On May 4, Nora Doel writes to thank Hanff for a parcel of dried eggs. She includes photographs of the family and notes that the photos “don’t do him justice” (50), referring to Frank. On May 11, Hanff writes to Frank requesting a copy of Pride and Prejudice, even though she claims that she never reads novels. She signs off with the playful salutation, “Regards to Nora and the wage slaves” (51).

In August 1952, Nora writes to Hanff to thank her for the food parcels and expresses regret that she cannot send anything in return. She mentions that she and Frank have recently bought a car and invites Hanff to visit England again. Later that month, on August 26, Frank shares more about their new (used) car, a 1939 model, and jokes, “[S]o long as it gets us to places without breaking down too often we shall be quite happy” (53).

On September 18, Hanff writes to Frank about the arrival of The Diary of Samuel Pepys: “Frankie, guess who came while you were away on vacation? SAM PEPYS!” (54). She hopes that he had a good holiday, explaining that she spent time in Central Park, and humorously complains about her dentist’s vacation, joking that she paid for it with the cost of her dental work. She reaffirms that she has no intention of stopping her book purchases and requests a copy of George Bernard Shaw’s dramatic criticism. On December 12, 1952, Hanff writes from New York about the Book-Lovers’ Anthology that she received from Marks & Co. On December 16, Nora replies, thanking Hanff for her continued kindness and offering Christmas wishes and gratitude.

On May 3, 1953, Hanff writes that her Ellery Queen television series has gone off the air. She mentions thinking of the Brits on Coronation Day and says that she will attend the ceremony via radio. On June 11, 1953, Frank thanks Hanff for a parcel that arrived just in time for Coronation Day, noting that the staff drank to her health and the queen’s. In September 1953, Cecily Farr writes to Hanff. She tells her not to send anything more to the shop because rationing has ended and urges Hanff to save her money so that she can finally come to England in 1955. Cecily adds that she herself will be away in 1954, joining her husband, who is stationed in the Persian Gulf.

On September 2, 1955, Hanff humorously scolds the shop for not sending catalogs sooner and requests a copy of Catullus. She shares personal updates, including her interest in the Brooklyn Dodgers. She ends by sending regards and asking about everyone at the bookshop.

On December 13, 1955, Frank apologizes for the delay and confirms that he has sent the requested Catullus, along with details about its edition and price. He shares updates about the staff: Megan is still at the bookshop but planning to travel to South Africa, and he has not heard from Cecily since she went east to join her husband. Frank says that he will root for the Brooklyn Dodgers if Hanff roots for Tottenham Hotspur. On January 4, 1956, Hanff jokes, “I write to you from under the bed where that Catullus drove me” (64). She asks for a plain Latin edition of Catullus, says that she is glad to root for anything with “Hotspur” in its name, and mentions that she is saving money to travel to England the following summer.

On March 16, 1956, Frank apologizes for the delay in responding. He confirms finding a good edition of Tristram Shandy and mentions another book (Plato’s Four Socratic Dialogues), providing prices. He shares the sad news that Mary Boulton is moving into a home. On June 1, 1956, Hanff writes that she is moving to an apartment in New York. She asks the shop to hold off on sending new books until September and to use her new address after September 1.

On May 3, 1957, Frank informs Hanff that the shop has found all three books she most recently requested. He adds that many more Americans have been visiting the bookshop lately. On May 6, 1957, Hanff receives a postcard from Ginny and Ed (her American friends who visited the shop). They write: “Mr. Marks came out from the back of the store, just to shake hands with friends-of-Miss-Hanff. Everybody in the place wanted to wine and dine us, we barely got out alive” (68).

Hanff writes to Frank on January 10, 1958, asking him to get her address correct for Nora’s Christmas card. She jokes about how expensive rent is in New York and inquires about the Plato’s Minor Dialogues that she is still waiting for. Frank replies on March 1, apologizing for the short response and explaining that Nora has been in the hospital. He mentions that he is leaving soon on a buying trip and apologizes again for sending the Christmas card to the wrong address. In a letter dated May 7, 1958, Nora sends Hanff family photographs, including pictures of their daughters, Sheila and Mary.

March 18, 1959, brings disappointing news from Frank. Another customer purchased the Oxford dictionary Hanff wanted, and he apologizes that her television show has been relocated to Hollywood, a move she has no desire to make.

On August 15, 1959, Hanff writes that she has received a grant to write history dramatizations. She is beginning with a script about New York under British occupation from 1776 to 1783, bluntly describing British behavior as “filthy.” She also requests a copy of The Canterbury Tales. Frank responds on September 2, 1959, congratulating Hanff on the grant and confirming that he is searching for the Chaucer.