Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 730 pages
• Published by: Kirk House Publishers May 27, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1886513988
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1886513983
• Book Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches
• Weighs: 3.2 pounds

Product Review
As an encyclopedia and almanac, it succinctly reviews the many paths of Philately in the U.S. -- Gordon Morison, Assistant Postmaster General

Every collector of United States stamps should have this reference on his or her bookself. -- James E. Kloetzel, "Scott Postage Stamp Catalogues"

For the first time we have a comprehensive treatment of United States stamp collecting under one cover. -- Michael Laurence, former editor/publisher, Linn's Stamp News.

Table of Contents
Stamps of the United States
1. Stampless Covers
2. Postmasters' Provisionals
3. Series of 1847
4. Series of 1851 and 1857
5. Series of 1861 and 1869 Pictorials
6. Bank Notes of 1870-1894
7. Series of 1894
8. Series of 1902
9. Washington-Franklin Series
10. Series of 1922
11. Presidential Series
12. Liberty Series
13. Prominent Americans Issue
14. Americana Issue
15. Great Americans Issue
16. Transportation Coils
17. Late Twentieth Century Definitives
18. Nineteenth Century Commemoratives
19. Twentieth Century Commemoratives, 1901-1933
20. Twentieth Century Commemoratives, 1933-1971
21. Twentieth Century Commemoratives, 1971-2000
22. Twenty-first Century Stamps
23. Air Mail Stamps
24. Special Usage Stamps
25. Federal Revenue Stamps
26. State Revenues
27. U.S. Possessions, Usages Abroad, and Occupied Areas
28. Postal Stationery
29. Precancels and Perfins
30. Carriers' and Locals
31. Confederate States of America
History, Production, and Technology
32. United States Post Office Department
33. United States Postal Service
34. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
35. Stamp Production - The Flat Plate Press
36. Stamp Production - The Stickney Rotary Press
37. Stamp Production - Modern Presses
38. Stamp Production - Modern Private Printers
39. Stamp Separation, 1857-1980
40. Stamp Separation, Since 1980
41. Self-Adhesive Stamps
42. Watermarks
43. Plate Construction and Layout
44. Plate Numbers
45. Marginal Markings
46. Plate Varieties
47. Stamps in Booklets, 1900-1977
48. Stamps in Booklets, Since 1977
49. Stamps in Coil Rolls, 1907-1980
50. Stamps in Coil Rolls, Post 1980
51. Inks, Colors, Papers, and Gum
52. Errors, Freaks, and Oddities
53. Essays and Proofs
54. Luminescence
55. Test Stamps Expanding the Collector's Scope
56. United States Stamp Society
57. United States Stamp Research
58. Postal History - Markings
59. Rates and Classifications
60. First Day Covers
61. Meters and Machine Generated Postage
62. Philately Never Ends --Table of Contents

Product Description
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 greater 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.

Reader Reviews
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. Generally, an interpretative review of the socio-political factors that prompted an issue or public reactions to it is lacking in its depth of coverage. Technological factors essential in the production of stamps are adequately covered and well presented. While the glossy pages enhance the vibrant color reproductions, these pages are not conducive to writing personal notes. One can debate if the book is truly an encyclopedia. However, it is packed with interesting facts and insights making it a wonderful companion to any philatelist's United States stamp catalogue. Armchair Interviews says: Great for stamp lovers.