The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 5: The Letters of Charles and Mary Lamb, 1796-1820

A correspondence collection written during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This volume contains a series of letters exchanged between the Lamb siblings, capturing their thoughts and experiences over a span of several years, reflecting their literary endeavors and personal lives within the context of their times. The beginning of the volume opens with a detailed preface that outlines the significance of the collected letters, noting the total included in this edition and the challenges faced in securing copyright for the publication. Following the preface, the first letter dated May 27, 1796, is addressed to S.T. Coleridge, revealing intimate aspects of Lamb's life, including his financial matters, updates on friends, and his ongoing literary projects and aspirations. He expresses a sense of camaraderie, discusses societal observations, and shares a sonnet written for his sister, showcasing not only familial love but also the creative spirit that characterized Charles Lamb's correspondence. Throughout, the letters provide insight into the personal and literary world of the Lambs, while illustrating their close-knit bond as siblings and creative partners.