Greek Rhetoric Before Aristotle

by Richard Leo Enos

Rhetoric did not originate at a single moment in history. Rather, it was an evolving, developing consciousness about the relationship between thought and expression. This sensitivity to thinking, speaking and eventually writing occurred in a variety of ways, at different times, and in various places in Greece. The composition of Homeric literature and the evolution of prose writing through logography were integral events in the development of rhetoric. Understanding how rhetoric evolved into a discipline requires recognition of the interactive relationship of oral and written composition. This outstanding book examines the important individuals (including Homer, Herodotus, Empedocles, Gorgias, and Antiphon), ideas and movements that shaped rhetoric in early Hellenic culture. Readers will discover new sources, new methods of analyzing, and a better grounding for understanding classical rhetoric.

159 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1993

About the author

Richard Leo Enos is an American rhetorician noted for his contributions to the history of rhetoric. Since the 1970s he has promoted primary research on rhetoric by examination of archaeological materials and epigraphical evidence.
He spent the latter part of his career in the Department of English at Texas Christian University, where he was Piper Professor and held the Lillian Radford Chair of Rhetoric and Composition; he retired in 2019.

Reviews

[Alicia Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.