‘The art of oratory has been critically influential throughout the course of history, as this excellent book makes very clear. From the Bible to Barack Obama, a few well chosen, deftly delivered words have moved men in many ways, whether generals addressing their troops with stirring words to urge on an invasion, religious leaders pleading the cause of peace, or even Hitler inflaming his followers. There is a great deal of inspirational writing here from the likes of Cromwell, Churchill and Kennedy, as well as the Gandhi and Francis of Assisi, and every entry is accompanied by and introduction which puts each speech into its historical and political context.’