This comprehensive study of women's letters is organized by subject matter and covers a wide range of topics from politics, work and war, to childhood, love and sexual passion. It reveals the depth, breadth and passion of women's lives through the ages. Here Heloise writes to Abelard of her undying devotion. Vita-Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf correspond about life and writing. Queen Victoria complains to Robert Peel about the neglect of Buckingham Palace. Many more women write letters which reveal the compassion, humour, love and tenacity with which they confront the often difficult circumstances of everyday life.