Creating the Ancient Rhetorical Tradition

This book explores the history of rhetorical thought and examines the association of different aspects of rhetorical theory with Lysias and Isocrates. It highlights the parallel development of the rhetorical tradition as a domain of style and persuasive speech and as a philosophical enterprise.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the rich tapestry of rhetorical thought, tracing the gradual intertwining of various facets of rhetorical theory with two remarkable fourth-century BCE writers: Lysias and Isocrates. It sheds light on the parallel evolution of the rhetorical tradition, which was initially perceived as a realm of stylistic eloquence and persuasive speech, closely linked to the figure of Lysias. Simultaneously, it emerged as a profound philosophical endeavor, demanding rigorous moral and political education in ancient times, exemplified by the work of Isocrates.

Two pivotal moments serve as focal points in this intellectual rivalry between the two rhetoricians. The first occurs in Athens during the fourth century BCE, vividly depicted in Plato's Phaedrus. Here, Lysias and Isocrates are pitted against each other as representatives of distinct modes of cultural discourse. The second pivotal moment takes place in Rome during the first century BCE, when Dionysius of Halicarnassus proposes to amalgamate the Lysianic and Isocratean rhetorics to form the foundation of the ancient rhetorical tradition.

Through meticulous research and analysis, this book explores the intricate connections between the rhetorical tradition, the evolution of philosophical ideas, and the political and social contexts of ancient Greece and Rome. It sheds new light on the complex interplay between rhetoric, persuasion, and the cultivation of ethical and intellectual values. By examining the works of Lysias and Isocrates, as well as their historical contexts, this title offers valuable insights into the development of rhetorical theory and its profound impact on the ancient world.

This book is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of rhetoric, ancient philosophy, and the history of cultural discourse. Its comprehensive coverage and scholarly approach make it a valuable contribution to the field. The title is available as Open Access on Cambridge Core, ensuring widespread access to this important work.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 139 x 231 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108812580
Edition number: New ed