The Elements of Eloquence cover art

The Elements of Eloquence

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 Months Free + £10 Audible voucher

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Cancel monthly.
Get this deal
Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST.
More purchase options

The Elements of Eloquence

By: Mark Forsyth
Narrated by: Simon Shepherd
Get this deal

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

Buy Now for £11.57

Buy Now for £11.57

In an age unhealthily obsessed with substance, this is a book on the importance of pure style, from the best-selling author of The Etymologicon and The Horologicon. From classic poetry to pop lyrics and from the King James Bible to advertising slogans, Mark Forsyth explains the secrets that make a phrase - such as 'Tiger, Tiger, burning bright', or 'To be or not to be' - memorable.

In his inimitably entertaining and witty style he takes apart famous lines and shows how you, too, can write like Shakespeare or Oscar Wilde. Whether you're aiming for literary immortality or just an unforgettable one-liner, The Elements of Eloquence proves that you don't need to have anything to say - you simply need to say it well.

©2013 Mark Forsyth (P)2014 Audible Studios Art Words, Language & Grammar Witty Funny Thought-Provoking Inspiring Feel-Good
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1

Critic reviews

“Sparkling ... the book offers many pleasures ... I laughed out loud at the examples chosen” (Charles Moore, Daily Telegraph)
“An informative but highly entertaining journey through the figures of rhetoric ... Mark Forsyth wears his considerable knowledge lightly. He also writes beautifully.” (David Marsh, Guardian)
“It is good news that the popular author of The Etymologicon should now potter round the rhetorical warehouse at our elbow, commenting on the choicer goods on view, for he is well-informed and amusing.” (Christopher Howse, The Spectator)
“The Elements of Eloquence makes a daunting, potentially boring subject exciting ... Forsyth's wickedly clever, irreverent take on rhetoric should cement his reputation as a virtuoso: it is hard to think of any other book that tackles the topic with such style.” ( South China Morning Post)
All stars
Most relevant
I was recommended this book and was sceptical at first, however after the first chapter I was hooked!

Forsyth leads you through rhetoric in an amusing, yet informative way and this was mirrored by a marvellous performance by Simon Shepherd

A fantastic insight into the English language!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A fascinating, hilarious, highly educational, beautifully read book. Oh dear I have 7 words remaining.

Excellent in every way possible.......

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The thought, love and sheer research which the subject is communicated is a joyous journey

Brilliant listen, I bought the book

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
It took me a while to get use to the fact this was written with a lot of jokes in, but once I did, I really enjoyed the title.

Witty and informative

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
It's the book you wish that you had read years ago. Brilliantly written, full of wonderful examples and with plenty of humor. Loved it. Went straight onto Amazon and bought a hard copy.

Loved the audio book so I bought the hardback.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews