NEWLY PUBLISHED: Madhukar Deogawanka: Indian Stamp Booklets

While stamp booklets (MH) in Germany or other European countries have been extensively researched and catalogued, this is not the case for India and its history of stamp booklets, which have existed since 1904. The extent of the gaps in knowledge can also be seen from the fact that a recent Stanley Gibbons British Commonwealth Catalogue lists just 50 different stamp booklets for the period up to India’s independence and up to 1938/41 and the outbreak of the Second World War, while the author is able to present 95 in this book, including numerous previously unknown booklets and their special features, as well as essays, specimens and booklets with “Cancelled” overprints.

Each individual MH is illustrated in colour on the front and back, as are the stamps it contains, each of which is described. Additional information is provided on the print runs of the MH, the printer, the issue price, advertising/advertisements included, etc. For the less knowledgeable reader, the introductions to the subject are likely to be of great value. The author distinguishes a total of 51 MH series, which are registered and edited chronologically from 1904 according to the reigns of the British rulers. Official decrees and orders are also reproduced as facsimiles. However, an MH with official stamps, which was probably never officially issued, is probably completely new to many, as are MHs with airmail labels of various types. Charity MHs of various types issued by third parties, i.e. not by the official postal service, are more likely to be marginalised.

The book is perfectly designed, has 156 pages, is produced in colour on art paper and has a hard cover and dust jacket. Enclosed is a so-called “Price List” of eight pages, which gives the prices in Indian Rupees for the respective series. ISBN 978-93-5396-105-3

Contact: Madhukar Deogawanka, 46 Vidyasagar Street, Kolkata 700 009, India. E-mail: deogawanka@gmail.com

Translated with DeepL (www.deepl.com)