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 Philatelic... sort of

These books may particularly appeal to "completists" - collectors of philatelic literature who value every mention of stamps in literature. I don't believe, however, that the stamps themselves are essential literary plot elements. Happy Reading!

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The Crying of Lot 49, by Thomas Pynchon
Buy paperback from Amazon  - Approx $9.60
Buy harcover from Amazon Approx $29.66
This is 'sort of' philatelic in that it uses the postal system as an allegory. The adventurous voyage of the executrix of Pierce Inverity's will. Along the way, she uncovers a postal conspiracy dating to Roman times. There are layers and layers of intrigue, seeming confusion, Freudian allusions, and, to the fans of Mr. Pynchon, a profundity that is powerfully affecting. A 60s cult icon, Pynchon's book is one about which much has been written and debated. Decide for yourself!
If you want more depth about the themes of Pynchon's novel, you may appreciate the interpretive guide by J. Kerry Grant.
A Companion to the Crying of Lot 49
Buy paperback from Amazon  - Approx $10.66

John Caldigate, by Anthony Trollope Buy paperback from Amazon  - Approx $7.16
First published in 1879. Readers of Barsetshire and Palliser novels, or the Claverings may want to read this in expectation of Trollope's usual rich characterization and depiction of Victorian life. I am very intrigued to see Mr. Trollope with a story in a literary murder anthology. You, dear reader, are on your own!

The Tribe that Lost its Head, by Nicholas Monserrat
Nicholas Monserrat is perhaps best known for his epic novel, Cruel Sea. Both of these books are sadly out of print and The Tribe that Lost its Head was not found in the Amazon.com database.
 
From the editor: Early in the book the Governor of Pharamaula, a fictional British dependency off the southwest coast of Africa, is discovered surreptitiously working on his stamp album. My appetite, whetted for more, was, alas, neglected: only one more miniscule philatelic crumb is tossed out. However, draping the stamp-collector mantle on the Governor has a purpose and it was done with affection. The story is a satire of 1950s British colonialism, yellow journalism, and the growing independence of African states, this is hardly a cynical viewpoint. Instead, Montsarrat manages to convey respect to a political system while in its inevitable death throes. The writing starts out heavy and labored bit ultimately yields to a thrilling, lively conclusion giving much pause for thought along the way. Good reading for those who would enjoy first-hand views of the politics and issues surrounding the civil service, colonialism, and race - a fine complement for many "British Colonials" collectors.

The Wrecker, by R L Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne Buy paperback from Amazon  - Approx $14.5
Such a well known writer - and no synopsis! Have you read this?

  • Pull a rabbit out of the hat - Do you know any thing MORE about these and other philatelic fiction titles? Let us know!

    More Bookstore Pages: Master List

    Clearly Philatelic ||| The Do Not Click Here List ||| Philatelic, sort of ||| Kidz ||| Mystery


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