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.
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