This book is the last word on the experiments carried out by Stephen Smith in India, and all the covers and rocket stamps that he created for the experiments. The book is written from the analysis of a large collection, much of which was Stephen Smith's own. All known documentary sources were consulted, and a careful analysis has been made of several printing plates which must have come from Smith's own collection.
The introduction to the book has biographical information about Stephen Smith, the essence of the experiments and a section on the history of rocket mail collecting and the major collectors. There is then a section about rocket mail pioneers, the rockets, labels and paper used by Smith. The major part of the book is 250 pages in 13 chapters describing all of Smith's experiments and lavishly illustrating all known items that can be collected, including covers, stamps, proofs varieties and enclosures in the various rockets. It is unlikely that any more than slight snippets of information will ever emerge to add to the information given in this book. It is labelled as Part 1 as Markand Dave intends to produce a Part 2 which will contain various illustrations such as Stephen Smith's record cards, only some of which are illustrated in this volume, but all the information from them is given. At the end of the book is a bibliography, and a short section on bullock carts and modern Indian astronauts.
The book is a well produced and printed hardback with a dust jacket and will be despatched in a further plastic cover.
THE BOOK WON GOLD AT THE AUTUMN EXHIBITION IN LONDON SEPTEMBER 2025
If any more information is required, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Initially I have 3 copies of the book for sale, but I will get more.
POSTAGE
Postage is subsidised and will be charged at 50% of the actual cost. To UK addresses it will be sent second class as a small parcel at a cost of £2. Overseas the book will be sent by tracked air mail. There are 3 different rates for Europe according to individual countries. The cheapest rate to be charged at 50% is £7.75 and the most expensive is £10.10. There are 3 different rates to the rest of the world, from £16 to £18.80. As the default rate, I have given the most expensive. If you wish to buy from overseas, please contact me for a precise quotation for postage. Special arrangements will be made for Indian buyers, so please do not buy from me.
The book is quite heavy at 1600 grammes.
NOTE TO BUYERS FROM THE USA
Since the recent imposition of tariffs on everything, with no longer a small item exemption, it is complex to send items to the USA. An administration fee has to be paid. Please contact me for more details before buying from the USA.