How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) / A Complete Guide to Correct Business and Personal Correspondence

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22222

Title

How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) / A Complete Guide to Correct Business and Personal Correspondence

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Mary Owens Crowther's 1922 guide demystifies letter writing, distinguishing between spontaneous personal correspondence and formal business communication. Offering practical advice on stationery, layout, and tone, the book teaches readers to convey thoughts clearly without unnecessary flourish, ensuring letters serve their intended purpose effectively in both social and professional contexts.

Summary up to 500 words

Mary Owens Crowther's 'How to Write Letters' (formerly 'The Book of Letters') serves as a definitive guide to correspondence in the early 20th century, distinguishing between the private, spontaneous letter and the public 'epistle.' Crowther argues that effective letters prioritize clear thought over literary elegance, warning writers against 'cleverness' and complex vocabulary that may alienate readers with limited education. She notes that the average American adult possesses only a grammar school education, making simple language essential to avoid misinterpretation or appearing pretentious. The text categorizes correspondence into personal, business, and sales types, each requiring specific guidelines. For business letters, the primary goal is to convey an idea that prompts action. Crowther advises brevity and clarity, noting that a letter should be composed of 'one little word after another.' She cautions against 'cleverness,' describing it as a devastating disease that places style before substance. The book further explores the evolution of letter writing from the formal styles of the eighteenth century to the direct approach of the modern era, advocating for a pragmatic method where the writer knows exactly what they want to say. A significant portion is dedicated to sales letters, advising writers to test various formats, envelopes, and lists to determine what yields results rather than relying on rigid rules. Crowther emphasizes that the merit of a sales letter is judged solely by its results, suggesting extensive testing for large expenditures. The guide also details the physical aspects of writing, including the selection of stationery, the use of monograms and crests, and the proper arrangement of letterheads. She suggests that high-quality, simple stationery often conveys more distinction than elaborate designs. The book covers specific scenarios such as letters of condolence, congratulation, introduction, and handling complaints. Ultimately, the text advocates for a straightforward approach: ensuring the letter achieves its objective without wasting the correspondent's time or the recipient's patience.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22222.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22222.epub

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Categories

• Etiquette
• Letter writing