Slips of Speech: A Helpful Book for Everyone Who Aspires to Correct the Everyday Errors of Speaking and Writing

A guidebook on linguistic improvement written in the late 19th century. The text addresses common errors in everyday speaking and writing, aiming to aid anyone who aspires to refine their command of language. The opening of the book presents the author's rationale for creating a resource to address the pitfalls of language usage that pervade both speech and writing. It reflects on the distinction between the natural genius of legendary writers like Homer and the need for systematic rules and guidelines that can help average individuals communicate more effectively. Bechtel discusses the importance of taste in language, establishing that good writing and speaking require careful choice and arrangement of words, as well as awareness of common mistakes. The introduction sets the stage for the detailed examination of various speech errors and recommendations for correction that follow in the subsequent chapters.