The Art of Rhetoric (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Aristotle (Author), Hugh Lawson-Tancred (Editor, Translator, Introduction)

Book Description

Release date: March 3, 1992 | Series: Penguin Classics

With the emergence of democracy in the city-state of Athens in the years around 460 BC, public speaking became an essential skill for politicians in the Assemblies and Councils and even for ordinary citizens in the courts of law. In response, the technique of rhetoric rapidly developed, bringing virtuoso performances and a host of practical manuals for the layman. While many of these were little more than collections of debaters' tricks, the Art of Rhetoric held a far deeper purpose. Here Aristotle (384 322 BC) establishes the methods of informal reasoning, provides the first aesthetic evaluation of prose style and offers detailed observations on character and the emotions. Hugely influential upon later Western culture, the Art of Rhetoric is a fascinating consideration of the force of persuasion and sophistry, and a compelling guide to the principles behind oratorical skill.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aristotle was born at Stageira, in the dominion of the kings of Macedonia, in 384 BC. For twenty years he studied at Athens in the Academy of Plato, on whose death in 347 he left, and, some time later, became tutor of the young Alexander the Great. When Alexander succeeded to the throne of Macedonia in 335, Aristotle returned to Athens and established his school and research institute, the Lyceum, to which his great erudition attracted a large number of scholars. After Alexander's death in 323, anti-Macedonian feeling drove Aristotle out of Athens, and he fled to Chalcis in Euboea, where he died in 322. His writings, which were of extraordinary range, profoundly affected the whole course of ancient and medieval philosophy, and they are still eagerly studied and debated by philosophers today. Very many of them have survived and among the most famous are the Ethics and the Politics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (March 3, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140445102
• ISBN-13: 978-0140445107
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.5 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Law > Law Practice > Research
  • #51 in Books > Education & Reference > Words, Language & Grammar > Public Speaking
  • #57 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Philosophy > Greek & Roman

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to Rhetoric for beginners October 21, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

As an old philospohy student trying to break back into the topics I found this to be a nice intro to the philospohical study of Rhetoric.

The authors notes and chapter summaries are very helpful, making me look for other works he has translated. Also has large book intro which briefly outlines the formation of Rhetoric in Attic times, noting several other Greek orators and their works for additional reading.

37 of 47 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Very weak translation of a very important book October 22, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Both the introduction and the translation by Hugh Lawson-Tancred are very much below the standard one expects from Penguin. Most importantly, the English of the translation is frequently incomprehensible. I advise everyone who wants to study this masterpiece of a book to use another edition, e.g. that of George Kennedy, published by Oxford in 1991, or the Loeb edition. That is, if you want to understand why so many people in so many ages found this book brilliant!

41 of 53 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Headwaters of the River of Persuasion December 27, 2001

By George R Dekle VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

As a trial lawyer and a pragmatist, I've long dismissed philosophy as the useless art of contemplating one's navel. That assessment began to change recently when I audited a continuing legal education seminar in which the speaker analyzed trial advocacy on the model of Aristotle's "Rhetoric." His speech was brief and his analysis superficial, but he'd aroused my curiosity. I got this book and read it.

The general principles Aristotle formulated for forensic rhetoric over 2,000 years ago still hold true in the 21st century courtroom. Some of the specifics have changed (e.g. no torture for slave witnesses), but human nature hasn't, and human persuasion hasn't, either. Aristotle's "Rhetoric" should be required reading for all first year law students. I regret not reading it 30 years ago. Apparently philosphers do more than just stare at their navels.