Love Letters – Vintage Classics is an epistolary compilation by British authors A. J. Bevan and Eileen Meyrick. The book, first released in 1947, collects hundreds of love letters from civilizations across different parts of the world and eras. Spanning over five centuries, the authors have collected letters from royalty, philosophers, poets, artists, politicians, and other historical figures. The book serves as a source of not only romantic but also historical insight; in it, readers will find a diverse range of insights on love, life, and culture. Each letter is annotated with headnotes and background information to provide context for the content of the letter.
Chapter 1: Love Life of the Ancient World
The first chapter examines the love lives of figures from the ancient world, drawing from letters written by figures like King Tutankhamen of Egypt, Plato, Sappho, and even the Roman Emperor Hadrian. These letters provide a colorful glimpse into the ancient courtship customs of the time, as well as the themes of love, seduction, and intrigue. One example of a letter from this chapter is that of Sappho, who writes to a lover expressing her longing for their embrace: “Oh, come to me, my friend. Come, let your feet press upon me, your arms, encircling my neck with delicious rapture”.
Chapter 2: Love Life of the Middle Ages
This chapter looks at the love lives of figures from the Middle Ages, including both royalty and commoners. It captures the chivalry and courtliness of the era, as well as the complexity of emotions involved in romantic relationships. One example of a letter from this chapter is a letter by German duke Henry the Lion to his betrothed Wulfhild. In it, he makes clear his admiration and love for her, ending the letter by saying “My Lady and future wife, I salute you with love and reverence, and kiss your glorious hand”.
Chapter 3: Love Life of the Early Modern Age
This chapter examines the love lives of figures from the early modern age, including figures like King James I, Galileo, Queen Elizabeth I, and Queen Christina of Sweden. It paints a vivid picture of the emotions and inner struggles of the time, as well as some of the ways in which relationships were often complicated. One example of a letter from this chapter is that of Queen Elizabeth I to her beloved, Sir Robert Dudley. In it, she expresses her tenderness towards him, as well as her deep respect, saying “50,000 to 1 have I odds to serve so excellent a master, who for favor and desert so far surpasseth the rest of the world”.
Chapter 4: Love Life of the Modern Age
The fourth chapter captures the love lives of figures from the modern age, including figures like Benjamin Disraeli, Ludwig van Beethoven, Queen Victoria, and Sigmund Freud. This section includes a range of emotions, from the ecstatic heights of love to the deeply troubled depths of grief and loss. One example of a letter from this chapter is the love letter by Queen Victoria to her husband Prince Albert, in which she expresses her great love and respect for him: “My own dearest beloved Albert – I cannot express what a joy it is to me to receive your letter, and to think that I am still beloved by my husband…”
The book, Love Letters – Vintage Classics, provides a fascinating and intimate look at the lives of multiple cultures and eras through the lens of love letters. Through the stories and personal descriptions in these letters, readers learn not only about the emotions of love but also the rich and dynamic cultures of the past.
