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The Arts of Liberty Project
Aristotle's Rhetoric for Everybody
An introduction to Aristotle's understanding of the art of rhetoric for a reader new to the art and to Aristotle's treatise. In clear, vivid prose, the book leads a reader in twenty-five chapters through all of the major topics of classical rhetoric. It includes two sets of study questions--one for beginners on the book and one for more advanced study for Aristotle's treatise itself--and an annotated bibliography for further study. The book is available for free as a PDF at ; however, this version is fully formatted for Kindle.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2015
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About the author
Scott F. Crider
9 books9 followersScott Crider is the Associate Dean of Constantin College and Professor of English at the University of Dallas.
He earned a B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Sacramento, and a Ph.D. from University of California, Riverside.
His research interests include Shakespeare, Rhetoric and Composition, and the Rhetorical Tradition, Ancient and Modern.
He earned a B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Sacramento, and a Ph.D. from University of California, Riverside.
His research interests include Shakespeare, Rhetoric and Composition, and the Rhetorical Tradition, Ancient and Modern.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 26, 2020
A clear and concise exposition of Aristotle's Rhetoric, which is what many of Aristotle's works require.
February 4, 2025
A succinct and modern summary of Aristotle's Rhetoric. The author does a great job at retaining the essential elements, whilst stripping back some of the secondary features.
The book helps you internalize the key concepts. The study guide and exercises based around Lincoln's letter were particularly helpful. In addition, Crider adds his own two short chapters on memory and delivery - he notes that while Aristotle declined to go into these in detail, they are important aspects of any rhetorical speech.
One concept that was slightly confusing was the idea of "topics". I decided to take these as simple guidelines for creating arguments. Aristotle's constant defining, enumerating, and dividing of the subject matter creates a strong gravitational pull towards formalism. It is easy to see how the medieval scholastics stripped all the dynamic and living elements from his philosophy.
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand the basics of rhetoric. As the author notes, this foundation helps with the study and teaching of many other subjects, or it can become an area of study in it's own regard. I would feel confident reading Aristotle's text itself after this - in fact Crider includes a study guide in the appendix for just that purpose.
Whichever direction you take, this book is a useful jumping off point for diving into this rich subject. Enjoy the swim!
The book helps you internalize the key concepts. The study guide and exercises based around Lincoln's letter were particularly helpful. In addition, Crider adds his own two short chapters on memory and delivery - he notes that while Aristotle declined to go into these in detail, they are important aspects of any rhetorical speech.
One concept that was slightly confusing was the idea of "topics". I decided to take these as simple guidelines for creating arguments. Aristotle's constant defining, enumerating, and dividing of the subject matter creates a strong gravitational pull towards formalism. It is easy to see how the medieval scholastics stripped all the dynamic and living elements from his philosophy.
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand the basics of rhetoric. As the author notes, this foundation helps with the study and teaching of many other subjects, or it can become an area of study in it's own regard. I would feel confident reading Aristotle's text itself after this - in fact Crider includes a study guide in the appendix for just that purpose.
Whichever direction you take, this book is a useful jumping off point for diving into this rich subject. Enjoy the swim!
November 4, 2022
Based speech 100
December 9, 2024
Great introduction. I may now consider myself a novice in Aristotelian rhetoric.
March 29, 2025
Great introduction to Aristotle’s rhetoric. Gave me a great understanding of Aristotle’s landmark work and got me ready to read it! Short effective read, and I appreciate the study / reflection questions for each chapter. Recommend for anyone getting into reading the classics.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews