The Post Office approved the postcard in 1907 and they instantly became widely used. It was a popular way to communicate. Exotic vacation spots began to offer picture postcards depicting local scenery providing both a keepsake and a simple way to promote the location. Growing in popularity postcards were sold in tourist destinations around the world. In the United State they could be found in Hotels, Motels, Bars, Restaurants, Gas Stations and Gift Shops. Black and white postcards soon gave way to color Linen postcards. Photochrome color postcards quickly took over the marketplace around 1945.

Price guide of Linen postcards illustrated in LINEN POSTCARDS, Images of the American Dream and additional Linen illustrations and prices.

This illustrated history of the colorized linen postcards of the 1930s and ’40s is “an incredible tour . . . A veritable treasure trove of American culture” (Crave Online). From the Great Depression through the early postwar years, any postcard sent in America was more than likely a “linen” card. Colorized in vivid, often exaggerated hues and printed on card stock embossed with a linen-like texture, linen postcards celebrated the American scene with views of majestic landscapes, modern cityscapes, roadside attractions, and other notable features. These colorful images portrayed the United States as shimmering with promise, quite unlike the black-and-white worlds of documentary photography or Life magazine. Linen postcards were enormously popular, with close to a billion printed and sold. Postcard America offers the first comprehensive study of these cards and their cultural significance. Drawing on the production files of Curt Teich & Co. of Chicago, the originator of linen postcards, Jeffrey L. Meikle reveals how photographic views were transformed into colorized postcard images—often by means of manipulation—adding and deleting details or collaging bits and pieces from several photos. He presents two extensive portfolios of postcards—landscapes and cityscapes—that comprise a representative iconography of linen postcard views. For each image, Meikle explains the postcard’s subject, describes aspects of its production, and places it in social and cultural contexts. In the concluding chapter, he shifts from historical interpretation to a contemporary viewpoint, considering nostalgia as a motive for collectors and others who are fascinated today by these striking images.

A compendium and description of Linen Postcards produced in the United Staes from 1931 to 1959.49 pages of technical and historical information.102 pages of color scans of linen postcards.

This book will serve generations to come as the definitive book on buying and collecting the beautiful, 1930s to 1950s era large letter linen postcards. Over 2,300 large letter postcards are documented, with a carefully researched value for each card. This will assist dealers to fairly price their postcards and protect the collector from overpaying. There is a detailed history of the postcards and information about the designers and manufacturers. Graphic artists will find inspiration for new approaches to art and advertising. A wide assortment of colorful cards was selected to be shown big, making this a wonderful coffee table book, with crossover appeal in collecting, advertising, graphic design, historical research, and arts and crafts.

A delightful collection of vintage and antique postcards of New York. This book presents a rare collection of more than 100 of the best vintage New York City postcards, providing a snapshot of how much the Big Apple has changed—and how much has remained recognizably the same. During the early years of the twentieth century, postcard photographers traveled the length and breadth of Manhattan snapping images and documenting landmarks and important new architectural masterpieces, such as the Singer Building (1908), the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower (1909), and the Woolworth Building (1913)—each of which succeeded the other as the world’s tallest building at the time of their respective completion. Also celebrated were the engineering feats of the Brooklyn Bridge and the elevated trains and early subway, as well as popular amusements such as the original Madison Square Garden and the Hippodrome, which occupied an entire city block at Longacre Square—since renamed Times Square. Scenic views of the city from a distance were equally popular—and in fact led to the coining of the word "skyline" in 1896. This charming keepsake volume is the perfect souvenir for architecture and history buffs and makes a wonderful gift.

The beloved gift format that is 100 postcards in a box has never been more beautiful. The images include 100 rare portraits of exotic flowers, cacti and succulents from the world-renowned collection of the NY Botanical Garden. Printed on lush, uncoated stock to mimic the original paintings, these brilliantly colored postacrds can be mailed, framed or used in craft projects.