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Cover of LETTERS FOR THE AGES
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LETTERS FOR THE AGES

by Clara Schumann, the fellow composer who had great affection for her friend (the feeling was reciprocal, although the relationship probably remained platonic). The letter is illuminating because it shows how much Schumann advised Brahms on his scores, with detailed (and gentle) suggestions: “In the C major piece I wish you would use the charming opening phrase again at the repeat, it would not be difficult, would it?” Schumann’s husband, Robert, is also in the anthology. In an 1830 letter to his mother, the future composer expresses his reluctance to pursue a legal career: “My life has been for twenty years one long struggle between poetry and prose, or, let us say, music and law.” Seems he made the right choice. Dozens of other musicians are included\u003B the range is broad, if focused on Western artists. We hear from Giuseppe Verdi, Woody Guthrie, John Coltrane, Leonard Bernstein, Amy Winehouse, and Nick Cave. In a foreword, David Pickard writes that “despite their genius, great artists are real people”—even, apparently, when addressing royalty. “My glorious and dearly beloved King,” Richard Wagner gushes in a letter to Ludwig II of Bavaria. In his short communication, the composer proceeds, like any modern\u002Dday fanboy, to use no fewer than 11 exclamation marks."

Book Details

Publisher:In an
Published:1830-01-01
Pages:256
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781399419

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This collection of historically significant correspondence offers young readers a fascinating window into pivotal moments through the personal words of those who lived them. The carefully curated let...

Our Review

This collection of historically significant correspondence offers young readers a fascinating window into pivotal moments through the personal words of those who lived them. The carefully curated letters span centuries and continents, presenting authentic voices from revolutionary leaders to civil rights activists, each message preserved in its original context. Students will encounter primary sources that make history feel immediate and personal, moving beyond textbook summaries to the raw emotions and urgent concerns of the moment. These aren't just historical documents but human stories captured in ink and paper, waiting to be discovered.

What makes this compilation particularly valuable is how it demonstrates the power of the written word to shape events and change minds across generations. The selection balances famous declarations with lesser-known but equally compelling personal notes, creating a multidimensional portrait of history in the making. Aspiring writers and history enthusiasts alike will find inspiration in these authentic examples of persuasive argument, heartfelt confession, and courageous truth-telling. The collection serves as both a historical archive and a masterclass in communication, reminding us that carefully chosen words can indeed echo through the ages.

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