Love through "Letters That Wrote History" May 6, 2022 – Posted in: Books – Tags:

"The letter can hold the power to provide, even for a few minutes, a much-needed distraction from the scenes of carnage and despair that fighting men and women constantly face, and to boost their morale at a time when morale is vital. importance for survival".

– Shaun Usher

Get to know them "Letters That Made History", her best–seller collection of letters presented to the Greek readership by Editions Archive. A series that honors and glorifies a favorite habit of ours, letter writing. Letters from memorable figures in history are collected thematically and presented under his editorship Shaun Usher, creator of the series.

In this book you will find letters related to love, the most powerful emotion, which has managed to influence the course of history more than once. Read letters from Nelson Mandela, Ludwig van Beethoven, Vladimir Nabokov, Patti Smith, Marina Tsvetaeva Nelson Mandela, Ludwig van Beethoven, Vladimir Nabokov, Patti Smith, Marina Tsvetaeva and many others.

The power of love is such that it makes even him Napoleon to write love letters to his beloved Josephine in the midst of battles. Him Johnny Cash to express his love in writing June Carter even after she dies. Her Simon de Beauvoir to keep alive a parallel relationship that is separated by the entire Atlantic Ocean and Frida Kahlo to burn with lust for the painter who is 21 years her senior Diego Rivera, in a collection of letters about the magical effect that the miracle called love has on our lives.

Enjoy a sample, with Napoleon's letter to Josephine. 

THOUSANDS OF FRIENDS AS PASSIONATE AS MY SOUL

Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine de Boarnet

July 19, 1796

Born in France in 1769, Napoleon Bonaparte is considered one of the most effective and powerful military leaders in history, a legend of war strategy. His rise was rapid and in 1804, having led the French campaign in Egypt and Syria, he was crowned emperor of the French. The following year he was king of Italy. In 1795, as he had already begun to climb the ranks, he met and fell in love with Josephine de Boarnet and within a few months proposed to her. In March 1796, just 48 hours after their wedding, he left her to lead the French army into war. Napoleon was an ardent letter writer and managed to write countless love letters to his wife, even in the midst of battle. He was also incredibly impatient and despaired whenever Josephine's response was delayed, as was the case on July 19, 1796.

Marble

July 19, 1796

I have been without a letter from you for two days. This is at least the thirtieth time today that I have made this observation. You will think that this is particularly tiresome, yet you cannot deny the tender and unique disturbance you inspire in me.

We attacked Mantua yesterday. We began a pounding with two sets of cannon and artillery mortars. This accursed city was in flames all night. The sight was horrible and at the same time majestic. We've taken over several embankments and are opening the first passage tonight. To-morrow I start for Castiglione with the officers, and I reckon we shall sleep there. I received the mail from Paris. He had two letters for you. I read them. Even though this action of mine seems completely normal to me and even though you gave me permission to do it the other day, I'm afraid you might be upset and that worries me a lot. I would seal them again: alas! It would be awful. If I am at fault, I beg your pardon. I swear I didn't do it because I was jealous - of course not. I hold my beloved in very high esteem for such a thing. I would like you to give me full permission to read your letters so there will be no more regrets or worries.

Asil has just brought the mail from Milan. No letter from my beloved! Goodbye, my only joy. When will you be able to come to me? I'll have to come pick you up myself from Milan my joy. When will you be able to come to me? I'll have to come pick you up myself from Milan.

Thousands of kisses as passionate as my soul, as pure as you.

I called the postman. He told me he came to your house and you told him you had nothing for him. Phew! Naughty, unconscious, cruel, tyrannical, happy little monster.

You laugh at my threats, at my passion. Ah, you know very well that if I could shut you up in my sternum, I would imprison you there!

Tell me you are happy, healthy and full of love.

Bonaparte

Letters That Wrote History

Love

Shaun Usher


Translation: Christina Manias