How to Collect Topical Stamps by Kiyotoshi Kawai, Japan Philatelic Publishing An Invitation to Topical (Thematic) Collections, a Must-Have for Philatelists In the 1970s and 1980s, topical collecting (thematic collecting) rapidly developed as a new trend in stamp collecting, which was a very popular collection genre at the time. This differs from the traditional method of collecting stamps simply by issuing country; it is a more specialized and in-depth field that systematically collects stamps from around the world depicting specific themes (animals, plants, vehicles, historical figures, etc.). This book is the definitive guide for those starting topical collecting, and is also a very valuable resource for those who are already enjoying collecting, as a research material. The author, Kiyotoshi Kawai, is a leading Japanese philatelist with a history of consecutive awards at JAPEX, and his years of experience and knowledge are generously packed into this book. Starting with definitions and history such as "What is Topical Collecting?", the book details practical methodologies such as "How to Choose a Theme," "Organizing and Classifying Stamps," and "How to Create an Album." Among them, the explanation of the differences between "Subject Collections," which collect stamps by design, and "Thematic Collections," which tell a story, and how to create them, with concrete examples, is excellent. For those who were considering exhibiting at international stamp exhibitions, which were the dream of collectors at the time, Chapter 6, "How to Create Exhibition Entries," and Chapter 7, "Enriching and Developing Your Collection," were valuable sources of information that touched on the core of judging criteria and composition of works. A passionate guide that we want to deliver now, when explanatory books have also become extinct, for all philatelists who want to find a new way to enjoy stamp collecting that they have resumed after a long time, who want to deepen the expertise of their collection, and who want to challenge themselves to create thematic works that can be used on the international stage. 1980 Japan Philatelic Publishing A5 size 205 pages Condition: Minor scuffs on the edges, but no yellowing, and in near-new condition from 40 years ago. #Philately #StampCollecting #TopicalCollection #Philately #Philatelist #StampExhibition #KiyotoshiKawai #JapanPhilatelicPublishing #SubjectCollection #ThematicCollection #ForeignStamps #StampAlbum #JAPEX #CollectionGuide #StampClassification #SpecializedBook #Hobby #Collection #Parrot