The Bantam Book of Correct Letter Writing - An Abridgement Based On Lillian Eichler Watson's Standard Book of Letter Writing

by Lillian Eichler Watson

letter writing communication

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published April 1, 1958

Reviews

[MissJessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2/12/10

This book is definitely, and perhaps unfortunately, a "blast from the past."

Before E mail, etc., people actually used paper and pen to write to their friends, to issue invitations, to make reservations, and so on. The ability to write a clear, concise and intelligible letter was considered to be necessary for all business people.

The ability to write interesting, non-"I" oriented, grammatically correct, spelled with knowledge greater than a six year old, correctly formed letters was a requisite for anyone who was a competent man or woman, nevermind lady or gentleman.

Written invitations to parties and celebrations were the form.

These days have, of course, passed away. While the efficiencies of E mail and Facebook, etc., and very handy, something has been lost. A sense of permanence and a sense of style.

All in all, it was a gentler time although not necessarily a more efficient one.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guide to the form and content of personal, social and business letters and their etiquette down to the kind of stationary you should use and how to fold a letter with lots of examples of letters--and yes, there is even a section for love letters! Includes an appendix with forms of address. This is pretty old though. Last printing 1983 and first published 1958. Typewriters are even mentioned.