---
product_id: 72407742
title: "Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric"
brand: "ward farnsworth"
price: "€ 34.56"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 6
url: https://www.desertcart.fi/products/72407742-farnsworths-classical-english-rhetoric
store_origin: FI
region: Finland
---

# Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric

**Brand:** ward farnsworth
**Price:** € 34.56
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

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- **What is this?** Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric by ward farnsworth
- **How much does it cost?** € 34.56 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.fi](https://www.desertcart.fi/products/72407742-farnsworths-classical-english-rhetoric)

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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderful description of figures
*by R***N on April 24, 2011*

By far the best description of rhetorical figures in English. The book is distinguished from other works by the vast repertoire of examples used to support each figure and especially by the detailed analysis of the nuances of use of particular figures.For example, the chapter on praeteritio (saying things by not saying them), rather than giving a few examples, as is typical, has about fifty. These examples are subdivided into classes depending on exactly how the figure is used, "I will not speak of...", "Never mind that", "short-lived promise", "withheld details" and so on; and there is another classification of the various purposes of the figure - e.g. to gain credit for discretion, to enhance the force of, to limit debate, or for amusement. The author carefully describes how different variants of each figure support some particular point.The examples are drawn mainly from nineteenth century sources, especially Dickens and Melville, although Churchill is frequently cited.My only minor complaint about the book is that the title is slightly more general than the contents. The book is really about Classical English Rhetorical Figures, not Rhetoric generally. There is not much on structuring an argument generally, for instance, which is classically considered part of rhetoric.Because of the multitude of interesting examples and the fine gradations in the use of each figure, the book is fun to read or leaf through. It is produced with great care and craftsmanship overall as well.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ English as it was Meant to be Written
*by A***S on February 10, 2021*

As many readers know, before the advent of modern media books and speeches formed the main entertainment of the middle class. Because of this, the English language was developed into an art form by orators like Lincoln and Churchill and writers like Chesterton and Shaw.Nowadays, efficient writing is recommended and the various elements of rhetoric are increasingly forgotten. Yet, Ward Farnsworth has written several books trying to arrest that trend.Farnsworth is light on terminology and heavy on examples. He shows both how English was and can be used if one wants to be not only terse but eloquent.The books need to be read and reread if you want to develop a classical style of your own. Taken together they are, arguably, the best introduction to classical English available for those without an extensive literary background.Worth checking out if you want to improve your writing or merely to see how mellifluous English can be.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Appreciate rhetoric and the English language
*by D***Z on September 24, 2012*

For those who enjoy the aesthetic possibilities of written and spoken English, "Farnsworth's Classic English Rhetoric" must be in their library.Farnsworth's compilation of choice examples is comprehensive;it is not easily rivaled.He reviews 22 rhetorical figures ( chapter 1 reviews 3 figures; chapter 7 considers antithesis with isocolon). All 22 figures were selected for their practicality: all can be readily employed.A reviewer, Rhetorician ( July 15,2011), criticized this book for its incomprehensive treatment of rhetoric. That complaint can be dismissed. But Rhetorician is right, I think, to criticize Farnsworth's lack of specification. Farnsworth could at least have explicitly stated that he covers only rhetorical schemes; rhetorical tropes are important too and deserve treatment ( Farnsworth, in the preface, agrees; hopefully he will compile a book of tropes). The distinction would have helped those less familiar with the various aspects of rhetoric. This does not affect my rating , however.This is a great book.-----For those interested in tropes: I recommend looking at "Style and Statement" by Edward P.Corbett--though it is not as comprehensive as Farnsworth.Also worth looking at is "Power Writing,Power Speaking," an older book. The book is listed in the bibliography; it is not as comprehensive as Farnsworth either.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric (Farnsworth's Classical English series, 1)
- Farnsworth's Classical English Metaphor (Farnsworth's Classical English series, 2)
- Farnsworth's Classical English Argument (Farnsworth's Classical English series, 4)

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*Product available on Desertcart Finland*
*Store origin: FI*
*Last updated: 2026-02-16*