Books about Postage from Amazon.com

This comprehensive price guide contains current prices for over 2,000 stamps from 1847 to the present It also includes:

· Hundreds of photos, including a full-color insert
· Current market trends, with advice on how to buy, sell, and preserve your stamp collection
· Exclusive prices for first day covers, mint sheets, plate blocks, line pairs, and PNCs (Plate Number Coils).
Price: $5.01 [Notify me when price goes down.]

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..
Price: $26.40 [Notify me when price goes down.]

More than 58,000 value changes have been recorded in Volume 1. The large number of changes is the result of both strong overseas markets and worldwide currency fluctuations that have seen the U.S. dollar drop against other strong currencies. Almost 4,700 value changes were made in the United States, U.S. possessions and United Nations sections of Volume 1, and almost all the value changes in the U.S. section are upward. Various 19th century stamps rise in value on a selected basis, reflecting market results over the past six months. This includes the St. Louis Bears Postmaster Provisionals, Scott 11X1-11X8, which advanced in the 2008 Scott United States Specialized Catalogue and now advance once again in the 2009 Volume 1. Strong gains were also made for some back of the book items such as the 1879 1¢ - 50¢ Postage Due Special Printings, along with scattered increases in the Officials. More than 23,000 value changes were made for stamps of the British Commonwealth, with Australia leading the way with more than 4,800 changes. The Australian market remains quite strong for both the Australian States and Australia proper..
Price: $62.99 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Worldwide currency fluctuations and demand from the topical market continue to propel the thousands of value changes recorded in Volume 5, which covers countries of the world P-Sl. Changes are spread across a wide number of countries with notable and volatile activity recorded for several Middle Eastern countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia..
Price: $21.36 [Notify me when price goes down.]

There are more than 25,500 value changes in this year s Volume 6, which includes Countries of the world So-Z. The countries with the most activity are Turkey, Tunisia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Sweden, Tonga, Spain and Syria. There are more value changes than have typically been made to this volume in recent years. Value changes in Turkey span all periods. Most value changes in Sweden tend to be in later issues rather than in the classics, and the sizes of the changes are not as large as those seen in Turkey and Tunisa..
Price: $59.39 [Notify me when price goes down.]

A unique record of the history of the United States.

Throughout its history, the United States has celebrated its achievements, honored its heroes and recorded its history by issuing beautiful commemorative postage stamps. These stamps tell us about the discovery and settlement of the land; advances in transportation and communication; the wonders of the American wilderness; and the accomplishments of political, military and civic leaders who served the republic and shaped its future. Created by the United States Post Office to honor significant events and important people, these stamps offer us a unique and proud look at America's history.

An American History Album takes a look at the stories behind these miniature works of art-why they were issued and who or what they honor. Created by some of the best artists and finest engravers of their day, these stamps fashion a visual portrait of the history, values and accomplishments of the United States. Through their research for this book the authors identified more than 50 major themes of the American story that have been commemorated in stamps.

An American History Album will appeal to history buffs, stamp collectors, educators, art enthusiasts and general readers. It serves as a graphic reminder that the American dream, as crafted in the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution, remains alive and well.

Here are just some of the stories told inside An American History Album:

• Columbus' Epic Voyage
• The Pilgrims and the Puritans
• The Louisiana Purchase
• Into the Wilderness
• The American Revolution
• The War Between the States
• Remember the Alamo
• The Settlement of the West
• The Transcontinental Railroad
• Building the Global Village
• The Great Depression
• The Second World War
• The Story of Flight
• The Cold War in America
• Putting a Man on the Moon
• The Office of the President
• Protecting the Wilderness
• The Story of the Flag
• America's Armed Forces

The themes include:

• Heritage and Values: the ideas, symbols, beliefs and institutions that make America unique
• Discovery and Exploration: how the New World was discovered and the 13 colonies were established
• Neighbor Against Neighbor: how the Revolutionary War and the War Between the States shaped the nation
• Manifest Destiny: how the pioneers pushed westward across the wilderness to reach the Pacific
• Transportation and Communication: how ships, canals, railroads, automobiles and the telegraph tied the early nation together
• The Greatest Generation: the profound effect of the Great Depression and World War II on a nation and its spirit
• These United States: a brief look at each state and the postage stamp that honors it
• The Art of the Stamp: a fascinating look at how stamp subjects are chosen and designs created

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Price: $16.29 [Notify me when price goes down.]

This comprehensive annual price guide contains current prices for over 2,000 stamps from 1847 to the present It also includes:
• Hundreds of photos, including a new full-color insert
• Current market trends, with advice on how to buy, sell, and preserve your stamp collection
• Exclusive prices for first day covers, mint sheets, plate blocks, line pairs, and PNCs.
Price: $5.95 [Notify me when price goes down.]