Please Continue: Literary Correspondence as Conversation

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In Summary

The letters in this exhibit span a century of English literature, from the 1880s to the 1980s, and each one was sent with the hope that it would bring a response in return, continuing the conversation. Because the fiction writers and poets who wrote this correspondence were all devoted to the craft of writing, their missives are works of art in themselves, albeit more personal and playful than their published volumes had the freedom to be. Each author’s epistles express personality not only through the chosen text, but also through paper color, handwriting, choice of writing utensil, and the many other physical details required to complete and mail a letter. The messages also hint at the lives on the receiving end of the correspondence, prompting us to imagine responses to the questions asked, praises doled out, and affections expressed.

Bonus: Picture and Text

In this small volume, Henry James discusses the ways in which various art forms intersect and complement one another. He focuses specifically on Harper and Brothers illustrators, many of whom illustrated James’ works.

Title	Picture and Text
Creator	Henry James
Publisher	New York: Harper and Brothers
Date	1893
Source	Sevier Collection