A Canadian Postal History 1897-1911: The Maple Leaf, Numeral, and King Edward Era

George B. Arfken and William S. Pawluk
Released July 2006.
320 pages, 8.5x11, spiral bound.
Colour C$ 54.00 [ISBN 0-919854-71-0 ].
B&W C$ 27.00 [ISBN 0-919854-72-9].

A Canadian Postal History, 1897-1911 is a wonderful and amazing book, even if the authors don't mind saying so themselves. Modesty aside, it should be 'The' definitive book on this period for decades to come.

This is postal history; rates, routes and postal markings of the latter part of the reign of Queen Victoria and that of Edward VII, illustrated by almost 400 covers in beautiful colour. Unusual routes such as Indochina via Vancouver, Shanghai and Hong Kong are noted.

Postal markings such as the encircled T/15 are discussed, second to fifth class mail explained, and unusual uses such as a registered post card shown.

This was a period of change. Numerous new regulations, new stamps and new services came into being. Among the new stamps were the Jubilees, Numerals, Maple Leaves, Imperial Penny Postage and the Edwards, not to mention the first ever special delivery and postage due stamps issued by Canada. One denomination disappeared: no more 1/2 cent stamps!

Why did the Canadian domestic rate drop to 2 cents per half ounce on January 1, 1899? Why were postage due stamps issued? Why was a post card charged as a letter? These and many other questions are raised and answered in terms of regulations of Canada or the Universal Postal Union, and often in terms of what lay behind the scene. The three new services special delivery, insurance of registered mail and Acknowledgment of Receipt (AR) are covered in detail. The earliest known date of use of each definitive stamp is provided. Among the covers are many rare examples of a single stamp used to pay a correct rate.

A Canadian Postal History, 1897-1911, the work of two dedicated authors with contributions from 18 collectors and four dealers, is a treasure chest filled with rarities, some never before shown publicly, that transcends any individual collection.