The bounds of Cinderellas are wide and the limits have never been prescribed. There is no doubt that, in the wider sphere of philately in general, fiction has played a part not only with romances about government issues but also with what may be termed governmental phantoms, namely, fictitious examples of great rarities and well-documented issues - such as a "Post Office" Mauritius and a 2 cents Hawaiian "Missionary". So also is the case with the fictitious Antigua Penny Puce by Robert Graves and Solomon's Seal by Hammond Innes. (*)

Now, what is perhaps a new genre or sub-genre Cinderella philatelic fiction, has emerged: a fictitious story based upon Cinderellas of a local issue.

The Cinderella Philatelist is priviledged in being able to reproduce from Dr. Frederick Highland's book, obviously directed to a wide circle of readers, The Mystery Box, a chapter, namely, "The Fallen Vicar" founded broadly on the veritable 1954 issue of Lundy. Remembering that the chapter is fiction, Cinderella cognoscenti readers have to be prepared for references to the island having a resident police force, a population of some 602, a town of Marisco and to the absence in "any" catalogue of the listing of Lundy stamps.

From the Publisher:

In a delightful correspondence from Mr. Williams, he informs me that although the population of Lundy may swell with the 'day trippers ...who brave the sea crossing', its lonely official population is but 12 souls. He also tells me that there is a Lundy Stamp Collectors' Society.

(*) Readers are invited to visit "The Ephemera of Philatelic Fiction" on this website for other philatelic fiction

P. F. Rogers, Secretary
31 Springfield Road
Bury St. Edmonds
Suffolk
IP33 3AR UK