It is such a great delight to read White's prose. Whether it is his children's books, his essays, or these letters, they all have their own unique charm. His writing is always filled with self-deprecation, which makes it very relatable and endearing. At the same time, his insights are profound and thought-provoking, and his sense of humor is恰到好处, adding a touch of lightness and entertainment to his works. This collection of letters gives the reader a wonderful opportunity to get to know the man behind his other writings. It is like a precious gem, shining with its own unique光芒, and well worth reading and savoring.

A rarity among books: a collection of letters that makes the writer seem more than you imagined, not less.

White's letters are truly a remarkable find. Whether he is coaxing a young John Updike with his next story or patiently responding to the umpteenth schoolkid with a homework assignment, his good spirits and modesty shine through.

One can't help but be charmed by his genuine interest in the people he corresponds with. His words are filled with warmth and wisdom, and it's as if he is sitting right there with you, sharing his thoughts and ideas.

This collection of letters offers a unique glimpse into the mind and heart of a great writer. It shows us that behind the published works and literary accolades, there was a man who was kind, humble, and always willing to engage with others.

Reading these letters is a delight, and it makes us appreciate White's talent and character even more. It's a reminder that great writing is not just about the words on the page, but also about the person who wrote them.

The best thing I've read in years. Period.

This simple statement holds a profound truth. In a world filled with an abundance of written materials, it is rare to come across something that truly stands out.

It could be a book that transports you to another realm, a captivating article that makes you think deeply, or a piece of poetry that touches your soul.

Whatever it may be, this particular piece has had a profound impact on me.

It has left an indelible mark, making me realize the power of words and the beauty of great literature.

I will forever cherish this discovery and look forward to finding more such gems in the future.

Summer bingo-Epistolary

This is truly the most remarkable collection of letters that I have ever had the pleasure of perusing. They possess a charm and a quality that is every bit as outstanding as E. B. White's renowned essays. Despite the fact that this book spans nearly 700 pages, I found myself filled with a sense of sadness as I reached the final page. Each letter within these pages is a little gem, offering unique insights, emotions, and stories. It's as if I have been invited into the private lives and thoughts of the correspondents. The length of the book, rather than being a deterrent, has only served to deepen my immersion in this wonderful epistolary world. I will surely cherish this collection and revisit it time and time again.

The author of Charlotte's Web and Strunk & White's Elements of Style was not only a renowned writer but also a prolific letter writer.

The collection of his letters, which spans over 600 pages, chronicles his adult life from the 1920s to the late 1970s. He corresponded with a wide range of people, including the well-known like John Irving and the lesser-known, such as children who had opinions about the ending of Stuart Little.

His responses were always gracious, witty, and elegant, showing his remarkable literary talent and charm.

Moreover, he was a fierce defender of the First Amendment, standing up for the freedom of speech and expression.

By the end of the book, I felt like he was a valued friend, and it was truly sad to learn that shortly after the book was published, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

This diagnosis marked the beginning of a difficult journey for him and those who loved him.

Nevertheless, his literary works and letters will continue to inspire generations to come.

Currently, I am engrossed in reading this truly remarkable, personal, and rich collection of letters by EB White. He was a New York writer who lived from 1899 to 1985. His tenure at The New Yorker and his authorship of Charlotte's Web are among his most outstanding achievements.

From his early travels across the USA in a Model T in the 1920s, to his time in the vibrant city of NYC, and直至 he moved with his wife and family to the rural tranquility of Maine, his self-observations are refreshingly self-effacing, modest, and honest. Despite living such a rich, adventurous, and intelligent life, his assessments are marked by a startling plainness and humbleness.

He has an uncanny ability to describe the most ordinary yet captivating experiences, such as thunderstorms, sailing a boat, riding on a train, walking through the forest, and chasing a dog, in a way that is truly unique. The way he writes is never pretentious or affected, yet it is exquisitely polished, poetic, and profound.

If you are seeking a read that will transport you away from the inanity and madness of our present day, I simply cannot fathom a book that would be a better choice than this one. It is a literary gem that offers a glimpse into the life and mind of a truly remarkable writer.

E.B. White, who is perhaps best known for his three children's books (Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web, and The Trumpet of the Swan), also had a diverse literary career. He wrote adult books, contributed squibs to the New Yorker magazine, and revised and edited the Strunk Element's of Style. For many years, he resided on a farm along the Maine coast, where he developed a particular fondness for poultry, especially geese.

In this collection of letters that commences when he was just eleven years old, one can truly relish his unique personality and writing style. Many of his letters possess a hint of whimsy, often blended with a touch of sarcasm, and even a smidgeon of cantankerousness. I found myself especially drawn to his letters to his next older brother, whom he affectionately called Bun.

I can't help but wish that I had someone in my life who would write me such wonderful letters. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind and heart of E.B. White, and make for a truly engaging read.

E. B. White must have been extremely meticulous as he seemingly saved every carbon copy of each letter he penned to his family, friends, business associates, and even his beloved wife.

His granddaughter, Martha White, has done a remarkable job in revising and updating this book that spans across decades.

Before many of the letters, she provides valuable background information, enabling the reader to fully understand the context and the reason why White is writing that particular letter.

The book commences in New York City with the young E. B. White. He has a wonderful time at summer camp in Maine and promptly falls in love with the state and its friendly locals.

As the years pass and his career in New York takes off, he spends an increasing amount of time in Maine.

Although he initially knows very little about country life, the locals patiently teach him, and he documents his experiences in his letters.

The letters are witty, funny, and revealing. I found myself particularly engrossed in reading about how the ideas for his children's stories began to germinate in his mind.

For instance, he learned about making an ax and dedicated a year to researching spiders before embarking on writing Charlotte's Web.

With a substantial 713 pages, this book is truly a gem and is perfect for reading during a pandemic when one has more time to delve into such a rich and engaging collection of letters.

In this intimate and candid collection of letters, White's voice truly shines through with a remarkable combination of warmth and wisdom.

As one delves into these pages, it's as if they are granted a unique and privileged glimpse into the inner workings of the mind of a literary luminary.

With an effortless grace and a sharp wit, White traverses a wide array of diverse topics. He writes about the art of writing itself, sharing his insights and experiences that are sure to inspire aspiring writers.

Nature also holds a special place in his letters, as he vividly describes the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Love and loss are not overlooked either, and his thoughts on these deeply human emotions add a layer of poignancy to the collection.

Spanning decades, these letters create an endearing correspondence that reveals the author's profound insights, delightful humor, and profound humanity.

It is truly an extraordinary treasure, one that will be cherished by readers for years to come.

This book is truly a gem that I find myself constantly coming back to, no matter what other books I am reading in between.

It seems as if it will take me an eternity to fully devour its contents, but I don't mind one bit.

EB's letters are not only honest and insightful but also serve as a wonderful reminder of the sheer beauty and expressiveness of the English language.

Whenever I pick up this book and start reading, it has a way of keeping me true to the language and preventing me from falling into the trap of hacking or misusing it.

It's like having a trusted guide by my side, leading me through the intricacies and nuances of English, and making me appreciate its richness even more.

I can't wait to see what other treasures this book has in store for me as I continue to explore its pages.

I'm still diligently working my way through this remarkable book.

I have an unwavering passion for beautiful English, and E.B. White, without a doubt, was a master at writing it.

His words seem to dance on the page, creating a vivid and enchanting world for the reader.

Each sentence is crafted with such precision and elegance that it's a joy to read and study.

As I progress through the book, I find myself constantly inspired by White's use of language and his ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in the most beautiful and understandable way.

It's not just a book; it's a work of art that I'm privileged to experience.

I can't wait to see what other treasures await me as I continue on this literary journey.

I bought this at City Lights in San Francisco a few months ago.

It has truly been a wonderful experience. Whenever I have a spare moment, I simply pick it up and flip to a random letter.

The words and thoughts of the marvelous Mr. White never fail to provide me with a wee bit of valuable insight.

His wisdom and perspective are like precious gems hidden within the pages of this book.

Each time I open it, I am greeted with a new nugget of knowledge that enriches my understanding of the world.

It's amazing how such a small act of randomly choosing a letter can lead to such profound moments of reflection and learning.

This book has become a constant companion, always ready to offer me a source of inspiration and enlightenment.

I am truly grateful to have discovered it at City Lights.