CHAMBERS'S EDUCATIONAL COURSE,-EDITED BY PRINCIPLES OF ELOCUTION IN WHICH THE SUBJECTS OF ARTICULATION, INFLEXION, TO WHICH IS ADDED A SELECTION OF PIECES IN THE VARIOUS STYLES OF READING, RECITATION, BY WILLIAM GRAHAM, TEACHER OF ELOCUTION IN THE NAVAL AND MILACADEMY, AND SECOND EDITION EDINBURGH: PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM AND ROBERT CHAMBERS; AND SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. 1837. 3809.f. EDITORS' PREFACE. In this publication, the theory of the art of Elocution is explained with as much brevity as is consistent with a clear exposition of the subject, and with so much simplicity, that those who have a tolerable ear may be enabled to ascertain its principles, and apply them with facility. It will be observed, that, while due importance has been attached by the Author to the system of Walker and his followers, advantage has been taken of the valuable discoveries of Steele and Rush, which have a reference to the nature and the improvement of the human voice. Accordingly, the theoretical part is not occupied entirely with the subject of Inflexion, but embraces the consideration of the Nature of Speaking Sounds, the Modulation of the Voice, and the Rhythmus of Speech-subjects which have hitherto, in the greater number of Elocutionary Treatises, been altogether overlooked. The pronunciation of Figurative Language, and of the Language of Passion, is also considered. While the selection of pieces does not exclude those favourite passages of the old writers, which are considered choice subjects of Elocutionary practice, it embraces many extracts from modern authors, which have not before appeared in Class-Book collections, and which are also well calculated to bring out the powers of the voice. With reference to the ability with which the work has been executed, the public have the sole right of judging. The Editors think it only right to mention, for general information, that the Author has for many years been known as a successful and popular Lecturer upon and Teacher of Elocution in Edinburgh, and that, in committing the subject to his hands, they believed themselves to be taking the best possible means of discharging this part of their duty to the public. |