About the book
As cultural authority was reconstituted in the Revolutionary era, knowledge reconceived in the age of Enlightenment, and the means of communication radically altered by the proliferation of print, speakers and writers in eighteenth-century America began to describe themselves and their world in new ways. Drawing on hundreds of sermons, essays, speeches, letters, journals, plays, poems, and newspaper articles, Christopher Grasso explores how intellectuals, preachers, and polemicists transformed both the forms and the substance of public discussion in eighteenth-century Connecticut.
In New England through the first half of the century, only learned clergymen regularly addressed the public. After midcentury, however, newspapers, essays, and eventually lay orations introduced new rhetorical strategies to persuade or instruct an audience. With the rise of a print culture in the early Republic, the intellectual elite had to compete with other voices and address multiple audiences. By the end of the century, concludes Grasso, public discourse came to be understood not as the words of an authoritative few to the people but rather as a civic conversation of the people.
Editions of A Speaking Aristocracy
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807824719
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807847725
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807839201
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469601205
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890870902
Read an Excerpt
As cultural authority was reconstituted in the Revolutionary era, knowledge reconceived in the age of Enlightenment, and the means of communication radically altered by the proliferation of print, speakers and writers in eighteenth-century America began to describe themselves and their world in new ways. Drawing on hundreds of sermons, essays, speeches, letters, journals, plays, poems, and newspaper articles, Christopher Grasso explores how intellectuals, preachers, and polemicists transformed both the forms and the substance of public discussion in eighteenth-century Connecticut.
In New England through the first half of the century, only learned clergymen regularly addressed the public. After midcentury, however, newspapers, essays, and eventually lay orations introduced new rhetorical strategies to persuade or instruct an audience. With the rise of a print culture in the early Republic, the intellectual elite had to compete with other voices and address multiple audiences. By the end of the century, concludes Grasso, public discourse came to be understood not as the words of an authoritative few to the people but rather as a civic conversation of the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Speaking Aristocracy about?
As cultural authority was reconstituted in the Revolutionary era, knowledge reconceived in the age of Enlightenment, and the means of communication radically altered by the proliferation of print, speakers and writers in eighteenth-century America began to describe themselves and their world in new ways. Drawing on hundreds of sermons, essays, speeches, letters, journals, plays, poems, and newspaper articles, Christopher Grasso explores how intellectuals, preachers, and polemicists transformed both the forms and the substance of public discussion in eighteenth-century Connecticut.
In New England through the first half of the century, only learned clergymen regularly addressed the public. After midcentury, however, newspapers, essays, and eventually lay orations introduced new rhetorical strategies to persuade or instruct an audience. With the rise of a print culture in the early Republic, the intellectual elite had to compete with other voices and address multiple audiences. By the end of the century, concludes Grasso, public discourse came to be understood not as the words of an authoritative few to the people but rather as a civic conversation of the people.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Speaking Aristocracy?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of A Speaking Aristocracy?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807824719
How long is A Speaking Aristocracy and how many pages does it have?
A Speaking Aristocracy has 524 page(s)
Is A Speaking Aristocracy part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Speaking Aristocracy?
Christopher Grasso
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A Speaking Aristocracy is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807824719) and paperback(ISBN 9780807847725) and ebook(ISBN 9780807839201) and ebook(ISBN 9781469601205) and pdf(ISBN 9798890870902)
Where can I buy A Speaking Aristocracy online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy A Speaking Aristocracy from below
Where can I buy A Speaking Aristocracy?