It seems that novelists who aim to succeed in these times must shock their readers. The quality of the writing, the emotions aroused by the plot and the message of the books are nothing unless the action takes place in the bedroom or back alley. Now quite a lot of stamp collecting is living off the same thing— shock.

The countries of the world are vying with one another in search of design, shape, color and topic that outdoes past exotic “stamp art.” Frankly, I am amazed at the current circular, map shaped, 3, 4, 5 and 6 sided purple and gold splashes on paper, aluminum, etc., that now pass for postage stamps and perhaps, like you, I am impatiently awaiting to see what comes next.