Conventional Correspondence -- Copyright -- Contents -- List of Figures -- Introduction -- I. Epistolary Theory -- Introduction -- Etiquette books and letter-writing manuals as a source -- Epistolary theory -- Epistolary theory in practice -- Famous letter-writers as models -- Conclusion -- II. Everyday correspondence -- Introduction -- Writing materials and a place to write -- Post -- Languages -- Salutation, signature and postscript -- 'Le stile c'est l'homme' - style -- Themes and taboos -- Receiving a letter -- Conclusion -- III. Children's Letters -- Introduction -- Learning to write letters -- Confidentiality, naturalness and individuality -- Character building -- Conclusion -- IV. Adolescents' letters -- Introduction -- From schoolboy to student -- Adolescents' letters and gender -- Engagement -- Conclusion -- V. Ceremonial correspondence -- Introduction -- Means of communication and customs -- The content of ceremonial letters -- The function of ceremonial correspondence -- Cult of sincerity -- Conclusion -- Conclusion -- Appendices -- Bibliography -- Index.