Penning Poison - A History of Anonymous Letters

This book is about anonymity, emotion, and detection. Gathering surviving anonymous letters penned in England between 1760-1939 together, it identifies possible authors and explores the impact they had on individuals and communities, charting how developments in postal services, detection, and the media influenced writers and their targets.

List of contents

• Introduction: Dear Madam


• 1: Gossip - Major Eliot's maiden sisters


• 2: Tip-offs - Undermined coalmasters in Staffordshire


• 3: Threats - Lord Dorington's in danger


• 4: Obscenity - Peer's perversion uncovered


• 5: Libels - 'er at number 14 is dirty


• 6: Detectives say


• 7: Media - Herbert Austin robs men's brains


• 8: Local stories - And Winifred Simner sows discontent


• Conclusion - unsigned


• References


• Bibliography

About the author

Emily Cockayne is Associate Professor in Early Modern History at the University of East Anglia. The author of several well-known books, including Hubbub (2007; second edition 2020), Cheek by Jowl. A History of Neighbours (2012), and Rummage (2020), Emily's research ranges freely across modern English social and cultural history. It is characterized by extensive primary research, immersion, and a delight in sleuthing.

Product details

• Authors: Dr Emily (Associate Professor in Early M Cockayne, Emily Cockayne
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 06.01.2026
• EAN: 9780198795063
• ISBN: 978-0-19-879506-3
• No. of pages: 320
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900, European History, HISTORY / Europe / General, HISTORY / Social History, Social & cultural history, c 1800 to c 1900, 19th century, c 1800 to c 1899, 18th century, c 1700 to c 1799, Social and cultural history, C 1700 To C 1800