84 Cherng Cross Street | Helen Hanf

In 1949, the writer Helen Hanf began her correspondence with a used book store in London, asking them to help her secure some classic books that she couldn't find in New York. Over 20 years, the exchanged letters between her and the store staff, especially Frank Doyle, who would secure and send her the books, continued. These correspondences started with a request for a copy of Hazlett's three essays and gradually deepened, building a transparent human relationship between book lovers on opposite sides of the ocean. They delved into details of their personal lives on one hand, and documented the history of the two countries on the other. The letters included discussions about the food crisis in Britain after rationing, pivotal elections in both countries, sports clubs, their social lives, Frank's family news, Helen's professional development, and even the way to make pudding.