Initially there is no better way to gain information than by buying a stamp magazine, which contains much information on the hobby and the way it is organised.

Magazines contain general and specialised articles on stamps and postal history and related topics, "new collector" and readers' letters columns, society meetings details and other coverage of interest to both collectors and the more dedicated philatelist. In addition, they contain event diaries, details of new and recent stamp issues, new books, pamphlets and other publications and reviews, forthcoming exhibitions, auctions, and stamp fair announcements and dealers' advertisements.

In addition, many clubs and societies produce journals and newsletters for their members and which can often be bought on a single copy basis by non-members.

The National Philatelic Society's magazine Stamp Lover was first published in 1908 and is still going strong, being sent to its members six times a year. Click here for the contents of the current issue and on the image below for a sample to sample a recent issue. 

 There are four main collector magazines

For Dealers: 
The Philatelic Exporter