This unique book presents a historical and philatelic survey of Earth exploration from space. It covers all areas of research in which artificial satellites have contributed in designing a new image of our planet and its environment: the atmosphere and ionosphere, the magnetic field, radiation belts and the magnetosphere, weather, remote sensing, mapping of the surface, observation of the oceans and marine environments, geodesy, and the study of life and ecological systems. Stamping the Earth from Space presents the results obtained with the thousands of satellites launched by the two former superpowers, the Soviet Union and the United States, and also those of the many missions carried out by the ESA, individual European countries, Japan, China, India, and the many emerging space nations. Beautifully illustrated, it contains almost 1100 color reproductions of philatelic items. In addition to topical stamps and thematic postal documents, the book provides an extensive review of astrophilatelic items. The most important space missions are documented through event covers and cards canceled at launch sites, tracking stations, research laboratories, and mission control facilities.

"A detailed analysis of, accompanied by indexes to, the people and things depicted on all 1,355 stamps issued by the US government from 1847 through 1980. . . . Recommended for larger reference collections in all types of libraries." Choice

Once again, Jerry Lifsey has shared his enjoyment of stamp booklets with us. Jerry has one of the largest private collections of stamp booklets in the world today. Drawing on this extensive collection and the depth of his personal knowledge, he has been able to show us the diversity and richness of stamp booklet collecting -- in this manuscript how stamp booklets can lead us to increase our happiness.. His book will be of special value to the growing body of topical stamp collectors. Its organization and numerous illustrations bring home the benefit - even necessity -- of including stamp booklets in any modern topical stamp collection.To Jerry, every stamp booklet opens a door for his reflective and inquiring mind to explore new aspects of our world. He shows us how each booklet opens its own avenue to happiness. The reader will find his formula contagious.

Robert Gillmor, one of Britain's most influential wildlife artist, has illustrated four sets of pictorial stamps featuring birds for Royal Mail's Post & Go. Brought together and reproduced here for the first time, in larger-than-stamp size, these prints demonstrate the author's lifelong love and appreciation of our nation's birds. His own account of the process by which his linocuts are made, along with anecdotal descriptions of his bird encounters, bring the pictures to life. This beautifully produced collection will be coveted by wildlife lovers, artists and stamp collectors alike.

Worldwide, urbanization is steadily increasing, yet many modern cities are becoming less and less able to accommodate the growth in their population. Congestion, pollution, low-quality housing, social fragmentation, noise, crime and inadequate social services all contribute to a declining quality of urban life. Planners and policy makers are battling to alleviate the problems with a variety of urban renewal initiatives, and energy-environmental policies have become central to their quest for urban sustainability. Sustainable Cities in Europe gives a comprehensive introduction to the available urban energy and environmental policies. Drawing on a detailed analysis of the CITIES programme of the Commission of the European Communities, the book includes detailed case studies of European cities which are devising and implementing alternative strategies for sustainable growth and development. The cities discussed include: Amsterdam, Besancon, Braganca, Cadiz, Dublin, Esch/Alzette, Gent, Mannheim, Newcastle, Odense, Thessaloniki and Turin. The policy discussions and case studies in this book will be invaluable for all those professionally or academically involved in the pressing issue of city planning development. Peter Nijkamp is Professor in Regional, Urban and Environmental Economics at Free University, Amsterdam. Author of numerous books, he is a world authority on environmental economics and urban policy. Adriaan Perrels is head of the research department of the Energy Studies Centre in Petten, The Netherlands. He has worked extensively in the field of energy planning and electricity load management. Originally published in 1994

This elegant book is the definitive historical account of one of the world's most important and extensive stamp collections, and of the monarchs and keepers who have -contributed to it.

Inaugurated by Queen Victoria, and enlarged by five successive British monarchs, the main body of the Collection came into being under George V, whose passionate and shrewd acquisition of many other private collections has ensured the unique and comprehensive character of his own.

Highly illustrated with full-color reproductions of some of the most famous stamps ever printed, "The Queen's Stamps" is a story told through the stamps themselves, as well as through astonishing anecdotes featuring the kings, queens and courtiers who brought them together.

This informative, surprising volume is the first and definitive history of a unique institution, written to appeal to the general reader with an interest in Royal history, as well as to those with a specialist's enthusiasm for the most collected commodity in the world. The book's publication will coincide with the inauguration of a major stamp exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum, Washington, DC.

Nicholas Courtney is the former governor of Mustique, and the author of 20 books. He lives in London.

Today, European nations still use stamps to commemorate aspects of a nation's culture, history and achievements. During the Second World War, however, stamps were considered far more important in conveying political and ideological messages about their country's change in fortunes - whether it was as triumphant occupier, willing or unwilling ally, or oppressed victim. Some issues and overprints contained obvious messages, but many others were skillfully designed and subtle in their intentions. Stamps and their accompanying postmarks offer an absorbing and surprisingly detailed insight into the hopes and fears of nations at this tumultuous time. This remarkable collection examines and interprets the stamps of twenty-two countries across western and eastern Europe. The glorification of the Fuhrer and Germany on the stamps of countries he most oppressed was inevitable, but many issues are ambiguous and indicative of the rival ethnic and political forces striving to attain influence and power. Desperate to unite the people, Soviet Russia resorted to images of the nation's heroic achievements under the Tsars; the mutually hostile puppet states Hitler and Mussolini allowed to emerge out of conquered Yugoslavia lost no time in issuing stamps proclaiming their cultural diversity; and Vichy France sought to justify its existence with issues linking past glories under Louis XIV and Napoleon with an equally glorious future alongside Hitler. These and many more stories reveal the aspirations, assumptions and anxieties of so many nations as their destinies hung in the balance.

Every picture tells a story-even one on a postage stamp. Presented hugely enlarged, the 144 stamps in this book chronicle a stylish era of design: mid-20th-century America. Spanning the late 1950s to the early 1970s, these mini-masterpieces were created when the US post office started to lavish color on its stamps and to hire the best midcentury talents to design them. The roster includes Japanese American children's book illustrator Gyo Fujikawa, barrier-busting Black graphic artist Georg Olden, industrial design legend Raymond Loewy, and sultan of psychedelia Peter Max. Photographed at five, ten, and even fifteen times actual size, each stamp is presented with a morsel of fun info that will broadly appeal to stamp collectors, history and nostalgia buffs, midcentury design fans, and everyone who likes to geek out on magnified views of tiny, beautiful images.

Chinese Export Porcelain, Standard Patterns and Forms contains over 1000 items illustrated in black and white and 49 color plates. This book tells the story of the exciting and dangerous "China Trade." The principal purpose of this book is to show and discuss the many forms and variations that have made this field so fascinating. The text is simple and factual and explodes many cherished myths and fantasies about these wares. The pictures and captions tell the story.

This is a newly updated guide to getting the most out the world's most popular hobby, with countless examples of rare, vivid and historical stamps spanning two centuries, plus advice on price and guidance about acquisition. Read some of the fascinating stories behind the world's most sought-after stamps, from the famous commemoratives of American presidents to issues from some of the most remote post offices in the world. Stamps trace the character and history of the country from which they originate, and this encyclopedic visual directory is an engrossing account of some of the most bizarre, vivid and poignant examples ever created.

This is the ultimate guide to getting the most out the world's most popular hobby, with countless examples of rare, vivid and historical stamps spanning almost two centuries, plus advice on price and guidance about acquisition. Read some of the fascinating stories behind the world's most sought-after stamps, from the famous commemoratives of American presidents to issues from some of the most remote post offices in the world. Stamps trace the character and history of the country from which they originate, and this encyclopedic visual directory is a stunning account of some of the most bizarre, vivid and poignant examples ever created.