In "Old Friends: Essays in Epistolary Parody," Andrew Lang showcases his mastery of wit and satire through a collection of letters written from various historical figures. Lang's sharp humor and clever wordplay make each letter a joy to read, as he expertly mimics the writing styles of each character.

From Queen Elizabeth I to Sherlock Holmes, Lang's ability to embody the voices of these iconic figures is truly impressive. Each letter offers a unique perspective and insight into the personalities of these historical figures, allowing readers to see them in a new light.

Lang's writing is sharp, engaging, and full of humor, making "Old Friends" a delightful read for fans of satire and historical fiction. His ability to blend historical accuracy with comedic flair is what makes this collection stand out. Overall, "Old Friends" is a witty and amusing exploration of friendship and history through the art of letter writing.

Book Description:
"Every fancy which dwells much with the unborn and immortal characters of Fiction must ask itself, Did the persons in contemporary novels never meet? In so little a world their paths must often have crossed, their orbits must have intersected, though we hear nothing about the adventure from the accredited narrators. In historical fiction authors make their people meet real men and women of history—Louis XI., Lazarus, Mary Queen of Scots, General Webbe, Moses, the Man in the Iron Mask, Marie Antoinette; the list is endless. But novelists, in spite of Mr. Thackeray’s advice to Alexandre Dumas, and of his own example in “Rebecca and Rowena,” have not introduced each other’s characters" . In this volume, Andrew Lang shows, what a letter from one fictional character to another might look like.