Readings from Classical Rhetoric

by Patricia P. Matsen, Philip Rollinson, Marion Sousa

Here, for the first time in one volume, are all the extant writings focusing on rhetoric that were composed before the fall of Rome. This unique anthology of primary texts in classical rhetoric contains the work of 24 ancient writers from Homer through St. Augustine, including Herodotus, Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Quintilian, Tacitus, and Longinus. Along with many widely recognized translations, special features include the first English translations of works by Theon and Nicolaus, as well as new translations of two works by important sophists, Gorgias’ encomium on Helen and Alcidamas’ essay on composition. The writers are grouped chronologically into historical periods, allowing the reader to understand the scope and significance of rhetoric in antiquity. Introductions are included to each period, as well as to each writer, with writers’ biographies, major works, and salient features of excerpts.

394 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 1990

Reviews

[Tasha Mandell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the translation more than some of the others I was given in class, and was able to follow pretty easily, but the page layout drove me INSANE.