The Letters of Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh

The Letters of Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh compiles the correspondence between two leading figures of 20th century British literature. Editor Charlotte Mosley presents letters spanning from 1944 until Mitford's death in 1973, documenting a friendship between two writers at the height of their creative powers. The collection traces discussions of literature, society, and politics through post-war Britain and Europe, with both authors sharing their views on contemporary culture and their creative processes. Their letters move between London, Paris, and various European locales, capturing the social upheaval and cultural shifts of their era. The exchanges reveal personal struggles and professional triumphs, while showcasing the wit and intellectual rapport between two distinctive literary voices. Through their correspondence, readers gain access to the private thoughts of public figures who helped shape modern British letters. These letters present a chronicle of mid-century literary life while exploring universal themes of friendship, artistic creation, and the role of writers in society. The collection stands as both historical document and character study, illuminating how personal connections inform creative work.

Readers appreciate the witty, sharp-tongued correspondence between these literary friends, with many noting the fascinating glimpse into mid-20th century British upper-class life. Several reviewers highlight the value of seeing how their friendship evolved through wartime and social changes. Readers liked: - The candid discussions about writing and publishing - Their mutual mockery and playful insults - Historical context about the period - Charlotte Mosley's helpful footnotes Common criticisms: - Too many references to people and events that require footnotes - Some find the tone snobby and mean-spirited - Letters can feel repetitive in places - Some readers struggle with dated cultural references Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (664 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (59 ratings) "Like eavesdropping on fascinating conversations," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reviewer noted: "The footnotes are almost as entertaining as the letters themselves."

Letters Between Six Sisters by Diana Mosley The collected correspondence between all six Mitford sisters reveals the same wit, aristocratic life, and complex family dynamics found in the Mitford-Waugh letters.

Dear Friend: Letters of Harold Pinter and Henry Woolf by Craig Raine The lifelong correspondence between playwright Harold Pinter and actor Henry Woolf captures a literary friendship spanning decades in post-war Britain.

The Letters of Kingsley Amis by Zachary Leader This collection presents the correspondence of British novelist Kingsley Amis with fellow writers and friends, showcasing the same sharp humor and literary observations that characterize the Mitford-Waugh exchange.

Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell by Thomas Travisano The letters between poets Bishop and Lowell document a 30-year literary friendship marked by artistic discussion and personal revelation.

The Letters of Noel Coward by Noël Coward, Barry Day This collection of Coward's correspondence with high society figures and fellow artists presents the same blend of wit, sophistication, and insider perspective of British cultural life found in the Mitford-Waugh letters.

🔹 The letters between Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh span 22 years (1945-1966) and showcase not only their witty friendship but also provide an insider's view of post-war British aristocratic society. 🔹 Charlotte Mosley, who edited this collection, is Nancy Mitford's daughter-in-law and has dedicated much of her career to preserving and sharing the Mitford family's literary legacy. 🔹 Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh often wrote to each other in their own invented language called "Hons-speak," which included peculiar phrases like "do admit" and "too wonderful." 🔹 The collection reveals that Waugh served as a literary mentor to Mitford, offering candid (and sometimes harsh) criticism of her work, particularly her bestselling novel "The Pursuit of Love." 🔹 Both writers used their correspondence to discuss major world events, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which Mitford covered as a journalist and Waugh deliberately avoided attending despite his invitation.