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Cover of Putnam's Phrase Book: An Aid to Social Letter Writing and to Ready and Effective Conversation, with Over 100 Model Social Letters and 6000 of the World's Best English Phrases

Putnam's Phrase Book: An Aid to Social Letter Writing and to Ready and Effective Conversation, with Over 100 Model Social Letters and 6000 of the World's Best English Phrases

Written by Edwin Hamlin Carr

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English languageLetter writing

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About this book

"Putnam's Phrase Book" by Edwin Hamlin Carr is a collection of linguistic aids aimed at social letter writing and facilitating effective conversation, written in the early 20th century. This resource comprises over six thousand carefully curated phrases meant to enhance communication, along with one hundred model social letters that exemplify these expressions. It serves as a guide for individuals looking to improve their writing and speaking skills in a variety of social situations. At the start of the book, the author outlines the necessity of a phrase book to complement a dictionary for everyday communication, emphasizing the importance of using well-chosen phrases. He discusses the structure of the phrase book, detailing its dictionary format, the sample letters included to guide users, and the method for preparing personalized letters utilizing the phrases provided. The foreword expresses his gratitude toward various literary sources, illustrating his commitment to curating phrases that reflect common, effective speech, and making it clear that the book is designed to assist with everything from simple communication to the more challenging task of writing condolence letters.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Putnam's Phrase Book: An Aid to Social Letter Writing and to Ready and Effective Conversation, with Over 100 Model Social Letters and 6000 of the World's Best English Phrases, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • instructive
  • formal
  • practical

Edwin Hamlin Carr's "Putnam's Phrase Book," published in the early 20th century, is a comprehensive linguistic resource designed to elevate social letter writing and effective conversation. It meticulously curates over six thousand English phrases and includes one hundred model social letters, serving as a practical guide for improving communication skills across various social contexts. Carr frames the book as an essential complement to a dictionary, emphasizing the power of well-chosen phrases in everyday interactions. The work is structured like a dictionary for easy phrase lookup, with model letters demonstrating their application, and aims to empower users to craft personalized and impactful correspondence, even for sensitive topics like condolence letters.

“The dictionary is a storehouse of words; the phrase book is a storehouse of words in combination.”

Key themes

The Power of Language and Eloquence
The central theme is the profound impact of well-chosen words and phrases on social interaction and personal success. Carr argues that eloquence is not merely an aesthetic quality but a practical tool for navigating social situations, building relationships, and conveying precise meaning. The book implicitly champions the idea that mastering language empowers individuals.
Social Etiquette and Propriety
The book serves as a guide to proper social conduct through linguistic means. It reflects the early 20th-century emphasis on formality, politeness, and adherence to established social graces. The phrases and model letters are designed to ensure the user always expresses themselves in a manner deemed appropriate and respectful for any given social interaction, from invitations to apologies and condolences.
Self-Improvement and Education
Carr positions his phrase book as a tool for personal growth and educational advancement. It caters to individuals seeking to elevate their communication skills, suggesting that such improvement is attainable through diligent study and practice. The book implies that linguistic proficiency is a cultivated skill, not merely an innate talent, and that mastery leads to greater confidence and capability in social settings.

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How have social communication norms and expectations changed since the early 20th century, as reflected in this phrase book?

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