Unterricht in der Beredsamkeit

by Quintilian

"Unterricht in der Beredsamkeit" by Quintilian is a twelve-volume textbook on rhetoric published around 95 AD. Written during Emperor Domitian's oppressive reign, when political oratory had become dangerous, Quintilian's work preserved classical ideals of eloquence. The text covers the complete education of an orator, from early childhood training through mastery of persuasive speech. It explores rhetoric's foundations, methods of argument, and the famous five canons—invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. Lost for centuries, this comprehensive guide profoundly influenced Renaissance humanism after its rediscovery in 1416.