A Reevaluation of Alcuin’sDisputatio de rhetorica et de virtutibusas Consular Persuasion: The Context of the Late Eighth Century Revisited
Shawn Ramsey
ABSTRACT Alcuin’s Rhetoric possesses a singular relationship to the history of rhetoric and its own unique historical period. The puzzlingly diverse evaluations Rhetoric’s purpose “importance” are often clouded by question subsequent influence. present argument is contextualizing information based on newly emerging data surrounding mid-790s, date composition, Augustinian an early example consular “advise prince” that forms, in itself, deliberative regarding very specific set exigencies relate legal policies toward unconverted subjects Carolingian empire. motivation for composition can be understood historically imminent adoption Saxon Code contradiction rhetorical counsel found Augustine’s De Catechizandis Rudibus.
Advances in the History of Rhetoric