Upon My Honour

As a letter writer, it is important to know how to address the recipient. In times of confusion, I am happy to have Titles and Forms of Address: A Guide to Their Correct Use (1961 edition). [Add this to the list of odd little books picked up in a favorite used bookshop in Scotland.]

This book covers more items than I would ever use, such as how to address: widows of Baronets, the eldest son of a Viscount, wives of younger sons of Marquesses and Irish Chieftains. It also includes 15 pages of handy abbreviations such as "Very Revd." and "F.R.S.E." (though my British friends have never been known to be terribly brief). The section on pronunciation of proper names is also quite useful should one wonder how to handle an extra "u."