Maxine, Hanff’s close friend from America, visits London and writes to Hanff on September 10, 1951. She has just visited Marks & Co. bookshop. In her letter, she portrays the shop as something “straight out of Dickens” with shelves that “go on forever” (26). She also notes the difficult economic conditions in postwar England: While restaurants and hotels serve food, everything is extremely expensive, and sugar and sweets remain rationed. In response, Hanff sends Maxine sweets on September 15, 1951.

October 15, 1951, Hanff writes directly to Marks & Co. with a spirited complaint about the Pepys diary edition she received. She calls it nothing but a “busybody editor’s excerpts” and declares, “I could just spit” (28). She demands the full, uncensored version instead. She also asks if the bookstore would like fresh eggs or powdered eggs in a Christmas parcel. Frank Doel replies to Hanff, apologizing for the Pepys diary issue. He informs her that he has finally found a copy of the Leigh Hunt essays and the Vulgate New Testament that Hanff has been asking for. He mentions that he spoke with everyone at the shop and that they would be delighted to receive fresh eggs. He adds that the entire staff is hoping that Churchill will win the upcoming election. The letter ends warmly: “With best wishes, Yours sincerely, Frank Doel” (28).

On Nov 2, 1951, Hanff replies to Frank’s letter, opening with “Dear Speed” and thanking Frank for rushing the Leigh Hunt essays and the Vulgate New Testament. She jokes that it has taken two years. She requests copies of more books, offers congratulations on Churchill’s victory, and playfully asks if Frank’s name is Welsh. On December 7, Hanff receives a letter from Marks & Co. thanking Hanff for the eggs and explaining that the staff gave most of them to their older colleague, Mr. Martin. Frank includes invoices for the books Hanff requested and mentions that the shop is sending her something special for Christmas. In response to her question, Frank clarifies that he is not Welsh and that his last name is more likely French.

Hanff receives an Irish tablecloth knitted by Frank’s neighbor, Mary Boulton, as a Christmas gift from the staff at Marks & Co. The gift is signed by George Martin, Cecily Farr, Megan Wells, Frank Doel, William Humphries, and Janet Pemberton. On January 15, 1952, Frank writes to Hanff, saying that he is glad she enjoyed the tablecloth. He explains that it was handmade by an old lady, Mary Boulton, who lives next door to him.

The next letter is from Nora Doel, Frank’s wife. She sends thanks for the food parcels Hanff has been sending to the bookstore during the ongoing rationing period. Nora mentions that she will soon send a photograph of their family and expresses hope that one day she will meet Hanff in England.

On January 29, Mary Boulton writes to Hanff to share her appreciation for Hanff’s kindness. She tells Hanff how much pleasure it gave her to know the tablecloth brought her joy, and she wishes that Hanff will visit England one day.

Hanff writes again to her American friend Maxine, who is visiting London. She mentions speaking with Maxine’s mother and asks Maxine to send nylons to the London bookshop. In this letter, Hanff also excitedly describes the beautiful embroidered Irish tablecloth she received, imagining using it in a refined, old-fashioned way. She also shares her hope of traveling to England, joking that she might just show up unannounced. In the postscript, she humorously warns that Maxine’s mother is apartment-hunting in the wrong part of New York.

On February 9, 1952, Hanff writes a letter addressed to “Sloth” at Marks & Co. She scolds the booksellers for being slow to send her more books and asks, “What do you do with yourself all day, sit in the back of the store and read? Why don’t you try selling a book to somebody?” (44). She requests a copy of Walton’s Lives because it was quoted by Q (Cambridge don Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch) and explains that she hates fiction.

On February 14, 1952, Frank replies to Hanff, opening with, “I quite agree it’s time we dropped the ‘Miss’ when writing to you” (45). He thanks her warmly for the gift of nylons she sent for his daughters. He then explains that the staff at the bookstore is feeling somber because their colleague George Martin has passed away, and the king of England has also died. On March 3, Hanff confirms that she has received Walton’s Lives. She says it is fascinating and adds that she will visit in 1953 if her television show is renewed. She explains that she writes “arty, murderous” scripts for the Ellery Queen television series and teases, “I’m going to climb up that Victorian book ladder and disturb dust on the top shelves and everyone’s decorum” (47).

On March 24, 1952, Mary Boulton sends a short thank-you note to Hanff for the latest food parcel Hanff sent. The 17 of April includes a letter from Frank to Hanff; he has found a copy of the most recent book she requested. He adds that her Ellery Queen scripts sound fun.