Fundy Stamp Collectors Club

I will start with some biographical notes about the author, Colonel Robert H. Pratt. In the early 1950's, Colonel Pratt was confined to his home for a period of time following an automobile accident.

During his convalescence, his boyhood philatelic collecting interests were reignited. He was able to acquire a substantial amount of Newfoundland material. However, he noted that there was very little literature on these stamps. This situation led him to do his own research and compile this information base into a book about Newfoundland postal history.

This book covers the whole postal history of Newfoundland starting with the early mail to 1805. Then, the period from 1805 to 1852 is covered including postal rates, postal markings, private carriers and the postmasters. The author gives detailed information about the Colonial Postal System and the Outport System. Transportation of the mail is also documented in chapters pertaining to the ocean steam system, the inland mail, the railway and the coastal steam service. Additional information is provided on the colonial currency and the postal rates between 1851 and 1900.

This book is well written and documented. It has numerous illustrations, plates, figures, pictures and copies of covers which serve to detail the postal history of Newfoundland. One of the striking features of this book is the writing style which not only is personal but enticing, making the book a pleasure to read and consult. The amount of information is simply incredible and overwhelming. In essence, this book is an essential tool for the collector of Newfoundland postal history.

Much time and effort was put in by Robert H. Pratt to bring forward such a thorough and extensive overview of Newfoundland's postal history. I commend his work and highly recommend this book. If you can find a copy, don't hesitate even if it is expensive. You won't regret your purchase. This book is undoubtedly the bible of Newfoundland postal history.