New book details 250-year history of U.S. Postal Service

By Linn’s Staff

A new, richly illustrated book about the 250-year history of the United States Postal Service is now available for purchase.

Delivering for America: How the United States Postal Service Built a Nation was authored by James H. Bruns.

Bruns served as curator of the National Postal Museum’s National Philatelic Collection from 1983 to 1997 and as the museum’s director from 1987 to 2000.

The book discusses in detail the essential role of the USPS in U.S. history, from its beginnings in 1775 to key modern innovations such as automated sorting equipment and electric delivery vehicles.

“Readers will gain a deeper understanding of not just the history of the mail but of America itself — where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re headed,” said Amity Kirby, licensing and creative manager for the USPS. “Additionally, the book serves as a reminder of how the Postal Service is a vital part of the nation’s infrastructure, connecting and empowering every American household and business through the mail.”

Brun’s narrative is enhanced with numerous rare photographs, documents and artifacts such as postal uniforms, handstamps and pneumatic mail systems.

“The book delves into how the U.S. mail system has grown with the needs of the nation: delivering by horses, trains, trucks and planes — and even into space,” the USPS said.

Delivering for America: How the United States Postal Service Built a Nation is a 496-page, coffee table-size book that may be purchased from the Postal Service’s online Postal Store (https://store.usps.com/store/home), select post offices around the country, and retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Connect with Linn’s Stamp News: 

    Sign up for our newsletter