First Canadian Stamp Dictionary in 50 Years launches with exclusive author signing

Stamp collectors attending the upcoming National Postage Stamp & Coin Show in Mississauga will have a unique opportunity to meet veteran philatelic writer Ian S. Robertson, who will be autographing copies of his new book—The Illustrated Philatelic Dictionary—on Saturday, April 5, beginning at 1 p.m.

Published by Trajan Publishing, this full-colour, 96-page softcover release is the first Canadian-produced stamp dictionary in more than 50 years. Authored by Robertson, a long-time contributor to Canadian Stamp News, the book features nearly 500 clear, accessible definitions covering both traditional philatelic language and modern terminology. It also includes obscure and historical terms, collector slang, and uniquely Canadian references gathered over Robertson’s decades of experience in the hobby.

Author Ian S. Robertson will be at the National Postage Stamp & Coin Show on Saturday, April 5, at 1 p.m. to sign copies of his newly released Illustrated Philatelic Dictionary.

What sets the book apart are the vibrant illustrations that accompany many of the entries. With scores of scanned stamps and postal history items, the dictionary’s visuals enhance understanding and make the material more engaging for collectors of all levels—from beginners to advanced specialists.

Robertson spent years researching and writing the content, drawing on more than 60 years as a collector and nearly 40 years of philatelic writing. The project was brought to life through the efforts of the Trajan team, including editor Hans Niedermair, designer Jim Szeplaki, and publisher Mike Walsh, all working together to produce a proudly made-in-Canada publication.

Copies of The Illustrated Philatelic Dictionary will be available at the show for $30. Don’t miss this chance to meet the author, get your copy signed, and be part of the launch of a long-overdue Canadian philatelic resource.