Ancient Rhetoric and Oratory

Author: Habinek, Thomas N.
Title: Ancient Rhetoric and Oratory
Editor: Blackwell Publishing
Year edition: 2005
Pages: 132
Keywords: Éloquence - Eloquenza - Eloquence, Rhétorique - Retorica - Rhetorics
Review:

Oenbring, Raymond, Philosophy and Rhetoric, Volume 40, Number 4, 2007, pp. 441-446

Description: [Abstract] This book introduces readers to the ancient rhetorical tradition by investigating key questions about the origins, nature, and importance of rhetoric: is it inevitably an elite pursuit? What benefits did it offer its devotees? What would society be like without rhetoric? The text explores the role of the orator, examining closely the two greatest figures of the tradition, Demosthenes and Cicero. It also investigates the place of rhetoric at the center of ancient education, and in conclusion considers the role of rhetoric since the end of antiquity. A glossary of proper names and technical terms, a chronological table of political events, authors, orators, and rhetorical works, as well as suggestions for further reading, make the book accessible for all students of ancient literature and culture. Chapter 2 analyses Cicero's position in ancient rhetoric. With him, rhetoric is the discourse of the state, but the orator is also a comunicator with the dead and the world beyond.
Author initials: Habinek 2005