An Introduction to Classical Rhetoric: Essential Readings

by James Williams

An anthology of primary texts in translation, An Introduction to Classical Rhetoric offers an overview of the social, cultural, and intellectual factors that influenced the development and growth of rhetoric during the classical period.

560 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Marylou R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this textbook. When trying to find a book for a 3000 Classical rhetoric course I wanted something that contained classical writings. This book has that and also does a wonderful job of contextualizing the historical moment and the authors. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone teaching classical rhetoric or someone just wanting a general understanding of classical rhetoric.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

William's is very detail but at times longwinded, and well the large, longer excerpts of the works were helpful at times, they more often tedious and confusing. Not enough build up for the actually texts - large focus on the history of the authors. Also the lack of stefano numbers to reference certain sections in the works easier was annoying.

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read a few chapters from this for school. I didn't read the whole thing, but what I did was interesting and useful enough.