The special volumes in the PHILA HISTORICA series are mainly reprints of rare and often inaccessible literature sources. In a certain sense, this extensive book is also a reprint, as the four episodes compiled in this special volume 4 have been published in colour in the digitally distributed journal over the last ten years and have thus also been made available individually in the so-called printed annual volumes. However, these are only published in a small print run of 25 copies.
Following the publication of the fourth and final part of this series “They were among the first stamp dealers in Germany: The history of the hitherto almost unknown Zschiesche family of philatelists” last year, the idea of combining these four extensive parts into one book was an obvious one. As a reprint, however, the text and typesetting have been completely checked, corrected and, where necessary, revised, and supplemented by several appendices (lists of persons, companies, associations, organisations and abbreviations), which were not previously included in the individual parts. For ease of use, the pages have been paginated throughout.
What is so special, even unique, about this work with which the author Hans-Peter Garcarek has made himself virtually “immortal” for German philatelic history? At least three aspects need to be mentioned and explained here. Firstly, Garcarek deals with the family history of Carl, Reinherz and Alwin Zschiesche in such a detailed way that has never before been the case with another author. He succeeds in correcting countless mistakes and misunderstandings made by other authors (including the author of these lines!). Secondly, he goes far beyond the history of the families, describing the development of the early philatelic companies and firms, not only of the Zschiesche family, but also of the companies that were connected with them or can be seen in the context of their development. Thirdly, this opens up an endlessly broad horizon in which even the history of philatelic literature, catalogues and albums is dealt with extensively and in depth.
If this broad research approach is already a rare exception in philatelic history literature, the methodology is even more so. Unlike legions of authors before him, Garcarek relies on primary sources, which he searched for – and found – in city and state archives. In doing so, he creates a work in an almost historical-scientific manner that is able to fulfil even the highest demands. Not only with the countless facts and data, but also with the pictorial material, he is able to come up with something that is still unknown to everyone today.
In brief: Hans-Peter Garcarek: They were among the first stamp dealers in Germany – On the history of the hitherto almost unknown philatelic family Zschiesche, Phila Historica special volume no. 4, DIN A4 format, approx. 560 pages, numerous b/w illustrations, hardcover with thread binding, retail price: 56 euros. Available from: Phil*Creativ Verlag, Vogelsrather Weg 27, 41366 Schwalmtal, tel. 0 21 63/48 66, e-mail: faktura@philcreativ.de
Translated with DeepL (www.deepl.com)
