Across the world authorities provide stamps as receipts for use of their mail services. Starting in Britain in 1840 the use of self-adhesive postage stamps spread rapidly to all seven continents. The World Stamp Atlas locates these mail operators in map form. In addition to current suppliers the Atlas records former stamp issuers, many now long gone. A fascinating history is graphically displayed as small states amalgamated to form major nations or others disintegrated into a collection of new postal authorities. In some cases, a series of maps chart postal developments in an area over 150 years or more. Not all mail services have been provided by nations. Trading companies have been granted postal rights whilst at the opposite end of the scale short-lived provisional issues have covered shortages of regular issues. Temporary stamps have also supported changes in control during wartime whilst following conflict the United Nations or military occupation forces have assumed temporary control of civilian posts. Of natural interest to philatelists and casual stamp collectors The World Stamp Atlas also provides a historical narrative that would not be out of place in a school, college or public library.
