Princeton (2016) h/b 263pp £12.95 (ISBN 9780691164335)
First the title, then the luminescent dust cover, and finally the titles of others in the series (How to Grow Old, and How to Run a Country)–are they self-help books? Or perhaps gentle satires on parts of the Ciceronian oeuvre? But not Princeton, surely, nor the redoubtable James M. May. And so it turned out to be: here we have a scholarly book on Ciceronian rhetoric, the features explained and then illustrated copiously, first in English, then in Latin. M. covers key topics such as the origins of eloquence, the tension between rhetoric and philosophy, invention, the value of good models, the role of preparation and the requirements of an ideal speaker. Within each of those broader headings there is clear and detailed, yet still brief, analysis. So, under ‘The Parts of Rhetoric, or the Activities of the Orator’, M. explains the judicial, deliberative and epideictic categories of argument. The orator then is responsible for clarifying the issues (invention), arranging the material, getting the style right, remembering it all, and finally delivering it. Again, under ‘The Sources of Proof’, M. differentiates non-artistic proof (just facts, like emails), and artistic proof (needing some creative work from the orator, such as ‘how could someone with such respect for women behave like this?’). Within these types of proof there is logos, the rational argument, ethos, creating sympathy for the speaker, and pathos, generating favourable emotions in the audience.
This systematic approach ensures comprehensive coverage in a sensible order. Do not, however, expect simplicity. One will not get that from any proper coverage of rhetoric, though here the thought is clearly expressed, and the translations are accurate and with a legalistic flavour. There is a problem, however, with articulation: it is easy to forget where one is in the hierarchy of headings, sub-headings and sub sub-headings, and the reviewer found himself flicking back regularly to check how far up the logic tree he had climbed. Do not be put off. With a little practice that slight sense of disorientation goes away. This is a highly recommended book for anyone teaching Cicero, those who would enjoy the excellent anthology of extracts, and anyone after an absolute bargain.
Back to the title. The book provides the means for preparing fine rhetoric: but does that mean that all future political campaigns will give rare pleasure and satisfaction? Elements of rhetoric have been taught in the English curriculum for some years now, but we do not seem to have gone much further than sound-bites: remember ‘hard working families’, and ‘project fear’? It is not even clear if that is down to the speakers or the audience. But the mind-set seems unlikely to change until we understand that most persuasion now is digital, and that that medium might require different approaches.
Adrian Spooner