Feminist Rhetorical Theories

Feminist Rhetorical Theories represents a wonderful matrix that intertwines complexity and sophistication of ideas on one hand and a clear presentation of those ideas on the other. The overall structure of this book allows the reader an ease of comprehensive access to the complexities of feminist theory that might otherwise remain vague from another author's perspective and style. Because of its structure, the book explains and clearly presents broadly developed theories in an organized and easy-to-follow format. The particular beauty and, in my opinion, value of this textbook is that it maintains a high level of its comprehensive nature and sophisticated reasoning simultaneously with its lucidity. To the reader, this book offers an informative look and original insights into the possibilities for transformation of the hetero-normative, patriarchal and hegemonic world. Furthermore, it does so by illuminating strategies for the application of those possibilities into an individual experience. This book prepared me successfully for my doctoral program. It helped me to realize potential, capacity and possibilities for utilizing a feminist theory within the interdisciplinary context. Aside from its organizational pattern and accessibility, Feminist Rhetorical Theories covers, for each of the theorists, a section regarding challenges to traditional rhetorical theory. For one to understand feminist theory as an alternative to the traditional theory, one must be familiar with what traditional rhetorical theory is. The authors clearly present these tenets. This results in a clear understanding of what rhetorical theory is (as a point of reference) as well as alternative modes of being in the world.

At the risk of hyperbole, Feminist Rhetorical Theories changed my life. When I encountered it as a graduate student, it was a perfect introduction to feminist theory--something to which I was never exposed until this book. In addition to my own personal feminist transformation, other reasons constitute the basis of the book's appeal, most notably its accessibility and interdisciplinary agility. The text follows a logical simplicity that presents the collected theorists' ideas clearly, without detracting from their sophistication. In keeping with the authors' commitment to theory that seeks to disrupt practices of domination and eilitism, they chose to feature theorists who not only provide insightful ideas but also present them in ways that are accessible, even to those without much background in feminism or rhetoric. Because of this accessibility, Feminist Rhetorical Theories has great import as well for people in disciplines other than communication/rhetoric. The authors' themselves write, "We want to encourage others to engage in transformational work and do not want individuals to be confined by our ideas. We realize that our readers have different levels of knowledge about rhetorical theory, and we attempt to address this situation by presenting sufficient detail to enable all readers to understand" (p. 12). The book's cross-discipline applicability makes it a relevant addition to any humanities curricula. I have subsequently integrated regularly the text in my own teaching, and my students have responded overwhelmingly favorably to Feminist Rhetorical Theories' accessibility and interdisciplinary utility.

Feminist Rhetorical Theories is an essential text for students/scholars/instructors engaging in critical communication or interested in alternative conceptualizations of rhetorical theory. Each theorist is presented through an examination of both personal experience and academic contribution which offers readers a chance to truly engage feminist theory from an individual as well as rhetorical perspective. The authors' thoughtful treatment of each theory and theorist results in a text that is informative, instructional and eye opening. Although some readers may find individual theorists' thoughts to be so, Feminist Rhetorical Theories is never forceful, the authors refrain from making value judgments and encourage readers to formulate their own view of rhetoric/communication using all available resources. Where this text stands out, in addition to its superbly written and extremely accessibly style, is in its illumination of how theorists' work challenges traditional rhetorical theory. This juxtaposition is a fantastic source of insight for students and scholars alike as one can begin to understand how alternative models of rhetorical theory challenge the traditional landscape and offer a rich sight for dialogue and transformation. This text, throughout my career, remains one of my most cherished and valuable resources as well as one of my most referenced texts. It is masterfully written and superbly structured. What's more is that this text remains to be one of those powerful books that offers more than just the information on the page--it challenges deeply held beliefs and challenges the reader to think about communication and the role it plays in our daily lives differently. This transformational potential makes this special text a must have for anyone engaged in critical communication studies as well as anyone else who wishes to see the world differently, to challenge that world to make a difference or, to simply understand the utterly pervasive and powerful role communication plays in creating and maintaining social inequities. A fantastic text, highly recommended!!!

The Best Text of its Kind By Daniel D. Gross (Montana State University-Billings) Feminism as an academic and social force is often stereotyped as a radical position that raises "beware mechanisms" in many minds, even today. That's why the Foss book is so important. It reveals a breadth to the feminist perspective that few know of. In addition, the text highlights scholars, their research, and creative thoughts in a style that holds the attention of those who are only casually interested. I know this for a fact because I hear my students say things like: "The book is so clear and well organized." "Now I understand what they are saying and want, actually it's what I want for the world." "Some of them make me angry, but at least I know where they're coming from. Before reading Foss I just didn't understand them. Oh, I've heard of some of them, read some of them before, but now it's clear." This book is the best of its kind. I have read others, but this one is a must for the student learner.

This was an amazing book! The authors do a wonderful job of formatting a book for the beginning learner to understand! I highly recommend it!