The Greatest American "Nonfiction, Literary Letters" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 297 '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.

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Nonfiction

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.

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  1. 1. The Habit of Being by Flannery O'Connor

    "The Habit of Being" is a collection of personal correspondence by a renowned southern writer, offering a profound insight into her private life, thoughts, and creative processes. These letters, written over a span of two decades, reveal her struggle with lupus, her strong Catholic faith, her sharp wit, and her dedication to writing. The book also provides a glimpse of her relationships with literary contemporaries and her insightful thoughts on contemporary issues, literature, and religion.

  2. 2. The Adams Jefferson Letters by Lester J. Cappon

    This book is a comprehensive collection of the correspondence between two of America's founding fathers over the course of their long and storied lives. Through their letters, readers gain an intimate glimpse into the deep friendship, occasional rivalry, and mutual respect that existed between these two men, both of whom played pivotal roles in the formation of the United States. The correspondence covers a wide range of topics, including politics, philosophy, and personal matters, offering invaluable insights into the early years of American independence, the challenges of governance, and the intellectual landscape of the 18th century. This collection not only sheds light on the personal dynamics between these influential figures but also provides a rich historical context for understanding the foundational principles of the American republic.

  3. 3. The Collected Prose by Elizabeth Bishop

    "The Collected Prose" is a compilation of non-fiction works by a renowned American poet, offering a window into her sharp observations, lyrical descriptions, and personal reflections. This collection encompasses a variety of genres, including travel writing, memoirs, and critical essays, providing readers with insights into the author's life, her thoughts on the craft of writing, and her experiences in different parts of the world. The prose complements her poetry, revealing the breadth of her talent and the depth of her intellect, and solidifying her reputation as a master of both poetic and prose forms.

  4. 4. The Shores Of Light by Edmund Wilson

    "The Shores of Light" is a comprehensive anthology of literary criticism and social commentary, spanning the first three decades of the 20th century. The collection showcases the author's incisive and often acerbic observations on a wide array of subjects, ranging from the evolution of American literature and culture to the idiosyncrasies of prominent literary figures of the era. Through a series of essays, reviews, and personal reflections, the work not only offers a window into the intellectual and cultural milieu of the time but also highlights the author's role as a keen critic and an influential voice in the landscape of American letters.

  5. 5. Finishing The Hat: Collected Lyrics With Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, ­Grudges, Whines And Anecdotes by Stephen Sondheim

    "Finishing The Hat" is a collection of Stephen Sondheim's lyrics from his illustrious career in musical theater, along with his personal commentary and insights on the creative process. Sondheim shares his principles, heresies, grudges, whines, and anecdotes, providing a unique look into the mind of one of the most celebrated composers and lyricists of our time. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of musical theater and the creative process behind it.

  6. 6. A Johnson Reader by Samuel Johnson

    "A Johnson Reader" is a curated anthology that provides a comprehensive overview of Samuel Johnson's literary and intellectual legacy. The collection includes a selection of Johnson's essays, poems, and excerpts from his most significant works, such as his dictionary and his biographies of English poets. This reader showcases Johnson's wit, moral insight, and profound understanding of human nature, making it an essential compilation for those seeking to delve into the thoughts and writings of one of the most influential figures of the 18th century English literature.

Reading Statistics

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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