Decca: The Letters of Jessica Mitford

This collection presents the personal letters of Jessica Mitford, spanning from 1924 until her death in 1996. The correspondence covers her dramatic departure from her aristocratic British family, her first marriage to Esmond Romilly, and her later life with second husband Robert Treuhaft in America. The letters document Mitford's transformation from rebellious aristocrat to political activist and investigative journalist. Her writings reveal her involvement in the American Civil Rights movement, the Communist Party, and her groundbreaking investigations into the funeral industry. Editor Peter Y. Sussman has arranged the letters chronologically, providing context and commentary that frames Mitford's relationships with her famous sisters, her political awakening, and her evolution as a writer. The collection includes correspondence with family members, fellow activists, and literary figures on both sides of the Atlantic. The book serves as both a personal chronicle and a unique perspective on twentieth-century social movements, offering insights into how one woman's principled stands and irreverent humor helped shape progressive politics and investigative journalism in America.

Readers appreciate Mitford's sharp wit, irreverent humor, and social commentary that comes through in her correspondence. Many note her unflinching honesty about both personal and political matters. Liked: - Insight into relationships with her famous sisters and other notable figures - Details about her investigative journalism - Her distinctive writing voice and humor - Historical context from editor's annotations Disliked: - Length makes it challenging for casual readers (888 pages) - Too many annotations interrupt flow - Some letters feel repetitive - Early sections about childhood can drag Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (211 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (31 ratings) One reader called it "more revealing than any biography." Another noted it "offers a personal window into 20th century history." Multiple reviewers mentioned the book works best when read in sections rather than straight through, with one suggesting "it's perfect for dipping in and out over time."

Nancy Mitford: The Biography by Selina Hastings Chronicles the life of Jessica's equally rebellious sister Nancy Mitford through letters and personal documents, illuminating the fascinating dynamics of the Mitford family.

Love from Nancy: The Letters of Nancy Mitford edited by Charlotte Mosley Presents the witty correspondence of Nancy Mitford with family members and literary figures, offering another perspective on the same era and family dynamics that Jessica describes.

The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family by Mary S. Lovell Provides a comprehensive look at all six Mitford sisters through their letters and writings, expanding the context of Jessica's experiences within this remarkable family.

Letters of Note: Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience compiled by Shaun Usher Contains letters from influential figures throughout history who, like Jessica Mitford, used correspondence to document social movements and personal transformations.

Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom edited by Leonard S. Marcus Presents the correspondence of pioneering publisher Ursula Nordstrom, who like Mitford used letters to chronicle her professional evolution and cultural impact in twentieth-century America.

🗨️ Jessica Mitford's nickname "Decca" originated from her childhood inability to pronounce her own name, calling herself "Decca" instead of "Jessica" 📝 The Mitford sisters were so famous in British society that they had their own special code language called "Boudledidge," which they used in letters to communicate secretly 🏃‍♀️ At age 19, Jessica scandalously eloped to Spain with her second cousin Esmond Romilly, Winston Churchill's nephew, taking only £1 and a ruby ring 📚 Before becoming a celebrated investigative journalist, Mitford worked as a cocktail waitress, telephone operator, and door-to-door saleswoman in the United States ✊ Her 1963 exposé "The American Way of Death" revolutionized the funeral industry, leading to Congressional hearings and federal legislation regulating funeral homes