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The Arts of Liberty Project
The Art of Persuasion: Aristotle's Rhetoric for Everybody
The liberal arts of language—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—remain fundamental to a liberal education. Even so, although there are innumerable good introductions to the first two arts, there are fewer ones to rhetoric. Scott Crider remedies this in The Art of Persuasion: Aristotle’s Rhetoric for Everybody by offering a simple, clear introduction to the art of rhetoric. He uses Aristotle’s Rhetoric to explain the nature and the parts of the art to the student and general reader who may not yet be ready to read Aristotle’s treatise itself.
After defining and explaining what the art is—and why, counterintuitively, rhetoric is a good thing—the book examines the five subarts of rhetoric: invention, organization, style, memory, and delivery.
Throughout the work, Crider draws on ancient rhetorical masterpieces—especially Plato,s Apology and Thucydides’ Peloponnesian Wars—to illustrate the rhetorical principles explained, then asks the reader to apply those principles to Abraham Lincoln’s exemplary “Letter to Mrs. Bixby.” Crider concludes with a reflection on the central place of the art of rhetoric in the trivium, and in liberal education more broadly understood. Three appendices—two study guides and a bibliography—make the book an ideal resource for anyone interested in learning the art of persuasion. The Art of Persuasion: Aristotle’s Rhetoric for Everybody is characterized by an unassuming, admirable pedagogy.
After defining and explaining what the art is—and why, counterintuitively, rhetoric is a good thing—the book examines the five subarts of rhetoric: invention, organization, style, memory, and delivery.
Throughout the work, Crider draws on ancient rhetorical masterpieces—especially Plato,s Apology and Thucydides’ Peloponnesian Wars—to illustrate the rhetorical principles explained, then asks the reader to apply those principles to Abraham Lincoln’s exemplary “Letter to Mrs. Bixby.” Crider concludes with a reflection on the central place of the art of rhetoric in the trivium, and in liberal education more broadly understood. Three appendices—two study guides and a bibliography—make the book an ideal resource for anyone interested in learning the art of persuasion. The Art of Persuasion: Aristotle’s Rhetoric for Everybody is characterized by an unassuming, admirable pedagogy.
161 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
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272 people want to read
About the author
Scott F. Crider
9 books9 followersScott Crider is the Associate Dean of Constantin College and Professor of English at the University of Dallas.
He earned a B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Sacramento, and a Ph.D. from University of California, Riverside.
His research interests include Shakespeare, Rhetoric and Composition, and the Rhetorical Tradition, Ancient and Modern.
He earned a B.A. and M.A. from California State University, Sacramento, and a Ph.D. from University of California, Riverside.
His research interests include Shakespeare, Rhetoric and Composition, and the Rhetorical Tradition, Ancient and Modern.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 26, 2020
A clear and concise exposition of Aristotle's Rhetoric, which is what many of Aristotle's works require.
February 4, 2025
A succinct and modern summary of Aristotle's Rhetoric. The author does a great job at retaining the essential elements, whilst stripping back some of the secondary features.
The book helps you internalize the key concepts. The study guide and exercises based around Lincoln's letter were particularly helpful. In addition, Crider adds his own two short chapters on memory and delivery - he notes that while Aristotle declined to go into these in detail, they are important aspects of any rhetorical speech.
One concept that was slightly confusing was the idea of "topics". I decided to take these as simple guidelines for creating arguments. Aristotle's constant defining, enumerating, and dividing of the subject matter creates a strong gravitational pull towards formalism. It is easy to see how the medieval scholastics stripped all the dynamic and living elements from his philosophy.
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand the basics of rhetoric. As the author notes, this foundation helps with the study and teaching of many other subjects, or it can become an area of study in it's own regard. I would feel confident reading Aristotle's text itself after this - in fact Crider includes a study guide in the appendix for just that purpose.
Whichever direction you take, this book is a useful jumping off point for diving into this rich subject. Enjoy the swim!
The book helps you internalize the key concepts. The study guide and exercises based around Lincoln's letter were particularly helpful. In addition, Crider adds his own two short chapters on memory and delivery - he notes that while Aristotle declined to go into these in detail, they are important aspects of any rhetorical speech.
One concept that was slightly confusing was the idea of "topics". I decided to take these as simple guidelines for creating arguments. Aristotle's constant defining, enumerating, and dividing of the subject matter creates a strong gravitational pull towards formalism. It is easy to see how the medieval scholastics stripped all the dynamic and living elements from his philosophy.
I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand the basics of rhetoric. As the author notes, this foundation helps with the study and teaching of many other subjects, or it can become an area of study in it's own regard. I would feel confident reading Aristotle's text itself after this - in fact Crider includes a study guide in the appendix for just that purpose.
Whichever direction you take, this book is a useful jumping off point for diving into this rich subject. Enjoy the swim!
November 4, 2022
Based speech 100
December 9, 2024
Great introduction. I may now consider myself a novice in Aristotelian rhetoric.
March 29, 2025
Great introduction to Aristotle’s rhetoric. Gave me a great understanding of Aristotle’s landmark work and got me ready to read it! Short effective read, and I appreciate the study / reflection questions for each chapter. Recommend for anyone getting into reading the classics.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews