Before the advent of the internet, the phone, and even the telegram, keeping in touch across long distances was a lot more difficult, and took a lot more time. Since every letter had to count, people would fill their pages with their deepest desires, most persistent worries, and profound observations, hoping to share as much as possible with the friend or loved one on the receiving end. Over the centuries, letter writing became an art form all its own, and people continued to choose paper and envelopes for their long-distance expression even after the invention of quicker modes of communication. Letters remained especially popular in the circles of artists and intellectuals, and many of the correspondences that have been collected, preserved, and sometimes published as literature provide an invaluable look into the hearts and interpersonal relationships of some of history's greatest minds.
Read on to learn about some of history's famous pairs of pen pals.