In a world where texts, emojis and emails dominate our every day communication, there's something so romantic and special about the art of the handwritten love letter. Throughout history, many have immortalised their deepest emotions on paper, crafting enchanting messages that continue to resonate throughout the ages.
Below, we explore six of the most famous and beloved love letters of all time, to help inspire you to craft something special to your dearest love - or even a love note to your current, past or future self.
1. Beethoven to his "Immortal Beloved" (1812)
One of the most poignant expressions of love comes from the tortured genius Ludwig van Beethoven. In his letter to his mysterious "Immortal Beloved," he writes, "Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us." This letter encapsulates longing and devotion in a way that stirs the heart. Beethoven's words remind us that love can be as tumultuous as it is beautiful.
2. Rukmini to Lord Krishna (Between 800-1000AD)
One of the world’s first documented love letters is found in Indian mythology. Goddess Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka – Raja of Vidarbha. She was courageous and bold, and she fell in love with Lord Krishna. Her brother Rukmi was a power-hungry prince and wanted to marry his sister off to Shishupala, crown prince of Chedi, but Rukmini didn’t want this. In her letter she wrote “O the infallible and the most handsome One! Having heard Your qualities, which enter through the path of ears and absolve away the pains of life, and having heard about Your handsome appearance, which is the only asset of the eyes of living beings with eyes, my heart is accepting You as a consort leaving behind shyness.” Though she had never met Krishna, she had heard much of him and had fallen in love with him from afar.
3. John Keats to Fanny Brawne (1819)
The romantic poet John Keats penned some of the most heartfelt words to his beloved Fanny Brawne: "I cannot exist without you — I am forgetful of everything but seeing you again — my Life seems to stop there — I see no further." Keats' letter is a testament to the consuming nature of love, where every moment apart feels like an eternity. His eloquence and sincerity remind us of the power of love to consume and inspire.
4. Johnny Cash to June Carter Cash (1994)
A more contemporary example, Johnny Cash's letter to his wife June Carter Cash on her 65th birthday is a beautiful tribute to their enduring love: "We get old and get used to each other. We think alike. We read each other's minds. We know what the other wants without asking." Cash's heartfelt words capture the deep bond and companionship that can grow from love over time. Their love story remains an inspiration to many, a testament to finding a soulmate who understands you completely.
5. Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine (1796)
Napoleon Bonaparte, known for his military conquests, also had a tender side when it came to his beloved Josephine. In a letter, he wrote, "I awake consumed with thoughts of you... The memory of last night has given my senses no rest." Napoleon's passionate declaration reflects the intensity of his love for Josephine, showing a vulnerability rarely seen in historical figures. His letters to her reveal a man deeply in love, willing to conquer the world for her affection.
6. Elizabeth Barrett Browning to Robert Browning (1846)
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's famous sonnet beginning with "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..." is perhaps the most iconic love letter in poetry. This timeless declaration of love transcends the ages with its simple yet profound expression of devotion. Browning's words have inspired countless romantics, capturing the essence of love's depth and breadth in a way that continues to resonate today.
These six love letters, spanning different eras and cultures, share a common thread: they evoke deep emotions and speak to the universal experience of love. What makes them so enduringly beautiful is not just the eloquence of their words, but the raw emotion and vulnerability they reveal. In a world often dominated by fleeting digital messages, these letters remind us of the power of heartfelt, handwritten words to connect souls across time and space.
Inspired by these literary gems, why not take a moment to write a love letter of your own? Whether it's to a partner, a friend, or even to yourself, expressing your feelings on paper can be a truly healing experience.
Our goal is bring back the art of the love letter — a timeless gesture that celebrates the beauty of love in all its forms. Celebrating all things romance, the pieces in our Jaipur Collection inspire self-love, encouraging you to fall in-love with yourself.
Which is your favourite love letter of all-time? Which love letters have we missed?
