This edited volume fills a void in the literature concerning the purpose, practice, and pedagogy associated with performing rhetorical criticism. Literature regarding these issues—predominantly purpose—exists primarily as scattered journal articles and as sections within chapters of textbooks on rhetorical criticism. This book brings together 15 established rhetorical critics, each of whom offers well thought out and argued opinion pieces that stress the more personal nature of criticism. The purpose of this book is to serve as a disciplinary resource, and as a teaching and learning aid. 

Accessibility across areas of expertise and experience is stressed in this book. Critics range from junior faculty to emeritus, and represent a broad spectrum of views on criticism. In this sense the book offers a snapshot of the views of a wide swath of successfully practicing, contemporary rhetorical critics.

Contributions by: Edwin Black, Jason Edward Black, Dana L. Cloud, Celeste M. Condit, J. Michael Hogan, Andrew A. King, Ryan Erik McGeough, Raymie E. McKerrow, Martin J. Medhurst, Ned O'Gorman, Samantha M. Senda-Cook, Robert E. Terrill, Kathleen J. Turner, Marilyn J. Young