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.

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. ( )