An American History Album: The Story of the United States Told Through Stamps

A unique record of the history of the United States.

Throughout its history, the United States has celebrated its achievements, honored its heroes and recorded its history by issuing beautiful commemorative postage stamps. These stamps tell us about the discovery and settlement of the land; advances in transportation and communication; the wonders of the American wilderness; and the accomplishments of political, military and civic leaders who served the republic and shaped its future. Created by the United States Post Office to honor significant events and important people, these stamps offer us a unique and proud look at America's history.

An American History Album takes a look at the stories behind these miniature works of art-why they were issued and who or what they honor. Created by some of the best artists and finest engravers of their day, these stamps fashion a visual portrait of the history, values and accomplishments of the United States. Through their research for this book the authors identified more than 50 major themes of the American story that have been commemorated in stamps.

An American History Album will appeal to history buffs, stamp collectors, educators, art enthusiasts and general readers. It serves as a graphic reminder that the American dream, as crafted in the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution, remains alive and well.

Here are just some of the stories told inside An American History Album Columbus' Epic VoyageThe Pilgrims and the PuritansThe Louisiana PurchaseInto the WildernessThe American RevolutionThe War Between the StatesRemember the AlamoThe Settlement of the WestThe Transcontinental RailroadBuilding the Global VillageThe Great DepressionThe Second World WarThe Story of FlightThe Cold War in AmericaPutting a Man on the MoonThe Office of the PresidentProtecting the WildernessThe Story of the FlagAmerica's Armed Forces

The themes include: Heritage and Values the ideas, symbols, beliefs and institutions that make America uniqueDiscovery and Exploration how the New World was discovered and the 13 colonies were establishedNeighbor Against Neighbor how the Revolutionary War and the War Between the States shaped the nationManifest Destiny how the pioneers pushed westward across the wilderness to reach the PacificTransportation and Communication how ships, canals, railroads, automobiles and the telegraph tied the early nation togetherThe Greatest Generation the profound effect of the Great Depression and World War II on a nation and its spiritThese United States a brief look at each state and the postage stamp that honors itThe Art of the Stamp a fascinating look at how stamp subjects are chosen and designs created

"This look at America's aspirations, challenges and achievements as depicted on commemorative postage stamps is delivered in elegant layouts. Since 1847, more than 4,000 stamps have celebrated 500 years of American history, and the selection here is displayed in 300 color reproductions. Almost every stamp is substantially enlarged to show details and they are thematically organized, e.g., 'Discovery and Exploration' (the New World and the 13 colonies), 'Manifest Destiny' (how pioneers pushed westward) and 'These United States' (a stamp for every state). Historical highlights span centuries, from Columbus's voyage to the moon landing, with stamps honoring everything from steamships to Elvis. Interspersed throughout is a feature, 'The Story Behind the Stamp,' looking at particular stamps in depth. Curiously, only a few illustrators of what the U.S. Postal Service's stamp development manager McCaffrey calls 'miniature masterpieces' are identified. However, the first-class packaging and presentation could prompt tourists at Washington's Union Station to step across the street and visit the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, the main source for the stamp images in this beautiful book. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

The stamps are used not to narrate the history of the country, but to celebrate its virtues. Sections cover heritage and values, discovery and exploration, civil wars, manifest destiny, transportation and communication, the greatest generation, and the 50 states. Text and other photographs accompany illustrations of the stamps. The chronological dimension appears in the steady rise in postage rates. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This well-illustrated survey of American history looks at the events the U.S. Postal Service chose to celebrate with commemorative stamps. The authors trace more than 50 themes, all illustrated by stamps and photographs, and tell the stories behind them.Firefly Books