New stamps from Poland

 

Date of Issue : 6 May 2013 

Poczta Polska will issue in the month of May  a beautiful stamp on Europa 2013 theme “ The Mail Van”  and  a stamp on Polish Flag Day. Both the stamps are nice with beautiful designs and the stamps could be included in different themes like   Europa, automobiles and Flag etc...

Europa 2013

 

Date of Issue : 2 May 2013

 

The Polish Flag Day

 

Book Review

By Naresh Agarwal

Collector’s Guide to First day Covers & Folders of India with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps and Miniature Sheets, Edition 2013 by Sri Praful Thakkar, a retired I.A.S officer, published by Kunal P.Thakkar for Thakkar Numismatic & Art Foundation , is a marvel for collectors of India Post Independence material like Stamps, Folders, Miniature and Souvenir sheets etc..

This book covers the period from 1947 to 2012 giving colored pictures of about 1800 FDCs, 450 folders, 2300 stamps and the miniature/souvenir sheets, all well presented in 200 pages. Through this book, Mr. Thakkar has tried to give a dimension to Philatelic facet of this period by very systematically cataloging Stamps. FDCs and Folders of this time. It will certainly prove to be a big source of information on Indian FDCs and Folders for all philatelists as this is first of its kind which gives so comprehensive, detailed, systematic, and chronological information of these philatelic items presented so beautifully issued so far by India Post. It illustrates the covers with the same design and with different color variations and gives sufficient technical information. Besides the First Day covers, various design of folders, presentation folders and souvenir albums have also been given in this book. The layout & design of the book is very good, attractive with high quality mat finish printing on imported glazed paper by high scam printing process.. It is an ideal reference book for all stamp collectors especially for FDCs collectors of Indian stamps.

Mr. Thakkar has given proper care in giving simplified identification numbers to each and every item keeping in view the numbers of Phila India. It is well garnished with various check lists and statistical data of each type of item separately such as FDCs, M/Ss etc. to have instant access and check. Effort has been done to give the present market sale pricing of individual item but it is felt that the pricing is not satisfactory. However, leaving aside the pricing part, the book will certainly prove to be a best reference book on the said items as it gives an idea as to how the collection would look like in totality and reality.

Also looking in to the quality and contents it has been very reasonably priced at Rs. 950/- Hence, is strongly recommended that every philatelic aspirant should have one piece in his possession

The book is available from :

Rekha P. Thakkar, 34 Janvisharam Society, Behind Sahjanand College, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad 380015 email : pkthakkar@yahoo.com Phone : 9327022642

About the author

Shri Praful Thakkar is a noted collector of autographs, stamps, FDCs, coins, medals, tokens and badge plates and at present he is President of Gujarat Philatelists’ Association . As officer of Indian Administrative Service, he has served the Government of Gujarat for more than 31 years on various Posts at different places. He has participated in several National and International stamp exhibitions and has won many awards. His books, on autographs, philately, badge plates, Indian Canteen Tokens a, Membership Badges of Turf & Race Clubs of India are popular among collectors of these items. His two websites www.indiannumismatics.com & www.indianautographs.com are the great reference sites for the collectors of coins and autographs. He may be contacted at email : pkthakkar@yahoo.com

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New Book on FDCs and Folders..

 

 

Book Review

- By Jeevan Jyoti 

Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India With Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps & Miniature Sheets By Praful Thakkar Page 200 Price Rs 950 US$ 40 published by Kunal P. Thakar for Thakkar Numismatic & Art Foundation, Cary, NC USA

The new book, Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India With Set of Stamps, Se-tenant tamps & Miniature Sheets By Praful Thakkar is an essential book for all stamp lovers . It is a perfect guide for those who collect FDCs and Folders of India. The book gives listings and details of FDCs and Folders with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant stamps and Miniature Sheets. The book covers the period of FDCs and Folders of India from 1947 – 2012. The author has also covered FDCs and Folders of Definitive stamps and Overprinted Military stamps of India in this book.

The book is divided into 3 parts 1. Introduction 2.Catalogue and Checklists.

Introduction covers detailed explanation of creative varieties/variations and numbering system of set of stamps, se-tenant stamps and Miniature sheets.

In catalogue section information of respective stamps is given along with Print details and value. The section gives the details of FDCs and Folders with Set of stamps. FDCs and Folders with se-tenant stamps and FDCs and Folders with Miniature sheets.

In checklists section, total issue of commemorative stamps, set of stamps, se-tenant stamps & Miniature sheet, FDCs with set of stamps, Pre Independence India. FDCs with set of Commemorative, Definitive Regular, Definitive Military, Service, Se-tenant stamps, Miniature sheets and Presentation Packs have been given.

The book also covers rare Private First Day Covers with set of stamps of Pre Independence India all in color photos . In those days there were no official FDCs issued.

One can get complete details of FDCs of several categories. It will help the collectors to categorize their collection in the best possible way.

“ Simple Stamp is dumb,

when it is cancelled, it whispers,

but when it is having First Day Cancellation on First Day Cover it sings. ”

This is what this book proves  to give details of the beautiful First Day Covers with a variety of stamp formats.  I recommend this book to all philatelists and stamp collectors. It is the best reference book for collectors of FDC and Folders. This is the first book of its kind with pricing on FDCs and Folders of India with set of stamps, se-tenant stamps and Miniature sheets. The printing of the book is very fine with all color photos of FDCs and Folders including many rare items. In this book Valuation of various FDCs and Folders is given to give a basic guideline to the collectors. Pricing of different items mentioned in the book will certainly help the collectors to purchase their missing items at approximately reasonable price .

The book is available from :

Rekha P. Thakkar, 34 Janvisharam Society, Behind Sahjanand College, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad 380015 email : pkthakkar@yahoo.com  Phone : 9327022642

About the author

Shri Praful Tahakkar is a noted collector of autographs, stamps, FDCs, coins, medals, tokens and badge plates and at present he is President of Gujarat Philatelists’ Association . As officer of Indian Administrative Service, he has served the Government of Gujarat for more than 31 years on various Posts at different places. He has participated in several National and International stamp exhibitions and has won many awards. His books, on autographs, philately, badge plates, Indian Canteen Tokens a, Membership Badges of Turf & Race Clubs of India are popular among collectors of these items. His two websites www.indiannumismatics.com & www.indianautographs.com are the great reference sites for the collectors of coins and autographs. He may be contacted at email : pkthakkar@yahoo.com

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Indian theme on foreign stamps…

 

The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was a multinational celebration throughout 2012 marking the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the thrones upon the death of her father, King George VI , on 6 February 1952. She is today queen of 16 sovereign states, 12 of which were British colonies or Dominions at the start of her reign. Queen Victoria is the only other monarch in the histories of the United Kingdom, Canada,Australia, New Zealand and a few other Commonwealth realms to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee, which she did in 1897.

 

To mark this occasion, St.Kitts released a set of 5 stamps and 2 MS on Oct 1st 2012. One of 10c stamp depicts the Indian Flag among other commonwealth countries.

- Kenneth Sequeira : email : kenneth.sequeira@hotmail.com

Club News

New special Cover

ANATHAPEX-2013 - District Philatelic Exhibition, Trivandrum District concluded on 01-03-2013. Shri A. Govindarajan, director of Postal Services(HQ), Trivandrum released a Special Cover on State Central Library, Thiruvananthapuram on 01-03-2013.

STATE CENTRAL LIBRARY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Established in 1829, during the reign of His Highness Swathi Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore, the State Central Library, Thiruvananthapuram(also known as the Public Library), is one of the oldest libraries in India.  The Kerala Government took over the Library in 1948, and in 1958 it was declared the State Central Library.  Since 1900 the Public Library is housed in a beautiful, gothic style heritage building in the heart of the Capital, it has many rare books and gazettes.  It is the first State Library to be fully computerised in the country.

: Sreejesh Krishnan, Trivandrum : email : sreejesh.nt@gmail.com

 

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New book on Philately…

Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India

With Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps & Miniature Sheets

by Praful Thakkar

Nowadays, in philatelic fraternity, focus on modern Indian philately has gathered grounds. The subject of modern philately is a fascinating section which is capable to delight the collector’s eyes with various sizes, color shades, cancellation marks, legends and creative designs which have a religious, cultural, historical, political and commercial overtone. It has colors, creativity and charisma.  It has carved out an important niche in the hearts of new philatelists and collectors. This has happened because in last few years India Post has issued varieties of stamps, se-tenants, Miniature sheets, Sheetlets, Presentation Packs, FDCs and many more philatelic items which attracted the collectors in India and all over the world.

It is also observed that in recent times, a new category for FDC has been incorporated at all the levels of exhibitions. This shows that the charm and charisma of FDCs has been accepted and acknowledged. It is true that this is a modern subject which has huge philatelic potential.

Since 1947, approximately more than 2300 stamps must have been issued along with their respective FDCs and folders. It may be difficult to collect, preserve and present all of them. This Guide is an effort to narrow down the subject to substantial size without losing its collecting pleasure. This Catalogue is a showcase which gives  glimpses of FDCs of Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps and Miniature Sheets which form the total of about 450 having equal number of Folders. Thus this theme has a small gamut and it can be managed easily.  Here, an effort is made to maximize the number of colored examples to give a creative and colorful dimension to this fascinating philatelic theme. In this Catalogue Valuation of various FDCs and folders is given to give a basic guideline to the collectors.

This book is an attempt  to present this subject with all its facets to cater the needs of collectors. Various checklists, illustrations and rare items are displayed in color so as to give an idea as to how the collection will look in totality. Pricing has also been done so that the collector in pursuing his missing items can get a guidance. They need right information, proper way of presentation and required items at a reasonable price. In short, they  require a touchstone to measure their efforts and to further improve their collection. This Guide will be able to satisfy all requirements of the collectors in particular and hobby in general.

Mr Mainak Kathiara, President Emeritus, Gujarat Philatelists' Association has rightly observed in his Welcome Message that " Perhaps once in a generation a book like 'Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps & Miniature Sheets' comes along. I would say it is a more than a book/catalogue, there is a living energy in it, one you would probably feel as you hold it & flip through the chapters. It has the power to create an experience in readers, and change their collections for the better.......

This is a first publication of its kind with pricing on FDCs & Folders with Set of Stamps, Se-tenants, Miniature Sheets and many more collectibles........I would like to tell the collectors that this is the 'future book' in Indian philately with the involvement of large number of philatelists........

If I were to sum up, the essence of the book 'Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps & Miniature Sheets' in one phrase,  it would be 'Present Moment Awareness'. "

The book will be available from Praful Thakkar, Ahmedabad pkthakkar@yahoo.com  or  in Mumbai INPEX 2013 Exhibition from Todywalla's Stall.

 

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France – Sweden Joint Issue…

The joint issue between France and Sweden honors the Opera Garnier in Paris and the Opera House of Stockholm as well as a French opera composer and a dramatic historic event in Stochholm. The background of the French block shows the staircase of the Opera Garnier. The Sweden block’s background illustrates the hall of the Opera House.

The first joint stamp features a portrait of Daniel Francois Esprit Auber, French composer, born in Caen January 29, 1782 and died in Paris May 12, 1871. He composed the opera "Gustav III, or The Masked Ball".

The second stamp evokes Olof Westring, principal dancer at the Royal Swedish Ballet, in the role of Gustav III in a ballet with the same name from 2008.

"Masked Ball" is a historic opera in five acts retracing and depicting the last hours of Gustave III and his murder. The opera had its premier in the theater of the Royal Academy of Music, Paris on February 27, 1833.

Club News

Niyogi Books Unfurls National Flag through Philately

New Delhi 20^th December, 2012

Jawhar Sircar, Chief Executive Officer, Prasar Bharati released Niyogi Books’s latest publication, ‘The Indian National Flag Unfurled through Philately’ on 20th December 2012 in New Delhi. Lt Cdr. K V Singh, CEO, Flags Federation of India was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. The Book tells a fascinating history of the National Flag through the medium of flags and stamps.

Written by Sekhar Chakrabarti, an acclaimed philatelist, the book on Indian stamps is a fine blend of painstaking research of philately and lucid pictures of flags, which led to the Indian National Flag’s birth. The pictures trace an account of the early Indian rulers; the European colonizers; the struggle for independence etc. to arrive at the tricolor. Interestingly, the book also focuses on flags’ role in the field of sports and other disciplines.

The author has discussed etiquettes and protocols concerning flags. The publication contains 348 visuals of different flags. There are pictures of rare first day covers, Cinderella Labels, miniature sheets, sheer watermarks, autographed commemorative stamps and other postal stationery.

The history of flags in India may be traced even before the time of the Mahabharata, says the author. The word ketu mentioned in the Rig Veda is taken by scholars to stand for ‘flag’. He has researched to reconstruct the history of flags in India. Chakrabarti weaves the colourful history of Indian flags gathering date primarily from philatelic material.

The history of India’s national flag is the history of India’s trials and tribulations, sorrows and sacrifices, and the vision to build a better nation and, therefore, the publication can safely be called a maiden attempt to present accurately and completely the various aspects of India’s national flag—its link with the ancient past, and its direct relation with the thought processes that it had presented during various stages of nation-building. The book brings alive the history of India’s national flag, flag related events and personalities through stamps and other collectibles. A must read for stamp collectors and philatelists’ prize possession.

The publication is another feather in the cap of Sekhar Chakrabarti, who began collecting stamps in the early 1960s. His collection, ‘Flags on Stamps’ has been highly appreciated and has brought laurels to the country from several international stamps exhibitions. He has curated philatelic exhibitions on Rabindra Nath Tagore in Kolkata and Cairo. Chakrabarti has also served as a jury member at several philatelic exhibitions organized by Post & other philatelic organizations.

 

The Indian National Flag Unfurled Through Philately

By  Sekhar Chakrabarti

Publisher: Niyogi Books

172 Pages, 348 Visuals

Price: Rs. 495/-

For additional information please contact:

Virendra Kumar, 9810068317,niyogibooks@gmail.com

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IPHLA 2012 – Mainz , Germany

 

 

  

Hi !

Today I just received my certificate and commemorative medal from IPHLA 2012 Organizing Committee. IPHLA 2012 held in Mainz Germany from 2-4 November 2012, was the world’s largest and one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of literature class in the history of Philately. Here is the story …how I received my award from IPHLA 2012…

Attention

But it is a pity that organizers did not send the documents with Certificate and medal by Registered Post but they had posted the packet containing these items  by ordinary post. I received the packet in a very poor condition. It was wet, open, completely torn and the medal was missing from the packet. When I enquired from the Post Office they said that they found a round metallic object in the dispatch mail bag which is with the Postman. Finally the postman handed over the medal after checking the documents of the envelope. In fact the postman could not understand from which packet the medal dropped in the dispatch bag when he emptied the mail bag the medal fell on the ground and the postman was confused.

Such items should have been sent by Registered Mail only by the organizing committee  . In India the authorities who check foreign mail for security purpose, must re-seal the envelope in order to save and protect  the document sent with the envelope and the receiver could  receive it in good condition.

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New Christmas stamps..

 

 

Germany

This year in Germany the Christmas stamps with an additional amount of cents are issued in favor of voluntary welfare. Over 40 years already a part of the profit from the sales of Christmas stamps goes to the Federal Association of Voluntary Welfare which helps the low-income people when the government aid is not enough.

The Christmas stamp features the chapel in Elmau/Oberbayern, which was built in the 18th century. The chapel is illustrated in the middle of dark snowy landscape and is illuminated by the bright shining of Christmas tree. This contrast refers to Jesus Christ, who by Christians is the "light of the world".

Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Post has issued a festive stamp to celebrate Christmas 2012. The stamp features a stylized Christmas tree with garland and golden star at the top. One of the letters of the word "Êîëåäà" ("Christmas" in Bulgarian) is represented in a form of Christmas bauble.

Japan

The Japan Postal Services Company has issued a set of colorful Christmas stamps with illustrations on popular Christmas themes of Christmas tree, decorations, Santa Claus, celebration and presents. The winter greeting stamps will become a beautiful decoration of Christmas cards and winter greetings.

Club News

Launch of " The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately "

Mr Shekhar Chakrabarti’s recent book titled "The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately" will be launched at the India International Centre, New Delhi by Sri Jawhar Sarcar, Chief Executive Officer, Prasar Bharati & Former Secretary, Ministry of Culture on 20th December 2012 at 6.30 pm Your presence is essential. Please make it convenient to attend.

12.12.12 Covers from our Readers..

Kenneth Sequeira , Dubai (UAE)

Ashwani Kumar Dubey - Gorakhpur

Forthcoming Books on Philately ….

 

Year Book of Indian Philately  - 2012

Dear Friend,

It is a great pleasure to announce the publication of the 2012 edition of the “Year Book of Indian Philately” which is in the final stages of the preparations and is expected to be out by March 2013.

The Year Book has established itself as a solid publication on philately in general & on Indian Philately in particular, by virtue of the contents it carries year after year. Assemblage of sincere texts and articles on a spectrum of philatelic subjects with lasting impact & universal appeal has made the Year Book the publication, a must for every sincere philatelist’s library.

The recognition it has acclaimed at the International Philatelic Exhibitions is an undeniable proof of this fact. The Year Book has won a medal at every Philatelic Exhibition it has participated in so far !!! The latest are 2 in 2012, a Silver at the IPhLA 2012 in Germany, the World’s Largest Philatelic Literature Competition and another a Silver Bronze at Sharjah 2012, the 28th Asian International Stamp Exhibition. We wish to continue this legacy with the coming editions too, including the edition under discussion, the 2012 edition.

The ensuing 2012 edition also reflects the tradition of being serious, sincere & interesting. The issue contains articles on important subjects like “Indian P-Stamps / My Stamps”, “Bazaar Cards of India”, “Virtual Philately”, “Miniature Paintings in Philately”, “Global Philately” and also regular features recording events & issues for the concerning year. The list is tentative but chances are for expansion of it.

Like last year, we have designed a special opportunity for our philatelic professional friends for inclusion of their advertisement in this edition too. This opportunity eliminates the total “cost” of the advertisement published in the Year Book. It follows.

We will provide the advertiser, copies of the Year Book editions (any of his choice), worth equal to the value of the advertisement he provides (T&C applied). This translates into absolutely no spending on account of the advertisement published in the Year Book. The advertiser will have the opportunity to recover the entire cost of the advertisement by selling the copies allotted to him under this unique offer.

This arrangement makes the offer an un-deniable opportunity for the advertisers to advertise their services / products in this world class journal with a universal appeal. Your advertisement in the Year Book of Indian Philately will reach a large number of serious and capable segments of the Philatelic fraternity the world over and will be preserved as a ready reference for the times to come? In every sense of the word this is a unique & unparalleled opportunity for an advertiser of any reputed product or service, philatelic or otherwise.

We are sure you would not let this opportunity go. If you have any other query about this, please do not hesitate to mail.

Looking forward for a positive, encouraging and prompt response from your end.

Thanking you,

Sincerely,

Madan Middha

Publisher / Editor

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Chinese Sign of the Zodiac 2013 – Year of the Snake

 

Date of Issue : 12 November 2012

Liechtenstein Post will issue a souvenir sheet on 12 November featuring 2013 Chinese Year of Snake. This is probably the first stamp of this year  to feature Chinese New Year of Snake 2013. The Chinese New Year 2013 will start from 10th February to 30 January 2014.

 

Club News

New Publication

Phila India Guide Book 2013 – 14

This Guide Book 2013-14 recently released covers the period of  August 2012 and gives details of stamps and their prices as per present market scenario .

 

Catalogue of Indian stamps from 1800 – 2012

 

For more details Contact : philaart@ymail.com

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Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately..

 

The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately

By Sekhar Chakrabarti

 

 

A new book by noted philatelist Mr Sekhar Chakrabarti, "The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately" has just been published by Niyogi Books, New Delhi.

This book in the form of possibly the first and only authoritative book on the history of the Indian National flag, exposed through philatelic articles, till date.... This book is a must-read for those who are interested in Indian history and those who are curious about the Indian National flag, its background, development and true meaning...

For details Contact : Niyogi Publishers website : http://www.niyogibooks.com/

Prof Bharati Roy, Vice President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Govt of India says, "Sekhar Chakrabarti's innovative book "The Indian National Flag unfurled through Philately" tells us the fascinating history of the Indian flag through the medium of stamps. It is a fine blend of painstaking research and a dedicated pursuit of philately. The stamps reveal a visual message from the past and the text lucidly transports us through the process by which the Indian national flag had its birth. I congratulate the author for giving us this treasure of a book".

Prof. Dipak Ranjan Das, Former Professor & Head, Dept. of Ancient History & Culture, Calcutta University, Member: West Bengal Heritage Commission says;  “Mr Sekhar Chakrabarti, an acclaimed philatelist, has taken upon himself the challenging task of narrating the history of Indian flags from the days of yore, deriving information from an unconventional source. It is like the bow of Ulysses which could not be drawn by any weaker hand. He weaves the colourful history of Indian flags gathering data primarily from philatelic materials. The successful completion of this daring venture earns for Mr Chakrabarti a permanent niche in the world of historians engaged in vexillological research”.

The author may be contacted at email : sekhar.chakrabarti@gmail.com

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200th Birth Anniversary of Charles Dickens

 

Date of Issue : 14 September 2012

Gibraltar Post has commemorated the bicentenary of the birth of Charles John Huffam Dickens ( 7 February 1812 - 9 June 1870 ) with a wonderful issue of 4 stamps and a nice miniature sheet. This is one of the finest designs ever created for  miniature sheet  to commemorate an author !!!!

Charles Dickens was an English writer, generally considered to be the greatest novelist of the Victorian period and responsible for some of English literature’s most iconic novels and characters. During his lifetime Dickens’ works enjoyed unprecedented popularity and fame, and they remain popular today. It was in the twentieth century, however, that his literary genius was fully recognized by critics and scholars.

 

 

The continuing popularity of his novels and short stories is such that they have never gone out of print. Some of his most notable works are his novels: ‘The Pickwick Papers’; ‘The Adventures of Oliver Twist’; ‘The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby’; ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’; ‘A Christmas Carol’; ‘Dombey and Son’; ‘David Copperfield’; ‘Bleak House’; ‘Hard Times: For These Times’; ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ and ‘Great Expectations’

 

Other Stamps on Classic literature

Children’s favorite books

The Lichtenstein Post has issued a set of stamps on Literature. The stamps illustrate literary figures which have appealed primarily to young readers and which owe some of their celebrity to splendid and high-budget film versions.

The North German prankster "Till Eulenspiegel" appeared anonymously as early as 1510/1512. Nowadays he is familiar principally in Erich Kastner's rendition.

The figure of the fantasist "Baron Munchhausen" goes back to Hieronymus Carl Friedrich Baron von Munchhausen (1720-1797), who was well-known as a humorous story-teller.

"Robin Hood" is a 13th century English folk hero whose fight with the Sheriff of Nottingham has provided material for countless children's books.

Two other figures from the Anglo-Saxon world are the master detective "Sherlock Holmes" (1887 onwards) created by the Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the castaway "Robinson Crusoe" (1719) created by the Londoner Daniel Dafoe.

"Hamlet" (1603), the tragic hero of the eponymous tragedy by William Shakespeare, is one of the theatre world's most famous roles. The Spaniard Miguel de Cervantes gave us "Don Quixote" (1605/1615), the Knight of the Woeful Countenance, while "Quasimodo" was the tragic hero of the novel "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1831) by the French writer Victor Hugo.

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150th Birth Anniversary of O. Henry..

 

 

First Day of Issue: September 11, 2012

On September 11,  2012, the U.S. Postal Service commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of O. Henry (the pen name of William S. Porter, 1862-1910) with a stamp in its Literary Arts series. The short stories of O. Henry are beloved for their irony and skillful unfolding of plot; often, they end with a surprise twist. This prolific author wrote nearly 300 tales, most in the final eight years of his life. By the time of his death, he was the most widely read storyteller in America and was internationally admired.

In the stamp art, the author’s portrait is set against a background image of the elevated rail in New York City, where many of O. Henry’s stories were set. The portrait is based on a photograph of the author as a young man that dates to the late 1880s.

The dominant sense of comedy is unmistakable in O. Henry’s work. One of his most popular stories, “The Gift of the Magi,” tells of a young married couple on Christmas Eve: Della has one treasure, her long hair, which she has cut off and sold to buy Jim a chain for his heirloom watch — which he, in turn, has sold to buy her a fine set of combs. This tale suggests that human goals can be frustrated despite good intentions, yet Jim and Della are seen as admirable because of the sacrifices they make for love.

Explanations for how he chose his pen name vary, and Porter gave different answers when people asked. “O. Henry” may be a condensation of “Ohio State Penitentiary,” where Porter served a sentence for embezzlement before becoming known as a writer.

The O. Henry Prize Stories, an anthology published annually since 1919, testifies to his continuing influence on American letters. After his death, his friends established the yearly collection to honor him and to encourage the ongoing development of the art of the short story.

O. Henry: A Stamp With a Twist

Some writers use a pen name to keep their identity a secret from the public, but William S. Porter actually used a pen name to hide his identity — and a criminal record — from his publishers, as well. In fact, he first signed his works “O. Henry” when writing short stories from Ohio State Penitentiary where he was sent after being found guilty of embezzlement despite his innocent plea.

At a time when some of New York's elite said there were only four hundred people worth knowing, Porter wrote about and for everyone — defiantly addressing the entire city's population with the stories of the “Four Million.” Funny, heartwarming, and usually optimistic, his stories are famous for their unexpected “O. Henry twist” at the end.

Calling Porter a “quirky” member of the American literary canon, art director Ethel Kessler felt that his stamp should present its own twist on the familiar pattern of the Literary Arts series. She found what she was looking for in the distinctive portrait style of illustrator Cap Pannell. Instead of producing photorealistic paintings, Pannell employs a method of printmaking called mono printing, in which he draws on paper placed over an inked plate to create an offset image. A unique characteristic of this method is that no two prints are ever exactly alike. “There’s always a big surprise,” Pannell explains. “I don’t have complete control over the image until I scan it into the computer where I clean it up and apply color."

At first, Pannell and Kessler considered depicting specific O. Henry stories in the background of the stamp. One of the most famous, “The Gift of the Magi,” describes a young couple who both make sacrifices to give each other Christmas gifts. But the only obvious images of the story were the gifts themselves — combs and a watch chain.

Another favorite story, “The Ransom of Red Chief,” was easier to illustrate. In the story, kidnappers capture a small redheaded boy who likes to pretend to be a Native American chief. The child is so difficult, however, that instead of demanding a ransom, the kidnappers pay his father to take him back.

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Great writers of India..

Today is Birth Anniversary of Great Bengali writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay . His novels and stories are still read today…I have also read many of his stories and novels which always touched my heart !! “Pairneeta” and “Devadas”  are all time favorite of many…and who can forget the touching story of “Majhli Didi” that makes a reader’s eyes wet….  This Post is Philatelic Tribute to him !!I

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (15 September 1876 – 16 January 1938) is one of the most popular Bengali novelists and short story writers of early 20th century.  His first published story was "Mandir". He was particularly sensitive to the cause of women.

He was born at Devanandapur, Hooghly, India and received his education in the city of Bhagalpur. His work represented rural Bengali society and he often wrote against social superstitions, malpractice and oppression. His famous works are Debdas 1917 (written 1901), Porinita/Parineeta 1914, Baradidi 1907, Bindur Chhele 1913, Biraj Bou 1914, Ramer Shumoti 1914, Palli Shomaj 1916, Arakhsanya 1916, Choritrohin 1917, Srikanto (4 parts, 1917, 1918, 1927, 1933), Datta 1917-19, Grihodaho 1919, Dena Paona 1923, Pother Dabi 1926, Ses Prasna 1931. He died in Kolkata of liver cancer in 1938.

Films

His works have been made into some fifty films in many Indian languages, particularly his novel Devdas made into eight versions, from Bengali, Hindi to Telugu, Parineeta also been made twice, Majhli Didi (1967) by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Swami (1977) for which he was awarded Filmfare Award for Best Story. Another famous film Chhoti Bahu (1971) is based on his novel Bindur Chhele.His Novel 'Datta' was adapted into a Bengali film (1976) starring Suchitra Sen and Soumitra Chatterjee in the lead roles.

There was another movie based on his novel called Nishkriti, Apne Paraye (1980) by Basu Chatterjee, starring Amol Palekar. The Telugu film Thodi Kodallu (1957) is also based on this novel. Gulzar's 1975 film, Khushboo is majorly inspired by his work entitled Pandit Mashay. The 1961 Telugu film Vagdanam by Acharya Atreya is loosely based on his novel Datta. Also the 2011 film Aalo Chhaya is based on his short story, Aalo O Chhaya.

Sarat Mela

Sarat Mela is an annual fair which is held in late January every year for seven days to showcase the different lifetimes of Sarat Chandra. The fair is solely dedicated to Sarat Chandra and his works. Sarat Mela was started in 1972. Complete with countless stalls of handicrafts and local products, giant wheels, merry-go-rounds, stalls of jalebi, papad, toys, utensils, etc. Cultural programmes mostly held by local talents, debate and singing competition is also held. Students display their handicrafts as do amateur and professional gardeners. They also display uniques like oversized vegetables and plants, series of terracotta relief plaques depicting the various phases of Sarat Chandra’s life like his childhood, his marriage, his homeopathic clinic for the poor, his last journey to Kolkata’s Park Nursing Home in a palanquin and so on which catch the eye. Also such clay “illustrations” of Sarat Chandra’s works like Mahesh are installed. The fair ends late at night with Chhau dance and a fireworks display.

The fair is held on the Panitras High School grounds some distance from Sarat Chandra’s house but if it could be shifted to the open space where the Rupnarayan River once flowed right in front of the house people could link the two more easily. The Government of West Bengal does not provide funds, only private and public donations allow the villagers to hold the fair. However, sometime the number of people it draws is reduced due to unpleasant weather conditions like rainfall.

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