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The Arts of Liberty Project
The Art of Persuasio; Aristotle's Rhetoric for Everybody
From the back- This book is part of the Zaytuna Curriculum Series, which seeks to help reestablish the primacy of both reason and revelation in Islam's legacy of scholarship, and also to cultivate a welcoming and curios intellectual climate, by publishing texts from the Islamic and Western traditions that reflect their richness.
The book covers the history of rhetoric, defines it primarily through Aristotle and other philosophers and then prepares one to use it for good. The author argues that it is a good science to use and not what people have made it out to be and is an art we must recapture to use for good.
The book covers the history of rhetoric, defines it primarily through Aristotle and other philosophers and then prepares one to use it for good. The author argues that it is a good science to use and not what people have made it out to be and is an art we must recapture to use for good.
161 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
12 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
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