I recently read a historical fiction that took place in the mid 1700s during the French and Indian war and the author inserted actual historical figures and she referenced the letters they sent each other as primary sources for some of her information. It sent me on a hunt to find the letters and I read them and I was HOOKED. I have always loved epistolary novels and books that are like journal style stories (think Ella Minnie pea, 42 Charing Cross Road, the dear America series, Dracula, ect.) BUT I realized that I’m really interested in reading actual journals and letters too (diary of Anne frank, journals of Lewis and Clark, John and Abigail Adam’s letters are some examples that I already own). What I’m looking for specifically would be letter collections or journals or found document collections that could include both. I’d like them to be about American history. Presidents and famous men are fine, if they’re partially interesting, but I prefer stuff from women, as that’s the history that I know less about, and I’m particular interested in colonial/precolonial and Great Depression era stories. Anyone know of interesting collections that fit this niche? Some more examples that I haven’t read yet but sorta fit what I’m looking for: the poetry of Bonnie Parker, the letters between Mary Todd Lincoln and Abe Lincoln, Emilie Davis’s civil war diaries. Any suggestions would be awesome. Thanks!
by TheBobbySocksBandit