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The One-Cent Magenta : Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the World by James Barron (2017, Hardcover)

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One-Cent Magenta, The: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the World. Can't find what you're looking for?. Book Binding:N/A. Book Condition:LIKENEW. All of our paper waste is recycled within the UK and turned into corrugated cardboard.

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Product Information

An inside look at the obsessive, secretive, and often bizarre world of high-profile stamp collecting, told through the journey of the world's most sought-after stamp. When it was issued in 1856, it cost a penny. In 2014, this tiny square of faded red paper sold at Sotheby's for nearly $9.5 million, the largest amount ever paid for a postage stamp at auction. Through the stories of the eccentric characters who have bought, owned, and sold the one-cent magenta in the years in between, James Barron delivers a fascinating tale of global history and immense wealth, and of the human desire to collect. One-cent magentas were provisional stamps, printed quickly in what was then British Guiana when a shipment of official stamps from London did not arrive. They were intended for periodicals, and most were thrown out with the newspapers. But one stamp survived. The singular one-cent magenta has had only nine owners since a twelve-year-old boy discovered it in 1873 as he sorted through papers in his uncle's house. He soon sold it for what would be $17 today. (That's been called the worst stamp deal in history.) Among later owners was a fabulously wealthy Frenchman who hid the stamp from almost everyone (even King George V of England couldn't get a peek); a businessman who traveled with the stamp in a briefcase he handcuffed to his wrist; and John E. du Pont, an heir to the chemical fortune, who died while serving a thirty-year sentence for the murder of Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz. Recommended for fans of Nicholas A. Basbanes, Susan Orlean, and Simon Winchester, The One-Cent Magenta explores the intersection of obsessive pursuits and great affluence and asks why we want most what is most rare.

Product Identifiers

Publisher
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
ISBN-10
1616205180
ISBN-13
9781616205188
eBay Product ID (ePID)
228948275

Product Key Features

Language
English
Topic
Stamps, Modern / General, Historical, Biography & Autobiography, Antiques & Collectibles, History
Author
James Barron

Dimensions

Item Length
7.4in
Item Height
1.2in
Item Weight
11.2 Oz
Item Width
5.4in

Additional Product Features

Book Title
One-Cent Magenta : inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the World
Lccn
2016-038074
Dewey Decimal
769.569881
Intended Audience
Trade
Lc Classification Number
He6184.R3b37 2017
Copyright Date
2017
Publication Year
2017
Dewey Edition
23
Format
Hardcover
Reviews
"(An) absorbing tale of the rarefied world of high-stakes philately." -- Library Journal "Delightful." --The Washington Post "Quirky and informative." --Publishers Weekly "A scintillating foray into 'what makes something collectible, valuable, and enduring.'" -- Kirkus Reviews "This delightful short book is a good bet for readers of nonfiction, especially those who enjoy microhistories." -- Booklist "Exhilarating." -- Seattle Book Review "Interesting...Even without an interest in stamps and their collection, one should find this book worthy of reading as it winds its way through the years and the various intrigues and machinations which characterize this singular and valuable item." --New York Journal of Books "The voyage into Stamp World is like the world itself: detailed, ruminative and filled with arcane detours ultimately leading to a destination whose rewards are subtle yet satisfying." --Minneapolis Star Tribune "Barron's layered, complex genealogy-of-motivations for the stamp's suitors becomes the narrative's yeasty and compelling attraction." --Washington Independent Review of Books "Compelling." --The Chronicle-Telegram (Elyria, OH), "(An) absorbing tale of the rarefied world of high-stakes philately." --Library Journal "A scintillating foray into 'what makes something collectible, valuable, and enduring.'" --Kirkus Reviews
Number of Pages
224 Pages

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4.4 out of 5 stars based on 5 product ratings

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Would recommend

Good value

Compelling content

Most relevant reviews

5 out of 5 stars
by anjbmeisterJan 08, 2020
Engaging and comprehensive historical overview
Every owner (except the original mystery purchaser) in the long and interesting journey of this colorful and famous stamp is documented. Riveting reading! Needs photos and/or illustrations.
Verified purchase: Yes
3 out of 5 stars
by rocketmanskidOct 16, 2019
spot on.
I found the story rather drawn out with really little to keep my interest.
Verified purchase: Yes
5 out of 5 stars
by circustrickJan 22, 2019
Brilliant book!
A must for every stamp lover.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
4 out of 5 stars
by ghamemouke0Sep 07, 2017
One cent Magenta
Nice novel
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New

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Picture 1 of 2

The One-Cent Magenta : Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the World by James Barron (2017, Hardcover)

About this product

Product Information

Product Identifiers

Product Key Features

Dimensions

Additional Product Features

All listings for this product

item 1 The One-Cent Magenta: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the...

item 2 The One-Cent Magenta: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the Wo

item 3 The One-Cent Magenta: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in - GOOD

item 4 The One-Cent Magenta: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the...

item 5 The One-Cent Magenta: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the...

item 6 The One-Cent Magenta: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valuable Stamp in the...

item 7 One-Cent Magenta, The: Inside the Quest to Own the Most Valu... by Barron, James

Ratings and Reviews

Most relevant reviews

Engaging and comprehensive historical overview

spot on.

Brilliant book!

One cent Magenta

Best Selling in Antiquarian & Collectible

Redbook 2023 Us Coins Spiral by David Q. Bowers and Jeff Garrett (2022, Spiral)

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