The Soviet postage stamp. A tiny scrap of paper with a painstakingly drawn image and precisely defined subject matter. Stamps were generally issued to commemorate anniversaries and victories, or printed in honour of eminent cosmonauts and scientists; they marked scientific and cultural achievements or celebrated events of State significance. Stamps were stuck on envelopes whenever a letter was dispatched, whether to friends, colleagues or newspaper editors... Letters conveyed hope, joy and emotions, describing people's everyday lives and containing personal impressions or emotional reactions to official "events of State significance". Essentially each envelope pasted with a stamp and the letter enclosed within brought together the history of the State and the destiny of an individual human being. Издание на английском языке.