Katalog over Norges Byposter (Catalog of Norway Local Post Stamps) by Bjørn Schøyen and Finn Aune. 6 ¾ by 9 ½ inches, 164 pages, hardbound, in Norwegian, Skanfil AS, Haugesund, Norway 2005, ISBN 82-92535-03-9. 236 NOK (approximately $35) plus shipping from Skanfil AS, Box 2030, 5504 Haugesund, Norway.

            Collectors of the local post stamps of Norway will be pleased to see this long overdue compendium of these early stamps, now shown in color. A brief introduction discusses printing, paper, perforations, essays, specimens, pricing, and forgeries. Background information tells how and when local posts were established in various towns in Norway.

            The catalog listings are typical of stamp catalogs showing each denomination by town from Aalesund to Vardø. Values are given for mint, used, and on cover.

            Each town listing is enhanced with rate tables for the periods of use and examples of the hand cancels used on these stamps. Major stamp varieties are shown and the color illustrations are very good. Where needed, for example with Bergen, the distinguishing features of counterfeits are identified.

            A separate section at the end of the catalog deals with Spitzbergen and its various tourist stamps and cancellations. Polar postal historians will be interested in the treatment of this material. This catalog is the bible on Norway local post issues.

Alan Warren