"The Real Photo Postcard Guide is an informative, comprehensive, and practical treatment of this popular American phenomenon that dominated the United States photographic market during the first third of the twentieth century. Robert Bogdan and Todd Weseloh draw on extensive research and observation to address all aspects of the photo postcard, from its history, origin, and cultural significance to practical matters like dating, purchasing, condition, and preservation. " "Illustrated with more than 350 photo postcards taken from archives and private collections across the country, the Real Photo Postcard Guide addresses technical considerations of production, characteristics of superior images, collecting categories, and methods of research for dating photo postcards and investigating their photographers. "--Jacket.