Persuasion: Greek Rhetoric in Action

Persuasionmakes a significant contribution to the current renaissance of interest in Greek rhetoric and oratory. The current re-evaluation of Greek rhetoricians and their theories links these subjects to studies of the intellectual climate in ancient Greece. Also noted is the way in which a study of ancient rhetorical theory provides a starting point for modern discourse analysis. Other modern studies of Greek rhetoric and theory note its connection to issues in political science and dynamics, sociology and anthropology. Also noted is the way in which ancient rhetorical theory served as the starting point for modern discourse analysis. Persuasionprovides the most recent and wide-ranging treatment of Greek oratory at any level. Each chapter is written by a leading scholar in the field and each deals with rhetoric's influence on a particular historical aspect or literary genre of ancient Greece. In their analysis of rhetoric, the contributors take advantageof the most recent trends and ideas in the field of discourse analysis. The range of related topics is wide-ranging, including law, politics, history, philosophy, rhetorical criticism, epic, tragedy, comedy and literacy. Contributors include Victor Bers, Yale University; David Cohen, University of California, Berkeley; Michael Gagarin, University of Texas, Austin; Phillip Harding, University of British Columbia; Edward M. Harris, Brooklyn College, CUNY; Josiah Ober, Princeton University; Carol G. Thomas; and Edward Kent Webb, University of Washington.