Complete Guide to Stamps and Stamp Collecting

This is the ultimate guide to embarking on, and getting the very most out, the world's most popular hobby, with countless examples of and stories about rare, vivid and historical stamps spanning almost two centuries, plus advice on price and guidance about acquisition. An in-depth introduction traces the evolution of the postal services, from the Roman mail coaches rushing to the forefront of fighting to wartime Zeppelin flights, and the advent of rail, boat and air as methods of mass delivery. The book examines the modern-day adhesive stamp, to help collectors understand the value of their own collection, and the importance of preserving stamps. Different methods of collecting, and the practical aspects of building and maintaining a collection, are covered in detail. There are also step-by-step instructions on how to preserve the quality of stamps while mounting them for display, and valuable guidance on entering the stamp buyer's marketplace, whether attending exhibitions and stamp fairs, or using an on-line auction site. A global directory of stamps from more than 200 countries will inspire readers to collect their own. Read some of the fascinating stories behind the world's most sought-after stamps, from the famous commemoratives of American presidents to issues from some of the most remote POs in the world. Stamps trace the character and history of the country from which they originate, and this encyclopedic visual directory is a stunning account of some of the most bizarre, colourful and poignant examples ever created.…