An American History Album is a beautifully illustrated survey of the miniature works of art issued by the United States Postal Service to mark significant historical events. Created by some of the best artists and finest engravers of their day, these stamps fashion a portrait of the history, values and accomplishments of the United States.
The stamps in An American History Album were hand-selected from the outstanding collection of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum to reflect the book's eight themes: Heritage and Values: the ideas, symbols, beliefs and institutions that make America unique; Discovery and Exploration: the New World and the 13 colonies; Civil Wars: how the American Revolution and the War Between the States shaped the nation; Manifest Destiny: how the pioneers crossed the American wilderness to reach the Pacific; Transportation and Communication: how ships, canals, railroads, planes, automobiles and the telegraph united the young nation; The Greatest Generation: the profound effect of the Great Depression and World War II; These United States: a brief look at each state and the postage stamp that honours it; The Art of the Stamp: how stamp subjects are chosen and designs created. An American History Album will appeal to history buffs, stamp collectors, teachers, art enthusiasts and general readers. It serves as a graphic reminder that the American dream, as crafted in the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution, remains alive and well.