The English Secretary; or, Methode of Writing Epistles and Letters (1599)

A freshly revised guide for the aspiring secretary, this work offers a clear, step‑by‑step method for composing epistles and everyday letters in the English of the late sixteenth century. Its author explains the essential duties of a secretarial office, dividing the material into two concise books that cover both the practical mechanics of writing and the decorative use of rhetorical tropes, figures, and schemes. Readers will discover how to shape a message—from the initial rough draft to a polished, well‑structured communication—mirroring the careful cultivation of a garden described in the introduction.

Beyond mere mechanics, the text reflects the period’s belief that good writing is a cultivated art, improved through practice and self‑correction. The language, while archaic, is presented with enough explanation to remain accessible, inviting listeners to hear the rhythm of early modern prose while learning timeless principles of clarity and style. It serves both as a historical snapshot of Elizabethan office life and as a practical handbook for anyone who wishes to sharpen their letter‑writing skill.