American Astrophilately: The First 50 Years

By David S. Ball

Non-fiction, history, philately

344 pages (Softcover, four-color); includes bonus DVD
ISBN: 978-0615342016

Awarded the Gold Medal for Literature by the American Philatelic Society, American Astrophilately: The First 50 Years is a landmark volume that presents a comprehensive collection of colorful images of envelopes, stamps and art associated with the U.S. space program.

By exhibiting envelopes that are postmarked near launch pads, mission control ceners, and on prime recovery ships, the book tells an amazing tale of the new sailing ships in space.

American Astrophilately features articles by more than a dozen experts, explaining NASA official marks, tracking ships, prime recovery ships, and why some postmarks are preferred over others.

The book shows hundreds of envelopes in full color and, the most critical piece, the postmark. Machine and hand cancels from launch, mid-mission and recovery are shown from the Explorer 1 launch in 1958 through the X-Prize civilian spaceflight in 2004.

The bonus DVD included in the book contains more than 700 pages of useful reference spreadsheets, lists, and charts. Sample award winning exhibits are included as well as guidelines and regulations from the US Postal Service.

The critics love American Astrophilately, winner of the American Philatelic Society (APS) Gold Medal for Literature

“It is our conviction that a copy should be included in all philatelic libraries.””

GEORGE GRIFFENHAGEN, Topical Time (Aug 2010)

“Too valuable a resource to pass up, especially for committed astrophilatelists.”

JIM REICHMAN, Orbit (June 2010)

“An extraordinary contribution to the field. ”

DON BOGGS, Boggs Spacebooks

“A terrific book! Beautiful reproductions of interesting covers, postmarks and related material make this a must have book for the astrophilatelist or space enthusiast. An impressive book. ”

CHRIS CALLE, US stamp designer
Ridgefield, Connecticut

“One very impressive book, and one well worth getting your hands on. It is a great research tool and now has a very deserved place in my home library.”

COLIN BURGESS, Author of Into That Silent Sea
Sydney, Australia

“A must for any serious astrophilately collector. ”

WOODY WITT, Astrophilatelist
Fairfax, Virginia

“I am proud to say David thought two of my painted covers were good enough to publish in his book.” ”

ED HENGEVELD, Space Artist
The Netherlands

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