800 Years of Women's Letters

A glimpse into the most intimate desires, passions, and ambitions of an extraordinary array of women

This inspiring, fascinating book is the first truly comprehensive study of women’s letters ever published. Organized by the subject matter and covering a wide range of topics from politics, work, and war to childhood, love, and sexual passion, 800 Years of Women’s Letter reveals the depth, breadth, and diversity of women’s lives through the ages. Here, Heloise writes to Abelard of her undying devotion. Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf correspond about life and writing. Queen Victoria complains to Robert Peel about the neglect of Buckingham Palace. And many more ordinary women write letters revealing the compassion, humor, love, and tenacity with which they confront the often difficult circumstances of their everyday lives.

“Here is the intimacy of heart and mind speaking to heart and mind across distance and time… Olga Kenyon has performed a service to all who are interested not only in the written word, but in the changing lives of women and the way in which they themselves have perceived these changes.” – from the Foreword by P.D. James More