The Rhetorical Tradition: Readings from Classical Times to the Present

by Patricia Bizzell (Editor), Bruce Herzberg, Robin Reames

The Rhetorical Tradition — the first comprehensive anthology of primary texts covering the history of rhetoric — examines rhetorical theory from classical antiquity through the modern period. Extensive editorial material makes it a

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, History, Language, Writing, School, Academic

1728 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1990

Reviews

[Holly Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

As anthologies go, this one isn't here to fuck around. The binding is horrifyingly stubborn, the pages are Bible-thin, and the text is tiny and in two columns. Despite a maybe unavoidable Western bias, Bizzell and Herzburg cover an admirably comprehensive swath of the rhetorical field, with generous selections and useful synopses. The editing of abridged sections could be smoother-- Cicero's 'Oratore' in particular is almost impossible to follow due to sudden, unmarked leaps in the dialogue-- but hey, whatever.

[Britton W E Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my ENG 552 class on rhetoric. While reading for class isn’t always riveting, I found this book engaging and quite comprehensive. Of course, you cannot include everyone who has impacted rhetoric in some way throughout time, but this book does try. I enjoyed reading introductions and excerpts from female writers and writers of color throughout history. Anyway, I was impressed! If you want to learn more about the history of rhetoric, then this one is a lovely choice.

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would be a lie to say that I read all of this text (Probably a solid quarter or third at best). I didn't and for good reason: the primary texts are idiosyncratic, dry, bland, pedantic, poorly written explanations of what rhetoric is and/or should be.

Sure, the points made and the ideas behind what rhetoric is or isn't are fantastic, but I needed a secondary text to make meaning of any of the jargon that some of the others wrote.

So, I'm either dumb (can never be ruled out) or these authors are/were terrible at writing, especially for the sake of coherency or understanding.

It's a good reference book, though, if you're purpose is to teach historical rhetoric or very limited ideas/purposes of rhetoric.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

one paragraph can be unpacked and reflected upon for a long time. Dense, primary sources with good explanations and supporting material. All the timeless rhetoricians are here in one place.

[Abigail Sefzik · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a required text in my master’s program, this anthology offers an expansive collection of primary sources that chart the development of rhetorical thought from antiquity to the present. Its inclusion of figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and Augustine establishes the philosophical foundations of rhetoric, focusing on enduring questions of truth, ethics, persuasion, and civic discourse.

One of the anthology’s strengths is its effort to bridge classical theory with modern and postmodern concerns. Later sections introduce critical perspectives from feminist, postcolonial, and cultural theorists such as bell hooks and Michel Foucault, broadening the scope of rhetoric to encompass discussions of identity, power, and resistance. This breadth reflects the editors’ commitment to positioning rhetoric not merely as a historical artifact but as an evolving practice that informs contemporary communication, politics, and social movements.

Overall, The Rhetorical Tradition serves as an essential resource for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of rhetorical practice and its lasting impact on modern discourse. Its influence extends beyond the study of communication, informing broader discussions in philosophy, cultural studies, and critical theory.

[Laura Steinert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rereading this reminds me that the title should be A Rhetorical Tradition not "The." Bizzell did a wonderful job in picking the authors she highlighted. This leans a little to the "ethical" art of persuasion rather than the manipulative art of persuasion, so I'm happy with that. I find myself skipping over some of the more dated bits, but overall, a wonderful look at how we can express ourselves, understand others' attempts to manipulate us, and the power of words.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The introductions for the selections were very thorough. There was wide variety to an extent, but splitting the text up into two volumes would have helped me with the class I used it in. The excerpted selections generally give the reader enough to work with. It's a tome.

[Thara Tenney]

ENG 503-0500

Writing Theory: An Applied Approach to Rhetoric and Composition

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I definitely didn't read all of this tome--probably ended up reading 20% of it for class. Very dense and convoluted reading (especially the modern and postmodern rhetoric section). The introductions were very helpful and the familiar names were all there (Plato, Augustine, Woolf, Nietzsche, Derrida, Foucault). Would like to see this anthology updated with more contemporary readings, perhaps some from more diverse authors.

[Matt Sautman · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read this cover to cover is intensive, but the rewards for those who manage to make it through the entire text is greatly rewarded. From this collection, Bizzell and her coeditor, Herzberg, are able to provide a foundational understanding of the larger Western tradition of rhetoric and some of the various rhetorics that emerged within and in response to these traditions. I recommend taking notes as one goes along, as it will make some of the authors, such as Bakhtin and Foucault easier to understand. If reading the whole thing at once is too intimidating to fit within one's reading schedule, I highly recommend the section on the Sophists, in addition to the works by Hèléne Cixous, Frederick Douglass, Virginia Woolf, Erasmus, Gloria Anzaldúa, Geoffrey of Vinsauf and Nietzsche. There are plenty of other great works in here, of course, but I find these amongst some of the most accessible or unique. Also amongst this list of intrigue lies a collection of various works by women writing in response to sexist interpretations of the Bible, including Margaret Fell, Frances Willard, and Maria W. Stewart, making this volume of interest for those interested in the history of religion as well as those wanting to know more about rhetoric's intersection with philosophy, politics, and rhetoric itself. Those who go in thinking that there is only a singular definition for the term will be proven wrong after only a few selections. A Herculean effort, but a most rewarding literary jaunt nonetheless!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read most of this book for my ENG 733 course - Theories and History of Rhetoric. This book provides a really great overview of the history of rhetoric and has helped me get a better understanding of the field's history. However, it is a very Western progression (that is, it follows a primarily Western view of rhetoric), and it focuses on some rhetoricians more than others. The Bible-like pages -both in format and in page feel- made note taking or highlighting pretty much impossible, and the double columns of text made it feel oppressive at times.

[Laurie McKickass]

I did it. I made it cover to cover for comps. It was exhausting, but Bizzell's anthology is really the best overview of rhetorical history I've run across. She could have more women authors and P.O.C. represented, but her coverage and attention to the "non-canonical" side of the tradition is admirable.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm reading this for school... I only added it to my goodreads list to generate copious amounts of sympathy (and the free liquor that often results).

There are those of you on my "friends" list who will be very excited. You both scare me.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, if you get past the fact that it is nearly impossible to understand and even harder to present, you can understand so much about a school's writing curriculum and how to improve your own writing as well.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the whole book. I'm only half way through it (for school) and of that half I have only completely read a handful of the readings. But I have seen enough to say that the selections are great and the introductions to each section and each reading are superbly done.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

sooo, rhetoric is about convincing other people, oftentimes in a public speaking forum. It was an anthology, so I liked some authors better than others (Anzaldua, Bakhtin, Sarah Grimke). Not too bad for a textbook.

[Robert Bartram · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you enjoy reading paragraphs that take 45minutes to plod through then this is the book to get. On the other hand it is a great source of original critical theory. It's not too bad for a 2000 more or less page tome.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent anthology if you're looking to become familiar with the study of rhetoric. I've returned to this book consistently over the past six years, either for research or to use as course content.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read up through St. Augustine.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm reading this for school. I like the bits by Plato the best ^_^ although Rhetorica Ad Herrenium wasn't bad by any means

[Richard]

A must for anyone studying Rhetoric.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take some tylenol before you start this book, it will help with the headaches.
P.S. Nietzsche takes the cake by far.

[Vern Glaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

great overview of rhetoric...really interesting stuff!

[Bobby Rettew · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read all different styles of works of rhetoric from classical to scientific...this book has them all.

[Terra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Rhetorical Tradition, for introducing me to Nietzsche.

[Randy Hulshizer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good collection of rhetorical literature from all major ages.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read most of the ancient, medieval, and renaissance sections, and I just loved them. FANTASTIC intro material on the periods and the individual authors.

[Alyx · Rating 3 out of 5]

This text offers a comprehensive view of rhetorical thought from the classical texts of the greeks up through the present day.

[S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense at times, but it's a strong overview of rhetorical theory over a broad span of time.

[Taryn]

Read for Rhetoric Class- almost all selections. Worked well for the class on the history of Rhetoric.