Farnsworth's Classical English Argument

Farnsworth's Classical English Series, Book 4

By: Ward Farnsworth

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Learn how to argue from the masters. This book is a complete course on the art of argument, taught by the greatest practitioners of it: Churchill, Lincoln, and hundreds of others from the golden age of debate in England and America.

The book's concise chapters provide lessons in all aspects of give and take-the syllogism and the slippery slope, the argumentum ad hominem and reductio ad absurdum, the fallacy and the insult. Ward Farnsworth shows how the full range of such techniques can be used or repelled.

The result is a must-listen reference in which every second is a pleasure. It will leave you better able to win arguments and to defend yourself under fire. It's also an entertaining reminder that argument can be a source of beauty and delight.

©2024 Ward Farnsworth (P)2024 Tantor

Loved it.

Farnsworth's Classical English Argument stands out in a series of books that delve into the intricacies of language construction by uniquely using historical examples. It not only demonstrates various argumentative styles like Irony, Circularity, or Consistency, but also showcases their application in masterworks of the past. The book then skillfully dissects these arguments, revealing their underlying structures.

Like the work of Robert Greene in the 48 Law of Power and others, Farnsworth expertly pulls examples of what it is to be affected and to effect through language change and prevent its abuses.

It was narrated perfectly.

One small concern: this work ends too soon. Should a single chapter be expanded into its own work? I would furiously click and tap my keyboard and mouse to purchase it.