Dead Countries of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - (Drew University Studies in Liturgy;6) by Les Harding (Hardcover)

About the Book

Organized as a series of entries for each dead country, and arranged alphabetically under fifteen broad geographical headings, provides wonderfully detailed summaries of the history of the dead countries that fill in gaps and expose the hidden histories of many geographic locations throughout the world.

Book Synopsis

In its most precise definition, a " dead country" is a place that once issued postage stamps but no longer does. Harding has used this definition as a basis for a fascinating investigation of world history. Collected in Dead Countries of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries is a telling portrait of global change.

The book is organized as a series of entries for each dead country, arranged alphabetically under fifteen broad geographical headings. These short entries provide wonderfully detailed summaries of the history of the dead countries that fill in gaps and expose the hidden histories of many geographic locations throughout the world. The entries not only detail the creation and makeup of the dead country, but most importantly, describe the significant historical factors that caused its disappearance. Countries that have fractured politically or been absorbed into larger conglomerations are also included as dead countries.

Each entry begins with a literary epigraph that offers a fresh way of thinking about the area in question. Also included is essential reference information such as area (in both square miles and square kilometers), capital city, estimated population, and an illustration of the region's postage stamp that provides a visual reference of the culture. Included at the end of each entry is a list of references that contain additional sources of information.

Review Quotes

...entries are accompanied by an illustration of a relevant postage stamp...-- "Zentralblatt für Geologie und Paläontologie"

...informative and could serve the historian or author well...-- "American Reference Books Annual"

...offers a unique slant on world politics and geography through a look at stamp collecting...one that many will find compelling...-- "Against the Grain"

...this is the best book of its kind and auseful addition to any philatelic library.-- "Canadian Stamp News"

Harding's citations in the entry epigraphs are at once whimsical and informative. His bibliography displays a similar mix of serious and fanciful...a useful reminder of the impermanence of political entities and an intriguing and well-organized compendium of historical lore.-- "AB Bookman's Weekly"

Hardings' background as a reference librarian is evident in the usefulness of Dead Countries...an informative reference tool for stamp enthusiasts.--C. A. Smith, Ball State University "Choice Reviews"

The entries are enhanced with apt quotations from explorers, travelers, or other writers who mention the place.-- "Zentralblatt für Geologie und Paläontologie"

The whole 'dead' area is ripe for debate and this book is a good starting point.-- "Scott Stamp Monthly"

What an enviable project and how commendable that he should have found a publisher prepared to carry it forward...fairly bulges with fascinating facts emerging from Harding's comprehensive research....In his preface, Harding writes of attempting to combine the usefulness of a reference book with the stimulus of a book that is fun and interesting to read. He has succeeded in spades.-- "Reference Reviews"

About the Author

Les Harding (M.L.S., University of Western Ontario) is a freelance writer who currently resides in Canada.