Voltaire - Voltaire was a brilliant French writer and thinker of the 1700s. He was imprisoned several times for speaking out against the government. For fifteen years he was the passionate lover of the Marquise Gabrielle - a brilliant woman in her own right. Together they studied thousands of books and discussed all topics under the sun.
The Hague 1713
I am a prisoner here in the name of the King;
they can take my life, but not the love that I feel for you.
Yes, my adorable mistress, to-night I shall see you, if I had to put my head on the block to do it.
For heaven's sake, do not speak to me in such disastrous terms as you write; you must live and be cautious; beware of Madame your mother as of your worst enemy.
What do I say?
Beware of everybody; trust no one; keep yourself in readiness, as soon as the moon is visible; I shall leave the hotel incognito, take a carriage or a chaise, we shall drive like the wind to Sheveningen; I shall take paper and ink with me; we shall write our letters.
If you love me, reassure yourself; and call all your strength and presence of mind to your aid; do not let your mother notice anything, try to have your pictures, and be assured that the menace of the greatest tortures will not prevent me to serve you.
No, nothing has the power to part me from you; our love is based upon virtue, and will last as long as our lives.
Adieu, there is nothing that I will not brave for your sake; you deserve much more than that.
Adieu, my dear heart!
Arout
(Voltaire)
John Adams - The love letters of John Adams and his wife Abigail are legendary. This couple weathered many long separations as John fought night and day for the independence of America.
I have a great Deal of Leisure, which I chiefly employ in Scribbling, that my Mind may not stand still or run back like my Fortune.
Vincent Van Gogh - Vincent Van Gogh is perhaps most famous for his yellow sunflower painting. He lived in Holland in the 1800s. He was desperately in love with his cousin, but his cousin refused to marry him. This letter was written by Vincent to his brother, Theo, talking about his love for his cousin.
September 7, 1881
Life has become very dear to me, and I am very glad that I love. My life and my love are one. "But you are faced with a 'no, never never'" is your reply. My answer to that is, "Old boy, for the present I look upon that 'no, never never' as a block of ice which I press to my heart to thaw."
Dylan Thomas - Dylan wrote his poetry in the early 1900s. His personal readings were famous - Americans loved his lilting accent. He is most famous for his work "Do not go gentle into that good night". He wrote this letter to his beloved wife Caitlin. He was away from her, doing a book tour.
March 16, 1950
Cat: my cat: If only you would write to me: My love, oh Cat.
This is not, as it seems from the address above, a dive, a joint, saloon, etc. but the honourable & dignified headquarters of the dons of the University of Chicago.
I love you. That is all I know. But all I know, too, is that I am writing into space: the kind of dreadful, unknown space I am just going to enter. I am going to Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, Indindiana, but these, though mis-spelt, *are* on the map. You are not.
Have you forgotten me? I am the man you used to say you loved. I used to sleep in your arms - do you remember? But you never write. You are perhaps mindless of me. I am not of you. I love you.
There isn't a moment of any hideous day when I do not say to myself. 'It will be alright. I shall go home. Caitlin loves me. I love Caitlin.' But perhaps you have forgotten. If you have forgotten, or lost your affection for me, please, my Cat, let me know. I Love You.
Dylan
Mozart - Mozart was a child prodigy of the 1700s who wowed the courts of Austria. He was an amazing pianist who wrote numerous famous works. He wrote this letter to his wife, Constanze.
October 17, 1790
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PS :
While I was writing the last page, tear after tear fell on the paper. But I must cheer up - catch! - An astonishing number of kisses are flying about - The deuce! - I see a whole crowd of them! Ha! Ha!...I have just caught three - They are delicious! - You can still answer this letter, but you must address your reply to Linz, Poste Restante - That is the safest course. As I do not yet know for certain whether I shall go to Regensburg, I can't tell you anything definite. Just write on the cover that the letter is to be kept until called for.
Adieu - Dearest, most beloved little wife - Take care of your health - and don't think of walking into town. Do write and tell me how you like our new quarters - Adieu. I kiss you millions of times.
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