A collection of Lowry's letters, edited and published after his death. They are addressed to publishers, friends, fellow writers and family, and cover his years in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Europe. The best known is a long letter defending Under the Volcano to its publisher, in which he explains the book's structure and aims with great care. The letters are funny, anxious and candid, and give a close view of his working methods, his money troubles and his determination to write. They are valuable for anyone curious about the man behind the novels.