7 Postcard Collecting Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Drawing from her extensive experience preserving and collecting antique postcards, Susan Brown Nicholson offers a detailed exploration of over 100 postcard categories from the Golden Age, ranging from artists like Attwell to themes such as Aviation and Zodiac. You gain insights into the historical context of each category, supported by more than 1100 illustrated examples that highlight rarity and availability. The book also equips you with practical knowledge on pricing, preservation techniques, restoration, and framing, making it a useful reference whether you're evaluating a find or preparing your collection for display. This volume suits both seasoned collectors seeking depth and newcomers eager to understand postcard history and market nuances.

What started as Q. David Bowers's deep engagement with collectibles evolved into a focused exploration of postcards as a unique historical medium. This book unpacks over 1,500 illustrated postcards spanning from the hobby's Golden Age, offering insights into grading, valuation, and the cultural stories postcards tell—from early movie stars to social movements. You gain not just collecting tips but a vivid walk through American life as reflected in this overlooked mass media form. If you want to build a collection rich in historical and artistic value, this guide aligns practical knowledge with an appreciation for postcards' storytelling power.

This personalized book explores the rich history, valuation, and preservation techniques of postcards, tailored to your specific interests and background. It examines the evolution of postcard artistry and cultural significance while revealing methods to assess and protect your collection. By focusing on your goals, the book offers a curated pathway through complex topics, blending historical context with practical valuation insights. This tailored approach ensures you gain relevant knowledge aligned with your collecting style, making the learning experience both efficient and engaging. Dive deep into postcard heritage and learn how to appreciate their value through a lens designed just for you.

Geoff White's extensive background in military history and collectibles shapes this focused guide on British Army postcards. While the book’s exact chapter layout isn't detailed, you can expect it to cover various aspects of collecting these historical items, including identifying authentic postcards, understanding their historical context, and appreciating their value in military memorabilia. This book suits collectors who want to deepen their knowledge of military-themed postcards, whether for personal interest or investment purposes. If you’re specifically interested in British military history as reflected through postcards, this book offers a specialized lens that broadens your appreciation of both the hobby and the historical narrative.

Robert Bogdan's decades as a Distinguished Professor and author of photography history books, combined with Todd Weseloh's deep experience as a longtime postcard collector and archivist, power this detailed exploration of real photo postcards. You learn how to identify, date, and preserve these images, while also understanding their broader social context—from everyday family moments to significant historical events. The book's 350-plus illustrations pull from archives nationwide, offering concrete examples of production techniques and photographic styles. If you're serious about the cultural and technical aspects of postcard collecting, this book offers a rich, nuanced perspective that goes beyond surface collecting.

What started as a deep fascination with the vivid postcards of the late 19th and early 20th centuries led William Dûval, an expert in postcard collecting, to meticulously document this colorful era. You’ll explore how postcards evolved in design and printing techniques between 1894 and 1914, with detailed examples illuminating changes in color usage and artistic styles. The book offers a rich historical context and showcases the craftsmanship behind each postcard, making it especially rewarding for collectors who want to understand the origins and aesthetics of their collections. If you’re drawn to the visual and historical aspects of postcards, this book will deepen your appreciation and knowledge.

This personalized book explores a tailored 30-day roadmap designed to elevate your postcard collecting skills rapidly and effectively. It covers essential knowledge on identifying, valuing, and preserving diverse postcard types while matching your current experience and interests. Through a focused sequence of practical steps, it examines how to build, organize, and refine your collection with clear attention to your unique goals and preferences. This approach reveals nuanced insights into historical contexts, printing methods, and collectible categories, making your learning journey both engaging and relevant. By honing in on what matters most to you, this tailored guide transforms the vast world of postcard collecting into a manageable and rewarding pursuit.

Unlike most postcard collecting books that simply catalogue images, Don Preziosi delves into the rich history of classic American diners through nearly 450 postcards and matchcovers. You gain insight into the cultural and architectural significance of these roadside eateries from the 1920s to the 1950s, exploring how their metal bodies and neon signs symbolized mid-century modernity. The book offers a state-by-state visual journey that not only appeals to collectors but also to anyone interested in Americana and vintage design. If you appreciate historical context alongside collectible ephemera, this book provides a distinctive blend of nostalgia and detailed documentation.

When Karen Godden penned this guide, she aimed to illuminate the world of picture postcards beyond mere accumulation, focusing instead on identifying historical significance and aesthetic value. You’ll find detailed chapters exploring different postcard eras, styles, and the intricacies of condition assessment, enabling you to distinguish between common and rare finds. The book suits anyone eager to deepen their knowledge—whether you're a casual hobbyist intrigued by vintage imagery or a serious collector seeking to refine your expertise. Its straightforward approach helps you appreciate postcards as cultural artifacts, not just collectibles.