It's in the Post: The Stories Behind New Zealand Stamps

Stamps are more than just a payment for postage. The best and most memorable are gems of graphic design and encapsulations of our history. They celebrate landmark events, famous New Zealanders, sporting and creative achievements; our natural heritage, enterprising spirit and ingenuity. Looking back at more than 150 years of our stamps, it's also clear that they are a fascinating reflection of the mood of the country. Behind every stamp, there is a story, and the most interesting of these are presented in Richard Wolfe's latest book.

In 25 chapters, It's in the Post places a stamp or series in its historical, political and social context, and brings to life the people associated with it. Of particular interest is Wolfe's coverage of the artistry and technical expertise that goes into producing memorable stamps -the work of the artists (many of whom were celebrated fine artists), the illustrators, the engravers and printers, and the various techniques they employed. The most graphically interesting stamps were produced between 1855 and the introduction of decimal currency in 1967, and the book focuses, for the most part, on this period. From the portraits of Queen Victoria from 1855 and 1874, through colourful pictorial series, health stamps, and images of war and peace, It's in the Post is a delightful, informative collection of cameos of our past. While it will be especially welcomed by anyone with a serious interest in stamps, it is aimed at all New Zealanders.

Author Biography

Richard Wolfe is a researcher, social historian and author of numerous books for children and adults. He was an avid stamp collector when he was a boy and inherited his father's comprehensive collection of New Zealand stamps, from which many of the stamps included in this book have been drawn. His particular interest is kiwiana, and his latest book is Crikey!: Talk about Kiwiana. Richard Wolfe lives in Auckland with his wife, artist Pamela Wolfe.