PROFESSOR OF RHETORIC IN AMHERST COLLEGE, AUTHOR OF PRACTICAL BOSTON, U.S.A. 1893 English General 12-4-43 PREFACE. T translate literally the German word einüben, “practice in," would not make very idiomatic English, perhaps; but the word expresses the idea that has been had in view, as a main object, in the preparation of the book now presented to the public. The aim is, while giving compendiously what is necessary for rhetorical theory, to accompany this at every step with written exercises, both critical and constructive, designed to cultivate in progressive and systematic order the student's sense of the leading requisites of composition. While it may be premised that in plan and details alike the book is in many ways new, three of its most characteristic features may here be selected for more extended description. 1. The theoretical part, embodying the principles of rhetoric, is given, it will be observed, in the form of rules, which are printed as side-headings, and numbered consecutively from beginning to end of the book. Each rule is accompanied by a brief paragraph of explanation, and by illustrative examples. In this way the attempt is made to bring the core of the rhetorical art into small and manageable compass, the rules being a body of precept to which constant reference is made. Much study has been given to the content and expression of the rules. Worded with the utmost brevity and crispness that can be consistent with adequacy, they are yet not content with being a mere series of barren don'ts, but aim in each case to embody, however briefly, some positive expression of a principle, with a glance often at its reason or justification. Let these rules be thoroughly learned, and the 296226 |