The way we communicate has changed. Today, many of our interactions are digital, but until recently writing letters was the norm. Drawing from over 100 miles of records held at the UK’s official government archive, The National Archives at Kew, this collection of letters, postcards and telegraphs will shine a spotlight on a range of significant historical moments and occurrences, recapturing a lost world in which correspondence was king.

“The reader is guaranteed a different and compelling story every time, making this book something to treasure. It’s like holding a piece of history in your hands.” – All About History magazine

“All human life is here. Penned by the ordinary to the extraordinary, each letter reveals a hidden story. These compelling snapshots in time tell us how we became the nation we are today.” – Family Tree magazine

“This brilliant selection gives an intimate glimpse of key moments in history – from a widowed medieval queen negotiating remarriage to Karl Marx requesting British citizenship.” – The Lady

“Fascinating.” – The Sunday Times