Letters of a Nation [Paperback]

Andrew Carroll (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 1999

Letters of a Nation is a unique and timeless collection of extraordinary letters spanning more than 350 years of American history, from the arrival of the Pilgrims to the present day. Many of the more than 200 letters are published here for the first time, and the correspondents are the celebrated and obscure, the powerful and powerless, including presidents, slaves, soldiers, prisoners, explorers, writers, revolutionaries, Native Americans, artists, religious and civil rights leaders, and people from all walks of life. From the serious (Harry Truman defending his use of the atomic bomb) to the surreal (Elvis Presley to Richard Nixon on fighting drugs in America), this collection of letters covers the full spectrum of human emotion, illuminates the American experience, and celebrates the simple yet lasting art of letter writing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fascinating! . . . I couldn't stop turning the pages."
--Abigail Van Buren ("Dear Abby")

"Here is America's heart and soul, as rendered by a wide range of citizens whose words, in their stirring and instructive sum, tell us who we are as a people, what we've become as a nation."
--Dr. Robert Coles, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Spiritual Life of Children

"There simply isn't a dull passage to be found in this mind-opening, heart-stretching volume."
--Booklist

From the Inside Flap

Letters of a Nation is a unique and timeless collection of extraordinary letters spanning more than 350 years of American history, from the arrival of the Pilgrims to the present day. Many of the more than 200 letters are published here for the first time, and the correspondents are the celebrated and obscure, the powerful and powerless, including presidents, slaves, soldiers, prisoners, explorers, writers, revolutionaries, Native Americans, artists, religious and civil rights leaders, and people from all walks of life. From the serious (Harry Truman defending his use of the atomic bomb) to the surreal (Elvis Presley to Richard Nixon on fighting drugs in America), this collection of letters covers the full spectrum of human emotion, illuminates the American experience, and celebrates the simple yet lasting art of letter writing.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Broadway (January 5, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767903315
• ISBN-13: 978-0767903318
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.3 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Letters & Correspondence

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Voices of America's Past, July 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Letters of a Nation (Paperback)

What a fantastic book. The letters I've read have brought voices to America's past. It's like reading a hundred stories in one book. For me, it's been an emotional read. The voices of people-slaves,soldiers, presidents and mothers that helped shaped our nation are still ringing in my ears. I'm recommending this to all my friends. A great trip though history.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars American History as the (his)story of PEOPLE!, November 3, 2006

By 

Lisa T. Wilkins "literaturegeek" (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Letters of a Nation (Paperback)

This book is one of the best investments I've made over the past year (I typically buy 3-4 books a month). I teach - and am passionate about - American History at the high school level. I discovered this book on Amazon and purchased it out of curiosity and a desire to add to my stash of "primary sources." What a great find! The letters are grouped thematically, not chronologically, and offer a great mix of subjects, authors, and viewpoints. While my primary motivation for purchasing this book was its potential use as a classroom source/reference, it proved an interesting "read," as well. History really comes alive, as do the "players" and events, through reading correspondence. While these letters were not necessarily intended for public consumption, it allows for real insight into the past, and into the psyche of the people who have helped to shape our country. Each letter is "set up" for the reader with an introduction explaining the context in which the letter was written. There are also "postscripts" to let the reader know what took place after the letter (a "conclusion," so to speak). Thank you, Mr. Carroll - it's obvious that a lot of work (and editing!) was expended here for the benefit of your readers!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any library. . ., February 4, 1999

By 

[e-mail], author of Take T... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Letters of a Nation (Paperback)

Dipping into Andrew Carroll's "Letters of a Nation" is like exploring the contents of a fine antique jewelry box filled with history, intimate moments, humor and wisdom. This book is a perfect fireside companion!