In just fourteen months, the Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting has sold more copies than any other philatelic book in history, except for Nassau Street, which has been on sale for forty years. The book has received rave reviews and Linn’s Stamp News has called it “the bargain of the century.” We do not, however, want to rest on our laurels. During the recent Annual Meeting at TEXPEX, the Board of Governors agreed that at some time in the future, perhaps for the next U.S. international show in 2016, an updated second edition would be warranted.

In order to accomplish this, I have established an Encyclopedia Committee with Rod Juell and Steven Rod serving as Co-Chairmen. The committee will be charged with overseeing the writing and publishing of future editions of the Encyclopedia, as well as a second printing of the first edition, which was authorized at TEXPEX. It will operate in much the same way as the Durland Committee. It will also maintain the Glossary of Terms located on our website.

The members of the committee will engage in a wide variety of tasks. They will recruit specialists in various areas to review current chapters and recommend changes and/or additions. Other specialists may be requested to write additional chapters for future editions. They will produce a Writer’s Guide to be used by these writers so that the book maintains a uniformity of style, presentation, and content. The committee will also be responsible for maintaining liaison with the printer and for advising the Board as to production costs, timetables, distribution methods and publicity. They will work to ensure the widest possible distribution of the book, especially among young collectors and older ones just starting out. This will involve working with the APS, local clubs and other appropriate organizations.

I am very pleased that Rod and Steven have agreed to undertake this important function. I’d urge anyone who would like to become a member of this committee and work on this project, to contact either Rod (e-mail) or Steven (e-mail)

-Nick Lombardi
President