Edward P. J. Corbett (1919–1998)

This standard classic text for the study of rhetoric continues to prove its worth for writing teachers. If interested in a variety of texts, any writing students can glean valuable examples of schemes and tropes to include in their arsenal of word craft. Corbett relies upon ancient, medieval, and a few modern excerpts to illustrate the many approaches for literary effect. Earlier additions still have benefit despite the under-representation of female authors and outmoded research tools. Personally I enjoyed reading how Erasmus taught his pupils how to restate the same idea thirty times to exhibit the possibilities of communication for a single thought. Analysis of famous 20th century political speeches can be found in addition to ancient Greek and Roman sources. It is a great reference to keep instead of returning it hastily to a book seller after completing the college course.… (mehr)