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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Written in History summary
Simon Sebag Montefiore
Letters that Changed the World
15 mins
Brief summary
Written in History by Simon Sebag Montefiore takes readers on a journey through powerful and personal letters, diaries, and speeches of historical figures. Discover fresh perspectives on the famous and the lesser known, and witness the evolution of human emotions and aspirations over time.
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Written in History
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Key idea 1 of 5
Letters of love – and lust – transcend status and class.
Love letters aren’t only for infatuated teenagers. Some of the world’s most famous figures wrote reams of letters to their lovers – and some of their wooing techniques may even shock you.
Take Mozart, who had a most unusual approach to flirting with his cousin and probable lover, Marianne. Though his relationship with her irritated his father, there was no stopping the musical prodigy from pursuing his desires in his private letters. His method for stoking the sexual tension? Poo jokes.
Indeed, in one of his letters to Marianne, Mozart wrote that he wanted to put his personal letter seal on her rear end before letting out a “resounding fart.”
Letters to his wife Constance five years later take a more charming tone: “I get all excited like a child when I think about being with you again – if people could see my heart I should almost feel ashamed.” Apparently, the scatological approach was reserved for his cousin.
For centuries, letters often facilitated affairs. Private letters enabled writers to convey their lust with candor and reassure the objects of their desires.
For example, the aristocratic poet Vita Sackville-West composed love letters to the writer Virginia Woolf, assuring her that Woolf held a special place in her heart despite her many other lovers.
Her desire for Woolf is written in honest and uncomplicated terms: “I just miss you, in a quite simple, desperate human way.” She criticizes herself for being incapable of crafting a letter in the elegant standard of Woolf’s writing. Yet perhaps the raw sincerity of her words is more potent and poetic than a wordier, embellished alternative.
But love letters weren’t only the works of artists; dictators penned their deepest passions, too.
In 1912, a letter written by a 32-year-old Joseph Stalin to his 16-year-old mistress, whom he had met while exiled in the Russian countryside, offers a glimpse into the soon-to-be tyrant’s surprising capacity for romance: “I’m …. kiiissssing you passionately (it’s not worth kissing any other way), Josef.”
The affection displayed in the letter is hard to reconcile with the narrative of a man we know for terrorizing his country through mass murder.
From Stalin’s playfulness to Mozart’s toilet banter, love letters have revealed otherwise unbelievable sides of history’s most influential people.
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What is Written in History about?
Written in History (2018) takes a look at some of the world’s most important letters. From love letters revealing the intimate sides of Mozart and Stalin to political statements which altered the course of history, these blinks guide you through the personal thoughts of many renowned figures of the past. As you’ll see, letters give us insight into historical events as well as remind us what it means to be human.
Written in History Review
Written in History (2019) by Simon Sebag Montefiore is an engaging collection of letters that provides a captivating glimpse into some of the most significant moments in history. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Brings history to life with personal correspondence from iconic figures like Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria, offering unique insights into their thoughts and emotions.
- Explores various historical events, from the Crusades to the Cold War, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of different eras and their impact on humanity.
- Through the power of storytelling, the book effortlessly combines historical facts with personal narratives, making it an enjoyable and enlightening read.
Best quote from Written in History
Well adieu my Angel my heart Im waiting for you PS Shit-dibitare, shit-dibatate, the pastor of Rodempl, he licked the ass of his kitchen maid, to set a good example. – Mozart to Marianne.
—Simon Sebag Montefiore
Who should read Written in History?
- History buffs
- Students of political science or communications
- Readers interested in the private thoughts of powerful people
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Written in History FAQs
What is the main message of Written in History?
The main message of Written in History is the power of firsthand accounts in shaping our understanding of historical events.
How long does it take to read Written in History?
The reading time for Written in History can vary depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Written in History a good book? Is it worth reading?
Written in History is a captivating book that offers unique insights into key historical moments. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of Written in History?
Written in History is written by Simon Sebag Montefiore.
What to read after Written in History?
If you're wondering what to read next after Written in History, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Romanovs by Simon Sebag Montefiore
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- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari
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- The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
- The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers
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