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English letters Books

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The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 3 (of 6)
 New Complete Library Edition

"The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 3 (of 6)" edited by James Gairdner is a collection of correspondence published in 1904. This volume spans the tumultuous reigns of Edward IV and Henry VII, documenting the intimate communications of Norfolk's Paston family during England's Wars of the Roses and early Tudor period. These authentic letters, once lost and dramatically rediscovered, offer unfiltered glimpses into medieval English life, politics, and family affairs while capturing the English language during its remarkable transformation from Middle to Early Modern English.

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The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 6 (of 6), Part 1 (Letters, Chronological Table)
 New Complete Library Edition

"The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 6 (of 6), Part 1" is a collection of correspondence written between 1422 and 1509. This remarkable archive preserves the voices of the Paston family, Norfolk gentry navigating England's tumultuous Wars of the Roses and early Tudor period. These intimate letters reveal daily struggles, political intrigues, and personal dramas spanning nearly a century. Written during the Great Vowel Shift, they capture English itself transforming from medieval to modern forms. Once lost and doubted as forgeries, their dramatic rediscovery vindicated their authenticity and historical importance.

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The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 1 (of 6)
 New Complete Library Edition

"The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 1 (of 6)" edited by James Gairdner is a collection of correspondence published in 1904. These letters between members of the Norfolk Paston family and their associates offer an intimate window into English life during the Wars of the Roses and early Tudor period. Written during the Great Vowel Shift, they document the transformation from Late Middle English to Early Modern English. The collection's dramatic history includes mysteriously vanished manuscripts and their gradual rediscovery across England, vindicating their authenticity after scholarly doubt.

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The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 5 (of 6)
 New Complete Library Edition

"The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 5 (of 6)" by James Gairdner is a collection of correspondence edited and published in 1904. This volume presents letters exchanged between members of the Norfolk Paston family and their associates during the Wars of the Roses and early Tudor period. The collection offers intimate glimpses into English gentry life, political intrigue, and family affairs across nearly a century of tumult. These documents also capture the English language mid-transformation, preserving the transition from Middle to Early Modern English during the Great Vowel Shift.

George Saintsbury

A Letter Book Selected with an Introduction on the History and Art of Letter-Writing

"A Letter Book" by George Saintsbury is a collection of selected letters with an accompanying introduction focused on the history and art of letter-writing, written in the early 20th century. The work explores the significance of letters as a form of literature, documenting various styles and important figures from ancient to modern times. It aims to illustrate the craftsmanship behind effective letter-writing rather than simply adhere to rules or instructions. The opening of the book includes a detailed preface where the author discusses the genesis of this collection, acknowledging the wealth of literature surrounding the art of letter-writing that has influenced his selections. Saintsbury emphasizes the importance of genuine expression in letters, outlining the evolution and cultural significance of correspondence throughout history, particularly in shaping social relations and personal communication. Moreover, he references key figures and texts that have contributed to the understanding of epistolary form, setting the stage for the letters that will follow in subsequent chapters.

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The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 2 (of 6)
 New Complete Library Edition

"The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 2 (of 6)" edited by James Gairdner is a collection of correspondence published in 1904. This volume captures letters exchanged among the Paston family and their associates during England's turbulent Wars of the Roses and early Tudor period. These authentic documents, once lost and questioned, provide intimate glimpses into fifteenth-century English gentry life, politics, and language evolution. Gairdner's scholarly edition presents previously unpublished letters with detailed notes, offering historians and linguists an invaluable primary source from a transformative era in English history.

George Borrow

Letters of George Borrow to the British and Foreign Bible Society

"Letters of George Borrow to the British and Foreign Bible Society" by George Borrow is a collection of correspondences crafted in the early 19th century. This work illuminates Borrow's endeavors and experiences as he worked on translating biblical texts, particularly into the lesser-known languages of Mandchou and Tartar. The letters provide insight into his thoughts on linguistic challenges, cultural observations, and the socio-religious landscape of his time, demonstrating his passion for the dissemination of biblical texts across different cultures. The opening of this collection reveals Borrow's deep commitment to language and translation, as he shares his progress in acquiring the Mandchou language and critiques existing translations of biblical texts. Initially addressing Rev. J. Jowett, he expresses excitement over resources for learning Mandchou and discusses his desire to translate the Gospel into the language of the Gypsies. Through various letters, he details the practicalities of his mission, enlisting help from various individuals and navigating the complexities of language acquisition, all while maintaining a fervent dedication to his task of spreading the teachings of Christianity among diverse populations.

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The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 4 (of 6)
 New Complete Library Edition

"The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 4 (of 6)" by James Gairdner is a historical collection edited in 1904. This volume presents authentic correspondence between members of Norfolk's Paston family and their associates during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses and early Tudor period. These letters offer intimate glimpses into medieval English life, revealing family struggles, political intrigue, and social dynamics. The collection also captures language in transition, documenting the shift from Late Middle English to Early Modern English during the Great Vowel Shift, making it invaluable to both historians and linguists.

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The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 6 (of 6), Part 2 (Index)
 New Complete Library Edition

"The Paston Letters, A.D. 1422-1509. Volume 6 (of 6), Part 2 (Index) by Gairdner" is an index volume published in 1904. This final part of Gairdner's six-volume edition provides comprehensive reference materials for over 1,000 letters exchanged by the Paston family during England's Wars of the Roses and early Tudor period. The index serves as an essential navigation tool for this landmark historical collection, enabling researchers to explore correspondence that illuminates medieval English life and documents the evolution of the English language itself.

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Selected English Letters (XV-XIX Centuries)

"Selected English Letters (XV-XIX Centuries)" by Mabel Duckitt and Harriet W. Elgee is a collection of historical correspondence written over several centuries, likely compiled in the early 20th century. This anthology presents a curated selection of letters from various notable figures, showcasing a range of themes from personal reflections to broader societal issues. The editors aim to provide insights into the lives and thoughts of these writers, as well as the evolution of the epistolary form across the ages. The beginning of the anthology includes a preface that outlines the editors' intentions and the diversity of the letters selected, as well as the various moods they represent. The initial letters highlight figures such as Sir Thomas More, whose correspondence with his daughter offers a glimpse into familial relations during a tumultuous time, and Roger Ascham, who praises Lady Jane Grey for her scholarly pursuits. The letters feature heartfelt sentiments, philosophical musings, and personal anecdotes, inviting readers to explore the rich tapestry of thoughts and experiences from the past, showcasing how individual voices have contributed to a greater understanding of society through time.

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