The Motives of Eloquence

Book excerpt: 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'