Available as Hardback, eBook, Downloadable audio
An updated edition of this compulsive collection of the world’s most entertaining, inspiring and powerful letters, curated by the founder of the global phenomenon lettersofnote.com
Letters of Note, the book based on the beloved website of the same name, became an instant classic on publication in 2013, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. This new edition sees the collection of the world’s most entertaining, inspiring and unusual letters updated with fourteen riveting new missives and a new introduction from curator Shaun Usher.
From Virginia Woolf’s heart-breaking suicide letter to Queen Elizabeth II’s recipe for drop scones sent to President Eisenhower; from the first recorded use of the expression ‘OMG’ in a letter to Winston Churchill, to Gandhi’s appeal for calm to Hitler; and from Iggy Pop’s beautiful letter of advice to a troubled young fan, to Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable job application letter, Letters of Note is a celebration of the power of written correspondence which captures the humour, seriousness, sadness and brilliance that make up all of our lives.
“This book was brilliant in written form and it’s even better in audio, with a cast of famous voices elevating hilarious, horrifying and moving historical epistles … An eclectic treasure trove of letters … The letters are variously life-affirming, devastating, wilfully mundane, subtly acidic and sometimes downright creepy”
guardian
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“Quite literally the most enjoyable volume it is possible to imagine. Every page is a marvel”
spectator
“Addictive, like dipping into a bag of variously tempting assorted candies, knowing that the next one will always bring surprise and pleasure”
new Yorker
“A gloriously presented compilation”
financial Times
“The literary equivalent of a box of chocolates - bite-sized and pure addictive pleasure … The result is beautifully produced, with photographs and colour facsimiles of much of the correspondence. A gorgeous Christmas present”
sunday Times
Compiled by Shaun Usher
Shaun Usher is a writer and sole custodian of the popular blogs lettersofnote.com and listsofnote.com. He has transformed both blogs into bestselling books, crowdfunded by Unbound and jointly published by Unbound and Canongate. He lives in Wilmslow with his wife Karina and their two sons. He is the author of the bestselling Letters of Note, More Letters of Note and Lists of Note.
@LettersOfNote | lettersofnote.com | shaunusher.com
Want to hear Olivia Colman read a letter from the Queen to Dwight Eisenhower about her scones? Of course you do! And thanks to the audiobook of Letters of Note, now you can!
Letters Live is a series of events where remarkable letters are read by a diverse array of outstanding performers. On 4th December 201 an incredible line up took to the newly opened Alexandra Palace Theatre stage: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Joely Richardson, Alison Steadman, Louise Brealey, Celia Imrie, Clarke Peters, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jordan Stephens, Simon Callow and Paul Ryan, with musical performances from Tom Odell. The night was in aid of Crisis at Christmas, ensuring homeless people across the country have a place to go and a meal to eat this Christmas.
