A Companion to Rhetoric offers the first major survey in two decades of the field of rhetorical studies and of the practice of rhetorical theory and criticism across a range of disciplines. Assesses rhetoric’s place in the larger intellectual universe. Focuses on the practical side of rhetoric, looking at specific works, problems and figures. Provides examples of rhetoric from ancient times to the present day. Written by leading scholars from a variety of different fields.

Winner, Speech Communication Association Award for Distinguished Scholarship This is a book that, almost singlehandedly, freed scholars from the narrow constraints of a single critical paradigm and created a new era in the study of public discourse. Its original publication in 1965 created a spirited controversy. Here Edwin Black examines the assumptions and principles underlying neo-Aristotelian theory and suggests an alternative approach to criticism, centering around the concept of the "rhetorical transaction." This new edition, containing Black's new introduction, will enable students and scholars to secure a copy of one of the most influential books ever written in the field.

A comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the analysis of public rhetoric, Modern Rhetorical Criticism teaches readers how to examine and interpret rhetorical situations, ideas, arguments, structure, and style. The text covers a wide range of critical techniques, from cultural and dramatistic analysis to feminist and Marxist approaches. A wealth of original criticism demonstrates how to analyze such diverse forms as junk mail, congressional debates, and traffic regulations, as well as literature. This long-awaited revision contains new coverage of mass media, feminist criticism, and European criticism.

Covering a broader range of rhetorical perspectives, "The Art of Rhetorical Criticism" presents a thorough, accessible introduction to rhetorical criticism. Throughout the text, sample essays written by experts in the field provide students with models for writing their own criticism. In addition to covering traditional modes of rhetorical criticism, "The Art of Rhetorical Criticism" presents less commonly-discussed rhetorical perspectives (for example, mythic criticism, framing analysis, and ideographical criticism), exposing students to a broad range of material. Features Each chapter and sample essay is written by a nationally-recognized scholar in that field, ensuring that students are offered the best and most current research for each perspective. Each author comments on his or her writing process to demonstrate the very personal nature of criticism. With this unique emphasis, students will begin to appreciate that writing criticism is an artistic process and not a simple formula. The "Potentials and Pitfalls" feature in each chapter highlights the strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons, of the rhetorical perspective being discussed. Each chapter includes a short, accessible sample essay, written specifically with the student audience in mind, offering students a model of rhetorical criticism for their own assignments.

A comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the analysis of public rhetoric, Modern Rhetorical Criticism teaches readers how to examine and interpret rhetorical situations, ideas, arguments, structure, and style. The text covers a wide range of critical techniques, from cultural and dramatistic analysis to feminist and Marxist approaches. A wealth of original criticism demonstrates how to analyze such diverse forms as junk mail, campaign speeches, and popular entertainment, as well as literature. This long-awaited revision offers specific guidance on crafting analytic essays, and contains new coverage of legacy as well as new media, identity criticism, and post-colonial and decolonial criticism. The fourth edition also offers additional resources online for instructors and students.