THE ART OF STAMPS: MESSENGERS OF HISTORY AND THE CHARACTER OF NATIONS

Postage stamps serve a purpose far greater than their practical use. These miniature works of art masterfully depict images of a country’s disasters and triumphs, its people and politics, its identity and evolution. They open windows of imagination and wisdom about our past and present world—from economics, environmental protection, propaganda and human rights to sports, war, nature and mythology.

The Art of Stamps invites us on a gallery tour of philately, iconography and social history. As stamps tell stories that only a time traveler could know, their intricate designs teach us about cultural influences and ideologies that remain relevant.  

The author gives a panoramic view of stamp collecting as an art form, hobby and investment commodity, interspersing poignant stories from his extensive travels and pieces from his cherished collection. Now that younger generations are “picking up the tweezers” as a high-tech-life antidote, philately is resurging as a popular pastime with a higher purpose.

This collector-quality, full-color book of 200 stamps displayed on more than 300 pages tells global stories of history and culture that ignite the imaginations of people young and old, and their quest for knowledge and adventure. 

  • Join the gallery tour of specific collections. Learn about the most expensive stamp in the world. 

  • Enjoy the beauty and artistic expression of ancient and modern Greece.  

  • Listen to the stories of first settlers in the Original 13 American Colonies. 

  • Follow China’s modern history and its emergence from poverty to global economic and military power. 

  • Explore Oman’s seafaring history and its transformation to a prosperous nation after the discovery of oil. 

  • Listen to Ethiopian stamps tell its history of centuries of imperial dynasties, communism, and unique culture. 

  • Learn about stamp engraving and printing and wildlife protection. 

  • Follow the stories of few stamps that have achieved fame and fortunes and made their owners rich.

  • Reflect on what stamps have taught us and how we can apply these takeaways to become better people and nations.

This timely book gives both traditional collectors and younger generations a fascinating portrait of philately through the aperture of artistry, history and humanity.
—Nick Asimakopoulos, MD, Philatelist and Author of The Plate Flaws of the Large Hermes Head of Greece

Immense and mind-bending in breadth and scope.
—Sharon Eakes, MA, Board Certified Coach