Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric

by Sonja K. Foss

This book features the perspectives of eight contemporary rhetorical thinkers. These eight writers (see Table of Contents) have made and are making exciting contributions to the study of rhetoric, clearly moving rhetorical scholarship in new directions. Contemporary Perspectives on Rhetoric, 2/E offers thorough, well organized and clearly written summaries of their lives, works, ideas, and contributions. The final chapter offers general questions for exploring the rhetorical process and summarizes directions in the study of rhetoric. This book also provides summaries of each of the eight scholars' ideas about rhetoric rather than excerpts from their works (this overview should make tackling the various writings in their original form easier). It offers a holistic view of the lives and works of each of the theorists through biographical information, thereby providing a more complete understanding of their contributions to rhetoric. The book examines the work of each scholar without forcing categories or groupings around themes or areas of emphasis. There is also an impressive 90-page bibliography that lists works by and about the eight individuals.

Genres: School, Nonfiction

444 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.