Subject
Letter writing Books
Best books
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.
Mary Owens Crowther
How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) A Complete Guide to Correct Business and Personal Correspondence
"How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters)" by Mary Owens Crowther is a practical guide to effective communication through letters, written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a comprehensive resource for both personal and business correspondence, outlining the essential components and etiquette of letter writing to ensure clear and appropriate communication. The opening of the book introduces the concept of a letter, emphasizing its role as a means of conveying thoughts and information rather than a form of literary expression. It discusses the evolution of letter writing, highlighting a shift from formal, ceremonious styles to more direct and purposeful communication. The author argues that effective letter writing focuses on clarity and conciseness, with an intention defined by the writer, and begins to outline the fundamental parts of a letter, setting the stage for detailed guidance in subsequent chapters.
Alfred B. Chambers
The New Century Standard Letter-Writer Business, Family and Social Correspondence, Love-Letters, Etiquette, Synonyms, Legal Forms, Etc.
"The New Century Standard Letter-Writer" by Alfred B. Chambers is a guide to business, family, and social correspondence written in the late 19th century. The book serves as a comprehensive manual for various types of letter writing, including love letters, legal forms, and etiquette, emphasizing how to communicate effectively in a range of contexts. The opening of the letter-writer begins by establishing the importance of correspondence in business, comparing it to bookkeeping in terms of significance. It highlights the necessity of mastering the mechanics and literature of letter writing, noting that a well-structured letter can greatly enhance communication. The author elaborates on elements such as the arrangement of a business letter, the quality of stationery, and the importance of neatness and clarity. These introductory remarks set the stage for more detailed examples and guidelines throughout the work.
Lewis Carroll
Eight or Nine Wise Words about Letter-Writing
"Eight or Nine Wise Words about Letter-Writing" by Lewis Carroll is an essay published in 1890. This practical guide offers advice on composing, writing, mailing, and recording personal correspondence. Carroll covers everything from organizing stamp cases to beginning and ending letters appropriately. The centerpiece is nine rules for effective letter-writing, addressing common pitfalls like illegible handwriting, unnecessary apologies, and the temptation to have the last word. Originally sold with the "Wonderland" Postage-Stamp-Case, this Victorian-era manual blends Carroll's characteristic wit with surprisingly timeless wisdom about written communication.
William Johnson Cocker
Hand-book of punctuation : $b with instructions for capitalization, letter-writing, and proof-reading
"Hand-book of Punctuation" by W. J. Cocker is a guidebook on punctuation, capitalization, letter-writing, and proof-reading written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive volume aims to clarify the rules of punctuation and capitalization, illustrating them with examples from renowned English classics. It addresses the common misconceptions about punctuation and emphasizes the importance of clear communication. The opening of the book introduces the fundamental concepts of punctuation and presents its purpose: to provide guidelines on how to punctuate effectively. Cocker starts with the assertion that punctuation rules derive from the practices of esteemed writers, aiming not only to detail these rules but also to highlight the variations in punctuation use among different authors. He stresses that effective punctuation is critical for clarity in writing, as misunderstandings can easily arise from careless punctuation. Additionally, the preface outlines the unfortunate lack of attention given to punctuation in education and aims to rectify this by providing clear rules along with numerous illustrations, thereby enhancing writers' skills in effectively conveying meaning.
Edwin Hamlin Carr
Putnam's Phrase Book An Aid to Social Letter Writing and to Ready and Effective Conversation, with Over 100 Model Social Letters and 6000 of the World's Best English Phrases
"Putnam's Phrase Book" by Edwin Hamlin Carr is a collection of linguistic aids aimed at social letter writing and facilitating effective conversation, written in the early 20th century. This resource comprises over six thousand carefully curated phrases meant to enhance communication, along with one hundred model social letters that exemplify these expressions. It serves as a guide for individuals looking to improve their writing and speaking skills in a variety of social situations. At the start of the book, the author outlines the necessity of a phrase book to complement a dictionary for everyday communication, emphasizing the importance of using well-chosen phrases. He discusses the structure of the phrase book, detailing its dictionary format, the sample letters included to guide users, and the method for preparing personalized letters utilizing the phrases provided. The foreword expresses his gratitude toward various literary sources, illustrating his commitment to curating phrases that reflect common, effective speech, and making it clear that the book is designed to assist with everything from simple communication to the more challenging task of writing condolence letters.
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