Introduction to Rhetorical Theory

Hauser (professor of communication, University of Colorado) provides a coherent overview of rhetoric that incorporates aspects of Aristotle, Kenneth Burke, Stephen Toulmin, Chaim Perelman, and Jurgen Habermas. Unlike other rhetorical theory textbooks, which are usually organized chronologically, Hauser's book is organized topically and focuses on contemporary understandings of rhetoric. This approach is more likely to be useful--and interesting--to beginning students of rhetoric. The book is not without its shortcomings. The title is somewhat of a misnomer ("Introduction to Rhetorical Reasoning" or "Introduction to Rhetorical Argumentation" would be a more accurate description). And while Hauser's writing style is mostly clear, he often omits concrete examples that would help to illuminate theoretical points in further detail. Despite the book's limitations, I recommend it for use in undergraduate rhetorical analysis or argumentation classes. At $25 new, it retails for just a fraction of what other similar textbooks cost.