The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps 31st Edition

By United States Postal Service

    I was first introduced to stamp collection when I was eight years old through my Sunday school teacher who was an avid stamp collector. Her passion for this hobby intrigued me enough to want to try my own hand at learning the exciting hobby. Each Sunday we would always devote a small portion of our Sunday school class to our new stamp finds. I was always excited to go each week and show her my latest discoveries. She was patient enough to teach me the fine techniques required to be a successful stamp collector. Some of the methods she taught me included the proper way of taking a stamp off an envelope, how to grade a stamp condition, and how to properly place them in my stamp book without causing any undue damage. One of the most fascinating things she had in her collection was a book that listed the value of each stamp. I could have sat for hours flipping the pages and calculating the total net value of my own "treasure."

     This book is a must have for any level of stamp collector. Each page is filled with actual pictures of what the stamp looks like. What I find so intriguing about this book is that is gives you guidance on how to judge a stamp’s condition. The earliest stamp dates back to 1847 and there are over 4,000 other bright and colorful stamps that bring the book alive. An informative introduction gives the reader a simple to understand explanation on how to read the value section. Overall, I found this book to be a valuable reference manual.

     Years later I still have my stamp collection. Although I am not obsessed with it as I once was, I still love each one in the collection, and the memories each one contains. I was excited when I discovered this review book was among those our group had to select from. I knew immediately that I was going to be the one to provide the review, for the memories came flooding back of my wonderful teacher and all that I learned from her. I attribute this book review to her memory and I am honored to add it to my keeper shelf.