An Outline of English Speech-craft

by William Barnes

"An Outline of English Speech-craft" by William Barnes is a linguistic guide written in the late 19th century. This work explores the intricacies of the English language, specifically focusing on the mechanics of speech and grammar. The author aims to preserve the Anglo-Saxon roots of the language while providing insights that could help learners understand and articulate English more effectively. The opening of the book presents an introduction by the author, who clarifies his purpose and approach to teaching English. He emphasizes that the book is designed not for academic accolades but as a contribution to promoting the traditional Anglo-Saxon speech. To achieve this, he proposes a methodology grounded in spoken language rather than written forms. Barnes discusses the significance of breath sounds, their classifications, and how speech constructs meaning, laying the groundwork for a detailed exploration of English phonetics and grammar throughout the text.