No printing date given. Copyrighted 1871. The author is credited for authoring a number of other books on various subjects. Although the preface argues thought is the seed of composition, the writer must also first conquer/study spelling, grammar, punctuation, style, and clearness of expression before writing an acceptable composition. The two most important points in preparation are the proper formation of ideas and their correct arrangement. The book provides a long list of themes/topics for a composition, with each being broken into several sections for elaboration and discussion. Some themes/topics are given introductions and conclusions. Others contain probing questions, sample quotations for evidence, or claims for further exploration. A few are more complete, brief compositions for study and imitation. Topics/themes include politeness, umbrellas, letter on business, and the cowardice of crime. The Schultz Archive's copy is roughly the complete text, but many pages are blurred close to spine, making them either difficult or impossible to read in their entirety.
No printing information given. Copyrighted 1857. No information on the author is provided. As the lengthy title suggests, Chesterfield's text is directed at any student who wants or needs to learn how to compose an effective letter. The author claims that the book may prove useful for students young and old, as well as for students who wish to learn to write polite letters for society or business letters for monetary purposes. No matter the student or cause, Chesterfield claims that all people may benefit from an increased knowledge of how to write letters. The text offers instruction on all aspects of letters, including grammar, style, arrangement, concluding, and more. Examples of different genres of letter are provided, such as business or love letters. The Schultz Archive includes the complete letter-writing section (with the exception of pages 50-51 and 58-59), but the text seems to continue beyond the letter-writing portion. Some highlighter obscures text throughout, but the quality is good nonetheless.