The Art of Rhetoric

The Art of Rhetoric by Aristotle – The Classic Guide to Persuasion and Public Speaking

The Art of Rhetoric by Aristotle is one of the earliest and most influential guides to persuasion, written as democracy took shape in ancient Athens.

As public speaking became a route to power in assemblies, councils and law courts, politicians and ordinary citizens alike wanted to master the skill and understand the thinking behind it.

About This Book

This treatise set out methods and observations on informal reasoning and style, and its ideas still shape public speaking and philosophy today.

Written by the student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great, it remains a comprehensive introduction to rhetoric for philosophy students and a useful manual for anyone who wants to speak persuasively.

What You'll Discover

• The origins of rhetoric in democratic Athens
• Methods of informal reasoning and persuasion
• Observations on style and delivery
• Ideas that still influence public speaking and philosophy
• An introduction to Aristotle's wider system of thought

Perfect For

• Students of philosophy and classical studies
• Public speakers, debaters and writers
• Readers curious about ancient Greece
• Anyone who wants to communicate more persuasively

Why You'll Love This Book

The Art of Rhetoric is a foundation of Western thought on persuasion. If you want to understand how arguments win people over, Aristotle's classic is still the place to start.