Stammering, its cause and cure by Benjamin Nathaniel Bogue

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Stammering, its cause and cure by Benjamin Nathaniel Bogue

(5 User reviews) 1054

By Victoria Lefevre Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Inspiration

Authors: Bogue, Benjamin Nathaniel, 1882-1964 Published By : Bogue, Benjamin Nathaniel, 1882-1964

Book Language: English

Hey, I just finished this fascinating book from 1919 called 'Stammering, Its Cause and Cure,' and I have to tell you about it. It's not your typical self-help book. The author, Benjamin Bogue, wasn't a doctor or a scientist—he was a man who struggled with a severe stutter for most of his life and then, against all odds, cured himself. The whole book is built around this incredible personal mystery: How did a man who was told he was hopelessly broken figure out how to fix himself when no expert could? He writes with this raw, urgent passion because he lived through the shame and isolation. He explains his theory that stammering is a physical habit, not a nervous condition, which was revolutionary for its time. Reading it feels like uncovering a forgotten secret. It’s part memoir, part instruction manual, and completely gripping because you're following one person's very difficult journey to find his own voice, literally. If you've ever faced a challenge that felt impossible, this old book might just surprise you.

File: Stammering, its cause and cure by Benjamin Nathaniel Bogue

Published in 1919, Stammering, Its Cause and Cure is a unique blend of personal memoir and practical guide. Benjamin Bogue writes from the trenches of his own experience, having endured a debilitating stutter from childhood into his thirties. The book chronicles his journey from a life limited by his speech to becoming a successful public speaker and teacher of his own method.

The Story

The story isn't about fictional characters, but about Bogue's real-life battle. He describes the humiliation and frustration of his early years, his failed attempts at various cures, and the moment he decided to take matters into his own hands. The core of the book details his self-devised system, which he called the "Bogue Unit Method." He argues that stammering is primarily a physical, mechanical fault in controlling the vocal organs—a learned bad habit—rather than a sign of nervousness or low intelligence. He then lays out a series of graduated exercises designed to retrain breathing, vocal cord control, and articulation, promising that consistent practice can lead to a cure.

Why You Should Read It

You should read it for the powerful human story at its heart. Even if you don't stutter, Bogue's account of overcoming a profound personal obstacle is deeply moving and inspiring. His voice is direct, earnest, and occasionally stubborn, which makes him feel incredibly real. Reading his arguments, you sense his fierce determination to prove the experts wrong and to help others avoid his suffering. It's a snapshot of a time when self-reliance and perseverance were the primary tools for change. The historical context is also captivating; it shows how people understood and treated speech disorders a century ago.

Final Verdict

This book is a hidden gem for a few kinds of readers. It's obviously a poignant read for anyone who stutters or knows someone who does, offering a historical perspective and one man's hopeful blueprint. It's also perfect for fans of old-school, boots-trapping self-help stories and for anyone interested in the history of medicine and speech therapy. Just remember, it's a product of its time, not a modern clinical guide. Approach it as a compelling personal testament to resilience, and you'll find it surprisingly hard to put down.