PREFACE. THIS BOOK of Recitations carefully chosen for their literary merit, practical value as Elocutionary exercises, and suitableness for the requirements of different categories of students, is the second of a series of books specially prepared for the use of Catholic Colleges, Schools and Literary Societies. The selections in general are calculated to awaken the highest sentiments of religion and integrity, while everything that could in any way shock even the most delicate with regard to faith and morals is carefully excluded. The first volume contains the theory of Elocution, the explanation of the most approved systems for training the voice, and aquiring an effective and graceful manner of gesticulation. It is not given under the usual form of dry rules so tedious and it may be said so useless for young students, but it is deemed preferable to give a number of explanations of each branch of the art of Elocution in easy and familiar language-appearing under the title of "Class Lectures on ELOCUTION." The principal object is to make this study as agreeable and as complete as possible, for all classes of pupils. This book is supplemented by a "Reader," divided like the book of recitations into two parts for Junior and Senior Grades. The selections are of the choicest literature, and from the most popular authors, while care has been taken that each piece should be the most entertaining and instructive for the mind as well as the best suited for the proper development of the voice, and the good taste of the reader. 70401 |