Empire of Eloquence: The Classical Rhetorical Tradition in Colonial Latin America and the Iberian World

The global reach of the Spanish and Portuguese empires led to a flourishing of the classical rhetorical tradition in various parts of the early modern world, particularly in the Iberian world. This tradition contributed to the ideological coherence and equilibrium of the region, providing important occasions for persuasion, legitimacy, and confrontation. Stuart M. McManus' book, Empire of Eloquence, explores this tradition through archival collections in thirteen countries and its influence on public speaking in non-European languages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The expansive influence of the Spanish and Portuguese empires sparked a remarkable resurgence of the classical rhetorical tradition across diverse regions of the early modern world. In his groundbreaking work, "Empire of Eloquence," Stuart M. McManus explores this tradition as a vital component of a broader European renaissance that extended across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. With a particular emphasis on the Iberian world, the book delves into the span of sixteenth to early nineteenth centuries, contending that the classical rhetorical tradition played a crucial role in fostering ideological consistency and equilibrium within this early modern Iberian realm. It provided valuable platforms for persuasion, legitimacy, and potential confrontations. By drawing upon extensive archival collections from thirteen countries, McManus contextualizes these developments within the framework of civic, religious, and institutional rituals attended by a diverse multiethnic population, including those in the Iberian world and beyond. Furthermore, he demonstrates how these traditions influenced public speaking in non-European languages such as Konkani and Chinese. "Empire of Eloquence" is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of rhetoric, history, and cultural exchange, shedding light on the intricate interplay between empire-building, cultural heritage, and the power of persuasion in shaping the early modern world.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 150 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108821735