Description

n this new companion the notion of rhetoric encompasses both theory and practice (what is also known as oratory), as incorporated in the speeches that have come down to us in a textual (even fragmentary) form. The new volume offers both a comprehensive synopsis of the current trends in, and a presentation of reinvigorated interdisciplinary and multi-thematic approaches to, the history, theory, themes, and topics of rhetoric, as used in a wide range of texts and cultural contexts in the broad period from the 7th century BC to the 1st century AD.

The companion is split into two volumes, each consisting of two major parts. The first volume comprises, specifically, Part I, "The History and Theory of Rhetoric", and Part II, "Rhetoric in Literature". Chapters in both sections of the first volume are meant to give a general overview of the themes and topics that are under investigation and suggest new research trends. The second volume consists of Part III, "Interdisciplinary Perspectives of Rhetoric", and Part IV, "Themes and Topics of Rhetoric". Chapters in both parts of this volume, in contrast with those in the first volume, elaborate on specific features of themes and topics chosen by the authors.