The Greatest "Literary Letters" Books Since 1950

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Literary Letters

Literary Letters is a genre of books that consists of collections of letters written by authors, poets, and other literary figures. These letters offer a unique insight into the lives and thoughts of these individuals, as well as the historical and cultural context in which they lived. Literary Letters can include personal correspondence, professional communication, and even fictional letters written by characters in novels. This genre provides readers with a fascinating glimpse into the minds of some of the most influential writers in history.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 26. Collected Letters by George Bernard Shaw

    "Collected Letters" is a compilation of correspondence written by a prominent playwright and critic, offering a detailed insight into his thoughts, personal relationships, and the development of his literary and social ideas over several decades. The letters reveal his witty, provocative, and often contentious interactions with many leading figures of his time. Through these personal writings, readers gain a unique perspective on his personality, his evolving political and artistic views, and his influence on both the theater and society at large. This collection serves not only as a significant historical document but also as a reflection of the intellectual and cultural dynamics of an era.

    The 8750th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Letters From The Earth by Mark Twain

    "Letters from the Earth" is a posthumously published work that consists of a series of essays written from the perspective of Satan, who, banished to Earth, writes letters to his fellow archangels about the curious practices, beliefs, and idiosyncrasies of humans. Through these satirical letters, the book explores the contradictions in human society and Christian doctrine with sharp wit and biting humor. The work delves into themes of morality, religion, and the human condition, offering a critical and often cynical view of the constructs that govern human life.

    The 8750th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Lyttelton Hart Davis Letters by George Lyttelton

    "The Lyttelton Hart-Davis Letters" is a collection of correspondence between two distinguished British literary figures over a six-year period, from 1955 to 1962. The letters showcase a rich exchange of insights, humor, and commentary on a wide array of subjects including literature, history, and personal anecdotes. The correspondents share book recommendations, critique each other's works, and discuss the cultural and social events of their time, providing a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual life of mid-20th-century Britain. The letters not only reflect the deep friendship and mutual respect between the writers but also serve as a valuable cultural artifact, illustrating the literary tastes and societal norms of the era.

    The 9105th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Complete Letters Of Oscar Wilde by Oscar Wilde

    This compilation is an exhaustive collection of correspondence penned by one of the most celebrated writers of the Victorian era, known for his wit, eloquence, and flamboyant style. The letters provide an intimate glimpse into the author's life, covering his rise to fame, his relationships, his trials, and his time in prison. They reveal his personal thoughts on art, literature, society, and his own creative process. The collection is not only a treasure trove for literary enthusiasts and scholars but also a poignant, revealing portrait of a complex man who was a central figure in the aesthetic movement of the late 19th century.

    The 9505th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Element Of Lavishness by William Maxwell

    "The Element of Lavishness" is a collection of letters exchanged between two prominent 20th-century writers over a span of four decades. The correspondence reveals the deep friendship and mutual respect that flourished between the pair as they discussed their personal lives, shared their writing processes, and offered insights and critiques on each other's works. The letters not only highlight the evolution of their literary styles but also reflect the broader cultural and social changes occurring during their time, providing readers with a rich historical context and a rare glimpse into the intimate dynamics of a literary friendship.

    The 10094th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Cultural Amnesia by Clive James

    "Cultural Amnesia" is a sweeping collection of biographical essays that explore the lives, works, and philosophical contributions of more than 100 significant figures in the 20th century. Spanning various fields, including literature, music, philosophy, and politics, the book delves into how these individuals influenced modern thought and culture, often in the face of political turmoil and social change. Through a series of insightful and meticulously researched essays, the author weaves together the threads of what constitutes cultural memory, celebrating the resilience of human creativity and intellect against the backdrop of historical amnesia.

    The 10386th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download