Penning Poison: A history of anonymous letters

Penning Poison explores the history of anonymous letter-writing, revealing scandal, deception, class enmity, personal tragedy, and loneliness. It examines the reasons and motivations for creating and delivering these missives and their effect on recipients, with some driven to madness. The book also recovers many lost stories about how we used to write to one another, suggesting that the anxieties of our internet age are not as new as we think.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Penning Poison delves into the enigmatic realm of anonymous letter-writing, unveiling a captivating history spanning from 1760 to 1939. Authored by Emily Cockayne, this book explores the stories behind these unexpected and unsigned notes, revealing a tapestry of scandal, deception, class enmity, personal tragedy, and profound loneliness. The messages received varied in nature, ranging from accusatory to libellous, and even bizarre.

In this comprehensive exploration, Cockayne traces the origins of poison letter campaigns to various corners of English society. She uncovers the influence of technology, new postal networks, forensic techniques, and the emergence of professional police on these phenomena. By contextualizing the letters within their local and psychological contexts, Cockayne extends the work of detectives, aiding in the identification of potential authors and the unraveling of their motivations.

The book delves into the reasons and motivations behind the creation and delivery of these missives, examining the impact they had on their recipients. Some recipients were blasé, while others were driven to madness by the venomous words contained in the letters. Small communities that were targeted by letter campaigns became places of suspicion and paranoia, as the anxiety generated by these messages spread like an epidemic.

Through its examination of the ways in which these letters spread anxiety in the past, Penning Poison grapples with the question of how nasty messages can become an epidemic. The book recovers many lost stories about the art of letter-writing, revealing that perhaps the anxieties of our internet age are not as novel as we might believe. It serves as a reminder of the power of words and the enduring impact they can have on individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, Penning Poison offers a fascinating and enlightening journey into the world of anonymous letter-writing. Through its meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book sheds light on the complex dynamics of interpersonal relationships, societal tensions, and the enduring power of words. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, psychology, or the darker aspects of human communication.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 222 x 143 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198795056