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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.
tallblackguy's review against another edition
5.0
I love letters, and notes written to remind or inform or plead or to impress, and I love this series. The only issue I have is that the font size is really small, so to read a ton in one sitting is pretty hard for limited vision people, but I love the variety of notes here.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review against another edition
5.0
It's a book of letters and, if that sounds boring, you obviously haven't read this book. These are brilliant missives, some funny, some sad, some zany, all fascinating. I loved Letters of Note, Vol. 1; I'm amazed to find that Vol. 2 is just as fabulous.
emilyesears's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program, but all opinions are my own.
I have always loved reading people's letters--they seemed to me to show the more intimate side of a person, moreso than any biography can. I received the first volume of Letters of Note for Christmas in 2014 and read it cover to cover, so I was thrilled to get Volume 2.
To me, what makes the Letters of Note books stand out from all the books of letters out there is the absolute high-quality of the books. You get not just transcripts of the letters, but photos of the letters themselves. You get to SEE the handwriting and/or typewriter flaws. In this volume, you see Mark Twain's first-ever typewritten letter and it is so thrilling to see that original. If the original is not available, there are full-page photographs of either the letter writer or an image that relates to the letter.
The book covers a huge range of dates--2014 to 1500 BC, and a diverse array of topics--letters to newborn children, last letters of those dying, love letters, hate letters, letters of joy, letters of grief. Basically, every emotion of life is here. But even with this array, there seems to be an overall theme of hope and of faith in humanity. This book leaves you feeling good.
If there is anything to complain about, it is that this book has a British slant to it, and particularly a British writer slant. It makes sense as Usher is British, but be forewarned that the Brits rule in this book.
I greatly enjoyed Letters of Note Volume 2 and give it 4 stars--a high rating from my parsimonious self.
I have always loved reading people's letters--they seemed to me to show the more intimate side of a person, moreso than any biography can. I received the first volume of Letters of Note for Christmas in 2014 and read it cover to cover, so I was thrilled to get Volume 2.
To me, what makes the Letters of Note books stand out from all the books of letters out there is the absolute high-quality of the books. You get not just transcripts of the letters, but photos of the letters themselves. You get to SEE the handwriting and/or typewriter flaws. In this volume, you see Mark Twain's first-ever typewritten letter and it is so thrilling to see that original. If the original is not available, there are full-page photographs of either the letter writer or an image that relates to the letter.
The book covers a huge range of dates--2014 to 1500 BC, and a diverse array of topics--letters to newborn children, last letters of those dying, love letters, hate letters, letters of joy, letters of grief. Basically, every emotion of life is here. But even with this array, there seems to be an overall theme of hope and of faith in humanity. This book leaves you feeling good.
If there is anything to complain about, it is that this book has a British slant to it, and particularly a British writer slant. It makes sense as Usher is British, but be forewarned that the Brits rule in this book.
I greatly enjoyed Letters of Note Volume 2 and give it 4 stars--a high rating from my parsimonious self.
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