This compilation of more than 150 speeches -- gleaned from some 1,250 published in H.W. Wilson’s popular Representative American Speeches series -- addresses a full range of themes essential to understanding issues confronted by Americans in the past, present and into the twenty-first century.

Perfect for Research in History, Communication Arts, Biography, and More!
Six decades of top politicians, scientists, philosophers, theologians, educators, journalists, and others are represented in this volume. Speeches provide insight into character, motivations, values, and goals of speakers, offer examples of some of the most effective oratory of the Twentieth Century, and add context to leadership decisions affecting history.

The speeches are organized around 16 significant interconnected themes: political community; nature and function of government; civil liberties; international affairs; war; human rights; civil rights; media; education; the arts; religion; business, industry, and labor; science, technology, and space; environment; urban issues; and crime and terrorism. Organization by topic enables readers to follow certain themes -- and the way they were presented in oratory -- throughout the past six decades.

A Comprehensive Collection—
Plus Practical Features for Readers and Researchers
Editor’s introductions place every speech into clear context and summarizes the speakers' points. Fast access to specific speeches is provided by indexes by subject and speaker name. Brief biographies give readers insight into the work and the historical significance of each speaker.

◘ 778 pp.
◘ 1998

◘ ISBN 0-8242-0931-1
◘ $105
◘ $115 (outside U.S. and Canada)