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Rhetoric

An Historical Introduction

Wendy Olmsted author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Published:7th Jun '06

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Rhetoric cover

This introduction to the art of rhetoric analyzes rhetorical concepts, problems, and methods and teaches practical inquiry through a series of classic rhetorical texts.


  • An introduction to the art of rhetoric for those who are unacquainted with it and an argument about invention and tradition suitable for specialists
  • Texts range from Cicero's De oratoreand Augustine’s On Christian Doctrineto Jane Austen’s Persuasionand Stephen Greenblatt’s Marvellous Possessions
  • Texts serve simultaneously as works of persuasion and considerations of how rhetoric works
  • Engages readers in using rhetoric to deliberate about challenging issues.

"Professor Olmsted has produced a much-needed and unique book: an account of rhetorical thinking through the ages focused on specific texts in their cultural contexts. The book does something far more important than impart mere doctrine: it demonstrates how, and teaches one, to think like a rhetorician. It will make an invaluable contribution in and out of the classroom." Walter Jost, University of Virgina

"Wendy Olmsted gives scholars and teachers in many disciplines a valuable new kind of historical introduction to rhetoric. In three interrelated sections she provides a clear overview of classical rhetoric, incisive case studies of literature and rhetoric, and a suggestive discussion of rhetorical invention and argument in literary criticism, politics, and law. This book creatively teaches us how to think rhetorically through concrete historical examples of deliberation and judgment." Steven Mailloux, University of California

ISBN: 9781405117739

Dimensions: 230mm x 155mm x 16mm

Weight: 281g

192 pages