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Letters of Note


Synopsis


Letters of Note, the book based on the beloved website of the same name, became an instant classic on publication in 2013, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. This new edition sees the collection of the world's most entertaining, inspiring and unusual letters updated with fourteen riveting new missives and a new introduction from curator Shaun Usher.

From Virginia Woolf's heart-breaking suicide letter to Queen Elizabeth II's recipe for drop scones sent to President Eisenhower; from the first recorded use of the expression 'OMG' in a letter to Winston Churchill, to Gandhi's appeal for calm to Hitler; and from Iggy Pop's beautiful letter of advice to a troubled young fan, to Leonardo da Vinci's remarkable job application letter, Letters of Note is a celebration of the power of written correspondence which captures the humour, seriousness, sadness and brilliance that make up all of our lives.

Shaun Usher (editor)

Summary

Chapter 1: Love and Loss

* Summary: Explores the raw emotions and longing expressed in letters of love and loss.
* Example: A heartbreaking letter from a husband to his dying wife, expressing his profound love and grief.

Chapter 2: Friendship and Betrayal

* Summary: Delves into the complexities of friendship, including moments of support and heartbreak.
* Example: A letter from a lifelong friend who confronts her friend's infidelity, exposing deep-seated pain and disappointment.

Chapter 3: War and Peace

* Summary: Examines the horrors and triumphs of war as seen through the eyes of soldiers and civilians.
* Example: A letter from a World War II pilot, detailing the harrowing experience of being shot down and surviving in enemy territory.

Chapter 4: Heroes and Villains

* Summary: Explores the nature of heroism and villainy, often found in the most unexpected places.
* Example: A letter from a Nazi prison guard, apologizing to a Jewish prisoner he tortured, exposing the complexities of human nature.

Chapter 5: Birth and Death

* Summary: Reflects on the profound experiences of birth and death, as expressed in letters of joy, sorrow, and remembrance.
* Example: A letter from a mother to her newborn baby, capturing the overwhelming love and hope of new parenthood.

Chapter 6: Art and Culture

* Summary: Explores the power of art and culture to inspire, challenge, and connect people.
* Example: A letter from a famous writer to his protégé, offering mentorship and insights on the craft of writing.

Chapter 7: The Unwritten Letter

* Summary: Examines the letters that were never written, but their absence haunts those who should have received them.
* Example: A letter from a father to his estranged daughter, revealing his deep longing for reconciliation.

Chapter 8: The Legacy of Letters

* Summary: Reflects on the enduring power of letters, both as historical documents and as personal artifacts.
* Example: A letter from a father to his son, written in 1942, providing a glimpse into the hopes and fears of a generation.

Chapter 9: The Digital Age

* Summary: Explores the impact of digital technology on letter writing, from the rise of email to the resurgence of handwritten notes.
* Example: A letter from a grandmother to her granddaughter, written in a combination of text messages, handwritten notes, and drawings, revealing the adaptability of human communication.

Chapter 10: The Return Address

* Summary: Concludes by reflecting on the significance of the letter writer and their role in shaping the narrative of human history.
* Example: A letter from the author to the readers, expressing gratitude for the enduring power of handwritten communication and the stories it preserves.