Rhetoric

[LesMTS]

Can any of the fine minds here recommend a good reference book on rhetoric and rhetorical devices?
There're a few online guidebooks but I want something I can hold in my hands.

[triggerhappy]

Not exactly sure if this is what you're looking for, but I used this book for reference for a couple of essays and it's pretty comprehensive for the study of rhetoric. Pricey, but very likely to be in your university library.

If you're just looking for canonical examples of rhetoric with a bit of discussion/analysis, you could maybe have a look at The Norton Reader - Non-Fiction.

Having written all of that, it has just occurred to me that you're probably looking for something more to do with using rhetoric, rather than learning about past examples. Those books should be interesting background reading though. Sorry I can't help more - always been a reader rather than a writer.

[Joe Spinebuster]

Originally Posted by LesMTS

Can any of the fine minds here recommend a good reference book on rhetoric and rhetorical devices?

Is that a rhetorical question? Ah haw haw.

[djtoast]

I haven't read it, but I'd guess that Aristotle's book would be a good starting point!

[LesMTS]

Originally Posted by djtoast

I haven't read it, but I'd guess that Aristotle's book would be a good starting point!

I'm looking for something instantly accessible, something to dip in and out of. More of a reference book than a discussion. Something akin to a handbook or encyclopaedia.

Regarding Laura's points: I want to look at it from the perspectives of both reader and writer. I'm just interested in the mechanics of persuasive writing.
I may look out that textbook you mentioned.

[triggerhappy]

Originally Posted by LesMTS

I'm looking for something instantly accessible, something to dip in and out of. More of a reference book than a discussion. Something akin to a handbook or encyclopaedia.

Regarding Laura's points: I want to look at it from the perspectives of both reader and writer. I'm just interested in the mechanics of persuasive writing.
I may look out that textbook you mentioned.

I came across this while looking for the Sage textbook. Never encountered it, but it looks like it might be more up your street.