Cyclopedia of illustrations for public speakers: Containing facts, incidents, stories, experiences, anecdotes, selections, etc., for illustrative purposes, with cross-references

About this book

The Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers is a reference work that gathers a wide variety of anecdotes, facts, stories, poems and statistics expressly chosen to illuminate the truths a speaker wishes to convey. Its preface explains that the editors, after consulting a “well‑known clergyman” and receiving many responses, set out to create a fresh collection of material for preachers, teachers and any public orator. The volume is organized alphabetically, with cross‑references that allow a user to locate every illustration relevant to a given topic, and it includes two indexes for biblical texts, one by book, chapter and verse, the other by subject. The editors stress accuracy, citing sources wherever possible, and they have drawn from hundreds of books, periodicals and magazines, both secular and religious, to assemble a “sifted residue” of reliable extracts.

The work reflects a late‑Victorian to early‑20th‑century scholarly tone, marked by formal diction, extensive quotation of authorities such as Bacon and Shakespeare, and a meticulous, almost encyclopedic attention to detail. Its voice is that of a diligent compiler addressing a readership of clergy, lecturers, and civic speakers who value well‑researched, versatile material that can be adapted to sermons, lectures or debates. Readers who enjoy dense, citation‑rich compendia and who appreciate the ability to pull concise, illustrative passages from a single source will find this book a valuable aid in crafting persuasive discourse.

Opening lines

PREFACE In estimating the prospectus of this work a well-known clergyman exprest the judgment that “A book of fresh illustrations should be made as often, at least, as once in ten years.” A somewhat extensive inquiry, to which many responses were received, has convinced the editors and publishers that a liberal use is made of collections of illustrations, by clergymen and other public speakers, and that to meet their requirements a new collection at this time would be welcomed by those whose functions and duties involve public speaking, teaching and preaching. Paxton Hood’s definitive epigram, “Illustrations are windows,” has often been repeated in varied forms. …

Keep reading free · chapter 1 needs no account