Political Rhetoric in Theory and Practice
A Reader

Combines classic statements of the theory of political rhetoric with a rich array of actual political speeches ancient and modern.

Robert C. Bartlett (Edited by), Nasser Behnegar (Edited by)

9781009367387, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 November 2023

376 pages
22.7 x 15.1 x 2 cm, 0.55 kg

'Addressing today's decline in speech-making, this excellent anthology of political rhetoric offers analysis and examples. Analysis from classical foundations and all the examples one would expect, plus a few surprises, and featuring noble figures and nasty dictators. An obvious yet innovative benefit for students of politics.' Harvey Mansfield, Research Professor of Government, Harvard University

Political Rhetoric in Theory and Practice is an introduction to the art of rhetoric or persuasive speaking. A collection of primary sources, it combines classic statements of the theory of political rhetoric (Aristotle, Isocrates, Demosthenes, Cicero) with a rich array of political speeches, from Socrates to Martin Luther King Jr., Pericles to Richard Nixon, Sojourner Truth to Phyllis Schlafly. These speeches exemplify not only the three principal kinds of rhetoric – judicial, deliberative, and epideictic – but also the principal rhetorical proofs. Grouped thematically, the speeches boast a diversity of speakers, subject matters, and themes. At a time when the practice of democracy and democratic deliberation are much in question, this book seeks to encourage the serious study of rhetoric by making available important examples of it, in both its noblest and its most scurrilous forms.

Part One: What is Rhetoric?
I. Classical foundations
II. The three kinds of rhetoric according to Aristotle
III. The modes of persuasion: ethos, pathos, logos
IV. Rhetoric and diction
Part Two: Political Rhetoric in Practice
I. Civil rights and race in the United States
II. The women's movement
III. Rhetoric in times of crisis and doubt
IV. War and conflict
V. Tyrannies left and right.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP]