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arantzazureads's review against another edition
5.0
This is really extraordinarily delightful!
Keep this book on your coffee table to both entertain and learn from.
These letters, memos, and notes would never be seen otherwise--and they're almost always hilarious or remarkable. It's like going through the attic of an incredibly worldly and well-connected grandmother!
Some personal favorites: Ursula K. LeGuin's fabulously worded refusal to blurb a book (page 146), Hunter S. Thompson's foul-mouthed rejection of Anthony Burgess's 50,000 word novella (page 188), and the indescribable anti-social memorandum found on page 86 which describes all of us, some of the time.
Keep this book on your coffee table to both entertain and learn from.
These letters, memos, and notes would never be seen otherwise--and they're almost always hilarious or remarkable. It's like going through the attic of an incredibly worldly and well-connected grandmother!
Some personal favorites: Ursula K. LeGuin's fabulously worded refusal to blurb a book (page 146), Hunter S. Thompson's foul-mouthed rejection of Anthony Burgess's 50,000 word novella (page 188), and the indescribable anti-social memorandum found on page 86 which describes all of us, some of the time.
elsa13's review against another edition
4.0
Been slowly working my way through this. Quite the interesting collection of letters ! Really enjoyed reading through all the many thoughts and perspectives!
karmacy's review against another edition
5.0
I love these books so much. If another 10 were to be released, I'd happily read them all.
rhi_books's review against another edition
5.0
[I should probably say that I was given this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I was not required to give a review and my opinion is my own. Just like to be upfront about these things.]
I recieved the softback edition which is a large, heavy thing with good quality paper. You could do some damage if you whacked someone with it. I like that in a book. It also has plenty of pictures, including scans of the letters.
In my opinion this is a book that should be in dead tree format. Perhaps a PDF if they sell them, but I can't imagine it would look good on an ereader.
The content is amazing. I haven't read the first volume, but if you're having doubts about there not being enough quality letters out there to fill this book then I'm happy to say those fears are unfounded. In these pages you will find every aspect of humanity that is expressable in words, and a reassuring reminder that wherever or whenever you go people are people. One of my favourites was a clay tablet complaining about the poor quality of goods. Something that will make me smile next time I'm wrangling with some customer service helpline, I'm not just on hold, I'm participating in a thousands of years old tradition.
It's rare that something is both mind expanding and comforting at the same time, but this book pulls it off.
I did find the centerpiece of an embroidered letter from a madwoman a little uncomfortable, but I understand why it was included. That's about the only negative I can think of, and that's probably just me.
I recieved the softback edition which is a large, heavy thing with good quality paper. You could do some damage if you whacked someone with it. I like that in a book. It also has plenty of pictures, including scans of the letters.
In my opinion this is a book that should be in dead tree format. Perhaps a PDF if they sell them, but I can't imagine it would look good on an ereader.
The content is amazing. I haven't read the first volume, but if you're having doubts about there not being enough quality letters out there to fill this book then I'm happy to say those fears are unfounded. In these pages you will find every aspect of humanity that is expressable in words, and a reassuring reminder that wherever or whenever you go people are people. One of my favourites was a clay tablet complaining about the poor quality of goods. Something that will make me smile next time I'm wrangling with some customer service helpline, I'm not just on hold, I'm participating in a thousands of years old tradition.
It's rare that something is both mind expanding and comforting at the same time, but this book pulls it off.
I did find the centerpiece of an embroidered letter from a madwoman a little uncomfortable, but I understand why it was included. That's about the only negative I can think of, and that's probably just me.
shmandy's review against another edition
5.0
These letter collections never cease to amuse, shock and delight me.
ameliasbooks's review against another edition
5.0
#NonFictionNovember
#Past-Time
What a wonderful experience this book is. I discovered so much in it that I didn't know or had never heard of before. Some of the letters make you laugh, some make you sad and some of them can make you very angry. This book is also a wonderful gift, even to someone who usually doesn't read.
#Past-Time
What a wonderful experience this book is. I discovered so much in it that I didn't know or had never heard of before. Some of the letters make you laugh, some make you sad and some of them can make you very angry. This book is also a wonderful gift, even to someone who usually doesn't read.
neftzger's review against another edition
4.0
Letters of Note, Volume 2 is a very fun read, as it primarily contains the contents of actual letters written from one notable person to another. Authors include Charlotte Bronte, JK Rowling, Tennessee Williams, Winston Churchill, and many others. There are also company memos that are quite amusing to read (and yes, someone actually sent those to employees!). The topics vary, so this is a book where the reader can skip around or stagger the reading across scattered bits of free time. I have placed my copy in my living room for guests to peruse on visits. Entertaining to say the very least - both amusing and enjoyable. Recommended light reading as an escape from the stresses of life and other hazards.
One of my favorites quotes is in a letter from William S. Burroughs to Truman Capote: "You choose instead to sell out a talent that was not yours to sell."
Note: I was given a free ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorites quotes is in a letter from William S. Burroughs to Truman Capote: "You choose instead to sell out a talent that was not yours to sell."
Note: I was given a free ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.