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

In Short

This book serves as a definitive handbook for navigating the social and professional landscapes of the 1920s through the written word. It provides clear, actionable instructions on the structure, tone, and etiquette required for a vast array of scenarios, including sympathy notes, sales pitches, and legal correspondence. By focusing on clarity, courtesy, and the avoidance of common errors, it provides a timeless look at how letters function as a primary bridge between individuals, businesses, and society at large.

The Story

The narrative of this guide begins with the fundamental question: "What is a letter?" The author treats the letter not merely as a vehicle for information but as a manifestation of the writer’s character and social standing. The journey commences with the anatomy of a letter—the heading, salutation, body, and signature—establishing a rigorous framework for precision. The author emphasizes that a letter is a stand-in for the person who sends it; therefore, every detail, from the choice of stationery to the spelling of a name, reflects one’s attention to detail and respect for the recipient.

As the text progresses, it transitions from the rigid mechanics of form into the delicate realm of social correspondence. Here, the reader learns the nuances of invitations, congratulations, and the particularly sensitive art of the condolence. The author provides specific templates for these occasions, noting that when life events—such as weddings, illnesses, or deaths—disrupt normal life, the letter acts as the essential social glue. The ending of these chapters reminds the reader that even when an invitation must be recalled or a tragedy addressed, grace and clarity remain paramount.

The second half of the book pivots to the world of commerce. The author argues that "personal business" requires a unique blend of social stationery and business-like speed. Whether writing to a department store to order towels, soliciting a real estate sale, or navigating the complexities of credit and employment, the goal is always to be understood by the reader, whom the author humorously reminds us we should assume is hurried or potentially inattentive. The arc concludes with technical guidance on telegrams, the legal implications of written contracts, and the proper selection of paper and monograms. Throughout the text, the author maintains a firm, authoritative tone, guiding the reader away from "flamboyant" choices and toward a standard of restrained, professional elegance. By the final chapter, the reader is equipped with the necessary knowledge to handle any situation, from a casual note between friends to a formal business dispute, with confidence and poise.

How It Unfolds

The Anatomy of Correspondence The book opens by defining the essential physical parts of a letter, stressing that consistent placement and proper titles are the bedrock of correct form. The author warns against informal shortcuts, explaining why the salutation and signature must strictly adhere to established customs.

The Social Register The middle chapters serve as a delicate guide to personal interactions, providing specific examples for invitations, sympathy, and letters of introduction. This section underscores the importance of empathy and decorum, illustrating how written words can maintain relationships during times of celebration or sorrow.

The Business of Writing The text then shifts to the commercial sphere, detailing how to write effective sales letters, handle complaints, and manage credit. It offers a pragmatic view of business, advising that one should be clear and concise, as the recipient of a business letter is often a busy professional.

The Technical and Legal Framework The final movement covers the logistics of telegrams, the legal reality of contracts created through correspondence, and the aesthetic choices of stationery. This section grounds the reader in the practical realities of the era, from counting words in a telegram to selecting the appropriate bond paper.

The People

The book is populated by a cast of archetypes: the Professional, the Socialite, and the Merchant. The Professional is often preoccupied with the efficiency of their time; they represent the need for clear, telegraphic communication that gets straight to the point without sacrificing dignity. They are frequently confronted with the challenge of the "obtuse clerk," requiring them to write with such absolute clarity that misinterpretation becomes impossible.

The Socialite operates within a world of complex obligations, where the sending of a wedding announcement or a dinner invitation is a statement of one’s place in society. They are guided by the need to maintain tradition and honor, standing against the drift toward sloppy, informal habits. Their primary challenge is navigating the etiquette of social life—knowing when to send a note, how to decline an invitation with grace, and how to express sympathy without becoming intrusive.

Finally, the Merchant—represented by business entities like department stores and iron works—seeks to build patronage and trust. They want to be helpful and accurate, yet they are constantly managing the risks of credit and the vagaries of customer service. These figures, while varied, share a common desire: to convey their intent clearly and to be remembered as reliable, well-bred, and competent.

In Its Own Voice

"The salutation follows the inside address and preserves the same margin as does the first line of the address."

The author explains the structural necessity of maintaining consistent alignment in formal letters.

"A man should never prefix to his signature any title, as 'Mr.,' 'Prof.,' or 'Dr.'"

This instruction highlights the book's emphasis on modesty and the avoidance of self-important affectation in one’s own signature.

"A contract is a meeting of minds."

In the chapter regarding the law of letters, the author clarifies that a legally binding agreement does not require elaborate parchment or seals.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for the power of intentional communication. It posits that a letter is a proxy for the self; therefore, the effort one puts into formatting, tone, and clarity is an effort to maintain one’s own dignity and reliability. The text explores the tension between the personal and the professional, suggesting that even in the most commercial of settings, a human touch is indispensable. It asks the reader to consider the recipient at all times—to value their time, respect their social status, and provide them with the information they need without unnecessary fluff. It is, ultimately, a guide to living with order and courtesy.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate the lost art of the handwritten note or who are fascinated by the etiquette of the early twentieth century will find this a delightful, if occasionally rigid, companion. The prose is warm and confident, feeling like a conversation with a stern but helpful mentor who truly believes that "the way you write" matters. It provides a vivid window into a time when business was conducted through letters rather than instant messages, and when social life was governed by the precision of an engraved invitation.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the book's period-specific attitudes. The author’s advice on titles and social hierarchies is firmly rooted in the 1920s and may feel overly formal or restrictive today. Furthermore, the advice on business letters assumes a world of paper files and physical mail, which may require the reader to adapt the principles to a digital context. Despite these shifts in time, the underlying commitment to clarity, empathy, and respect for the recipient remains as relevant as ever. It is a rewarding read for anyone who wants to bring more thought, style, and structure to their communication.