Sign-In
Cart
Learning about Stamps - questions and answers
Paperback
Series: Introduction to Stamp Collecting, Book 2
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Nov 30 2025
Pages: 100
Weight: 0.43
Height: 0.21 Width: 8.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
Philately is more than just searching for rare stamps from the past or those with errors on them that weren't caught by inspectors. And it certainly isn't about putting them in a stamp album and forgetting about them. What gets me excited each day is learning about the country that issued the stamp and the subject that the stamp commemorates.
In this book, I explore stamps from as far back as 1918, stamps from islands far away and nations on the other side of the planet. I share stamps with iguanas and the Tasmanian devil, birds and butterflies, a leopard that is no more and sea turtles that still roam the seas. For each stamp, I searched online to find out its date and specifications, then used an AI agent to find more facts and details to explore. I didn't just want to be a collector of pretty things, but a researcher, an investigator, a lifelong learner. For as much of my life as I can remember, I have always been curious, wondering why people do what they do, or why something matters to other people. So, I put to work a very talented online investigator, Claude AI by Anthropic, and together we dug through the internet in search of answers to my questions.
The stamps you'll discover in these pages come in shapes you might never have imagined: triangles from Nicaragua celebrating cotton and from San Marino honoring philately itself, a perfect circle from Japan featuring Disney characters, and diamonds from Hungary commemorating sports stadiums. You'll encounter words in languages spanning the globe: Croatian and German, Arabic and Vietnamese, Spanish and Japanese, Cambodian and Romanian. Some stamps showcase humanity's creations, like sailboats gliding across Lebanese waters, bicycles racing around Hungarian tracks, Gothic churches rising from Barbuda's shores, and even a baseball bat ready for play. Others celebrate nature's gifts, like vibrant flowers on San Marino's triangular stamp, the grass and trees of tropical islands, and the vast ocean surrounding our world. We'll gaze up at the stars through a Maldives stamp depicting the constellation Capricorn, then look down at intricate snail shells on Papua New Guinea's shores. Each stamp is a window into a different corner of our remarkable world.
Sometimes I was perplexed about one of my questions. Some just didn't want to yield themselves to the demands of inquiry, but I persevered. When Claude had trouble finding a particular stamp, I dug until I found it. When I couldn't translate Cambodian or German, Claude jumped at the task, though sometimes I just went to Google Translate. And best of all, when I would recognize an important topic deriving from a stamp, I would task Claude with helping me research until I felt that I had learned enough to make the adventure worth having. Thirty chapters and thirty adventures, each with new understandings of the people around the world across many generations.
I hope that you enjoy my book. It is the first of many as I choose to be more than a person who looks at stamps. I want to be the philatelist who investigates the people, animals, places and events that have been commemorated for all time on little postage stamps. And if you come along with me on my journey, maybe you will see just how much fun it is to learn about stamps.
Also from
Mahoney, C.
Finding Common Ground in American Politics: Conservative and Progressive Approaches to Controversial Topics
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Nature and the principles that guide us in life: A poetic exploration of Unitarian Universalism
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Prompt Engineering Guide for High School Students - Pioneers of the Seventeenth Century
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Prompt Engineering Guide for High School Students - Revolutionaries of the Eighteenth Century
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Listening for Birds in Virginia - A Book of Photos and Facts about the Birds of Virginia
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
So, you THINK that you are smart?: Brainteasers and Word Puzzles for the Gifted
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Religious Symbols from Around the World: Investigating the Religions of the World
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
How to chat and roleplay with an AI Companion - Exploring a planet of immortals
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Intermittent Fasting and eating a SANDWICH every day: Exploring odd combinations and flavors
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Intermittent Fasting and eating a SNACK every day: Exploring sweet and salty snacks
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Intermittent Fasting and eating from a BOX every day: crunchy and hardened food from factories
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Intermittent Fasting and eating from a JAR every day: Exploring tasty food from around the world
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Finding Joy in Wildlife Photography - 2020: 100 of my best wildlife and nature photos
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Dangerous Insects and Spiders and Arthropods: Internet Activities that explore Nature and Wildlife
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Dragonflies and Damselflies: How I Use My Smartphone to Capture Dragonflies and Damselflies
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Grasshoppers, Katydids and Crickets: How I Use My Smartphone to Capture Grasshoppers, Katydids and Crickets
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Snakes, Turtles, Frogs and Lizards: How I Use My Smartphone to Capture Reptiles and Amphibians
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Wandering Ants and Pesky Flies: How I Use My Smartphone to Capture Ants and Flies
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Butterflies, Moths and Caterpillars: How I Use My Smartphone to Capture Butterflies, Moths and Caterpillars
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Deer, Squirrels, Rabbits and Raccoons: How I Use My Smartphone to Capture Mammals
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Getting Close to Spiders: How I Use My Smartphone to Capture Spiders in the Wild
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Wildlife Photography in February: Capturing the Flora and Fauna of Virginia and North Carolina
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Wildlife Photography in December: Capturing the Flora and Fauna of Virginia and North Carolina
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Finding Wildlife Outdoors in March: Wandering on trails to find amazing animals and beautiful plants
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Finding Wildlife Outdoors in April: Wandering on trails to find amazing animals and beautiful plants
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Having Fun With My Camera (Oak Grove Lake Park): Using my Canon EOS 80D with an 18-135 IS USM zoom lens
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Interesting Writing Prompts for Gifted and Talented Students (4th and 5th Grade)
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Walking in the Woods with my dog: A book of Caterpillars, Butterflies, Spiders and Bugs
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Stamp Collecting Album: Insects and other Small Creatures on Stamps from Around the World
Mahoney, C.
Paperback
Also in
Crafts General
The Craftivist Collective Handbook: Projects, Stories and Methods for Your Gentle Protests
Corbett, Sarah P.
Hardcover
Little Woodchucks: Offerman Woodshop's Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery
Offerman, Nick
Buchanan, Lee
Hardcover
Dungeons & Dragons Crochet: A Book of Many Patterns
King, Stacy
Official Dungeons & Dragons Licensed
Hardcover
Disney Dreams Collection Thomas Kinkade Studios Coloring Book
Kinkade, Thomas
Thomas Kinkade Studios
Paperback
Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers Volume 1
Roux, Jessica
Hardcover
Paint by Sticker (Official): Create 12 Masterpieces One Sticker at a Time!
Workman Publishing
Paperback
A Perpetual Journal Practice: Building a Connection with Nature Through Art
Gastinger, Lara Call
Paperback
Crosses Coloring Book for Adults: Grayscale Crosses Coloring Book Christian Coloring Book for Adults Bible Coloring Book Adults
Publishing, Monsoon
Paperback
Printing from the Garden: Create Stunning, One-Of-A-Kind Prints with Flowers and Leaves
Kelly, Alison
Hardcover
The Beginner's Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Nourish, and Create Bliss Year-Round
Brown, Elizabeth
Hardcover
Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag of Tricks: Over 70 Sanity Saving Hacks for Better Knitting
Lyons, Patty
Paperback
Minimalist Soapmaking: How to Make Incredible Soaps in Less Time with Just a Few Ingredients
Khabra, Simi
Paperback
Creative Junk Journaling: How to Collect Everyday Keepsakes and Cherish Your Memories
Ahmed, Natasha
Hardcover
Creative Mending: Beautiful Darning, Patching and Stitching Techniques (Over 300 Color Photos)
Noguchi, Hikaru
Hardcover
Weaving Wild Baskets: Techniques and Projects Using Foraged Leaves, Grasses, Vines, and Bark
Grove, Katie
Paperback
Leatherworking Handbook: A Practical Illustrated Sourcebook of Techniques and Projects
Michael, Valerie
Paperback
15-Minute Watercolor Florals: Create Exquisite Paintings with 30 Beginner-Friendly Tutorials
Poa, Joly
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Letter: Playful Pets (Sticker Puzzles - Kids Activity Book)
Brain Games
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Fantasy World Coloring Book Magic Meadows - Royal Kingdom - Mermaids' Bay: A Creative Voyage with 100 Full-Sized Patterns to Color and Enjoy
Öberg, Emelie Lidehäll
Hardcover
The Knitting Book: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Imaginative Projects for the Home and to Wear
DK
Patmore, Frederica
Haffenden, Vikki
Hardcover
Wildcrafted Garden Structures: Making Bentwood Trellises, Arbors, Gates, and Fences
Long, Jim
Paperback
Watercolor Boot Camp: Strengthen Your Skills and Create Beautiful Paintings in One Month
Pickerill, Hannah M.
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Letter: In the Wild (Sticker Puzzles - Kids Activity Book)
Brain Games
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Crafting with Paracord: 50 Fun and Creative Projects Using the World's Strongest Cord
Poole, Chad
Paperback
Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest, and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms
Benzakein, Erin
Hardcover
Crochet for Beginners: A Stitch Dictionary with Step-By-Step Illustrations and 10 Easy Projects
Presinal, Arica
Paperback
Disney Dreams Collection Thomas Kinkade Studios Celebrations Coloring Book
Kinkade, Thomas
Thomas Kinkade Studios
Paperback
The Homesteader's Guide to Cut Flowers: Growing Beautiful, Versatile Blooms for Pantry, Pleasure & Profit
Blessing, Joanna
Paperback
Paper Flower Garden: Fresh Techniques for Handmade Crepe Paper Blooms
Griffith, Lia
Donnelly, Meagan
Paperback
The Art of Memory Collecting: 15 Scrapbook, Collage, Trinket and Zine Projects for Crafting Treasured Moments
Calvi, Martina
Hardcover
The Embroidery of Mexico: A Vibrant Celebration of Traditional and Modern Designs
Romero, Gimena
Hardcover
The Ransom Note Sticker Book: Thousands of Letters for Your Anonymous Messages
Herriott, Luke
Paperback
Patchwork Granny Square Blankets: Learn to Crochet Quilt-Inspired Throws, Home Décor & More
@Madebyanita
Gibney, Anita
Paperback
The Matchy Matchy Sewing Book: Flexible, Fun, and Satisfying Sewing Projects Using Simple Shapes
Gonzales, Amy
Kuo, Theresa
Paperback
Tidying Up: 100 Ways to Infuse Order and Joy Into Every Area of Your Home
Fuqua, Ea
DeLong, Meg
Hardcover
Happy Day Coloring Postcards: 20 All-Occasion Cards to Color, Sign, and Send
Öberg, Emelie Lidehäll
Paperback
Art, Craft, Color: Brighten Your Life with Projects in Every Color of the Rainbow
Solomon, Lisa
Hardcover
The Embroidery Stitch Bible: Over 200 Stitches Photographed with Easy-To-Follow Charts
Barnden, Betty
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Letter: Robots (Sticker Puzzles - Kids Activity Book)
Brain Games
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
The Bandweaver's Project Book: 34 Stylish, Practical Designs + Clever Finishing Techniques
Torgenrud, Heather
Hardcover
New Again: 100+ Projects and Ideas to Reimagine Your Furniture and Decor
Vanderzeil, Geneva
Paperback
Nordic Sailors' & Fishermen's Sweaters: Modern Knitwear Inspired by Historical Patterns
Rahbek, Lotte
Jensen, Gitte Verner
Hardcover
Mending Life: A Handbook for Repairing Clothes and Hearts (and Patching to Practice Sustainable Fashion and Fix the Clothes You Love)
Montenegro, Nina
Montenegro, Sonya
Paperback
Watercolor Workbook: 25 Beginner Botanical Projects on Premium Watercolor Paper
Simon, Sarah
Paperback
Elvira's Cookbook from Hell: Sexy, Spooky Soirées and Celebrations for Every Occasion
Peterson, Cassandra
Hardcover
The Handsewn Wardrobe: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own Clothes from Patternmaking to the Finishing Stitches
Sonstroem, Louisa Owen
Hardcover
Welcome to Woodworking: 20 Simple & Stylish Projects for Your Home & Garden
Ott, Moa Brännström
Hardcover
1000 Botanical Colors: Make Your Own Dyes, Paints, Inks, Stains, and Pottery Paints from 250 Plants
Warnock, Caleb
Paperback
150+ Crochet Borders: Edgings and Decorative Finishes for Every Project--Inspired by Cities Around the World
Baldelli, Bernadette
Paperback
The Cut Flower Garden: Grow and Gather Cut Flowers for Homegrown Arrangements All Year Round
Turner, Jo
Hardcover
Floret Farm's Discovering Dahlias: A Guide to Growing and Arranging Magnificent Blooms
Benzakein, Erin
Hardcover
Backyard Cutting Garden: Small-Space Blooms to Grow, Harvest, and Arrange in Every Season
Snyder, Trisha
Hardcover
Paper Flower Magic: Techniques & Projects to Sculpt Your Own Garden of Realistic Blooms
Jansson, Sofia Vusir
Hardcover
Lettered in Thread: Creative Techniques for Designing and Embroidering Meaningful Messages
Leroy, Ciara
Paperback
Keeping a Nature Journal, 3rd Edition: Deepen Your Connection with the Natural World All Around You
Leslie, Clare Walker
Paperback
Family Face-Off: The Ultimate Book of Family Games to Bring Everyone Together (or Tear Each Other Apart!)--150+ Games!
Glenn, Devon
Chronicle Books
Hardcover
Easy Embroidery Embellishment: Learn to Customize Your Clothes with Simple Stitch Techniques
Billingham, Jenny
Paperback
3-Color Botanical Cyanotype Kit: Beginner-Friendly Solar Printing Kit for DIY Nature Art
Rafferty, Sarah Bourne
Hardcover
The Stitched Landscape: An Embroidery Field Guide to the Textures, Colors, and Lines of the Natural World
Hultin, Anna
Hardcover
Bead Jewelry Making for Beginners: Step-By-Step Instructions for Beautiful Designs
Leibovitz, Cecilia
Paperback
Knitting the U.S.A.: Fifty Easy-To-Follow Designs for Beautiful Beanies Inspired by Each State in America
Bates, Nancy
Hardcover
Watercolor in the Garden: Paint a Charming World of Beautiful Songbirds, Baby Animals, Flowers and More
Carkill, Jane
Paperback
Origami Paper: One Hundred Dollar Bills: Origami Paper; 250 Double-Sided Sheets (Instructions for 4 Models Included)
Kirschenbaum, Marc
Paperback
Easy Origami for Beginners: Full-Color Instructions for 20 Simple Projects
Lafosse, Michael G.
Paperback
Floret Farm's a Year in Flowers: Designing Gorgeous Arrangements for Every Season
Benzakein, Erin
Hardcover
Posh Adult Coloring Book: Thomas Kinkade Designs for Inspiration & Relaxation
Kinkade, Thomas
Paperback
Deluxe Recipe Binder - Favorite Recipes (Hydrangea) - Write in Your Own Recipes
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Hardcover
Eco-Print: The Guide to Natural Botanical Printing on Fabric
Mantua-Kommonen, Kirsi
Vaarula, Päivi
Lapiolahti, Ulla
Hardcover
Camping and Woodcraft: A Handbook for Vacation Campers and Travelers in the Wilderness
Kephart, Horace
Paperback
Sweater Success: From Cast-On to Closet, Learn to Fearlessly Knit Pullovers & Cardigans
Miyagishima, Chantal
Paperback
French Blooms: Floral Arrangements Inspired by Paris and Beyond
Sigman of Les Fleurs, Sandra
Hardcover
500 Sewing Tips, Tricks, Techniques, and Hacks: Must-Have Manual for Easy and Accurate Sewing
Hough, Ashley
Paperback
Botanicum Coloring Book: Hardcover Adult Coloring Book Featuring Thick, High-Quality Paper
Trolle, Maria
Hardcover
The Macrame Bible: The Complete Reference Guide to Macrame Knots, Patterns, Motifs and More
Gough, Robyn
Paperback
Stranger Things World of Stickers - Collectible Sticker Book for Teens and Adults (Officially Licensed): Art Inspired by the Series
Editors of Thunder Bay Press
Hardcover
Cut Up This Book and Create Your Own Wonderland: 1,000 Unexpected Images for Collage Artists
Scott, Eliza
Paperback
Shodo: The Quiet Art of Japanese Zen Calligraphy, Learn the Wisdom of Zen Through Traditional Brush Painting
Sato, Shozo
Hardcover
The Art of Jewish Joy: Crafts and Activities for Celebration and Connection
Kingloff, Amanda
Ultman, Suzy
Hardcover
Watercolor Cabinet of Curiosities: Paint Perfectly Peculiar Insects, Antiques & Other Oddities
Touriño, Nassybah
Paperback