Vivid Rhetoric and Visual Persuasion

CHOICE
“The book will benefit students and researchers engaged with rhetorical strategies in the New Testament and related early Christian literature. . . . Recommended.”

“Henning and Neumann have assembled a stellar cast of contributors to illuminate the use of ekphrasis in the New Testament and other early Christian literature. With attention to reception history, the methods and criteria for identifying vivid visual rhetoric, and exegetical nuances, the essays in this volume not only describe the state of research but also significantly advance the study of ekphrasis in ancient Christian texts. I am not aware of another volume quite like this!” 
—Christopher W. Skinner 
Loyola University Chicago 
 
“From its indispensable overview of the history of scholarship on vivid rhetoric and ekphrasis in the New Testament, to deep dives into the affective, sensory textual experiences of particular early Christian passages, Vivid Rhetoric and Visual Persuasion provides an essential companion for all who seek to understand the early Christian literary world. By curating a collection of essays from leading scholars expert in both vivid visual rhetorical techniques and the Christian sources they explore, Henning and Neumann have provided a true gift to help readers navigate what is now an unquestionably core element of New Testament study.” 
 —Kylie Crabbe  
Australian Catholic University 
 
“This book will serve both those who are new to the conversation about vivid rhetoric and those looking for the most comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of the topic in a single volume. This will be the standard reference work for the foreseeable future. It provides helpful definitions of relevant terms; attends to issues of genre; exemplifies theory by application to specific texts; and masterfully synthesizes work that has been done in sensory studies, affect theory, and rhetorical criticism. The introductory essay sets an excellent foundation for the history of the subject and its importance for interpreting the New Testament and other early Christian literature. To introduce students to the topic, instructors might easily assign the introductory chapter and pair it with one of the essays that focuses upon a particular text. The editors and authors have truly provided us a remarkable resource.” 
—Jaime Clark-Soles 
Southern Methodist University