Correspondence of deserving note. Letters of Note provides a weekly (or more frequent) look at fascinating, unusual, and historic letters from the world's most interesting people.
About Letters of Note
Letters of Note is a celebration of the written word. It highlights letters that are funny, heartbreaking, or world-changing—from a slave's defiant letter to his former master to a young boy asking for more 'stuff' in the universe. Its newsletter is an intimate window into human history.
What Makes This Newsletter Unique
Human Connection. It shows the side of history that isn't in textbooks: the personal, messy, and beautiful letters of real people.
Who Should Subscribe?
Anyone who loves 'storytelling' through the lens of history and personal archives.
Content Format
A simple email featuring one transcribed letter with context and an image of the original if available.
Pricing & Subscription Options
Premium Newsletter
- Weekly emails
- Unsubscribe anytime
Free weekly email + Paid 'Letters of Note' on Substack for daily/extra letters
View PricingLeave a Review
Our Take: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deeply moving and often hilarious
- Incredible archival research
- Perfect for 'bite-sized' historical reading
Cons
- Daily version requires a paid subscription
- Not a news or 'practical' resource
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I suggest a letter?
Yes, Shaun is famous for his community-sourced finds and encourages submissions.
How often is Letters of Note published?
Letters of Note is published weekly.
Is Letters of Note free?
The pricing for Letters of Note is Free / Paid. Free weekly email + Paid 'Letters of Note' on Substack for daily/extra letters.
About the Author: Shaun Usher
Shaun Usher
Shaun Usher is a writer and 'letter-enthusiast' who has spent over a decade curating the world's most interesting correspondence. His project has spawned multiple best-selling books and live events.
Similar Newsletters You Might Like
Architecture Notes
The art of building systems. Architecture Notes by Mahdi Yusuf delivers visually stunning and deeply technical explorations of software architecture and system design.
Data Machina
Weekly curated AI & Machine Learning research. Data Machina provides a minimalistic, high-signal digest of the latest projects, papers, and tools for data professionals.
Ready to Subscribe to Letters of Note?
Get weekly insights delivered to your inbox
Visit Letters of NoteUnsubscribe anytime.