In their searches for examples of rhetorical strategies, students of modern rhetoric frequently overlook writers from the past. In his huge six-book work on the “Art of Falconry” written about 1247–1249, Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, a remarkably versatile ruler, an early renaissance man, an empirical researcher, provided numerous excellent examples of rhetorical practices from which students and practicing writers well could learn. This article offers extended examples of definition, contrast, partition, causal analysis, classification, and description, to name but a few.

Lord Chesterfield wrote hundreds of letters to his natural son during the young man's thirty-six years of life (1732–1768) in his earnest attempts to instill in the lad the qualities of a gentleman. He wrote on wide-ranging subjects, including oral and written communication: writing well and speaking effectively. His advice is valid and current even today, almost 250 years after he wrote it.

It is argued that a course in letter writing can serve to sharpen communication skills that have become dulled over years of carelessness and thoughtlessness. It teaches the student to understand and respect the reader's needs in every writing situation and to use the necessary tact and diplomacy in all responses. Furthermore, when the 37 daily writing assignments in such a course have rigorous penalties imposed automatically for errors in spelling, grammar, and syntax, students learn quickly that correct writing is essential.