"The lectures on rhetoric by Dr. Hugh Blair are too well known to require an extended introduction. They are based largely upon the system of Aristotle, and have served as the groundwork for many modern textbooks on this subject. In their original form they are too long for the use of present-day students, but in the condensed style in which they are presented in this book it is believed they will prove highly beneficial and interesting."--Publisher's descripition [page v].