional New England preacher and then as he became a widely renowned public lecturer. Ten texts illustrating his different kinds of speeches on a wide array of subjects, such as prayer, manners, eloquence, the American scholar, the genuine man, and the fugitive slave law, accompany the analysis. A speech chronology and bibliography pointing to important primary and secondary materials further enrich this Great American Orators reference tool for students, scholars, and...

The story of George Wallace is the odyssey of a young war veteran who entered politics to support progressive policies, but instead descended into the politics of racism following the loss of his lifetime dream of being elected Governor of Alabama in 1958. His political career demonstrates the ability of a demagogue and agitator to exploit racial fears to achieve political power.

This work traces the career of the man who symbolized Southern opposition to integration, but ironically ended up gaining overwhelming support from black voters in his final election campaign. He...