Searching for Latini

This short book, by a university professor of rhetoric, views the origins of rhetoric in an unusual and provocative way. It passionately argues for the contemporary importance of rhetoric by exploring its little-known origins in the supposed relations between Dante and his much less familiar teacher. The author relies not only on his personal link to the topic through his vocation but also through his travel to Florence where his daughter works and conversations with a leading scholar there. Recommended for those with interest in Dante, rhetoric, and Italian history, this book will reward its readers with fresh views and new information. A novice about rhetoric and Italy, I read it on my first visit to Florence recently and appreciated its enhancement of my knowledge of the ancient city's enormous intellectual heritage.