the text is very useful, and the structure is excelent, a good text, which helps to regain interest in the social sciences.

You compliment on my comment is, of itself, a lesson in structure and clarity.

But perhaps you’ll consider why these ‘fads’ spring up; why in this case the Medieval Vindicationalists have gone to the other extreme: they are tired of one era (or party as the case may be) getting short shrift and being immediately dismissed, especially if it happens to be of particular interest to them. In my case, as an English grad who had a penchant for both Medieval and Renaissance literature, your dismissal seemed peremptory at best, and yes, condescending at worst.

The clamor of voices trying to redeem the Middle Ages may be misguided and overblown, sure. You may find it annoying that people perceive themselves as edgy. I for one did not consider myself that, in the least. But if it leads to people stepping back and eyeing periods of history with a somewhat more critical gaze and questioning the tired cliches of their High School History books, isn’t that worth something? As Coffee Zombie says, they will become reacquainted with the truth a few years down the road; and if nothing else, the brief fad may have taught them to be less complacent about their study and appreciation of history.

If I may, I’d like to toss a couple of names into the suggested-reading hat. The following have helped me maneuver through arguments and debates without letting emotions take control and drive my reasoning off a cliff.

First, “Thank You for Arguing” by Jay Heinrichs. Written in 2007, the book is an easy read that explains a wide variety of rhetorical principles with many pop-culture references. While the flow of the book could be accused of “jumping around” a bit too much, I found the book to be an easy place to start.

Second, “How to Win Every Argument: The Use and Abuse of Logic” by Madsen Pirie is a must. Essentially a witty reference book of logical fallacies, the true highlight is in the author’s instruction on how to cunningly use these fallacies to win arguments when it is called for. Rhetorically unethical? Maybe. Rhetorically rewarding? Absolutely.

Lastly, while I haven’t yet read them yet, I’ve heard strong praise for “A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms” and “Encyclopedia of Rhetoric.”

I’m interested to learn about rhetoric and also improve my public speaking skills, can anyone recommend me a book or a website where I can pick up some basics from?