Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric

by Sonja K. Foss, Karen A. Foss, Robert Trapp

An outstanding review and analysis of major thinkers! Thorough in scope and highly accessible, this volume introduces readers to the thinkers who have exerted a profound influence on contemporary rhetorical theory. The brief biographical sketches locate the theorists in time and place, showing how life experiences influenced perspectives on rhetorical thought. The concise explanations of complex concepts are clear and provide readers with a solid foundation for reading the major works of these scholars. The critical commentary is carefully chosen to place the theories within a broader rhetorical context. Each chapter ends with a complete bibliography of works by the theorists. Previous editions have been praised as indispensable; the Third Edition is equally essential. Titles of related interest also available from Waveland Foss et al., Readings in Contemporary Rhetoric (ISBN 9781577662068); Hauser, Introduction to Rhetorical Theory, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577662211); and Smith, Rhetoric and Human A History, Third Edition (ISBN 9781577665878).

Genres: School, Nonfiction

392 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of many of the most important thinkers in rhetoric. The section on Kenneth Burke was particularly helpful.

[julianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

i dedicate this reading to my english prof. my brain has melted but at least i can flex that i've delved into the world of rhetorical theory.

[Oile · Rating 3 out of 5]

as far as the textbook's concern, an okay one with no doubt

[Lurino · Rating 4 out of 5]

the traditional perspective on rhetoric stopped where aristotle himself defined it: the art of eloquent public speaking. however, if we start to think about rhetoric as the art of creating message -the one schramm referred as 'encoding' the message, then this is where Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric comes to play.

over all, this is an interesting textbook for textbook lovers.

[Ashley Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great textbook for anyone wanting to learn about contemporary rhetorical theory.