From Celestial Letters to 'Copylore' and 'Screenlore'

Summary: The origins of chain letters, which are now circulated for ludic, humanitarian or profit motives, can be found in age-old religious traditions. This study of the genre shows how these letters became gradually secularized and identifies contemporary forms using such modern methods as fax machines, photocopiers and electronic mail. Thus the ancient 'celestial letters', which were still very much alive in the sixteenth century, became letters sent with the blessing of Saint Anthony, or of mere bishops and parish priests. As the letters became commonplace they also came to he seen as either a miraculous cure or a clever way to make money. With further secularization, wholly ludic chain letters appeared, and then bogus advertising photocopies claiming that recipients have won a fabulous prize - a 'gift from heaven'.