Philately - The Fiction Connection
The Mystery Box book is the proud winner of a Silver Medal awarded by the Chicago Philatelic Society CHICAGOPEX Literature Exhibit
Read the Book Review by Barbara Kinne of the APS American Philatelist
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This article was originally written in 1998 from a
compilation of sources from the author, Ana Maria Gallo, and many many
readers of mystery fiction who shared a similar delight in the hunt. I
hope you enjoy the reading as much as I enjoyed the writing!
Ana Maria Gallo |
The existence of "Philatelic mysteries" is no surprise considering that the pursuit of stamps is investigative in nature. Much like a mystery, it involves a chase, be it for an elusive addition to the collection, or information about the curious theme, marking, or history of the stamp. Assembling the pieces together into a comprehensible and satisfying whole is much of the fun, as in the reading of a mystery story.
Worlds can open to us through the exploration of postage stamps, many and varied as life itself. Millions of people around the world are devoted to this entertaining hobby not only in the quiet of their homes, but increasing, on the internet. Several philatelic "meta-sites" attest to the enthusiasm of this seemingly quiet group, listing not hundreds, but thousands, of personal and commercial web sites.
What makes stamps interesting to collectors is reflected in diversity of web "home pages", each as individual in content and presentation as their creators. My personal favorites lean towards presentations of topicals. Known as "thematics" in Britain, these are stamp collections centered around a particular theme, such as mushrooms, space, animals of all types: rabbits, elephants, geckos, and ducks -- you wouldn't believe just how enormously popular this particular field is! -- as well as famous people, societies, dates and events, and all aspects of art and literature.
I am a book lover, fond of a story well told. In fiction I am attracted to the classical mysteries of Doyle and Ngaio Marsh and to the Romantic writers such as Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters. I went through a spell where I devoured all of Daphne du Maurier's offerings. However, non-fiction fills most of my bookshelves, particularly biographies, mythology, exploration, and world history. It is natural that my interest in topical stamps would lean towards writing and writers on stamps.
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