21 Speeches That Shaped Our World: The people and ideas that changed the way we think

by Chris Abbott

In this fascinating book, Chris Abbott, a leading political analyst, takes a close look at 21 key speeches which have shaped the world today. He examines the power of the arguments embedded in these speeches to inspire people to achieve great things, or do great harm.

Abbott draws upon his political expertise to explain how our current understanding of the world is rooted in pivotal moments of history. These moments are captured in the words of a range of influential speakers Emmeline Pankhurst, Martin Luther King, Jr, Enoch Powell, Napoleon Beazley, Kevin Rudd, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Osama bin Laden, Margaret Beckett, Winston Churchill, Salvador Allende, Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, Tim Collins, Mohandas Gandhi, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Robin Cook and Barack Obama.

The speeches in this book are arranged thematically, linked by concepts such as 'might is right', 'with us or against us' and 'give peace a chance'. Each transcript is accompanied by an insightful commentary that analyses how the words relate to our modern society. Fresh and relevant, this is a book that will make you stop in your tracks and think about what is really happening in the world today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2010

Reviews

[Huda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of variety in speeches , though it is some how complicated but we can't deny it's benefits , the emphasizing of the author to some point of view , and some of most the important moments of people that affect and change the world

Forget to mention that's is better to read the book in chapter by chapter and analyse it
I will re-read it again Insha'Allah .......

[Tuomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good speeches, worth read, expected a bit more though: Commentaries feel slightly prejudiced/biased, so some speeches might be better to read without commentaries.

[Rehmat · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I bought the book I thought it would be just a collection of speeches. Opposed to my intuition, I found the book one of the best books on politics and contemporary affairs. Divided into four parts, each part and every chapter is preceded with best analysis and commentary by author, Chris Abbott, who himself is a researcher and political commentator. The significant part of the collection is that the author has balanced the speeches selected, for instance, if there is an speech of Bush Jr. on ‘War on Terror’ which follows immediately with speech of Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden on ‘your security in your own hands’.

The book really gives its readers a clarity about developments with speeches of those who had a say which have shaped the world we live in today in the 21st century, relationships of those speeches with the current world and the roots of those moments in history which have links with today. An ideological tour of the historical events which mature our worldview on today’s world.

I strongly recommend to read and pick it up not as a collections of speeches rather as a book on politics and contemporary affairs …

[Tuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo tenía pendiente y pensaba que sería un compendio de ensayos muy míticos (tipo MLK,Gandhi, etc) pero me ha alegrado mucho que no sea solo eso.

La introducción a cada sección y cada discurso le daba a todos el suficiente contexto como para ser conscientes de que la importancia a veces de lo que se dice no son solo las palabras, sino también cuándo se dice, dónde se dice, por qué se dice o hacia quién se dirige; es algo que un simple compendio ignora y que forma parte del propio discurso (guste o no). Muy recomendado, aunque obviamente unos más que otros.

[Elviza · Rating 3 out of 5]

A refreshing reminder on what helped shaped what we are, who we are today.

[Martin Omedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"21 Speeches That Shaped the World" by Cris Abbott is a captivating and thought-provoking compilation that delves into the powerful words and oratory skills of influential figures throughout history. Through meticulous research and a keen eye for significance, Abbott presents a collection of speeches that have left an indelible mark on society, politics, and culture.

Abbott's meticulous selection of speeches spans centuries, continents, and diverse contexts, showcasing the power of words to inspire, challenge, and bring about profound change. The book begins with Pericles' Funeral Oration, a timeless address that exemplifies the enduring impact of rhetoric on civic duty and democracy. From there, Abbott explores the iconic speeches of influential figures like Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela, among others. The inclusion of speeches from such a wide range of historical figures adds depth and variety to the collection.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to contextualise each speech, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the historical backdrop and the specific challenges faced by the speaker. Abbott's meticulous research shines through in his comprehensive introductions to each speech, offering a concise yet informative account of the events that led to its delivery. This contextualisation enhances the reader's appreciation for the courage and impact of the orator.

Abbott's writing style is clear, concise, and accessible, making the book engaging for both scholars and casual readers alike. He strikes a balance between providing historical background and allowing the speeches to speak for themselves, allowing the speakers' words to take center stage. While the author's own voice is present in the introductions, it never overshadows the power and significance of the speeches themselves.

The book's arrangement, with each speech, presented chronologically, helps readers to trace the evolution of rhetoric and the recurring themes that have shaped the world. It offers a fascinating journey through time, enabling readers to witness the progress and evolution of human thought and society. The selection of speeches represents a wide range of issues, from civil rights and freedom struggles to moments of national crisis and calls for unity. This diversity adds richness to the collection and underscores the universality of human aspirations for justice, freedom, and equality.

While "21 Speeches That Shaped the World" is undoubtedly a remarkable compilation, it does have a minor drawback. Given the vast number of influential speeches throughout history, some readers may have personal favourites that did not make the cut. However, Abbott's intention was to create a well-rounded selection that encompasses different eras and global perspectives rather than an exhaustive anthology.

Taken together, Cris Abbott's "21 Speeches That Shaped the World" is an outstanding book that masterfully brings together pivotal moments in history through the lens of powerful oratory. Abbott's meticulous research, clear writing style, and thoughtful selection of speeches make this collection a valuable resource for anyone interested in the impact of words on society. By highlighting the speeches that have shaped our world, Abbott reminds us of the enduring power of rhetoric and the importance of effective communication in effecting positive change.

[Stephanie Thonesen Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was filled with historical information about the events which led up to the speeches, hence as historical interested and a communication student interested in political speeches and the discourses herein, this book basically combined the best of both worlds.

Also, it was amazing to see how the author did not only go for the most famous speeches and speakers but that it also surprised with less known speakers/speeches to broaden the reader's knowledge further. After each chapter, I was excited to find out what speech would come next. Additionally, the book had a very nice division as it divided the book into four themes, wherein the speeches were placed.

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can argue with Chris Abbot and debate his choice of speeches, and this would be a futile exercise. He has chosen some excellent speeches, and he has also taken the trouble to select speeches from people across the world, and from both genders. This is excellent.
He has taken it further, by providing us with a detailed preface to each speech, which sets each speech into the appropriate context. Not only did he provide us with a context, but he also analyzed it and gave us his insights.
This is an excellent book.

[Kagimu Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be an eye opener about the kind of leaders we have today. Some are exemporary, some cunny, inspirational, tough, courageous and some shameful. The book encourages us the peoplle to be careful about the leaders we promote and the ideas that they stand for. it is such a beautiful book

[Kamau Kelvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of what is perhaps the most well written and famous speeches in teh world. The author helps us to appreciate the various schools of thoughts on many matters and while at it help one know the context in which a speech was made thereby helping the reader connect with the orator more and be ablyto critique the ideas in the speeches even better

[Priyanka Dixit · Rating 4 out of 5]

very nice collection.. all historic words in a book that really influenced people and helped in changing the world in some way or other, however big or small. Each one makes you go into that situation and think what world would have gone through!

[Fidel Okillah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combination of good speeches. Commentaries help in understanding the background of the speech.

[Zain Chaudhry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very boring book

[Marija Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge fan of this one. The historical context added and the selection of speeches and format are fantastic.

[Connor Turley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The speeches in this book are all fantastic. They're thoughtful, insightful, and important to the world. However, the author/compiler, Chris Abbott, somehow finds a way to throw all that thoughtfulness and edification aside by adding his asinine and biased comments before each reading which more or less devalue and deface the speeches they precede. I'd hoped that in such a book the author would try to be reverent toward all the figures included and put aside any petty disagreements he had with any of the speakers, in favor of a thought-provoking objective clarity on world issues. Instead, his prefaces are used in order to step up on a political soapbox and disparage anyone he disagrees with. He disregards the existence of grey-areas in the world and instead outlines his views as the right and everything else the wrong. While it is true that Abbott maintains that all of these are his opinions, they don't have as much place in a book like this as he believes. Death penalties are always and forever a human rights abuse, Barrack Obama is a godly savior from on high, and conservative viewpoints are the scourge of humanity in this book. I'm a moderate who doesn't vote on strict party lines or fall perfectly in with either side of the political spectrum, and yet this book was so incredibly, tremendously biased that I often got a bit angry while reading.

Thee stars. Because the speeches were well-picked.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't recommend reading these 21 speeches all at once, but I do recommend this book for its relevance today. The power of speeches is that they can 'survive and inspire long after the crowds have gone home and the words are transcribed to the page'. Chris Abbott picked speeches that were moments in time in the last 100 years that illustrate the development of the way we see the world today. Each speech is preceded by an introduction that explores the wider impact of that moment and some background on the speaker. To illustrate the relevance to today, on 17 January 1961, Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a farewell address to the nation in which one thing he said was,"Our people expect their President and the Congress to find essential agreement on issues of great moment, the wise resolution of which will better shape the future of the nation." I found this book very insightful and illuminating.

[Ensaio Sobre o Desassossego · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este livro está dividido em quatro partes: a primeira, chamada "O mundo inteiro é humano", a segunda "Se não estás connosco estás contra nós", a terceira "a lei do mais forte" e, por último, "Give Peace a Chance". De entre os variados discursos, gostei mais de uns, como é óbvio, e menos de outros. No entanto, achei este livro muito interessante na medida em que coloca em perspectiva muitas coisas que eu achava que eram certas ou outras que achava que eram erradas e más para a humanidade. Este livro fez-me pensar, e eu gosto de livros (e de coisas) que me façam pensar.
http://ensaiosobreodesassossego.blogs...

«É tempo de parar e pensar. Não podemos viver com medo, porque estamos cercados pelo ódio. O ódio só gera ódio. Está na hora de travar o ciclo vicioso de matança.»

[Anshul Goel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this.
Reading this was as if I was on a world tour traversing political, social and economic happenings that have saved, destroyed or maintained this world through speeches. There were speeches that either changed the world for the good or the bad and there were also a few who were judged before time. Book has given a perspective to look the world as to what, when, why, where, how things have happened. It is an amazing book which will give you an overall perspective on a zillion of things including but not limited to extremism coming either from Islam or the West; empowerment either of the Black's or of women's; war and peace.
I would recommend it to ones who want to know 5Ws and a how. Would give a 4.5 out of 5.

[Seth Zenz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be a much better book if it had 42 speeches and none of Chris Abbot's pre-speech moralizing. His introductory sections could provide context. Instead, they usually focus on those facts that encourage the reader to judge the hypocrisy of figures who Abbot disagrees with. For those rare speeches that he agrees with entirely, the introductory section provides a modern "update," connecting the speech to his present political preferences. The book's introduction warns you about all this, but I still found it surprisingly heavy-handed.

[Jeff Pullinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved the speeches and the comments around them.
It added a lot of depth to these speeches I've loved hearing - and caused me to do more research on them too. Speeches are such key ways to mark bits of history, and this book helped bring them alive to me a bit more.

[Paloma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fascinant du point de vue réthorique, ne pas en attendre trop non plus.