Poetics and Rhetoric (Maxima Edition)

Poetics and Rhetoric are Aristotle’s seminal works on the power of language to move, shape, and illuminate human experience. In Poetics, Aristotle examines the structure of tragedy and the emotional truths revealed through dramatic storytelling. In Rhetoric, he turns to the art of persuasion, analyzing how speakers appeal to reason, character, and emotion to influence judgment and action. Together, these foundational texts form a cornerstone of the Western canon, offering a unified vision of how language operates in both public life and artistic expression. From the civic arena to the stage, Aristotle’s insights continue to guide writers, thinkers, and orators, challenging us to consider not only what we say–but how, and why, we say it. Maxima Western Canon Editions is a curated collection of 100 of the most essential texts in Western thought, literature, and philosophy. Designed for both scholars and general readers, each volume presents a definitive edition of a classic work, preserving the texts that have shaped civilization. Whether discovering these works for the first time or revisiting them, the Maxima Western Canon series offers a lasting foundation for any serious reader’s library.