Summary:
"Baum's Complete Stamp Dealers Directory" by L. Frank Baum is a comprehensive directory compiled during the early 1870s, a time marked by the burgeoning interest in philately in America. This book serves as a reference guide, listing numerous stamp dealers in the United States and some in Europe, along with providing details about relevant philatelic publications. As a specialized resource, it represents an essential tool for collectors and dealers alike in navigating the world of postage stamps. The directory includes addresses and contact information for both prominent and lesser-known stamp dealers, categorizing them based on reliability and the type of stamps they deal in. It further provides a list of philatelic publications, offering readers access to journals and periodicals that pertain to stamp collecting. The meticulous compilation reflects Baum's efforts to create a practical resource for enthusiasts and professionals in the hobby, making it indispensable for anyone involved in the collecting and trading of stamps during that era. (This is an automatically generated summary.)