The Motives of Eloquence: Literary Rhetoric in the Renaissance

We have in 'The Motives of Eloquence a significant contribution to theory, criticism, and history that graces us with the eloquence of its own motives....For comparatists of all interests and persuasions. - William J. Kennedy, 'Comparative Literature' This is a stunning book....The central thesis of 'The Motives of Eloquence' is subtle, complicated, imaginative, and bold. - Anne Barton, 'Shakespeare Quarterly In this brilliant tour de force Lanham speaks with sound and fury -- signifying everything. Though exacting and difficult, the book is well worth the effort it demands, and it succeeds admirably in providing a viable and provocative approach to reinterpreting Western literature. - William C. Johnson, 'Sixteenth Century Journal' The book offers bold and often controversial insights. Its readers will find themselves bringing significantly altered premises to much of their subsequent reading in the field. - Newsletter of the National Endowment for the Humanities A celebration of rhetoric and a challenge to all who consign consideration of style to the periphery of attention....Lanham's book represents a good place to begin, both for the student of literature and for the student of religion who wishes to review Western history in the light of its rhetorical motifs. - Thomas E. Helm, 'Journal of Religion'

Author: Richard A. Lanham
Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers
Published: 03/15/2004
Pages: 250
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.68lbs
Size: 8.64h x 5.60w x 0.55d
ISBN13: 9781592445790
ISBN10: 1592445799
BISAC Categories:
- Literary Criticism | Renaissance
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Rhetoric
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics | General

About the Author
Richard A. Lanham was educated at the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., and at Yale University, from which he holds the A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. He taught at Dartmouth, and from 1965 to 1994 in the English Department at UCLA, where he is now Professor Emeritus. His latest book, 'The Electronic Word: Democracy, Technology, and the Arts', was published, in both printed and electronic form, by the University of Chicago Press in 1993.
Prof. Lanham is the President of Rhetorica, Inc., a Los Angeles consulting company.