The History and Romance of Air Mail Stamps

A survey traces humanity's pursuit of flight from ancient myths and early thinkers through ballooning, dirigibles, and the advent of powered heavier-than-air craft, recounting key pioneers and technological milestones. It describes how military conflict accelerated aircraft development and how civilian aviation enabled medical relief, long-distance passenger service, and rapid mail transport. The narrative highlights airmail stamps as a vivid, pictorial chronicle that depicts airships, airplanes, celebrated flights, and perilous routes, combining historical account with philatelic description to honor engineering achievements and the danger and romance of early air travel.