Adhesive Postage Stamps of Europe – Westoby – 1898 | First Edition, 2 Volumes

The Adhesive Postage Stamps of Europe by William A. S. Westoby is an 1898 first edition guide to stamp collecting. Intended for those just beginning their collection and study, this book outlines the identification, classification, and collection of adhesive stamps from across Europe. Major countries such as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, and Germany are included, while attention is also given to smaller or short-lived issuers including the Ionian Islands, Heligoland, Bremen, Cyprus, and Iceland.

Westoby, a recognized figure in philatelic circles of the nineteenth century, sought to create an accessible manual that introduced structure to the study of postage stamps at a time when collecting was gaining widespread popularity. Unlike many catalogues of its era, his handbook was shaped with the collector in mind, presenting information in a practical format suited for reference.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Adhesive Postage Stamps of Europe: A Practical Guide to Their Collection, Identification, and Classification, Especially Designed for the Use of Those Commencing the Story
• Author(s): William A. S. Westoby
• Illustrator(s):
• Contributor(s):
• Publisher: London: L. Upcott Gill
• Edition: 1898–1900 first edition
• Format: (12mo), 2 volumes
• Binding: Original publisher’s hardcover
• Size:  7.25 in x 5.5 in (18.4 cm x 14 cm)
• Collation:
  • Vol. I: vi, 399, 19 pp;
  • Vol. II: viii, 510, 19 pp
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Practical advice for beginning collectors
  • Coverage of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece
  • Sections on Ionian Islands, Heligoland, Bremen, Cyprus, Iceland
  • Classification and arrangement systems
• Provenance: provenance
• Reference(s): references

Condition:

Both volumes remain in very good condition. The original hardcovers show some rubbing and wear at hinges and corners, yet the bindings are tight and secure. Internally, the pages are clean with no major faults.

Why Collect This?

• Two-volume late Victorian philatelic reference
• Includes both major and minor European stamp issuers
• Relevant to collectors seeking early stamp literature

Item Number: #29361