All writers not men of letters

The word ‘letter’ has a wide range of use in English language. There are different variety of letters. Any written (also printed) communication from one person to another to convey information, ideas, advice or opinion is called a letter. This forms the bulk of the material handled by the Postal Department. The writers of these letters are from all parts of the world.

Apart from this common variety of letter, there are certain special types too. A letter of authority is one by writing which one authorizes another to receive or do something on his behalf. A letter of introduction is a note by which one introduces someone to another.

A letter of offer, in trade circles called ‘the offer’, is a letter in which one offers someone to sell something or offers to provide a service on terms set out in the letter. A letter of acceptance is one by which the offer is accepted by the latter. An offer and an acceptance creates a contract; each party is bound to do what either has proposed or accepted.

A letter of advice is a letter issued by a bank to one of its departments asking the latter to make payments or deliver goods to the party stated in the draft or in the letter. A letter from an agent to his principal, or from a person sending goods (consignor) to one who is to receive it (consignee), transmitting special information is also a letter of advice.

A letter of credit is a letter addressed by a bank or trading firm to one or more of its correspondents asking them to honour the bills of exchange or drafts drawn upon it by the parties specified in the letter. A draft is an instruction to pay money.

A day letter is a telegraphic message sent during the day at a reduced rate. And a night letter is a similar message sent at even lower rates during the night.

Letters of administration is the instrument or writing issued by a court authorizing an administrator of a dead person to manage and settle the affairs of the deceased.

Letters patent is an official paper given under the seal of the government granting a person some specified authority or permission or privilege. Letters of marque and letters of reprisal are documents issued by one government authorizing the seizure of the subjects and goods of another state in retaliation.

In contrast to the above mentioned matters referring to the word ‘letter’, it also refers to the expression in words of the creative urge of man —a product of thought and imagination. Only those who do original, creative writing are men of letters. They write poems, verses, plays, short stories, skits, novels, essays, etc. which appeal to people with a taste for literature. They entertain, educate and elevate the readers.

Of a class apart are those who devote themselves to belles letters (means beautiful letters) - fine, elegant, aesthetic writings which reflect one’s love for beauty. They give us joy of literature, making it an art – a Lalit Kala.