The Foundations of Rhetoric provides students of rhetoric with an introduction to the major figures in classical Greek and Roman rhetoric and gives them access to a variety of original writings. By providing introductions to both periods and authors, the text offers an overview that allows readers to understand the social, cultural, and intellectual factors that influenced the development and growth of rhetoric during the classical period.
The text covers rhetoric from the Sophists through St. Augustine, providing an in-depth introduction to the period, as well as introductions to each author and each selection. Examples of rhetoric are interspersed between captivating and thought-provoking explanations and analyses that give new context and meaning to these ancient texts.
Each reading selection is followed by study questions to enable students to develop multiple perspectives on the material, stimulate critical thinking, and provide starting points for dialogue. In addition, each selection is followed by suggested writing topics and a short list of suggested additional readings.