George V's Obsession: the biography of a stamp collector

This is the first biography of George V (the present Queen's grandfather) to be published in 30 years. It tells the story of a king who was fanatical about stamps. It gives an insight into his strange and isolated childhood and his sense of personal failing. And it shows how he sought refuge in the world of stamps. It also gives a moving account of his close relationship with the curator of his stamp collection, Edward Bacon, who was very deaf and yet who became one of the King's closest associates. The book also examines the motivation that led other rich men of his age to devote their energies - and their fortunes - to gathering stamps.