Rhetoric, Body, Style

Rhetoric is an area that is very widely studied (usually as a core module, or a course in its own right) in the US, but is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. This book covers the topic from the Roman times to the present day including discussions of race, religion, gender and contemporary theory.

Beginning with Roman rhetorical writing, Parker examines the history of rhetoric and rhetorical terminology showing how these intersect with and influence contemporary theory and discourses of sexuality, religion and race.

Looking at a range of texts from classic and early modern handbooks of rhetoric to literary works by writers such as Shakespeare, Montaigne and Milton, Parker charts the close historical relation between rhetoric, gender and sexuality. She reads these influential texts in relation both to this interconnection and to the infusing of an already gendered rhetorical terminology with ethnic and racial significance suggesting that rhetoric is more than just stylistic flare, but is a powerful social and political force.