Charles Francis Guittard's A PH.D.’S REVERIE: The Letters is an epistolary memoir built around the personal correspondence of Frank Guittard during his pursuit of a doctoral degree in the 1920s. While the academic journey provides the backdrop, the letters gradually reveal a much larger story about courtship, family, ambition, and the challenges of building a future while separated by distance.
The collection is at its best when it captures the small details of everyday life. Many of the letters focus on ordinary concerns rather than major events. Frank’s writing moves easily between discussions of his doctoral work, plans for the future, and preparations for marriage while both he and Josie regularly share details from their daily lives.
Much of the book’s appeal comes from the back-and-forth between Frank and Josie. Their letters frequently shift between major life decisions and ordinary daily concerns. One may discuss doctoral studies, while the next focuses on an engagement ring, dinner with friends, or plans for the future. In one letter Frank writes, “Dear sweetheart, sometimes the harder I work the less results that are to be seen.” The comment stands out because it captures a moment of frustration that feels just as relevant today as it likely did when it was written. Josie’s letters change over the course of the text. Early pieces tend to be more formal, while later ones feel more relaxed and personal.
Some of the most memorable moments are also the simplest. Letters about shopping for an engagement ring, describing an ordinary day, or discussing plans for the future often leave a stronger impression than the academic milestones themselves. Although the title emphasizes Frank’s doctoral journey, the relationship unfolding through the correspondence frequently becomes the emotional center of the book.
The collection is also enhanced by photographs and illustrations, including images of Baylor University and Leland Stanford Junior University. These additions help bring the period to life and provide useful context for readers who may be unfamiliar with the institutions and locations mentioned throughout the text.
This book is not always easy to follow; keeping track of everyone mentioned in the letters can occasionally be challenging. New names appear throughout the collection, and some individuals receive very little introduction before becoming part of the conversation. Readers may find themselves flipping back through earlier pages to remember who someone is and why they're important, so additional editorial context would have made portions of the work easier to navigate.
Even with those challenges, though, A PH.D.’S REVERIE offers an interesting glimpse into life during the 1920s. More than a story about earning a doctorate, this book is about building a life, maintaining relationships from afar, and preparing for the future. Readers interested in memoir, history, and collections of personal correspondence will appreciate the detailed picture these letters provide.
While additional editorial context would have improved accessibility, Charles Francis Guittard’s A PH.D.’S REVERIE: The Letters succeeds as a thoughtful and detailed collection of correspondence that documents both a doctoral journey and a developing relationship.
~ Katherine Crucilla for IndieReader