Richardson's Letter-Writer

Samuel Richardson is best-known as the author of the novels Pamela and Clarissa, but he also published a wide variety of miscellaneous writings. Among these was a collection of model letters dealing with the various requirements of everyday life -- to reprove a wayward son; to propose marriage (and for the lady, to accept or decline the proposal); to warn against n imprudent marriage; from a lady to her false lover, who has abandoned her for another of larger fortune; to admonish a mistress who seems fonder of her pet monkey that the writer; and many others, essential for those who would seem polished and genteel.

Or at least, that was the intention. However, Richardson let his talent run away with him, and many of the letters and replies have been expanded into miniature epistolary short stories. Also he includes a number of letters, as from a young woman to her aunt, describing the sights and attractions of London, and much useful advice from the aunt to the young woman in reply.