By studying the funeral orations of Renaissance Italy, McManamon analyzes Italian humanism as a characteristic phase in Western rhetorical culture. By examining hundreds of funeral speeches, he provides a valuable overview of major civic issues and humanistic themes, adding significant new material to the history of rhetoric. When Italian humanists spoke at funerals, they took this unique opportunity to press for their reformist goals. Originally published in 1989. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.