Writing Letters With Pen & Ink

Summary (from the publisher): This volume lovingly describes the many connected pleasures enjoyed by someone who conducts a correspondence through letters handwritten with pen and ink. The nature of different pens is discussed, and the pleasure of writing with them is chronicled. The selection of paper and ink is examined, and through the choice of envelopes and stamps further opportunities for variety and creativity are explored. This book will encourage many people to explore this profoundly satisfying way to communicate.

 

Review: "More than kisses, letters mingle souls;/ For, thus friends absent speak. - John Donne (3).

 

This beautiful and concise little volume provides a historical overview of handwritten letters. Before the invention of the typewriter in 1867, all letters were written by hand (1) and the personal touch of a handwritten note is still greatly appreciated, even in a world where email is the generally preferred choice of correspondence. In fact, the author argues that, while a distant form of communication, the letter encourages intimacy "for people dare to write what they would find it difficult to say" (5).

 

This book has sections on the evolution of the pen and writing instruments used, the many colors of ink that can be used, types of writing paper, the act of writing itself, what and how to write, a history of envelopes, stamps, and the joy of receiving letters. I particularly enjoyed the overview of the language of stamps, which communicated different messages based on the location and orientation of stamps on a letter. This book features pictures of many beautiful works of art that feature individuals in the act of writing letters and has many quotes that convey the joy and meaning that sending or receiving a note through the post gives.

 

I do wish this book had been longer, but it was a beautiful, brief little book to flip through to instill or revive interest in handwritten letters.

 

Stars: 4