Letters of Note
Letters of Note
Shaun Usher
Patrick O'Shaughnessy
One of the most enjoyable Christmas presents I’ve ever received. - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
Caterina Fake
Really wonderful. - Caterina Fake
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Letters of Note

Letters of Note: An Eclectic Collection of Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience

Shaun Usher
By
Shaun Usher
4.3
706
ratings on Goodreads

"Letters of Note" compiles an extraordinary collection of the world's most captivating correspondence, curated by Shaun Usher from his phenomenally popular online museum. This anthology transcends the ordinary, inviting readers on a journey through time and emotion with 125 letters that illuminate the human condition. From Virginia Woolf's deeply moving farewell note to the playful exchange between Queen Elizabeth II and President Eisenhower over scone recipes, each letter offers a unique glimpse into moments of historical significance, personal triumph, and poignant tragedy. Usher's selection celebrates the enduring power of the written word, showcasing letters that range from Leonardo da Vinci's ambitious job application to Gandhi's plea for peace to Hitler, and from Iggy Pop's heartfelt advice to a young fan to the first recorded use of "OMG" addressed to Winston Churchill. With contributions from figures as diverse as Elvis Presley, Charles Darwin, and Anaïs Nin, "Letters of Note" is not merely a book but a mosaic of humanity's most profound emotions—joy, sorrow, hope, and despair—expressed through the simple act of letter writing. This collection proves that words, when arranged with sincerity and passion, can resonate across generations, capturing the humor, seriousness, and brilliance that define our existence.

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Released
2013
24 Oct
Length
384
Pages

2

recommendations

recommendation

Really wonderful. - Caterina Fake
One of the most enjoyable Christmas presents I’ve ever received. - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness. Sailors have an expression about the weather: they say, the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society—things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed, sometimes rather suddenly. It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably harbor seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out. Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.
— Shaun Usher, Letters of Note

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