The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster With an Essay on Daniel Webster as a Master of English Style

"The Great Speeches and Orations of Daniel Webster" by Edwin P. Whipple is a collection of notable speeches penned by the prominent 19th-century lawyer, statesman, and orator Daniel Webster. This compilation aims to reintroduce readers to Webster's timeless eloquence and significant impact on American political discourse. The collection encapsulates his compelling orations that address themes of patriotism, law, and democracy, while also shedding light on the essential qualities that made Webster a master of English style. The opening of the collection presents a thoughtful preface that sets the stage for Webster's significance in both legal and literary history. It describes the rationale behind the selection of speeches included, emphasizing the challenge of fully capturing Webster's genius in a limited format. The preface underlines how Webster's articulate defense of his alma mater in "The Dartmouth College Case" exemplifies his rare ability to blend logical reasoning with profound emotional resonance. This introduction establishes the reader's expectation of encountering not only significant historical orations but also insights into the formation of American identity and governance as articulated by one of its most revered figures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Daniel Webster was an American lawyer and statesman who represented New Hampshire and Massachusetts in the U.S. Congress and served as the 14th and 19th U.S. secretary of state under presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore. Webster was one of the most prominent American lawyers of the 19th century, arguing over 200 cases before the United States Supreme Court in his career. During his life, Webster had been a member of the Federalist Party, the National Republican Party, and the Whig Party. He was among the three members of the Great Triumvirate along with Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun.