"History of the Postage Stamps of the United States of America" by John K. Tiffany is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive work delves into the fascinating evolution of postage stamps in the United States, tracing their development from early hand stamps and postmaster stamps to the official adoption of postal stamps. The book serves as an extensive resource for philatelists and history enthusiasts alike. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the lack of clear documentation regarding the early postage stamps in the U.S. and the challenges faced in learning their history. Tiffany emphasizes how the Postmaster General was granted broad powers to issue stamps without a formalized system, leading to various unofficial stamps being created by local postmasters. Through careful examination of early postal practices and the stamps used, Tiffany lays the groundwork for a detailed examination of each stamp issued, underscoring the social and historical context that shaped the evolution of postage in America. (This is an automatically generated summary.)