The World in Stamps [Hardcover]

Laurent Lemerle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2006

Stamps aren't just a part of history. They also provide a fascinating means to understand history. Through stamps one can chronicle the making of the modern world-and compare the diverse ways that different cultures represent the same events. In the highly original History of the World in Stamps, philatelist Laurent Lemerle has gathered more than 3,500 stamps-including a substantial number from the U.S.-and organized them thematically to showcase not only their beauty, but also their role as valuable documents of world history. Enthusiasts of all ages will discover a new way of looking at subjects like "The Wonders of Nature" and "The Space Conquest," as well as the pleasure of discovering many rare pieces that will, perhaps, inspire them in their own collecting.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Laurent Lemerle is a plant engineer and former director at a large French multinational company. He lives in France.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (July 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810955199
• ISBN-13: 978-0810955196
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 10.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #502,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Stamps

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Many Stamps!, October 14, 2006

By 

John P. Rooney "John" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The World in Stamps (Hardcover)

"The World In Stamps" by Laurent Lemerle. English Translation: Harry N. Abrams, New York, 2006.

It was many years ago (many decades!), that I started to collect postage stamps. After a short time, I discovered that there were just too many stamps, so I began to specialize in United States stamps. When I opened this extra-special book by Laurent Lemerle, I was overwhelmed by the vast quantity of stamps that this book displays. And, the book is not like a stamp catalogue, but rather, on page after page, a particular theme is presented.

Appropriately, the first theme is "Prehistoric Man", on pages 10-11, which begins the section on the History of Mankind. Then, there are sections on "Habitat", on to "Beliefs" and then to "Art". Each section shows stamps from many different countries which illustrate the particular theme being considered.

The book was originally written in French, but French stamps do not dominate. By the author's own count, the top five countries are:

United States 261 stamps

France 228 stamps

Great Britain 210 stamps

Russia 187 stamps

Germany 142 stamps.

So, this book covers the stamps of some of the more important countries in the world, but also some of the lesser known countries. For example, on page 42, you will find a 1978 stamp from Chile honoring their liberator, General Bernardo O' Higgins, (1778-1842) and on page 129, an Irish stamp portraying George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950). There are stamps for chess and stamps for swimming and stamps for soccer, with stamps for royalty and stamps for the common folk (Bolivia, page 175). There are so many stamps, that I do not know where a present-day collector should start...but this book may be a good place.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, October 12, 2011

By 

Aimee - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The World in Stamps (Hardcover)

This book is great for stamp collectors and non stamp collectors. Every page is filled with lots of beautiful stamps in full color. It is organized by topics and makes a great history book. Graphic designers would love this book, too. A beautiful book to have out on your coffee table.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Beautiful, April 27, 2011

By 

mystery fan 16 (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The World in Stamps (Hardcover)

I bought it used for about $10 and it was a terrific buy. The used copy was just like new.

It's the size of a large coffee table book. The photographs of the stamps are gorgeous and the organization of topics is easy to follow. Although I gave up stamp collecting years ago, I still appreciate the miniature works of art that so many stamps are. Even though I now prefer ebooks, this hardcover book is a keeper.