Professor Nestor Kourakis, well-known emeritus professor of his Law School University Of Athens and a full professor today at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus, has been particularly concerned with ancient Greek and Byzantine culture. His recent book entitled: Introduction to Classical Rhetoric refers to this culture.
It is a fact that Rhetoric is not valued in Greece, as much as it deserves. We would expect - writes N. Kourakis - Rhetoric to have in Greece today, as in 19ο a., a primary place in our education and in our spiritual tradition, but the reality, unfortunately, is disappointing, and this in contrast to other countries.
In the first part of his book, the author attempts a historical retrospection and traces the historical course of Rhetoric in an ideal way of connecting the periods of civilization from antiquity to the present day. The meaning of Rhetoric and the freedom of speech are analyzed, the Rhetoric according to Plato, the positions of Isocrates, the emergence of Rhetoric in science according to Aristotle, Asianism and Atticism. In the same part of the book, the Roman contribution to the development of Rhetoric with Cicero and Quintilian, its later development in Byzantium and the western world up to 19ο century, as well as the temporary decline and the dynamic reappearance of Rhetoric in the 20thο century.
The author's references to the classical orators Aristotle, Cicero, with the deepening in the invaluable tradition of the rhetorical work, could be independent studies worthwhile, enviable by the experts. With lively, clear, simple and scientifically perfect speech, the author fully substantiates his views.
N. Kourakis begins in his prophecies with a great truth that we find every day: Eloquence, which includes the structure of speech, style, vocabulary, ingenuity of arguments and credibility, is what has the upper hand in everyday life. Zoe. The second part of the book with the "Answers to 20 Critical Questions" highlights the value and usefulness of Rhetoric and guides in a scientific, methodical and simple way to achieve eloquence and the practice of Rhetoric, for the correct, that is, use speech structured, convincing, lively and communicative.
As N. Kourakis proves, the way of communication is an acquired virtue and highlights Rhetoric as a tool of success of a scientist, artist, journalist, professional and a speaker in general. And if we think about the inelegant use of speech, which we face daily and with responsible lips, we will realize the value and usefulness of this work.
In conclusion, the book this is essentially a harmonious combination of two poems (Historical Course of Rhetoric - Practical Methods of Rhetoric) that could be an excellent Rhetoric textbook in theory and practice. The book of N. Kourakis, which covers a significant gap in the Greek literature, stimulates the interest of the reader, and is deeply scientific, didactic and valuable for the education of citizens.
Ohm. Professor Stella Priovolou, President of the Body of Emeritus Professors of EKPA, Dean of the Municipal People's University of Agios Paraskevi.
