Item #: 033461
ISBN: 9780486437934
Retail: $4.50
Rainbow Price: $3.75

A student of the Greek philosopher Plato, Aristotle would ultimately become one of the most influential Greek philosophers himself. A man well known for his philosophies on various topics such as science, politics, and history, Aristotle disagreed with Platos thinking on the subject of rhetoric. While Plato considered rhetoric to be a practice of flattery and artifice with little relationship to truth, Aristotle defined rhetoric to be the study of the means of persuasion and regarded the art of rhetoric as a legitimate skill that can be studied. Aristotles Rhetoric is a definitive analysis on the topic and provides his methodology on combining the tools of persuasion for an effective presentation in both oral and written form. Divided into three parts, this book covers the speaker, the audience, and the speech itself. 171 pgs, pb. ~ Enh

Item #: 003606
ISBN: 9781930953550
Retail: $55.00
Rainbow Price: $49.95

Item #: CLSRHT
Retail: $99.90
Rainbow Price: $83.95
This includes:

• Classical Rhetoric DVDs
• Classical Rhetoric with Aristotle Answer Key
• Classical Rhetoric with Aristotle Text

Item #: 004365
ISBN: 9780890517116
Retail: $15.99
Rainbow Price: $11.95

Item #: 031133
ISBN: 9781591280781
Retail: $24.00
Rainbow Price: $19.95
(description by publisher - stay tuned for our own!) For the Christian student of rhetoric, manipulative sophistry is clearly out of bounds. But putting careful thought into what constitutes eloquent speech and persuasive argumentation is not. What many people dismiss as "a bunch of rhetoric" is simply poor rhetoric. There is a Christian approach of memorable and effective expression, and it is the task of this book to lay out that approach. Arranged in 31 lively and practical lessons, The Rhetoric Companion covers the following material and more: A critical appreciation of the essential ancient rhetoric texts The Pauline view of presentation and persuasion How to develop copiousness and leave an audience wanting more The concept of "stasis theory" and how to grasp the crux of an argument How successful proof obligates an audience to believe Composition exercises with each lesson Suggested reading material for each lesson from Artistotle's Rhetoric, the Rhetorica Ad Herennium, or Quintilian's Institutio Oratoria

Item #: 029595
ISBN: 9780075546023
Retail: $0.00
Rainbow Price: $11.40

Two of Aristotles greatest works, translated and available in one volume. Rhetoric has been translated by W. Rhys Roberts and Poetics by Ingram Bywater.

Item #: 018490
ISBN: 9781930953451
Retail: $4.95
Rainbow Price: $4.50

Item #: 031164
ISBN: 9781591281030
Retail: $8.00
Rainbow Price: $6.95
(description by publisher - stay tuned for our own!) At the end of each of the thirty-two lessons in The Rhetoric Companion text are assignments, recommended readings from classical sources, and review questions. Organized by lesson, this nifty booklet contains the answer to every "lesson review" question. It's a valuable tool for a teacher who quickly needs the definition for pathos, the last canon of rhetoric, a quick discussion of ad baculum, or perhaps a couple examples of dactylic words.

Item #: 010221
ISBN: 9781600512162
Retail: $19.95
Rainbow Price: $17.50

Item #: 010224
ISBN: 9781600512179
Retail: $19.95
Rainbow Price: $17.50

Item #: 018491
ISBN: 9781930953444
Retail: $39.95
Rainbow Price: $33.95
This text is by the same author and follows the same standards and format as Traditional Logic. Basically, it is a guided tour through Aristotles Rhetoric, and you will need a copy of that book to complete the course. It covers the first two books of Aristotles thoughts on writing and oratory, basically concerning the speaker and the audience. Those familiar with Aristotle will know that he valued content and quality of writing more than technique, and this study reflects that philosophy. It should be noted that this is not an introductory course on writing, but is meant to refine those skills that students should already have, for the specific purpose of persuasion. The book is well laid out and is designed so that students can be taught even by those with little experience with this topic. The course is designed to be consumable and will lead students every step of the way through a study on rhetoric over the course of a year. Tips on how teachers can grade the work and keep students accountable are included in the book. The first part of the course covers Book One of Aristotles Rhetoric: Rhetoric as it Concerns the Speaker. It starts with lessons on the scope and purpose of rhetoric and the definition and division of rhetoric. The rest of the speaker section is then divided into political, ceremonial, and forensic rhetoric, with several lessons per topic. The second part of the book then covers Book Two of Aristotles Rhetoric: Rhetoric as it Concerns the Audience. It then gives a basic introduction to Aristotles views on the subject and gives lessons covering Pathos, Ethos, and Logos. The text includes several ways to test students and helps them to thoroughly review and understand the content. Reading Comprehension Questions are the main part of the course and are designed to help students glean as much from Aristotles Rhetoric as possible by completing short answer questions. Evaluating Writing Assignments require that the student not only know what Aristotle said, but assess it on the basis of their own assumptions, which may differ from Aristotles. Weekly Research and Writing Assignments are designed to apply the lessons the student has learned. Reading Lessons are made up of questions based on Mortimer Adlers How to Read a Book, which are designed to help the student fully understand what, how, and why Aristotle says what he does. Logic and Latin Review Questions are review questions related to Traditional Logic. Though that book is not a prerequisite for this course and these questions can be skipped, the author does recommend completing that before beginning this. Finally, there are Case Study Analyses focusing on four speeches, which are classic examples of the three kinds of speeches discussed by Aristotle. Each case study is accompanied by questions relevant to the section of Aristotle just covered. These are designed as models for the students to imitate in their own persuasive discourse. The user-friendly format and multiple-aspects of reviewing make this a very complete review and guide for Aristotles Rhetoric. A Teacher Key can be purchased separately and provides detailed answers for the lessons and exercises. ~ Rachel S.

Item #: 010228
ISBN: 9781600512186
Retail: $19.95
Rainbow Price: $17.50

Item #: 010237
ISBN: 9781600512193
Retail: $19.95
Rainbow Price: $17.50

Item #: 001502
ISBN: 9780890517109
Retail: $34.99
Rainbow Price: $24.95
A heavy-duty (and thoroughly Christian) writing course, recently revised. Use this course by itself or with its companion volume, Literary Analysis: An Introduction (see Reading section) for a complete English course. The author guides the student through various types of writing experiences by supplying ample explanation, a model (generally written by himself or one of his children), and plenty of practice! Each of the 35 lessons (formerly 26) should take approximately a week to complete. Students read through the lesson on the first day. Each lesson focuses on a specific type of writing and highlights a Writing Style skill. Warm-up essay subjects are provided for each day. These are intended to be short (one page or less) and take no more than a half hour to complete. Journal Writing (really, Bible study and reflection) is also intended to be done daily; the author suggests journaling through 1 Kings. A form for this is included in the books appendix. It is also expected that the student will read 35-50 pages in a good book each night, creating an index card vocabulary deck as he goes. To help in selecting appropriate literature, the author has included a list of books that should be read before graduating from high school. Because of the extemporaneous speech expected at the end of lesson 15, the student should also be keeping an extemporaneous file to prepare. During the week, the student will also be working on the major writing assignment for the lesson which corresponds to the writing skill being taught. Specific instructions for these (length and requirements) are given at the end of each lesson. Types of writing include: description, eyewitness account, summary report, firsthand experience, character profile, historical profile, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, literary analysis, case/effect, compare/contrast, problem/solution, explanatory, and a major research paper. This last writing project covers a ten-week span and lessons focus on the skills and steps involved in producing a first-rate research paper from inception to conclusion. In addition to written assignments and the extemporaneous speech (since this is a writing and speaking course), in lesson 6 assignments include the presentation of an original oratory. As mentioned before, each weeks lesson includes study of a writing style technique or tip. These include: focus, combining sentences, expanding sentences, writing complete sentences, clear sentences, transitions, choosing the right word, quotation marks, and footnotes/endnotes. A very thorough (and demanding) course for your middle grader!

A Teachers Edition is also available to help you get the most out of this program. For each lesson in the student book, it provides teaching plans, assessment goals, and evaluation tools to determine your students level of progress. The course is flexible enough to adjust the pacing for any student, but plans designed specifically for special needs learners to gain the maximum possible benefit from the study are included. For each weekly lesson, daily suggested activities and assignments are given. Additional teaching tips and activity ideas are included in the book and in the appendices. A DVD is also included with the Teacher Edition, which features the author, James Stobaugh, giving extra insights and encouragement. The Teachers Edition is very valuable in helping you get the most out of the student book and this great course.

Item #: 042555
Retail: $0.00
Rainbow Price: $29.00

With the word progymnasmata showing up here and there, homeschoolers are becoming familiar with this collection of rhetorical exercises that has endured with success within the Western Tradition. This was the classical Greek method of building up the students reasoning and articulation skills through a series of interrelated, rhetorical exercises. Learning to write and speak more persuasively is a worthwhile investment of time and energy for the advanced student who already has a firm grasp of grammar. This series of 31 lessons is a teacher-oriented collection of lessons that the teacher can use to help teach rhetoric. Its not a workbook intended to teach the student rhetoric. A model check sheet is provided to help with grading. ~ Janice

Item #: 010250
Retail: $14.98
Rainbow Price: $11.25

Topics include: rhetorical style, argumentative writing, synthesizing ideas with research, thesis statement, primary & secondary sources, point of view, genre, and more.

Item #: 025069
Retail: $0.00
Rainbow Price: $39.95

With this level of the progymnasmata, the focus is on ceremonial rhetoric rhetoric used for special occasions. (For instance, to praise or blame a person, place or event; think anniversaries or funerals). Writing about historical figures involves encomia (praise), invectives (blame), ancient and modern comparison essays, letter writing, and speeches. Bonus coverage includes standardized test essays, college admissions essays, and how to evaluate your own test essay. Classic literary models include Plutarchs Lives, Ciceros letters, and selections from Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War. Modern literary models include Uncle Toms Cabin, Silas Marner, and selections from Jane Austen. The Plutarch Companion (answer key and teacher notes) is available as a free download from the publishers website. ~ Janice

Item #: 051640
ISBN: 9780984010806
Retail: $0.00
Rainbow Price: $29.00

We know we can trust IEW and now Mary Pryor to provide academically rigorous college prep material. With the goal of preparation for the AP English Language exam, the student is led step-by-step through style analysis as well as argument and synthesis essays (i.e. analysis of rhetorical strategies). Literature focal points are non-fiction works, mythology, and MacBeth. The student learns to evaluate and edit their own written responses, a major step toward confidently setting foot in the AP test room or a college classroom. Spiral-bound. Janice

Item #: 010252
Retail: $14.98
Rainbow Price: $10.76

Paper organization; forming, articulating, and supporting thoughts; examination of established and alternative styles of rhetoric; and writing examples from past and present.

Item #: 032016
ISBN: 9780979833304
Retail: $12.99
Rainbow Price: $8.20
This little book might be titled A career-oriented Mom finds her way home committed to educating her children and along the way rediscovers classical education methodologies and applies them in a consistent way with her own children instilling in them a love for learning and then finds a way to introduce others to the same methodology. More than just her story, Leigh Bortins, communicates the principals that motivate us as parents to provide a home-centered education for our children as she seeks to convince us that the tried and true classical techniques of education through grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric produce the fruit of joyous learning, glorifying God and discipling the human heart of our children. 124 pgs, pb ~ Janice

Item #: 048808
Retail: $19.95
Rainbow Price: $10.17
Sparring with brilliant minds and finely-tuned rhetorical skills, William Craig (philosophy professor at Biola Universitys Talbot School of Theology) and Christopher Hitchens (atheist and journalist) squared off on the topic of Gods existence. Filmed before an overflow audience at Biola University, Craig opened the debate by presenting five arguments for the existence of God while Hitchens argued that a claim as large as Gods existence would need substantial evidence which is lacking. Presented in a formal debate format (a valuable example for debate students), both men present arguments, engage in responsive rebuttal, and answer questions from the audience. The result is a compelling clash of worldviews and an examination of the major arguments for and against Christianity and atheism. The set includes both the Debate DVD plus a DVD of Bonus Features the pre-debate press conference, question-and-answer session, and interviews with Hitchens and Craig. 178 mns. ~ Janice

Item #: 001924
ISBN: 9781930443136
Retail: $22.00
Rainbow Price: $17.95
An excellent resource, this book teaches students to write poetry by studying the forms and styles of great writers such as Shakespeare, Scott, Tennyson, and Longfellow. Students then complete a number of practice activities which reinforce the concepts learned.

The student workbook contains 30 lessons. It is recommended that three lessons be covered each week. Each lesson takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

As the teacher you will likely want to read through the new concepts at the top of the page with your student. Concepts covered in this volume include: simile, rhyme, how to use a rhyming dictionary, metaphor, meter, pun, iamb, personification, trochee, synecdoche, anapest, hyperbole, dactyl, onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhetorical question, refrain, oxymoron, spacial poetry, and euphemism. The student will then work through the activity. After every few lessons, review questions are given to insure that the concepts are retained and to provide additional practice of previously-covered information. Upon the completion of this program, the student should have mastered several figures of speech called tropes. A cumulative test is also included. Teachers edition contains teaching instructions as well as completed student pages. ~ Rachel

Item #: 014527
ISBN: 9780898707168
Retail: $21.95
Rainbow Price: $17.95

Language development is significantly enriched by exposure to good poetry. This book is a great resource because in one volume, it contains many poems that concern noble actions or ideas. This book contains all the poems recommended in Laura Berquists Designing Your own Classical Curriculum, with substantial additions for the high school years. The extensive collection includes poems by Robert Louis Stevenson, Henry Longfellow, Robert Browning, Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, and many others. It divides the poems into sections that appeal to students in the early years (K-3), at the grammatical stage (grades 4-6), at the dialectical stage (grades 7-9), and at the rhetorical stage (grades 10-12). It provides an introduction that suggests ways teachers can apply the poems to all grade levels. Following some of the poems that have more difficult language are study questions to get students to dissect the poem and really think about its meaning. An index of poets, poems, first lines, dictation selections, and selections to memorize are all included to make it easy to locate specific poems. ~ Rachel S.

Item #: 051456
Retail: $174.50
Rainbow Price: $157.95

Study of sentence types, sentence problems, sentence interruptions, sentence divisions, and sentence ends. Students study the newspaper, internet, and persuasion pieces. Imagery, symbolism, irony, ambiguity, conflict and subtlety are also taught. They study using rhetoric, the structure of an argument, writing descriptions, writing about people, places and events, creating a timeline, gathering facts and making it personal. Continued mastery of proper use of nouns, verb tenses, forms of adjectives, problems with pronouns, functions of adverbs and prepositional rules.

Item #: 003546
ISBN: 9780980170801
Retail: $29.99
Rainbow Price: $18.95

Everyone in your family will be able to benefit from these drawing lessons which approach the skill of drawing in bite-size, incremental steps. The CD-ROM contains 30 lessons, each resulting in the same basic project, but with slightly different directions for students in grades in the grammar stage (grades 1-4), the logic stage (grades 5-8), and the rhetoric stage (grades 9-12). In the grammar stage, the author expects that students will learn basic color theory, basic shapes and lines, basic shading and shadowing techniques, and the ability to imitate styles of classic artists. Objectives for the logic stage are similar as for the grammar stage, but with the expectation that the older student will develop more sophisticated skills and understanding in color theory, shading and shadowing. By the rhetoric stage, students should be learning composition, advanced color theory, advanced shading and shadowing techniques as well as developing their own individual style in their art. Although the lessons can be used for class, co-op, or home use, no artistic experience on the teachers part is required. The author suggests that as the teacher, you will probably want to do the lesson yourself before class, and perhaps do it along with them during class. The lessons are designed to take about an hour to complete, and the author suggests a pace of one lesson per week. Lessons begin with drawing basic shapes and progress to include contour drawings; shading and shadowing; creating highlights; the color wheel; using monochromatic, complementary, and analogous colors in a drawing; shading with color, perspective, drawing in different styles, drawing portraits, creating a pleasing composition and more.

The lessons are very easy to use. They are accessible from the lessons tab at the top of the main screen, or you can jump into Lesson 1 after reading the basic information about the program. Each lesson consists of a teaching portion and a printable student handout for each. The lessons progress down the screen and include an objective for the lesson, the materials needed, and step-by-step instruction through the lesson. Each step is accompanied by an example of what the drawing should approximately resemble at that point, although depending on the skill level of the student, this will vary. The student handouts are typically a visual reference for the student for each lesson. Because the lessons are displayed on a computer, it would be hard for all students to see the subject they are drawing at the same time. Most of the student handouts will need to be printed in color, so you will probably need to have a color printer available to you. As far as supplies go, you will need to gather a few, but they are relatively inexpensive. Each student will need a set of 24 oil pastels, a set of 24 colored pencils, compressed charcoal, willow charcoal, a charcoal pencil, a white drawing pastel, a kneaded eraser, a blending stump, low-tack masking tape, tinted charcoal paper (9 x 12), white drawing paper (9 x 12), newsprint paper (9 x 12), and colored construction paper (9 x 12).

All in all, its a great basic course that you can use with all of your children at the same time, without the older ones getting bored or the younger ones being frustrated. Everyone can take learn or refine their own skill while working through the lessons. Because the models are usually photos included in the lesson material, the students could apply the same techniques to photos of their own selection to expand the lessons or practice further. I think that the CD-ROM format is an interesting choice, but I can see how it is a practical way for everyone to be able to see the lesson without sharing a book, and the student handouts can all be printed which avoids the issue of having student packets or even having to reproduce pages for each student. A lot of concepts are covered here, taught mostly from example and the students drawing experience. Because the lessons are so straightforward and foundational, I could see a definite advantage in revisiting at least some of them each year, as students grow older and more skillful. The folks at Practical Homeschooling are fans too - The Phonics of Drawing received the first-place award in their Interactive Learning Awards for art. System requirements (PC only) are: Windows 98 or higher, CD-ROM drive. Jess

Item #: 010029
ISBN: 9780393067088
Retail: $39.95
Rainbow Price: $27.95

If youre looking for some real guidance in product/curriculum selection for providing your child with a "classical" education, here it is -- down to the titles of the books and where to find them! These ladies have very clear recommendations for each subject area, both for elementary through eighth grade and high school levels, and theyre anxious to share them with you. Written by a mother and her daughter (a second-generation homeschooler), the book provides what many are looking for - concrete, specific recommendations for materials to help in providing an academically rigorous, comprehensive education. Using the trivium as their pattern for education, the book is divided into sections by stage: the Grammar stage (grades K through 4), the Logic stage (grades 5 through 8), and the Rhetoric stage (high school). They wrote this book after coming to the conclusion that "if you want your child to have an excellent education, you need to take charge of it yourself. You dont have to reform your entire school system. All you have to do is teach your own child." And they, very capably, supply you with the when, what, and how of it all from there.

Jessie Wise taught her daughter, Susan, at home, using the classical method. And Susan, a literature professor at the college of William and Mary in Virginia, uses it with her own three sons. Their experience and knowledge of materials has enabled them to provide us with both a clear explanation of the theory behind a classical education and the means to implement it. Each part of the book begins with a very good description of that stage, how it differs from the others, and what your priorities should be. Then, subject by subject, and grade by grade, they provide much advice about what to teach, schedules for teaching, and many, many curriculum (text and non-text) recommendations. Later sections of the book address socialization, character, time management, grading and record keeping, standardized testing, athletics, dealing with your local school system, getting help (when needed), going to college, working, obtaining materials, and starting in the middle. Appendices list home-education organizations and other resources. Parents who want to provide this type of education will find much support in this volume. Revised in 2009.

Item #: 008374
ISBN: 9780393050943
Retail: $29.95
Rainbow Price: $19.95

So youve read The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise-Bauer and youre pleased by its information, guidance and practical curriculum suggestions. However, while reading it you may have thought, "I wish I had been educated this way, I guess its too late for me." In the Well-Educated Mind, Susan focuses on the adult, and her premise is that its not too late; you can have a Well-Educated Mind. Susans focus is on helping the adult learn to read great literature. This book is so much more than a list of suggested reading. In fact, the suggested reading doesnt come until after Susan presents significant information on why its important and how to go about it.

Yes, the trivium - grammar, logic and rhetoric is presented as well. Would you expect anything less from this author? Susan discusses why it is important for children to be taught properly in all three stages and if you were not, how as an adult, you can compensate and learn to read great literature. Susans goal is to equip her readers to be able to learn self-education to train and fill their minds.

For people who question their ability to read difficult material, the book states, "If you can understand a daily newspaper, theres no reason you cant read and enjoy Shakespeares sonnets or Jane Eyre." Susan says, "Reading is a discipline, like running regularly, or meditating, or taking voice lessons." Just like working through a training regimen to become proficient in sports or music we must learn technique and train our minds to effectively tackle the great books.

Susan does not lecture from an ivory tower, but shows she can relate her understanding of real-life challenges to making time for the pursuit of reading. Her references to her struggles help make me feel like she understands real-life. These include the lure of TV after a long day, "just to vegetate for a few minutes, before I try to use my brain," or the call of email (including spam deletion). She includes a whole section on how to create a realistic reading schedule on your weekly calendar. A helpful section is including on training our minds to move from light reading and skimming for facts to more serious reading which leads to understanding. This "how-to" section includes information on reading mechanics, journaling, questioning and literary terms, all with examples. The book then progresses to five literary genres: novels, autobiographies, historical writing (special interest for the author, as you can imagine!), drama and poetry with instructions on how to read each type. After each genre is a listing of literature with comprehensive summaries and the best versions of the books to get (with ISBN information). The selected reading lists usually have both a literary and a historical purpose. The Well-Educated Mind is a great resource that provides those adults who have a nagging sense of missing something in their literary education the practical techniques and guidance to regularly read and enjoy great literature. Jerry

Item #: 020495
ISBN: 9780974361635
Retail: $34.00
Rainbow Price: $26.95

For those of you who want to teach using the classical method, the authors of this book, Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn, have long believed and implemented this in their own homeschool. In this book they combine their knowledge and experience to present a spiritual and philosophical foundation and a practical program for Christian homeschooling in the classical style. The first four chapters discuss the reasoning and logic of teaching with classical education, a discussion of why parents should be in charge of their students education, problems with classroom (public) schools, and an explanation and description of what the trivium is. The next three chapters study one element of the trivium each - language, logic, and rhetoric. Each chapter presents the topic, arguments for teaching it, guidelines for teaching, where to start, what children should be learning at appropriate age levels, and other tips and advice for incorporating these core subjects. Chapter eight follows the same basic format, delving into the study of literature. In chapter nine, the Bluedorns offer principles for the study of historical literature. The following chapter provides lots of advice and help for different methods and approaches to homeschooling in light of the trivium, such as the Charlotte Mason approach, unschooling, unit studies, and others. Part two of the book, The Practical Trivium, hold chapters listing things children should do at particular ages - ten things to do with students before age ten, ten through twelve, thirteen through fifteen, sixteen through eighteen, nineteen and onward, and finally the last chapter, Lifes Goals Begin at Home. Appendix one includes 16 different articles discussing the trivium, education, and other related issues. Appendix two provides an thorough resource list, outlining general resources and those for language arts & English, rhetoric, literature, history, government, law and economics, languages, mathematics, logic, Bible and theology, philosophy, science, art and music, and other miscellaneous resources. While you may not agree with all of the personal philosophy in this book, if you want to teach from the trivium and are looking for a guide to implement a classical education in your homeschool, this is a very complete and thorough guide from experienced authors. - Melissa

Item #: 049916
ISBN: 9781623411367
Retail: $0.00
Rainbow Price: $39.00

Hmmm. I think you would call this series of DVD lectures in-service training. Dont we need a certain number of credits each year? Oh, wait! Im getting us homeschoolers confused with the other guys. Nevertheless, these are wonderful lectures. From Andrew Pudewas description of the four arts of language (yes, just four, not the umpteen that we normally think of) listening, speaking, reading, and writing to Andrew Kerns lost tools of writing, these lectures are inspiring; theyre insightful; and theyre practical. The Christian, classical home educator will find herself recommitted to the development of strong language skills in her children as well as better able to facilitate that development. The three DVD set provides five lectures plus a question and answer period with both Andrews. Lectures: The Four Language Arts, The Five Paths to Great Writing, The Distinctives of Classical Rhetoric, Developing the Essayist, and Assessment. Handouts to the lectures can be downloaded from the IEW website. ~ Janice

Item #: 036984
ISBN: 9780801077692
Retail: $37.00
Rainbow Price: $29.95

How often we delight in the language and poetry of the Bible! How salient are the proverb and parable and how wonderfully joyous the psalm! How comforting in times of trouble are the familiar, lilting words, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want Our God is not the author of a dry, doctrinal tome, but the creator of a beautiful work of literary art! Leland Ryken, professor of English at Wheaton College, opens our eyes to the beauty of the Bible as literature. From realistic narrative to love poem, he thoroughly examines scripture from a literary viewpoint. Just from reading the introduction and spot reading through the book, I am awestruck by the artistry and literary wealth embodied within our Great Book. A far cry from a simple theological treatise, the Bible is a veritable banquet and sumptuous feast of well-chosen words that conjure up vivid images and help us see Gods message in a far better way than pure statement of fact. As he takes us through a deeper understanding of the Bible as literature, Professor Leland illustrates almost every literary device using the rich context of Scripture.

So, if you are going to make a serious study of literature during high school, why not use the Bible as your basis? You will find that the Scriptures are replete with examples of the very literary constructs you hope to teach. What plotline did not have its origin in the Bible? Most every archetypal story began here, to be endlessly recycled by authors through the centuries. Its tales run the gamut from comedy to tragedy, including unfathomable, supernatural visions, gut-wrenching, horror stories, and unlikely romances. The Bible is also the basis for many literary patterns and designs in use today, as well as the origin of countless allegories, maxims, metaphors, and figurative expressions. Even the Epistles, despite being written by various disciples at different times and places, have a consistency of style that could not be purposely contrived. While their chief purpose was to convey information with concise, memorable statements, Dr. Ryken points out that there is a peculiar balance of rich, figurative language, proverbial style, repetition, patterned rhetoric, antithesis and parallelism that reveal a conscious design. In fact the entire Bible is an astoundingly cohesive compilation of many stories, narratives, poems, letters, songs, and histories within the basic framework story beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation.

You can use this volume from start to finish as the basis for a study of literary device and technique, or use as a reference book in your literature program. The author has helpfully provided a glossary of literary terms with definitions and specific page references where many are discussed in greater detail. The indexes of subjects, authors, and scripture references will also enable you to incorporate this book into other areas of study (including your usual Bible study). Recommended and used with the Tapestry of Grace curriculum, this book merits a spot on your bookshelf alongside of dictionaries, thesauri, and other reference books. I would also heartily recommend this book as a devotional. With Dr. Ryken as your guide, you will develop an even deeper appreciation, even amazement, for the Book you already love.