The Secret World of Stamps

Since the advent of the first U.S. postage stamp in 1847, stamps have become a part of the American landscape, providing a window into the individuals, achievements, and beauty of this great nation. This book gives a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the more colorful, creative, and controversial stamps were produced. Stories include political influence; famous movie stars and sports figures; design challenges that occasionally resulted in law suits, national news stories and denunciation from the Senate floor; customers suggestions; overcoming creative differences when partnering with major film and retail firms; little known stories of stamps that never saw the light of day due to family disputes, money issues, or creative differences; and negotiations with foreign postal administrations.

Terry McCaffrey is an award winning designer whose career spans over five decades. Receiving a degree in Graphic Design from the Corcoran School of Art and Design in Washington DC, he spent 40 years as Design Director with the U.S. Postal Service with responsibility for design of over 2,500 postage stamps, stationery, and related stamp products. He was guest curator for three Smithsonian Institution stamp exhibitions at the National Postal Museum; guest lecturer at numerous design conferences; and author of numerous articles and essays for various magazines and books. He and his design staff were subjects of a 2009 documentary film entitled “American Stamps” aired nationwide on PBS.