W.E. Higgins Books

Originally published as La Rhétorique dans l'Antiquité (2000), this new English edition serves as a valuable introduction to the classical art of rhetoric and its significance in ancient society and politics. Rhetoric was integral to education and culture, providing essential insights into contemporary issues in literary theory, philosophy, aesthetics, communication, and political or legal discourse. It encompasses a rich body of knowledge about reasoning and language, with a vocabulary still relevant today, bridging gaps between disciplines and eras. Authored by leading scholar Laurent Pernot, the book thoroughly explores ancient rhetoric from the Greco-Roman period, covering key figures and themes from Homer and classical Athens to the Hellenistic World, Roman Republic, and Empire, up to Christianity's emergence. It includes a thesaurus of technical terms, many still in use today. Pernot, a Professor of Greek Language and Literature at the University of Strasbourg and President of the International Society for the History of Rhetoric, has received high praise for his clear, authoritative account that balances terminology and practice. His nuanced treatment of ancient rhetoric enriches understanding and offers fresh interpretations based on current scholarship, making this work an exemplary introduction to the field.