Book excerpt: Philately has an extensive language of its own - used in stamp catalogues, handbooks, albums, magazines, price lists and auction catalogues. This new edition of an established reference work defines the main printing methods, papers, types of stamps, errors, varieties, watermarks, perforations and postal services a stamp collector will find referred to in his reading. Special attention has been paid to the terms used in describing postal history - now a popular branch of philately. Illustrated in black & white and colour with many items from the famous S.G. Philatelic Terms reference collection. This book provides the answers to most problems of terminology and will enable collectors--beginners or experienced philatelists - to gain full enjoyment from their hobby.