Audiobook · read by volunteers
Lectures of Col. R.G. Ingersoll, Volume 1
Robert G. Ingersoll (1833–1899)
Read by Ted Delorme · 18 chapters · 14 h 08
About the book
Robert G. Ingersoll was one of the most famous public speakers in nineteenth-century America, a Civil War veteran who drew huge crowds with talks on religion, liberty and the rights of the individual. This first volume of his lectures runs to eighteen parts, beginning with the two-part Gods and the two-part Ghosts. Ingersoll speaks with wit, vivid imagery and a talent for turning an audience's laughter into thought. He defends free inquiry, questions orthodox belief and argues that human happiness is the proper aim of morality. Whether or not you agree with his conclusions, his style is a pleasure to hear, full of rhythm and bold comparisons. A single reader presents the whole volume in about fourteen hours. The recording offers a chance to experience the great age of public oratory and to hear one of its most colourful voices, a champion of what was then called freethought.
Introduction
Robert Green Ingersoll, who lived from 1833 to 1899, was an American lawyer, Civil War veteran, political leader and orator. He became known during what is often called the Golden Age of Freethought for his defence of atheism and agnosticism. His lectures drew large audiences across the United States, and he was admired even by some who disagreed with him.
The book collected in this volume dates from around 1900, after his death, and is the first of two volumes of his speeches. The talks it contains, among them Gods and Ghosts, challenge religious dogma and champion reason, humour and kindness. Ingersoll's prose was written to be spoken, with short phrases and lively metaphors, so it translates well to audio.
The LibriVox recording has eighteen parts and runs for around fourteen hours, all read by a single volunteer. It can be enjoyed one lecture at a time. Listeners with an interest in American history, in the debates about religion and science in the nineteenth century or simply in the art of the public speech will find in it a lively and thought-provoking companion. Ingersoll's speeches were meant to move audiences, and the recording gives a taste of their power. Listeners may find some references tied to the controversies of his time, yet the central themes of freedom of conscience, human dignity and the courage to question remain easy to follow, and the humour still works.
Public domain
Robert G. Ingersoll died in 1899: the work is in the public domain in Switzerland, more than 70 years after the author’s death.
The LibriVox volunteers dedicated this recording to the public domain.
Sources : LibriVox page · Files at the Internet Archive · Original text