Women on United States Postage Stamps

by Anita Price Davis, Louise Hunt

In 1893, the United States Postal Service issued the first stamp featuring a woman, Queen Isabella I, on the occasion of the World's Columbian Exposition, a World's Fair held in Chicago honoring Christopher Columbus and those who aided in his achievements. Fourteen years later, on the centennial anniversary of her death, a stamp was issued bearing Martha Washington's likeness, making her the first American woman so honored. From here, this volume examines more than 200 stamps honoring or commemorating women and women's rights. Grouped by subject matter, the stamps are divided into 18 categories such as artists and works of art; books; entertainment; organizations; pioneers and writers. Entries provide a plethora of information including the color, denomination and method of production; date and particulars of issuance; the number of stamps issued; and the number of first-day cancels as well as specific information regarding these cancellations. The birth and death date of the subject; facts about the designer and the inscription; and any reported errors are also noted where applicable. Finally, each entry features a biographical summary of the subject and a concise bibliography of further resources. A glossary of terms related to stamps and philately is included.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2008

About the author

Anita Price Davis was the author of New Deal Art in North Carolina (2008), Georgia During the Great Depression (2008), Women on United States Postage Stamps (2008), Women Nobel Peace Prize Winners (2006) and North Carolina During the Great Depression (2003). She has also authored or coauthored many other historical books and articles. She retired as the Charles A. Dana Professor of Education Emerita after 36 years at Converse College.

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really great collection of women on stamps (complete up to when the book was published), but while there's a biographical or informational sketch of each stamp subject, there's nothing particularly thrilling about why each was chosen or why it may or may not have been controversial or even who was lobbying for some of the more intriguing stamps, etc. In short, all the sorts of contextual information that makes philately (and women's history!) so fascinating is missing. But still. Astoundingly comprehensive otherwise.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I am reading to review for Reference Reviews. I've found it very interesting, but not very scholarly. Also, needs further editing.