Books: Seekers and persuaders in a brave new world

Rhetoricians have historically been compelled to consider the pragmatic role of intentional obsurity in human communication. This essay examines the highly cohesive directions for obscurantist style in the works of three Hellenistic critics: Demetrius Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Longinus. Aristides’ encomium To Rome is analyzed briefly to illustrate rhetorical practice which parallels the ancient obscurantist theories.