Eight or Nine Wise Words About Letter-Writing

A practical guide on the art of writing letters, published in the late 19th century. The book is an instruction manual focused on letter composition, covering everything from starting and organizing a letter to concluding it effectively. Carroll employs his signature wit and whimsical style to impart advice, making his insights both entertaining and educational. In this brief yet insightful book, Carroll breaks down the components of letter-writing into clear sections. He provides tips on beginning letters with proper greetings, maintaining legible handwriting, and the importance of addressing people's names correctly. He humorously advises readers not to overapologize for delays and suggests using quotes from previous correspondence for clarity. Additionally, Carroll offers etiquette on closing letters, emphasizing how to match the tone of the ending with that of previous exchanges. His humorous anecdotes and clever rules present letter-writing as not just a task but an enjoyable form of communication, encouraging readers to cultivate their correspondence skills.