Rates to Reform - A Guide to the High Postage Rates in Great Britain and their Reform 1812-1840, by R Clark.

Published by Rex Clark, 2009.  S/B, 262pp.

A study of the pre-stamp postal rates of Great Britain.  The main focus is on the period 1812-1839, when postage rates were at a record high, and the subsequent reforms of 1839 and 1840.  There are special chapters on the Uniform Fourpenny Post and the Uniform Penny Post, and also on rates that were lowered prior to reform.  Illustrated in colour throughout with examples of postal history.

Stamp & Coin Mart review, courtesy of Alan Wishart:

The author states that "the aim of this book is to provide a practical guide to and record of the complexities of postal rates in Britain prior to the introduction of the Uniform Penny Post in January 1840." In six chapters he has been able to do that and much more!

In the first chapter "From Vindolanda to Waterloo" he sets out the history of letter carrying from the writing tablets found during the excavations of the Roman fort at Vindolanda in Northumberland to the opening of the King's Post to the public from 1635 and detailing the postal rates to the end of the 18^th century. The second chapter "The High Rates Period - 1812-1839" gives an insight into how postal rates developed in the early 19^th century, not only for inland mail but also for overseas mail, and provides detail of the variety and complexity of the postal rates which had become the highest in British history.  The third chapter "Hints of Change" shows the then need for revising these high postal rates and what developed. The fourth chapter "The Interim Uniform Fourpenny Post" summarises the gathering momentum for a change to a cheaper and more affordable postal system and provides a comprehensive guide to all the postage rates that prevailed during the short-lived Fourpenny Post. Chapter five "The Uniform Penny Post" provides further background, involving Rowland Hill and others, and the development of this new system. The final chapter "Cover Stories' or "Always Read the Letter" puts into perspective the importance of pre-stamp postal history.

The author has pulled together all the major sources of the past hundred years to produce a concise and very readable treatment of a very complicated period in the history of mail carrying. It is beautifully illustrated with material from the author's own collection and he has produced tables of rates which are extremely useful. Whilst this book is a necessary addition to any postal historian's library, it will also be invaluable to any philatelist keen to have a clear and comprehensive guide to the complex developments leading to the birth of their hobby. Additionally, the book will be of interest to social historians as it shows how letter carrying developed in conjunction with the increase of literacy in Britain from the Middle Ages to the mid-19^th century. With the introduction of the Uniform Penny Post letter writing was now open to all!