Go Ahead, Read a Stranger’s Mail in Yours Ever
Yours Ever: People and Their Letters is a snoop’s delight! Author Thomas Mallon offers his readers a scholarly yet very personal look into the lives of some extraordinary people via their intimate correspondence. The art of letter writing may not be as widely practiced at it once was (or is it more widely practiced in different ways—email, IMs, text?), and Yours Ever is a homage to illustrious correspondents who did not fear putting their thoughts and feelings into writing.
Will you recognize the names of any of the pen pals throughout history? You certainly should! S.J. Perelman, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, and Virginia Woolf are but a few of the luminaries represented by their postal output. They were passionate, witty, and angst-ridden. Did they write about things that are relevant today? Only love, war, friendship, daily matters, news big and small. They advised, complained, confessed and philosophized through their letters, and there are snippets of gossip accompanying many deep thoughts.
In presenting these messages and billets doux, Mallon gives insight into the writers, their lives, and events at the time of writing. Additionally, the history of letter-writing (who is credited with the first letter?) and mail delivery is detailed. Many of the writers are famous, some infamous, and all share aspects of themselves in their posts.
Yours Ever is meant to be savored. Light the fire, get comfy, and discover the more personal sides of some very public figures. Here is the gift for that literature lover, letter writer, or nosy-pants; don’t forget to include a note.
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