The Uses of Script and Print, 1300–1700 (review)
text as “Rhetorical Dialogues.” Here wit is shown to be a delicate instrument, especially when used to tease. Its edge must be tempered: “I like teasing that is surprising and even hits the person addressed where it hurts. But I will not allow pricking too deep or any that pierces the heart deeper than the thorns felt by someone picking roses while daydreaming” (128). These dialogues show how fully Scudéry internalized the resources of rhetoric in the interest of achieving what could be taken as lively and uncontrived conversation. As with earlier publications in “The Other Voice” series, these show the care and erudition of their editors; their introductions and useful footnotes are invaluable aids to understanding these texts. Diana Robin’s fine translations of Latin texts by Nogarola and her correspondents are especially welcome. CONSTANCE JORDAN Claremont Graduate University