Rhetoric: The Basics

Rhetoric: The Basics is a concise introduction to the forms, theories and history of rhetoric. The book traces the development of rhetoric from ancient to modern times, all illustrated with contemporary examples drawn from politics to the courtroom to social media. This book: Explores the five canons of classical rhetoric: invention, arrangement, style, memory and delivery Discusses popular topics in contemporary rhetorical theory including audience, social change and public morality Considers the role of rhetoric in the 21st century Includes a range of global examples featuring China, the Near East and Africa as well as the US and Europe. Each chapter concludes with a set of writing exercises – a contemporary form of progymnasmata – and the book will feature both a glossary and a timeline to provide readers with a complete introduction to the history and theory of rhetoric.