A booke called the Foundacion of Rhetorike
because all other partes of Rhetorike are grounded thereupon, euery parte sette forthe in an Oracion vpon questions, verie profitable to bee knowen and redde
"A booke called the Foundacion of Rhetorike" by Richard Rainolde is a treatise on the principles of rhetoric written in the mid-16th century. This work serves as a foundational guide for the study and practice of rhetoric, outlining various orations designed to teach eloquence and persuasive speech. The text appears to explore topics such as virtue, governance, and the moral implications of rhetoric, drawing on classical influences to emphasize the importance of eloquence in political and social contexts. At the start of this text, the author addresses the significance of rhetoric and its grounding in nature and art, suggesting that all individuals possess some inherent ability for eloquence. Rainolde emphasizes the idea that language and the power of speech are vital for maintaining societal order and virtue. He introduces the concept of fables as tools for conveying moral lessons, using them as foundational material for rhetorical exercises throughout the book. Through the first chapters, Rainolde not only outlines the structure and purpose of various rhetorical orations but also begins to delve into specific examples, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of rhetoric as both an art and a practical science.