Stamp Collecting for Dummies (Paperback)

by Richard L. Sine (Author) "Not everyone who is interested in stamp collecting is a collector..." (more)
Key Phrases: perforation measurement, watermark fluid, stamp periodicals, United States, American Philatelic Society, Great Britain (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...this fun and informative guide to selecting, finding, buying, presenting and caring for stamps is a must-read for every collector..."  (Stamp & Coin Mart, January 2007)

Review
"Dick Sine has had some of the best writing jobs in stamp collecting, and this book shows why: A thorough knowledge of philately and good writing, mixed with humor and style." —Lloyd A. de Vrise, The Virtual Stamp Club

"With his deep insight into the 160-year old pastime of stamp collecting, Dick Sine proves that philately is not only the hobby for the 21st century, but one that can be easily and inexpensively enjoyed by everyone! The world's stamp depict life on Planet Earth — from the tiniest microbe to world famous athletes. This book will make understanding and collecting them a joy!" —Randy L. Neil, author and former President of the American Philatelic Society

Stamp Collecting For Dummies is great for removing so many of the issues a newcomer to our hobby has, allowing instant enjoyment. Stamp collecting can be a complex hobby, and this cuts right through." —Hugh M. Goldberg, Subway Stamp Shop, Inc.

"This is a long overdue masterpiece, which will surely facilitate the expansion of this royal hobby by allowing everybody the ability to understand the complexities and the beauty of stamp collecting. The breadth of knowledge in this book spans by answering all the initial questions that might arise for the beginner collector, to details for the avid philatelist. A wonderful job by Mr. Sine." —Chesky Malamud and Eli Popack, Founders of Stampville.com (the online Stamp portal)

"Dick Sine has produced a solid and practical introduction to the world's greatest pastime, stamp collecting. His work is not only invaluable to beginners but also of great value to intermediate collectors, especially with his Internet-savvy advice." —Gene Mierzejewski, Editor, The Flint Journal

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (August 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764553798
• ISBN-13: 978-0764553790
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #176,892 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Starting Point, January 22, 2002

By	"eknapp6" (Anchorage, AK USA) - See all my reviews

I have always thought the Dummies series of books were some of the best-written "How To" books on the market. This one lives up to that reputation.

Mr. Sine has produced a well-written, clear guidebook for both new and experienced collectors. He manages to cover the subject without getting bogged down in the jargon of the hobby. His style and wit are welcome in a hobby whose literature can at times be very dry.

This is a good guide to a great hobby.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars written with a light touch, April 16, 2006

By	David A. Baer (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This volume in the 'Dummies' series is written with a humorous light touch that makes it especially attractive to the Dummy who knows he is one and doesn't need to be reminded that he is one by being frog-marched through impenetrable jargon. In addition, Richard Sine or his editor have had the foresight to break the topics he treats up into very small sections and subsections.

The result is a light-hearted but content-rich introduction to the topic, one that this reviewer is only beginning to explore.

I cannot imagine a more effective starting point for the would-be stamp collector or - like me - the person who needs to know before he invests time and treasure whether this is something he's going to be able to manage.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Starting Place, January 22, 2002

By	"eknapp6" (Anchorage, AK USA) - See all my reviews

I have always thought the Dummies series of books were some of the best-written "How To" books on the market. This one lives up to that reputation.

Mr. Sine has produced a well-written, clear guidebook for both new and experienced collectors. He manages to cover the subject without getting bogged down in the jargon of the hobby. His style and wit are welcome in a hobby whose literature can at times be very dry.

This is a good guide to a great hobby.