Eight or Nine Wise Words About Letter-Writing

Lewis Carroll transforms the ordinary act of letter-writing into a comic exercise in wit, etiquette, and practical sense. From a whimsical "Wonderland" stamp case to the proper way to address, stamp, and date an envelope, he treats stationery as a source of miniature marvels while quietly warning against the habits that delay mail and muddle meaning. His mock-serious rules continue through the art of composing a clear, courteous letter: write legibly, answer directly, quote accurately, and cool off before sending an angry reply. He also advises knowing when to stop arguing, ending gracefully, and using a postscript with care to soften awkward truths. Along the way, he offers delightfully odd but useful counsel, such as carrying letters to the post by hand and keeping a correspondence register to preserve memory, avoid misunderstandings, and protect oneself from blame. The result is a playful celebration of precision, restraint, and good manners in everyday communication. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.