The new edition of this highly acclaimed book, like the previous editions, surveys major approaches to rhetorical criticism through significant essays that explain and illustrate them. In this edition, several significant new essays from the literature and an updated organization reflect current issues, scholarship, critical practices, and classroom needs.
From H. A. Wichelns’s groundbreaking “The Literary Criticism of Oratory” to very recent essays on visual argument, gender issues, and contemporary political discourse, the essays in this volume reflect the historical development, diversity, and current practice of rhetorical criticism.
Collectively, the forty classic and contemporary essays in this book are among the most important and widely cited in the literature.
"My primary consideration in selecting readings is to provide students with both a foundation in rhetorical theory and critical method and at least some exposure to contemporary trends in both theory and criticism. . . . Readings in Rhetorical Criticism does that by including both ‘classic’ pieces from the history of the discipline and recent innovative pieces." Thomas R. Burkholder, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
"[The book] has served my purposes very well. . . . I appreciate Burgchardt’s balance of classic, foundational essays and contemporary developments." James Darsey, Georgia State University
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM PROFESSORS
"I am really grateful for Readings in Rhetorical Criticism! Professor Burgchardt provides a very important service to professors and students in the field by putting together the actual critical studies. . . . [He] has chosen excellent studies and placed them well in the chapters he has chosen." Ann Pym, California State University, Hayward
"I prefer students to learn criticism through reading exemplary studies, and this anthology has them." Rebecca Townsend, University of Massachusetts
"I feel confident that students are being exposed to excellent examples of different schools and movements in rhetorical criticism. . . . I’m pleased and plan to continue to use the book." John Pauley, Saint Mary’s College
"[The major strength is] coverage of the ‘oldies but goodies’ with a few newer studies that attest to some of the new vitality in this area of the field." Carol Jablonski, University of South Florida
"I find it the best source/reader for understanding the history of the discipline. . . . All the pillars of the discipline are included. An excellent mapping out of our history." Camille K. Lewis, Bob Jones University
"Seminal articles all in one place—good coherent view of social criticism." Barbara O’Connor, California State University, Sacramento
"Good collection of traditional readings." Dale A. Bertelsen, Bloomsburg University
"Various modes of rhetorical criticism represented. Diverse approach—covers speech, film, even architecture." Joseph M. Wilferth, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
"I like the complete essays representing various approaches." Lester C. Olson, University of Pittsburgh
"Coverage very good." Martin Medhurst, Baylor University
"Best collection I know of." Thomas Roach, Purdue University Calumet
"The book makes available some of the central literature on rhetorical criticism . . . . It also outlines most of the categories of thought on critical methodology." Janis L. Edwards, University of Alabama
"This book offers a solidly grounded introduction to the history and practice of rhetorical criticism by providing exemplary instances of criticism from a wide variety of approaches." Susan Zaeske, University of Wisconsin–Madison
"I would like to express my appreciation for this volume, which has been an invaluable resource for established and fledgling rhetorical critics alike . . . . The collection overall is masterfully edited." Charles E. Morris, Vanderbilt University
"It is the best and most comprehensive collection of the major essays in rhetorical criticism currently available." Angela G. Ray, Northwestern University
