Can words really change the world? From the absurd to the inspirational, from the divine to the diabolical, these are the speeches that have changed history, and left their mark on the world today.

To read of Elizabeth I addressing her troops before the Spanish Armada, or Martin Luther King urging the American population to racial equality is to understand the tremendous power of language to inspire, to comfort, to move or to enthuse an audience.

It is inspiring to hear the words of people whose gift was to know what to say, when to say it, and how to phrase it, often in language so powerful, so eloquent and so beautiful that we remember their words centuries after they were first spoken.

I Have a Dream includes some of the greatest, most celebrated speeches, such as Pericles' funeral oration in Athens in the fifth century BC, as well as lesser-known speeches, such as Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Collins' eve-of-battle address to his soldiers in Iraq in 2003 - all of which deserve to be celebrated and credited by modern audiences.

Here is an enjoyable collection of the greatest speeches that have been delivered throughout history, prefaced by brief historical and biographical introductions.

Here is a collection of the greatest speeches that have been delivered throughout history, prefaced by historical and biographical introductions.

About the Author
Ferdie Addis read Classics at Oxford University, before embarking on a career as a journalist and author. He has written The Good Samaritan Bites the Dust (2011), I Have a Dream (2011) and Opening Pandora's Box (2010) for Michael O'Mara Books. He lives in London.

Reviews
This small but perfectly formed book reveals the fascinating stories behind some of the most powerful words ever spoken. Instant inspiration for even the nerviest public speaker * Shortlist *
This book reminds us about past greatness (...) It is impossible not to be moved, inspired, incensed and outraged by some of the messages * Tribune Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9781782435167
Author Ferdie Addis
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Michael O'Mara Books Ltd
Publisher Michael O'Mara Books Ltd