Contends that the study of letter-writing theory, which bridges rhetorical theory and grammatical studies, represents a discipline in need of definition. This volume sketches the contours of epistolary theory and collect the historic and bibliographic materials - from Isocrates to email - that form the basis for its study.

Poster and Mitchell contend that the study of letter-writing theory, which bridges rhetorical theory and grammatical studies, represents an emerging discipline in need of definition. In this volume they gather the contributions of eleven experts to sketch the contours of epistolary theory and collect the historic and bibliographic materials -- from Isocrates to email -- that form the basis for its study.