Stamp collecting is an enriching hobby because it has educational and cultural value. In about six months, you shall have learned about countries and special events, and a lot about the stamp collecting industry as well. You will probably meet a lot of interesting fellow collectors with whom you can swap notes and news.

Stamp collectors, however, must try to gain knowledge continuously be reading and by joining clubs and seminars and talking to as many dealers as possible so that they get a flavor of current market news. We’ll start with the basic references you will need to help you gain a better understanding of stamp collecting:


Books


Here are some suggestions for stamp collectors:
About Stamps: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Philatelic Terms


This was written by Wayne L. Youngblood and targets both the amateur and the more sophisticated collector. The reference is rich in high quality photographs and provides references.

It talks about Cinderella stamps, Omnibus issues and uses terms like socked-on-the-nose cancel. In paperback form, published in 2000 by Krause Publications.


The World Encyclopedia of Stamps & Stamp Collecting: The Ultimate Illustrated Reference to Over 3000 of the World's Best Stamps, and a Professional Guide ... and Perfecting a Spectacular Collection (Hardcover).

As the title suggests, this beautiful hardcover is the collector’s guide to the world’s best stamps.

The romance of stamp collecting: Notes from the world of stamps, stamp collecting and stamp collectors


This book by Ernest Anthony Kehr is expensive ($144.00 at Amazon), considering it was published by T Krowell Company in 1947! But stamp collectors who are passionate about their hobby will be attracted to the title – who can’t use a bit of romance even while stamp collecting? Stamp collectors also share their experiences.


Blackbook Price Guide to United States Postage Stamps


This EXTREMELY good book is a complete reference and price listing of US stamps as far back as 1847! It’s very well organized (via the Scott numbering system), and also has some wonderful tips on caring for, and grading, stamps.


Stamp Collecting
By Stephen Datz, This fun, easy to read, and introductory book on stamp collecting is a must for new stamp collectors. It covers where to find stamps, how to grade them, and how to build a collection from the first stamp to the 1000th. It also has a great glossary for stamp collecting terms.

All About Stamps: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Philatelic Terms

This tremendously useful book from author Wayne Youngblood is a beauty all its own. It contains pictures of stamps, reference information, and insight into everything there is to know about stamp collecting. A MUST for the new and serious collector alike!


Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps


This wonderful resource, published by the USPS, takes readers on a beautiful historical journey of US stamps and stamp collecting. It includes EVERY stamp ever issues by the USPS, and has gorgeous illustrations that are sure to impress every collector, novice and expert alike!


Stamp Collecting for Dummies


What list of book recommendations would be complete without a mention of the astonishingly popular Dummies series? Stamp Collecting for Dummies by Richard Sine is a wonderful and straightforward introduction to the hobby. It covers how to acquire stamps, how to keep them organized, how to care foe them, and how to sell them.