Ancient declamation-the practice of delivering speeches on the basis of fictitious
scenarios-defies easy categorization. It stands at the crossroads of several modern
disciplines. It is only within the past few decades that the full complexity of declamation
and the promise inherent in its study have come to be recognized. This volume which contains
thirteen essays from an international team of scholars engages with the multidisciplinary
nature of declamation focusing in particular on the various interactions in declamation
between rhetoric literature law and ethics.Contributions pursue a range of topics but also
complement each other. Separate essays by Brescia Lentano and Lupi explore social roles-their
tensions and expectations-as defined through declamation. With similar emphasis on historical
circumstances Quiroga Puertas and Tomassi consider the adaptation of rhetorical material to
frame contemporary realities. Schwartz draws attention to the sometimes hazy borderline between
declamation and the courtroom. The relationship between laws and declamation a topic of
abiding importance is examined in studies by Berti Breij and Johansson. Also with an eye to
the complex interaction between laws and declamation Pasetti offers a narratological analysis
of cases of poisoning. Citti discovers the concept of natural law represented in declamatory
material. While looking at a case of extreme cruelty Huelsenbeck evaluates the nature of
declamatory language emphasizing its use as an integral instrument of performance events.
Zinsmaier looks at discourse on the topic of torture in rhetorical and legal contexts.
