Synopsis
Theories of rhetoric initially emerged in Greece in the fifth century B.C. with the realization that in a democracy all citizens had a right and duty to participate in their own government. Aristotle's Rhetoric was the first, systematic study of civic discourse. But this classic text has not benefited from a new translation in sixty years. Now, George A. Kennedy, a leading scholar of classics and communications, has provided an up-to-date, lucid translation which will make the Rhetoric as well known--and as accessible--as Aristotle's Poetics.
Kennedy's version of On Rhetoric takes into account all of the latest scholarship on Aristotle, using the most reliable texts available, and preserving Aristotle's distinctive style. He eliminates euphemistic and sexist language (which Aristotle did not use), and maintains contradictions which exist in the hand-written, medieval manuscripts (which provide our only access to Aristotle's work). Kennedy's translation also provides the most substantial commentary, and the most extensive notes, of any English version. In his introduction, we learn of the status of rhetoric before Aristotle's treatise (including the work of Socrates, Plato, and Gorgias), receive an account of his life (he tutored the young Macedonian who later became Alexander the Great), and, of course, find a detailed, chapter by chapter account of the text. Kennedy also includes a glossary of Greek rhetorical vocabulary, supplementary texts (by Gorgias, Cicero, and Aristotle himself), and essays on the Rhetoric's composition and on the history of the text after Aristotle.
Aristotle's pioneering study of rhetoric remains useful today, whether for composition studies, public speaking, or literary criticism. The proper use of rhetoric is an essential component of the democratic process, and this readable translation will make the art of persuasion available to new generations of citizens and scholars.
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About the Author
About the Translator:
George A. Kennedy is Paddison Professor of Classics and Chair of the Curriculum of Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He has written numerous books and articles on rhetoric and classics.
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On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civil Discourse
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Oxford University Press, 1991
ISBN 10: 0195064860
ISBN 13: 9780195064865
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On rhetoric. A theory of civic discourse.
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Paperback, New York/Oxford, Oxford University Press, c 1991. 8°. XVI, 335 Seiten Paperback, stellenw. dezente Bleist.-Anstr., im Übrigen in gutem Zustand. quit pencil markings in places, otherwise in good condition. Sprache: deu/ger stellenw. dezente Bleist.-Anstr., im Übrigen in gutem Zustand. Seller Inventory # 1885BB
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On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civil Discourse
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ISBN 10: 0195064860
ISBN 13: 9780195064865
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On Rhetoric: A Theory of Civic Discourse; newly translated, with introduction, notes, and appendixes by George A. Kennedy
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Oxford University Press, New York, 1991
ISBN 10: 0195064860
ISBN 13: 9780195064865
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Seller: BIBLIOPE by Calvello Books, Oakland, CA, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Octavo in xvi, 335 pages; 22 cm. In English; Translated from the Greek. "Based on careful study of the Greek text and informed by the best modern scholarship, it is the most faithful English version ever published of the book that first defined and organized the study of civic discourse along philosophical lines and still shapes the study of rhetoric and composition in modern times. Comprehensive introductory discussions, a detailed outline, extensive notes, and a glossary of Aristotle's rhetorical terms make the work readily accessible to modern students, while an appendix offers translations of relevant ancient texts and essays on the treatise, with an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses. -- Publishers description. Contents: Introduction -- A. Aristotle's Life and Works -- B. Rhetoric before Aristotle -- C. Aristotle's View of Rhetoric -- D.A Chapter by Chapter Outline of the Rhetoric -- E. Some Questions for Discussion -- Translation and notes -- Book 1 -- Book 2 -- Book 3 -- Appendix -- Part I: Supplementary Texts -- A. Gorgias's Encomium of Helen -- B. Art as an Intellectual Virtue, from Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics 6.4 -- C. An Introduction to Dialectic, from Aristotle, Topics 1.1-3 -- D. Cicero's Description of Aristotle's Synagoge Tekhnon -- E. Word Choice and Metaphor, from Aristotle, Poetics, Chapter 21 -- F. The Concept of the Enthymeme as Understood in the Modern Period -- Part II: Supplementary Essays -- A. The Composition -- B. The History of the Text after Aristotle -- C. The Strength and Weaknesses of Rhetoric -- Glossary of Aristotle's Rhetorical Terms -- Bibliography -- Index. Fine in fine faintly spine-sunned jacket; nearly as new. in fine dust-jacket. Seller Inventory # 92929