Zora Neale Hurston Plate Block Of 4 37c Postage Stamps - Sc# 3748 - MNH, OG - DC123 Zora Neale Hurston was an American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker. She portrayed racial struggles in the early-1900s American South and published research on hoodoo. The most popular of her four novels is Their Eyes Were Watching God, published in 1937. These stamps are generally used as collectables however they are real USPS postage stamps that are accepted by the Postal Service as payment for mail. If you wish to use the stamps as postage the rates on the stamps must equal or exceed the current appropriate postal mailing cost or extra postage must be paid. The stamp or stamp set shown in the picture is a stock photo and is likely not a picture of the exact stamp set you will receive in that it may differ in plate number and/or orientation. However the item you will receive will be similar including having a plate number (if one is present in the photos) and the same number of stamps. Brief History Of USA Stamps The issue and use of adhesive postage stamps in the USA began in 1847 continued during the 19th century primarily for first class mail. Each of the early stamps generally bore the face or bust of an American president or another historically important statesman. However, once the Post Office realized during the 1890s that it could increase revenues by selling stamps as "collectibles," it began issuing commemorative stamps, first in connection with important national expositions, later for the anniversaries of significant American historical events. At this point there are literally thousands of different stamp issues with many if not most commemorating events and people who have impacted our history since the USA has become a country - and before! I am offering many of the most interesting and reasonably priced stamps available. Stamps make great gifts for history buffs or for noting events and/or people that are interesting or important to you or yours!