The Avian World on Stamps

Book Review by N Kalyani

- N Kalyani

Book Title: Himalayan Birds on Stamps

Author: M Lokeswara Rao

Publisher: The Write Order Publications

Year: 2022

Price: INR 1599

Himalayan Birds on Stamps by M Lokeswara Rao is a recently published book that showcases the bird species found in the Himalayan region that have been featured on stamps and other philatelic material brought out by the postal departments of the countries of India, Bhutan, Nepal, China, and Pakistan.

The collecting and study of postage stamps and other philatelic products is known as philately. Postage stamps are brought out by the postal departments of countries. Portraying as they do a country's history, geography, politics, society, culture, traditions, art, architecture, flora and fauna, stamps are considered the ambassadors of a nation. Stamps are also issued on renowned personalities, significant events, and important occasions. Postage stamps are brought out in various formats including sheetlets and miniature sheets. Besides stamps, postal departments also bring out philatelic products such as first day covers (FDCs), special postal covers, maxim cards, postcards, inland letter cards, and aerogrammes. In Himalayan Birds on Stamps one gets to take a look at a variety of beautiful and colourful stamps and philatelic products.

Postal departments also issue various kinds of cancellations or postmarks that are used for cancelling a stamp when it is used as postage. Postage stamps are a form of miniature art. Cancellations or postmarks are also designed artistically and may include a pictorial presentation.