In Institutio Oratoria, Quintilian provides a comprehensive guide on the education and training of an orator. Drawing on his own experience as a teacher of rhetoric, he presents a systematic approach to developing the skills necessary for effective public speaking.
Quintilian covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of studying grammar and literature to the techniques of persuasion and delivery. He emphasizes the need for orators to be well-rounded individuals, with a strong foundation in both knowledge and character.
One of the key strengths of this book is Quintilian's practical advice, which is grounded in his own observations and experiences. He offers valuable insights into the art of rhetoric, with clear and actionable recommendations for aspiring orators.
Overall, Institutio Oratoria is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art of persuasion and public speaking. Quintilian's timeless wisdom and practical guidance make this a must-read for students of rhetoric and communication.
Book Description:
Marcus Fabius Quintilianus was of Spanish origin, being born about 35 A.D. at Calagurris. At Rome he met with great success as a teacher and was the first rhetorician to set up a genuine public school and to receive a salary from the State. He left behind him a treatise "On the causes of the decadence of Roman oratory" (De causis corruptae eloquentiae), some speeches and his magnum opus, the only one to survive to our days. His Institutio Oratoria, despite the fact that much of it is highly technical, has still much that is of interest today, even for those who care little for the history of rhetoric.