The Selected Letters of Thornton Wilder

Spanning his entire life, The Selected Letters of Thornton Wilder is a comprehensive and fascinating collection of the great American writer’s correspondence.

The author of such classics as Our Town and The Bridge of San Luis Rey, Thornton Wilder was a born storyteller and dramatist—rare talents on glorious display in this volume of more than three hundred letters he penned to a vast array of famous friends and beloved relatives. Through Wilder's correspondence, readers can eavesdrop on his conversations with Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Noël Coward, Gene Tunney, Laurence Olivier, Aaron Copland, Paul Hindemith, Leonard Bernstein, Edward Albee, and Mia Farrow. Equally absorbing are Wilder's intimate letters to his family.

Wilder tells of roller-skating with Walt Disney, remembers an inaugural reception for FDR at the White House, describes his life as a soldier in two World Wars, and recalls dining out with Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor. In these pages, Thornton Wilder speaks for himself in his own unique, enduring voice—informing, encouraging, instructing, and entertaining with his characteristic wit, heart, and exuberance.

This stunning collection presents a life in letters, revealing:
A Brilliant Generation: Candid correspondence with Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein, offering an unfiltered view of their lives, work, and friendships.

The Art of Letter Writing: Wilder’s unique voice on glorious display, showcasing the wit and wisdom that made him a celebrated storyteller and dramatist.

World Wars and a Changing America: Gripping accounts of his time as a soldier in two World Wars, memories of FDR’s White House, and unforgettable encounters with figures like Walt Disney and Elizabeth Taylor.

The Mind of a Master Storyteller: Intimate insights into the life and creative process of the celebrated author of American classics Our Town and The Bridge of San Luis Rey.