Leopard Books / Random House Publishing Group Ltd, London, 1995. Dustjacket spine faded, small tear at bottom of front cover with flap (repaired internally with brown paper, covered with plastic to protect), previous owners name scribbled out with blue pen at top left of front endpaper.

Antonia Fraser suggests that this volume may be a source of consolation for lovers whose own letters are in short supply, or fallen to bits; or, perhaps, a fund of inspiration for the less imaginative. But 'its primary purpose is to give delight to all comers, the loved and unloved, and the stony-hearted'. This it cannot fail to do.