Agar, J. The American's Book of Oratory, or Guardian of Liberty; Compiled by J. Agar. Auburn, [New York]: Derby and Miller, 1852. [7670]
Full black leather binding, boards stamped in blind, gilt title & "Auburn" to spine, 6 x 9 inches, some light scuffing but with fine outer hinges, (i)-xvi, (17)-350 pp., (2) pp. publisher's catalogue. Some foxing. Marbled page edges. Good. Leather bound.
Dedicated to the Young Men of America.
The compiler wishes to promote patriotism, courage, and nobility - traits that he sees essential for young Americans - through the selection of passages that promote these principles.
Many of the selections pertain to the American Revolution and the period directly after, with speakers such as George Washington, Dr. Joseph Warren, Governor Livingston, Fisher Ames, Richard Rush, Patrick Henry, General Mifflin, Chief Justice Marshall, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Many of the British speeches also pertain to the Revolution, with selections from Fox, Lord Chatham, Pitt, Colonel Barre, the Marquis of Granby, Lord Effingham, and Lord Mansfield.