Letters to Dead Authors

"Letters to Dead Authors" by Andrew Lang is a collection of imaginative epistles written in the late 19th century. In this work, Lang takes a unique approach by crafting letters addressed to various deceased literary figures, exploring their lives, works, and the impact they've had on literature and society. The collection includes letters to celebrated authors such as W. M. Thackeray, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austen, engaging in thoughtful literary criticism while infusing a playful tone. The opening of "Letters to Dead Authors" presents an introduction that sets the tone for the correspondence that follows. Lang dedicates the book to Miss Thackeray and explains that the letters have previously appeared in the "St. James's Gazette," with some revisions and additions. The first letter, addressed to Thackeray, humorously navigates the challenges of praising contemporary authors versus those who have passed. Lang admires Thackeray’s multifaceted talent and reflects on the lasting influence of his works, simultaneously navigating critiques raised by others during Thackeray's career. This playful blend of tribute and critique suggests that readers can expect a witty yet profound exploration of literary giants as Lang pays homage to their legacies. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic, and contributor to the field of anthropology. He is best known as a collector of folk and fairy tales. The Andrew Lang lectures at the University of St Andrews are named after him.