Ladies of letters

Posted by Smokey Stover on September 24, 2005

In Reply to: Ladies of letters posted by Michelle on September 24, 2005

: What does the phrase "ladies of letters" mean?

Women who write, literary women. Parallel to men of letters. They don't have to write original works--they can write commentaries and reviews as well. Generally the "letters" in men of letters refers to literature, rather than scholarly writing. I don't think "ladies of letters" is a common phrase. Some would doubtless prefer "women of letters," or possibly literary women. Comments, ladies? SS

• Ladies of letters Victoria S Dennis 25/September/05
  • Ladies of letters David FG 26/September/05