This anthology is one of the most comprehensive collections of famous speeches in world history. Edited and introduced by William Safire, it brings together more than 200 speeches from ancient times to the modern era. The collection includes political addresses, wartime speeches, religious sermons, courtroom arguments, and speeches that shaped public opinion and historical events.

The speeches range from figures such as Demosthenes, Pericles, Oliver Cromwell, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill to contemporary leaders and public figures. Safire provides introductions and commentary that explain the historical context, rhetorical techniques, and significance of each speech.

The book is widely used by students of history, political science, communication studies, public speaking, and rhetoric as a reference work on effective oratory.