The Video Guide To Stamp Collecting

Gary Burghoff (M*A*S*H's Radar O'Reilly) is the host for this informative and entertaining guide to the hobby of philately, or stamp collecting. Beginning with the question "what is a stamp?" Burghoff explains that postal stamps must be issued by the government, carry a monetary value, and be deliverable by mail. After these conditions are met, it's pretty much fair game, as the myriad of colorful stamps, ranging from the 1840 "penny black" stamp to the more recent commemorative stamps beautifully attest. (One of the more interesting stamps is from Bhutanit's a record that plays Bhutan's national anthem.) In addition to being a visual feast for stamp enthusiasts, the guide also provides viewers with the basic information one needs to get started: explaining the differences between various types of stamps and collections-first day covers, definitives, topical stamps, foreign, etc.; guiding viewers to sources for stamps; and demonstrating how to grade and care for stamps. The technical quality is superb, and the presentation by Burghoff is both comical and infectiously enthusiastic. A "starter kit" which includes stamps, a magnifying glass, and a perforation gauge, is packaged along with the video, but -fortunately, for libraries-it is not referred to on either the box or during the program. This is an excellent introduction to one of the world's most popular hobbies, and it is highly recommended. (Available from most distributors.)