Book excerpt: This uniquely American story of the conquest of space is traced by stamp collectors who enjoy aerospace history. By exhibiting envelopes that are postmarked near launch pads, mission control centers, and on recovery ships Astrophilatelists tell an amazing tale of new sailing ships on a vast new ocean. American Astrophilately assists beginner and advanced collectors in identifying envelopes which meet the International Philatelic Federation (FIP) guidelines for exhibition at stamp shows. More than a dozen experts have contributed articles to explain NASA official marks, tracking ships, prime recovery ships, and why some postmarks are preferred over others. Part two shows hundreds of envelopes in full color appropriate for exhibition and the artist responsible for the cachet. Part three shows the most important part - the postmark. Machine and hand cancels from launch, mid-mission and recovery are shown from the Explorer 1 launch in 1958 through the X-Prize civilian spaceflight in 2004. The appendices contain more than 700 pages of useful reference spreadsheets, lists, and charts. Sample award winning exhibits are included as well as guidelines and regulations from the FIP and US Postal Service. A landmark volume useful to all space event cover collectors and budding astrophilatelists.