The Adhesive Postage Stamps of Europe: A Practical Guide to Their Collection, Identification, and Classification, Especially Designed for the Use of Those Commencing the Story

William A. S. Westoby’s The Adhesive Postage Stamps of Europe, published in London by L. Upcott Gill between 1898 and 1900, stands among the most accessible nineteenth-century philatelic handbooks. Issued in two volumes, it was written for collectors at the beginning of their studies, outlining practical methods of classification and identification. The text covers a broad range of European stamp issuers, including major nations such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and Greece, as well as smaller or more obscure territories such as the Ionian Islands, Heligoland, Bremen, Cyprus, and Iceland. This wide scope reflects Westoby’s intent to capture the expanding landscape of philately at the close of the Victorian era. Collation records as Volume I: vi, 399, 19 pages; Volume II: viii, 510, 19 pages. The format is duodecimo, measuring 7.25 by 5.5 inches (18.4 by 14 cm). Condition is very good, with original hardcovers showing some rubbing and wear to corners and hinges, while the bindings remain tight and the pages clean. No provenance markings are present. This edition highlights the work of one of philately’s early authorities and retains importance as a record of the collecting movement’s formative period. #29361 PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.…