A directory of the world''s greatest stamps, the history of philately and the stories behind the most collectable stamps, and step-by-step advice on creating and preserving a collection. A newly updated edition of the classic guide to getting the most out the world’s most popular hobby, with countless examples of rare, vivid and historical stamps spanning two centuries, plus advice on price and guidance about acquisition. Read some of the fascinating stories behind the world’s most sought-after stamps, from the famous commemoratives of American presidents to issues from some of the most remote post offices in the world. Stamps trace the character and history of the country from which they originate, and this encyclopedic visual directory is a stunning account of some of the most bizarre, vivid and poignant examples ever created. Dr James MacKay was one of the foremost authors on stamps and stamp collecting, writing over 100 books and thousands of articles. Matthew Hill is editor of Stamp Collector magazine and www.allaboutstamps.com and author of A History in Postage Stamps: Great Britain