Covering a broad range of rhetorical perspectives, Rhetorical Criticism: Perspectives in Action presents a thorough, accessible, and well-grounded introduction to rhetorical criticism. Throughout the text, sample essays written by noted experts provide students with models for writing their own criticism. In addition to covering traditional modes of rhetorical criticism, the volume presents less commonly discussed rhetorical perspectives (for example, close-textual analysis, mythic criticism, framing analysis, ideographic criticism, concept oriented criticism, and critical rhetoric), exposing student to a wide range of material. Featuring nineteen chapters, all written by leading rhetoric scholars, the volume offers the most comprehensive introduction to rhetorical criticism available. Features: The chapters are written by a nationally recognized scholar in that area, giving students the best and most current research for each perspective. Each chapter includes an original sample essay that gives students a model of rhetorical criticism for their own assignments. Each author comments on his or her writing process to demonstrate the personal nature of criticism. This unique emphasis allows students to appreciate that writing criticism is not a simple formulaic process. Every chapter features a 'Potentials and Pitfalls' section that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the rhetorical perspective being discussed.