Rhetorical Renaissance: The Mistress Art and Her Masterworks

Kathy Eden explores the unexplored classical rhetorical theory at the heart of iconic Renaissance literary works, connecting the architecture of classical rhetorical manuals to major Renaissance works. She concludes that these rhetorical practices worked together to form a literary masterwork, with implications for how we read these texts today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Kathy Eden delves into the untapped realm of classical rhetorical theory, unraveling its profound influence on iconic Renaissance literary masterpieces. In her comprehensive exploration, Eden examines the resurgence of rhetoric, sparked by the rediscovery of complete manuscripts of ancient texts on rhetoric by renowned philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Quintilian, and Tacitus. These previously unavailable texts, dating back to the early fifteenth century, exerted a significant impact on early modern European literary production. However, the profound influence of these key principles and practices on the most widely taught early modern literary texts remains largely unexplored, offering a rich field for exploration.

Eden's book is structured into four chapters, each dedicated to exploring specific rhetorical practices: status, refutation, similitude, and style. By meticulously connecting the architectural frameworks of these classical rhetorical manuals to the structures of renowned Renaissance works like Petrarch's Secret, Castiglione's Book of the Courtier, Erasmus' Antibarbarians, and Montaigne's Essays, Eden reveals the intricate interplay between these practices and the creation of literary masterpieces. Through her insightful analysis, Eden demonstrates how these rhetorical strategies worked harmoniously to form a cohesive and enduring literary work, with profound implications for our contemporary understanding and appreciation of these texts.

This groundbreaking work not only sheds light on the classical rhetorical tradition but also expands our understanding of the complex interplay between literary theory, practice, and historical context. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, offering a fresh perspective on Renaissance literature and its enduring legacy.

Dimension: 216 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226821269