The Rhetoric of Public Places

The Rhetoric of Public Places examines the communicative aspects of physical spaces that contribute to public memory and activity. It explores how these places, ranging from memorials to sites of commerce, engage with and shape public discourse. The book envisions such sites not merely as background settings but as active, rhetorical entities that resonate with symbolic significance and invite nuanced interpretations.

Structured into three sections, the book begins by presenting theories and methodologies of rhetorical critique, outlining how spaces act as texts with persuasive elements. The subsequent part explores places of public memory, such as war memorials and sites representing civil rights movements, examining how these spaces convey messages and reflect collective memories. The book closes with a discussion on places of public activity, including recreational sites and transportation hubs, shedding light on their roles in shaping societal narratives and the everyday experiences of individuals.

Encouraging students to both better understand and critique the implicit messages embedded in public spaces, The Rhetoric of Public Places is an exemplary text for courses in communication studies, cultural geography, public history, and urban planning.