An Introduction to Classical Rhetoric: Essential Readings

An anthology of primary texts in translation, An Introduction to Classical Rhetoric offers an overview of the social, cultural, and intellectual factors that influenced the development and growth of rhetoric during the classical period.

Featuring classical rhetoric from the Sophists through St. Augustine, Williams provides an in–depth introduction to the period, as well as introductions to each author and each selection. Examples of rhetoric are interspersed between captivating, thought–provoking explanations and analyses that give new context and meaning to these ancient texts. Each selection includes study questions to enable students to develop multiple perspectives on the material, stimulate critical thinking, and provide starting points for dialogue.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part I: Classical Greek Rhetoric.

1 Introduction to Greek Rhetoric.

2 Female Voices.

3 The Sophists.

4 Plato on Philosophy and Rhetoric.

5 Aristotle and the Systemization of Rhetoric.

Part II: Classical Roman Rhetoric.

6 Introduction to Roman Rhetoric and Oratory.

7 Cicero and the Latinization of Greek Rhetoric.

8 Horace and the Revival of Poetry.

9 Quintilian the Educator.

10 The End of the Classical Period: Libanius and Augustine.

References.

Sources.

Index.

Plates.

James D. Williams is Professor of Rhetoric & Linguistics and a former Director of the Writing Program at Soka University. He is the author of many books, including The Teacher′s Grammar Book (2e, 2005) and Visions and Revisions: Continuity and Change in Rhetoric and Composition (2002).