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a really interesting look into the values, perceptions, and norms of Victorian England in regards to correspondence. So much can be understood about their society purely from the ways in which they wrote their letters and the strict rules that apply to such a practice. The language is simultaneously humorous (to the modern reader) and chillingly extreme - gold edged paper is not "tacky" or "outdated" but "vulgar," and it is repeated that you can tell one's breeding from how they write to you. It is incredibly intriguing for anyone who is at all interested in Victorian societies and/or customs.
I just love reading about 19th Century etiquette and this was such a quick, interesting guide to letter-writing in 1890 America. Concise, easy to read but also pretty funny (retrospectively of course!), I would highly recommend this to anyone with similar interests :)
Oh, by the way, if you're struggling to find the book, this is where I read it: https://archive.org/details/cihm_13026/page/n19/mode/2up (it's pretty hard to find online but this archive offers free access!).
Oh, by the way, if you're struggling to find the book, this is where I read it: https://archive.org/details/cihm_13026/page/n19/mode/2up (it's pretty hard to find online but this archive offers free access!).
Thoroughly enjoyable read. I expected it to be quite dry but it was entertaining and actually interesting. Would highly recommend.