MIT Press Letterlocking: The Hidden History of the Letter

Discover the lost art of document security with Letterlocking: The Hidden History of the Letter from MIT Press. Before the invention of the gummed envelope in the 1830s, people used a specialized method of folding, slitting, and securing paper to protect their privacy. This book explores the history of this ingenious technology, which was used by historical figures ranging from Elizabeth I and her spymaster to Japanese samurai lords. Beyond the historical narrative, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to the practice itself. You will learn how to create your own locked letters by transforming a single sheet of paper into its own secure envelope using strips of paper and sealing wax. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of communication and manual security methods.