While it may seem that letter-writing is a vanished art, the advice expressed in many of these articles would serve well to today's texters and tweeters. Many of these articles remind us that what we put down on paper can live forever - and if we are not careful about what we say, or what words we send out into the world, we may experience unwanted consequences. Our electronic world conveys a sense of impermanence to the written word, but today's e-mails can live as long as yesterday's epistles.

Invitations, Formal Missives & Formal Stationery

Fashionable Stationery (Demorest, 1880)

How to choose the right paper, sealing wax, mourning stationery and more.

Various Forms of Invitations (Collier's Cyclopedia, 1882)

Letters of Invitation, Etc., by S.F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1885)

Excellent examples of proper ways to issue formal and informal invitations.

Changes in Fashionable Stationery, by Ada Chester Bond (Ladies' Home Journal, 1892)

New styles of invitations and other formal stationery.

The New Wedding Stationery, by Edward Clayton Staley (Ladies Home Journal, 1896)

Tips on Effective Correspondence

How to Address People of Title (Illustrated London Almanack, 1845)

Quick guide to addressing people of title by letter.

How to Write a Good Letter, by J. Churton Collins (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1877)

The Letter Writer (Collier's Cyclopedia, 1882)

On the Endings of Letters (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

Answering Letters, by M.A. Baines (Girl's Own Paper, 1885)

"Of all the minor social civilities, not one, perhaps, is so much neglected as the simple courtesy of answering letters..." Today, we would say the same of e-mails!

Business Habits in Ordinary Life, by the Hon. Victoria Grosvenor (Girl's Own Paper, 1888)

Tips on good behavior, letter-writing, etc.

Common Errors in Writing and Speaking: The Use and Misuse of Words (Girl's Own Paper, 1893)

An interesting look at what was "correct" in 1893 ("lunch" was not an acceptable substitute for "luncheon," for example).

Some Hints on Letter-Writing (Girl's Own Paper, 1894)

"Letter-writing should form an important branch of education; its power is immense, its solace considerable, and it can form one of the most delightful or one of the most irksome occupations in the world, both to the writer and to the recipient."

Letter-Writing for Busy People, by Emma M. Hale (Ladies Home Journal, 1896)

How to Write Letters, by Lily Watson (Girl's Own Paper, 1901)

"Times have changed. When postage was a consideration and letters were rare, they were composed with great care... and less spontaneous than they are now." Today we say the same about e-mails!

The Importance of Handwriting and Grammar

How to Learn to Write [Penmanship] (Collier's Cyclopedia, 1882)

The Injury Inflicted by Bad Handwriting, by Ruth Lamb (Girl's Own Paper, 1882)

"What is carelessness but another word for selfishness?" asks this writer, in urging one to be considerate in making one's writing legible to others.

Punctuation Viewed in a New Light, by S.F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

Punctuation is not a mere trifle, says Ms. Caulfeild, when one considers that it adds significantly to the comfort and convenience of others!

Common Errors in Daily Life: Errors in Spelling, by James Mason (Girl's Own Paper, 1884)

Common Errors in Writing and Speaking: The Use and Misuse of Words (Girl's Own Paper, 1893)

An interesting look at what was "correct" in 1893 ("lunch" was not an acceptable substitute for "luncheon," for example).

Preventable Worries, by Eliza Brightwen (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

How good handwriting can save many miseries.