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CALDWELL'S MANUAL OF ELOCUTION.

DESIGNED FOR SCHOOLS, ACADEMIES,
AND COLLEGES; ALSO, FOR
PRIVATE LEARNERS.

clusively than in other parts of the vclume.

In part second, the author treats o Gesture. His object is not only to assist the learner in correcting the awkwardness of careless habits, and in acquiring such command over his muscles that he may take easy attitudes and make graceful movements; but also to teach him how to adapt his action to the illustration, embellishment, and enforcement of his subject, and to the significant expression of every species of emotion. This portion of the work contains numerous wood cuts designed to illustrate those attitudes and gestures which ought to be avoided, as well as those which are ap

From the Methodist Quarterly Review. This valuable and eminently practical work supplies a want which has long existed in the American community, and especially in literary institutions of all grades. It is the only book we have seen which treats of both branches of the speaker's art, utterance and action; and though the size of the volume is moderate, these subjects are discussed and illustrated with sufficient fullness to meet the necessities of the learner, and with a seientific precision which shows the hand of a master. It is also equally adapted to the wants of the private learner, and of the student in a public seminary; and will be found as beneficial to him who wishes to read well, as to him who as-propriate. pires to be an orator.

The appendix contains some excellent hints on the elocution adapted to the pulpit, and on the action suited to the imitative representation of human passions. The minister of the gospel who desires to be "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed," can hardly fail to derive benefits from the careful perusal of the first chapter of the appendix; and among these benefits, an inducement to study the entire work will not be the least valuable.

The work consists of two parts and an appendix. Part first treats of the Voice, The author begins with an analysis of the vocal sounds of our language, and then proceeds to a full and perspicuous exposition of the functions of the human voice. In this chapter the learner will find all the information he may need on articulation, on the different kinds of stress, and on the pitch, slides, waves, force, quality, and melodies of the voice. The author next applies the principles which he has established to a great vaFrom the Philadelphia Inquirer. riety of practical examples, and treats of accent, emphasis, drifts, expression, tran- "Is a good Elocution of sufficient imsition, and cadence. The section on Em-portance to deserve the attention of the phasis is a precise and clear analysis of American scholar? And can the printhat important subject, with appropriate ciples of Elocution be so taught as to examples of several kinds. The same become practically useful?" The author may be said of the section on Expression, of the book before us commences his inwhich teaches the application of the vocal troduction with these questions. The principles to the language of sentiment first of them any man can answer for and feeling. This subject is new in works himself. The second must be answered, of this kind, and is treated with the co- if at all, by such books as the one before piousness and accuracy which its import- us. Many have doubts upon the subance demands. This portion of the book ject; but we think they generally arise will be found none the less instructive from imperfect conceptions of the nature because the author was compelled, in its preparation, to draw from the resources of his own mind, and to be guided by his own experience and judgment, more ex

of elocution itself. Of course, any merely artificial elocution must be false; but the true design of the art is to develope and employ properly the means with which na

1

Letter, Feb. 1845.

ture has endowed men for the expression preacher who is not too old to learn, and of their thoughts, feelings, and passions. who is desirous of becoming an effective Professor Caldwell has evidently formed speaker, and at the same time of so a just idea of the functions and limits of training his voice that he may speak elocution; and presents it both as a sci- with ease to himself, should at once proence and an art, in the work before us, cure this volume, and give to its practiwith admirable clearness. The proper cal lessons diligent attention. method of training the voice is a subject rarely or never treated in elementary books of Elocution, which are generally From Wiley and Putnam's Literary News mere compilations of rules more or less valuable, but unconnected by any philo- Merritt Caldwell, Esq., A. M., Professophical principles. In Professor Cald- sor of Elocution in Dickinson college, has well's book, the elementary sounds of the just published, "A Practical Manual of language are analysed with rigid accu- Elocution: embracing Voice and Gesracy, and the whole theory of their ut- ture. Designed for Schools, Academies, erance, and the various modifications of and Colleges, as well as for Private emphasis, stress, pitch, tone, and quality, Learners." This valuable work, the represented with admirable clearness and sult of sixteen years successful practice, method. The principles thus developed will be found to supply an obvious want, are there applied in a series of practical at the present time, of a suitable text book exercises, which cannot fail, if fairly pur- in Elocution, This work possesses a sued, to insure every excellence in vocal great advantage over others-that of preexpression that can be desired. The se-senting both branches of the subject in cond part of the work takes up the sub-the same volume, which must prove a ject of Gesture, which is treated in the great convenience to the teacher,_as same way, both theoretically and practi-well as the learner. The section on Excally. A tone of excellent practical sense pression, it is believed, is a more full atpervades the treatise throughout. It does tempt to present the vocal "language of not make vague promises never to be ful- the passions," in intelligible terms, than filled, but leads the pupil on, by a progres- has ever before been made. We confisive and connected series of exercises, to dently recommend the work. the highest attainments of the art. We could wish that all elementary books From the Baltimore American. were distinguished by as scholarly a tone This is a new work on Elocution, by and as skilful an arrangement as this Professor Caldwell, of Dickinson college. work. The book is got up in excellent It is designed for instruction and discistyle and illustrated by a large number of wood cuts. The publishers, Messrs. Sorin and Ball, seem determined to get the good will of the community, by publishing good books and no others. They deserve every encouragement.

lation of the voice, and for facilitating pline in the use, management, and moduthe other requisitions necessary to make an accomplished reader or speaker. The work seems to have been prepared with great care and labor. The analysis of the elements of vocal utterance and

From the Christian Advocate and Journal, power, is minute, and is in accordance

New York.

with the principles laid down by Dr. Rush, in his "Philosophy of the Human Voice." The student will find in Professor Caldwell's volume a valuable assistant and guide, in a department of educa

Professor Caldwell has given us, in the preparation of this Manual, satisfactory evidence of his qualifications as a teacher of elocution. Acknowledging his indebt-tion generally too much neglected. edness to the standard philosophical work of Rush, and to Austin's "Chironomia," the author has at the same time thought for himself, and prepared a work not only adapted for the use of students in colleges and academies, but most especially,and this we deem its chief excellence, of those who are engaged in the active duties of the ministry.

He has

From the Albany Daily Advertiser. The author of this work is no tyro on the subject of which he treats. a mind not only adapted, but trained, to physical analysis, and familiar with the science of Elocution in all its progressive stages. It is a work to be studied careAs a practical work, we have no hesita- fully rather than read cursorily a work tion to commend it as superior to any for those who teach Elocution as well as thing of the kind we have ever seen. for those who learn it; and, we cannot We doubt not, that a discerning public doubt, that it is destined to perform an will agree with us in opinion. Every essential service in leading to a more

general, intimate, and philosophical ac-are valuable indeed, and would be of service quaintance with this highly important to all our preachers."

branch of learning.-S.

flection and laborious search. We doubt

From the Southern Christian Advocate,

Charleston, S. C.

A cursory examination leads us to be

From the Albany Evening Atlas. This treatise is constructed throughout upon philosophical principles, and is evi-lieve that this is a valuable manual, in dently the result of much profound re- which the reader or student will find all the important principles embodied, which relate to the management of the voice in reading or publie speaking, and a full analysis of the elements of gesture in an accomplished Elocution. The subject is confessedly of the highest importance in this country; and we commend to the favorable notice of Teachers and Professors, this publication.

not, that it is destined to be adopted in our higher literary institutions, and we trust it may contribute not a little to elevate the standard of public speaking throughout the land. We have been especially interested in the chapter on the eloquence of the pulpit, which brings much sound and excellent thought within very narrow limits; and we are quite sure, that if our clergymen generally would study it, and would reduce to practice the rules which it contains, it would be found an important auxiliary both to their popularity and usefulness.E.

From the Western Christian Advocate,

Cincinnati.

From Zion's Herald and Wesleyan Journal, Boston.

The chief excellencies of this work are, first, It embraces the two subjects of voice and gesture; and, secondly, These are thoroughly and minutely developed. It makes a practical application of the principles of Rush, in regard to the former, and draws amply from the "Chironomia" of Austin for the latter. It is a critical and technical text book, adapted for the thorough drilling of the student. He cannot pass through it without becoming master of the two great implements of Elocution-voice and gesture.

This work comes before the public, in our opinion, with considerable claims for very general use in colleges and academies. We cannot, however, claim much value for our opinion in regard to the best use of voice and gesture, unskilled as we are in both these very important parts of public speaking. Nevertheless, From the Christian Mirror, Portland. unless we are mistaken, Mr. Caldwell's The author of this Manual, who is well book will be well and generally re-known in this State as a faithful and exceived.

We cannot withhold the following extract of a letter from Dr. Durbin, to our self, in which he mentions Mr. Caldwell's book, in the following terms. President Durbin's opinion is of great value in this case, as he has had much opportunity of witnessing the practical utility of the book, and is withal, a master in the very department treated on. The annexed is the extract:

perienced teacher, remarks that, "the question was once asked by the Bishop of Cloyne, in relation to Great Britain, whether half the learning of the kingdom was not lost for want of having a proper delivery taught in our schools and colleges ?" And, he adds, "a similar inquiry cannot but force itself on any thoughtful observer, in regard to our own country." Permit a correspondent, Mr. Editor, to suggest, that if he has formed "The Manual of Elocution, by Professor any correct estimate of this book, all Caldwell, of Dickinson college, has just apology for the future neglect to teach been published by Sorin and Ball, of Phila- Elocution in our schools and colleges, is delphia. I have been intimately acquainted removed. Having some slight familiarity with the principles laid down and illus- with other works on Elocution, I think I trated by Professor Caldwell, and am satis- cannot be mistaken in giving the decided fied that they are the true principles of Elo- preference to this over any other I have cution. I have seen them applied and illus- met with. It is simple in its plan, comtrated in practical instruction in this college prehensive in the views it takes of the during the last ten years; and the success requisites to a perfect orator, and is full attending their application has fully esta- of precepts and lessons for practice, blished their value. I am persuaded that which cannot be studied in vain. you will find the book exceedingly well Altogether, it appears to be a scholaradapted to instruction in colleges and aca-like production; is remarkably neat and demies, and of great service to private accurate in its typography; and though learners. The pages on pulpit elocution modestly dedicated by the author, to

"those who have during the last sixteen it would seem that not only the young years, from time to time, been his pupils," it is to be hoped, that it will soon find its way into the highest institutions of learning in our State. That Elocution can be learned, no longer admits of a doubt; and that when learned, it is one of the most effective qualifications of the American scholar, requires no argument. Why, then, with such a text book, should it not be every where studied?

A GRADUATE OF BOWDOIN. January, 1845.

From the Portland Argus. This is a book of many excellencies. It is throughout practical, teaching all along, precisely what the student in Elocution most needs to know; and, as he needs them, giving him the exercises which are necessary to enable him to discipline all the various functions of the

orator.

man can improve and strengthen his vocal organs, as a preparatory training for his future work; but even the man who is actively engaged in the business of a profession, may successfully cultivate all the excellencies of delivery, We commend this volume to all who would learn to read or speak well; and especially to the Professors and Teachers in our colleges, academies and higher schools, as a text book of rare excellence.

From the N. York Commercial Advertiser.

ELOCUTION FOR SCHOOLS.-Professor

Caldwell, of Dickinson college, Carlisle, (Pa.) has prepared a practical "Manual of Elocution," including voice and gesture, designed for schools, academies, and colleges. It has been published in a neat 12mo. volume, by Sorin and Ball, of Philadelphia. The author has availed himself of the materials and principles found Its plan is good. It discusses the en- in Rush's celebrated work on the Philotire subject; and yet the various portions sophy of the Voice, and Austin's Chiroare so arranged, that the learner disnomia, so celebrated as a standard autinctly comprehends each several point, thority in gesture. By a judicious conto which his attention is at the same time densation of the leading features of these called. First come the Elements of Vocal and other elaborate works in the differdelivery, then their application; second-ent departments of Elocution, he has sucly, the Elements of Gesture, and after-ceeded in simplifying the subject so as to wards their application; and, finally, the furnish learners with a text book of great book closes with general precepts and in-practical merit. The success with which structions well suited to show the rela- Professor Caldwell has taught Elocution, tion between the vocal movements, and and his extensive experience thus acthe action of the body, and how they may quired, have enabled him to improve be made to conspire in the highest degree to the accomplishment of the designs of

oratory.

upon his predecessors, especially in adapting the instructions of this volume to both Teachers and learners; and its general use in our schools, academies, and colleges, can scarcely fail to render the art of public speaking a common acquirement, which in our country will be most desirable and useful, as it is now most abominably neglected.

From the Christian Repository, Philadelphia.

The objects also, are precisely what it is desirable to have accomplished by a work on Elocution; to wit, to make the business of speaking effective,-to give success to the efforts of the orator; and also to guard the speaker against the diseases of the vocal organs, which are now carrying so many to their graves. This system almost demonstrates the feasibility of accomplishing these objects-of actually learning "the orator's art." If In the preparation of this work, the one desires to become an accomplished author seems to have taken advantage singer, he must practice, and that notwith- of the valuable materials furnished by standing all that nature may have done others, and very handsomely notices in for him; so also he must practice if he his preface the assistance of such works would become a boxer, or acquire skill as "The Philosophy of the Human Voice," in penmanship, or in performing on mu- by Dr. James Rush, and the "Chirosical instruments. We are here told, that nomia," of Austin; besides which, his in the same way, the speaker must learn the art of managing his voice, and of giv-teen years, enables him to introduce such ing ease and grace to his gestures.

All the principles presented in this Manual, are illustrated by well selected examples for practice; and by this kind of discipline, recommended in the book,

own experience as a teacher for some six

improvements and simplifications as are wanted at the present day. The work is progressive in its character, and numerously illustrated with figures so arranged that it might properly be called a self

instructor. We hope that there are num-mies, and colleges, as well as for private bers of our young men, and especially learners, and its preparation, says the those who attempt public speaking, that author, would not have been undertaken will avail themselves of this timely publication. It is comprised in one volume, 12mo., and contains nearly 350 pages, neatly and substantially bound.

From the Pennsylvania Telegraph, Harrisburg.

but for the obvious want, at the present time, of a suitable text book in Elocution for the use of classes in our various institutions of learning. The Professor also takes the ground that it is within the power of every man to make himself an effective public speaker by careful The impression has extensively ob- study of the elements of oratory, and tained, that all works on Elocution, are practice of the rules laid down for the solely intended for public speakers, or exercise of the Voice and Gesture. And such as are in a course of preparation for the time and labor bestowed upon this profession. That money expended in important subject, will be amply repaid, their purchase, and time occupied in their he futher contends, by the almost omnistudy, by others, are wholly wasted. potent influence which powerful oratory This, however, is a serious mistake. secures over the public mind, and the Vocal powers are possessed and largely enlarged prospects it holds out for acquirused by men of every class, and in every ing useful and honorable distinction in a condition. Would it not be advantageous country like ours. to every man, to be able to use this power

The Manual has been noticed in terms

in communicating with his fellows, to the of warm commendation by several of our best advantage? Education is necessary city contemporaries, who cordially agree to teach the fingers to write, and the in pronouncing it a most valuable contrihands to execute their most ordinary bu-bution to the stock of elementary insiness. Even the mental powers must be struction on this subject.

trained and exercised, or they cannot be depended on, with any degree of certainty. And shall every other faculty be BOWDOIN COLLEGE, May 17, 1845. duly improved while the vocal powers Having carefully examined the Manual are left in entire neglect?, The muscles of Elocution, by Professor Caldwell, I feel which form the voice, like those which no hesitation in expressing a decided move the fingers, need and must have a approval of it. The Vocal Exercises are proper training, or they cannot be ex-well adapted to give power and flexibility pected to obey the will with promptness to the voice; whilst judicious aid is also and precision. The boy must be accus-afforded in the important department of tomed to the use of tools before he can Gesture. A considerable portion of the be a good mechanic-so every one who work is devoted to the Expression of expects to be a good speaker, reader-or Speech-a branch of the subject in which even good in private conversation, must little has hitherto been attempted, but in learn the elementary sounds of which which Professor Caldwell has happily words are composed, and so practice on succeeded. them as to make them familiar, natural, and habitual, or he will always be blundering. No one but he who has practised on these sounds, and used such works as this, can tell the great advantages to be derived from them. Experience has fully shown that the feeblest voice, and the least flexible organs of speech, have been vastly improved by practising on tables similar to those so numerously furnished in this most valuable work. I most ardently hope. therefore, that the Professor's book, will be extensively circulated and generally and faithfully studied. A. ATWOOD.

Harrisburg, Feb. 1845.

From the Herald and Expositor, Carlisle,
Penn'a.

This work, which we regard as a valuable one, is designed for schools, acade

On the whole, I regard the work as having superior claims to popular favor; as supplying a want severely felt by both Teachers and learners, in the art of which it treats.

H. H. BOODY, Teacher of Elocution in Bowdoin College.

It gives us pleasure to express our cordial acquiescence in the views expressed by Mr. Boody, of the merits of Professor Caldwell's work on Elocution.

A. S. PACKARD, Professor of Rhetoric and Ancient Languages.

THOMAS C. UPHAM,

Professor of Mental

Philosophy and Ethics.

Bowdoin College, May 1845.

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