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Encyclopedia Of United States Stamps And Stamp Collecting

The Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting, introduces the collector to the full scope of United States stamps and stamp collecting. Beginning with an introduction to; stampless covers; (letters mailed before the introduction of postage stamps), it then introduces the many stamps issued from their inception with the 1845 Postmasters' Provisionals through the stamps of the early 21st century. Other chapters deal with the host of stamps known to collectors as; back-of-the-book; issues, including stamps issued for air mail, special delivery, U.S. possessions, revenue purposes, and postal stationery. The history of the Postal Service and the various stamp printers, including the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is explored. A section of the Encyclopedia highlights the technological innovations of stamp production, the history of the movement of the mails, markings applied to envelopes, and meters and machine generated postage. While a book about U.S. stamps and stamp collecting, in a larger sense it is a history of American politics, culture, values and technology seen through the prism of the nation's postage stamps and postal service. Each of the sixty-two chapters employs a similar format, wherein an introductory article is followed by practical tips on collecting; an almanac of chronological dates to orient the reader within each historical era; a selection of quotes, both contemporaneous and modern, to provide context; examples of postal usage; and a compilation of references to which the reader can turn for more information. While the Encyclopedia will be welcomed by many advanced stamp collectors, it was written with the beginning collector in mind. It assumes no prior experience with collecting, and includes a comprehensive glossary of philatelic terms. The full color, hard-bound, 730 page book is generously illustrated with stamps, covers and related material.

Hardcover: 730 pages

Publisher: Kirk House Publishers (May 27, 2006)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1886513988

ISBN-13: 978-1886513983

Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.6 inches

Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds

Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #141,444 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #7 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Stamps #162 in Books > Reference > Encyclopedias & Subject Guides > Antiques & Collectibles #208 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Reference

Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting is not intended to replace the requisite catalogue, but meant to supplement it. Its sixty-two chapters are divided into three parts. "Stamps of the United States" spans thirty-one chapters and covers definitives, commemoratives, special purpose stamps, and postal stationary. The first two chapters discuss postage before stamps and are well-researched and concise without being simplistic."History, Production and Technology" claims twenty-four chapters and covers the history of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, United States Postal Service, and technology of stamp production. The last seven chapters focus on related collectables such as first-day covers, metered mail, seals, and cancellations. Appendix A is a glossary of terms. It is unfortunate that this glossary is not available as a stand-alone publication as it would complement a catalogue well. Appendix B and C are print and web resources. Appendix D is a list of benefactors without an explanation of their generosity.Each chapter has an almanac, a reference for additional information, and relevant quotes from that period. Some chapters have notes for collectors or examples of postal usage. All of these addendums serve to make philately more interesting for novice and seasoned collectors alike.Curiously, this publication has no index making it difficult to cross-reference issues that are cited in multiple entries. The term "encyclopedia" would imply that the book contains detailed information on every US stamp issued (until its publication). In this regard it is a disappointment as some issues are not covered at all, and a large number are given perfunctory treatment.

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