Rhetoric and Kairos: Essays in History, Theory, and Praxis

Rating:
Summary: A resonant, thoughtful collection
Review: Sometimes, when reading a collection of essays, I'm left wondering about its organizational principles. Not the case here; Sipiora and Baumlin clearly devoted a great deal of time in the selection and ordering of this material. From the introduction through the first few essays, the definition of kairos is explored--no mean task. The topic itself is evasive, and has too often been ignored, especially in teaching writing, analyzing political culture, and in developing general argumentative abilities.

The collection begins dealing on more "modern" ground with Baumlin and Baumlin's essay which deals with Hamlet. I admit to not having yet read Thompson's essay, "Ralph Waldo Emerson and the American Kairos," because I saw the title of the next and became intrigued. Gregory Mason's "In Praise of Kairos in the Arts" has a beautiful and distinct message about the lack of modern art which resonates and has the ability to transcend time. This essay in particular has the most general appeal, in my opinion, and may actually be a proper starting point for those unfamiliar with kairos in general.

Honestly, this is one of the most useful and enjoyable books I have picked up in a long time, and I look forward to finishing the three essays I skipped. It is the perfect marriage of a good read and an educational one.