Cicero De Inventione
EN Lat Orig
Cicero

De Inventione

philosophy

The first systematic Latin treatise on rhetoric. Two books covering invention — how to find arguments for any type of case. A youthful work that Cicero later outgrew.

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Books

  • 1
    Book 1

    The elements of rhetorical invention: the status system, the parts of a speech, and the types of argument. A young Cicero's systematic handbook.

    ~15,090 words
  • 2
    Book 2

    Extended treatment of the constitutiones (issues) and the topics of invention. More technical and schematic than Cicero's later, more philosophical works on rhetoric.

    ~17,170 words
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