The Oxford Handbook Of Rhetorical Studies May 2026

, edited by Michael J. MacDonald , is a comprehensive one-volume introduction to the history, theory, and practice of rhetoric across various disciplines. Featuring 60 commissioned chapters by leading global experts, the handbook explores rhetoric's evolution from ancient Greece to the digital age. Core Themes and Focus

To assist both new and advanced scholars, the Oxford University Press edition includes several navigational tools: Introduction | The Oxford Handbook of Rhetorical Studies

Foundational periods focusing on oratory, law, and politics.

The development of rhetoric within the trivium and its role in humanism.

The volume moves beyond viewing rhetoric merely as "style," instead presenting it as a pragmatic, inventive, and critical art. It is organized into six major historical sections:

The longest section, covering digital media, feminism, critical race theory, and emerging fields. Key Features for Readers

Shifting perspectives on psychological and psychological-rhetorical theory.