Introduces readers to the ancient rhetorical tradition by investigating key questions about the origins, nature and importance of rhetoric. This book explores the role of the orator, especially the two greatest figures of the tradition, Demosthenes and Cicero. It also investigates the place of rhetoric at the center of ancient education.
Writing, Identity, and Empire in Ancient Rome
Exploring the intersection of Latin literature and ancient Roman politics, this book challenges the notion that classical works were solely aesthetic creations. Thomas Habinek argues that literature served as a cultural practice deeply intertwined with the political and social conflicts of its time, revealing how literary expression influenced and reflected the dynamics of Roman society. This groundbreaking analysis offers a new perspective on the role of literature in shaping cultural and political discourse in ancient Rome.