The Stamp Atlas
A highly specialized work directed toward the serious philatelist, this successfully merges two rather disparate areaspostal history and political geography. The book provides a clear geographic portrayal for virtually every distinct postal and political change, from as early as 1660 to 1984. Emphasis is placed on the post-1840 period, as adhesive postage stamps were invented in that year. For dedicated stamp collectors and postal historians, the volume is a welcome addition. One notices strengths in the coverage of both British and French colonial activity in Africa and Asia. Despite the 144 carefully drawn and accurate maps, the inclusion of a large number of superfluous illustrations adds little to the work. Nonetheless, this is recommended for large public libraries, as well as those institutions with a philatelically oriented patronage. William B. Martin, Upsala College Library, Sussex, N.J.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.