Talks on Writing English. First Series

These talks, originally delivered in the autumn of 1894 to a class of eager writers, aim to demystify the craft of English composition. Drawing on a range of contemporary manuals, the lecturer separates what can be taught—technique, structure, diction—from the inborn spark of imagination, arguing that both are indispensable. The opening lecture sets the stage by comparing writing to other arts, insisting that disciplined study is as vital to a poet as it is to a painter or architect.

Throughout the series the author offers practical guidance on topics such as outlining, quality of expression, argument, description, and narration, each anchored in clear examples and a conversational tone. Listeners will find the material both instructive and entertaining, with insights that feel relevant even after more than a century. Whether you are polishing a college essay or embarking on a first novel, the lectures provide a solid foundation for developing confident, skillful prose.