The Essential Guide to Rhetoric

by William M. Keith, Christian O. Lundberg

Gaining an understanding of rhetorical theory and its practical applications is a critical component to effective and competent communication. The Essential Guide to Rhetoric provides an accessible and balanced overview of the core historical and contemporary theories. It uses concrete, relevant examples and jargon-free language to bring these concepts to life. The guide helps students move from concept to action with discussions of invention, the traditions of trope, argument and speech, among others. This handy guide is an excellent addition to the public speaking class, extending and deepening crucial concepts, and an indispensable supplement to the rhetorical theory class.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Textbooks, Read For School

96 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2008

Reviews

[Yehia Abo el-nga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it for a class. It's a decent book. Begins with pure theoretical greek basis for persuasion, and rhetoric, and then it moves to more interesting practical tips.

[Allen Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically, this book was kinda a useful review for my Master's Rhetoric course. Not much else to say.

[Gabrielle Wrisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I was renting this textbook for a class but found myself forking up some cash to purchase it from my campus bookstore because of how much love I have grown for it!

I had to read this for my ENG 365 class and found some really helpful information. As an English Language Arts and Broadcast Journalist major, rhetoric is everything and encompasses not just my education but my future careers.

For context, I wasn't aware of a large sum of Rhetorical Practices. I had a brief introduction to Logos, Pathos, Ethos for one day in an ENG 101 class at my community college before transferring to a larger university where I has required this textbook. From there, I learned so much about rhetoric and its place in my personal life and in the current media today. Unfortunately, my ENG 365 professor didn't really use this book throughout the whole semester except for a reading of Chapter 4 within Part II Rhetoric in Action for a given essay (as he was cancelling classes for a conference and wanted to give us some 'busy work' as he put it).

Therefore, my readings were mainly independent and in hopes of educating myself as ENG 365 is more focused on my professors current opinions on given current events- which I understand have their place in rhetoric. But I feel as though I know more of his political stances and biases than actual rhetoric or its place in history and the modern day. Which, again, the textbook has taught me better than my in person class...

So I wish I could give a personal thanks to Lundberg and Keith for not only teaching me through a rough semester but quite literally saving my sanity! I will be holding on to this book throughout the foreseen future, whether I am working at a news station or in a classroom!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a comprehensive overview of some key topics in rhetoric. The style in which it's written is very approachable. My only issue with this book is that it seems somehow poorly organized - it looks as though some topics have been chosen rather haphazardly and the chapters aren't connected well.

[Zayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good intro to Rhetoric, even if one isn't in any Rhetoric-based classes, it still does a fine job of easing one into Rhetorical theories and ideas. Tropes and Anecdotes were my favorite parts as a poet and writer.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good, basic book. My biggest complaint is that it really does look at rhetoric from the most ideal state, with the speaker speaking from an ethical standpoint versus using rhetoric in a negative way, which we know really happens.

[Daniel Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Providing an overview of the study of rhetoric, this is a great introduction for those wanting to understand what rhetoric is comprised of, how it's applied in our every day lives and the perspectives shared by different theorists.

[Hailong Hao · Rating 4 out of 5]

可以称之为修辞漫谈，涉及到修辞理论的部分有点乱，Rhetoric Action 部分的每一章相对较为整顿，可以一读。

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good, concise introduction to a history of rhetorical tools and applications.

[Maranatha · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the length limit of the book, it has covered rhetoric theories from ancient to the modern period. It is adequate for my use. I use it as a supplement for my readings in homiletics.

[Leslie (updates on SG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise guide to classical rhetoric and its applications to modern communication.

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this for school. It was very informational, but I have no interest in rhetoric!

[Allie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative... :(

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars.
This book was very interesting!