For many years A Catalogue of Nepalese Postmarks (1879 - 1935) by Dr. Wolfgang C. Hellrigl was the primary guide to the value of the Classic and Early Pashupati era postmarks and cancellations.  Unfortunately, it has been long out of print and difficult to obtain.  In the past year, Dr. Shrestha has published an updated guide entitled Nepalese Postal History, from the earliest times until 1959.  Dr. Shrestha's book is still available; and if you have an interest in this area, I would highly recommend purchasing it.  It may be obtained from the author for $68.00 plus $20.00 postage.  This may seem a bit high.  However, it is worth every penny.   It is a handsome hardbound book of 375 pages and includes a  profusion of color pages and a wealth of information, both philatelic and historical.  Dr. Shrestha's email address is r_shrestha@dr.com .   Dr. Shrestha's book includes most of the information found in Dr. Hellrigl's book, as well as, a number of new discoveries.

If you have an interest in the Classic stamps of Nepal issued between 1881 and 1930, you need this book.  Published in 1984 it is still the Bible for the serious collectors of the Nepalese early issues.  Although now over 25 years old, it still lists and illustrates with pictures and drawings almost all of the currently known Classic settings.  It also includes a detailed catalogue of the individual stamps.  The numbering systems for the settings and stamps established in this catalogue are used by most Nepalese specialists.  The book is a remarkable work of scholarship which won almost every major philatelic literary award.  It occasionally comes up for bid on eBay and usually sells for between $35.00 and $70.00 for the soft cover edition.

Originally published in 1995, a new 2011 edition is now available.  This is a well written and authoritative 210 page guide and catalogue for the postal cards, envelopes, and aerogrammes of Nepal.  It is very well illustrated in color and fully explains the differences between the various issues.  It includes a value guide.  If you have an interest in Nepalese postal stationery, this is the book that you should own. Copies may be obtained from the author by email at dvdwateren@planet.nl.  The current cost is $100.00 US including shipping and handling.

This very well made 133 page hard backed book comprehensively covers all aspects of the printings of the Sri Pashupati Issues of 1907 through the early 1950's.  If you have a specialist's interest in these issues, this book is extremely useful.  First published in 1981, it was completely updated and republished in 2011 and is available from the author at colinhepper@aol.com.  The price is 30 English pounds plus shipping charges. 

This 335 page book is terribly printed on a xerox machine and rather haphazardly organized.  Yet, it is one of my favorite books.  Dr. Singer was one of the most interesting people that I ever met.  He unfortunately passed away in 2010 at the age of 93.  He was an adventurous man who had sky dived and bungee cord jumped in his late eighties.  A professor of French at the University of West Virginia, he had been almost everwhere including both the North and South poles and had made multiple trips to Nepal.   He also assembled collections of both Nepal and Tibet that were almost without peer.  Nepal 1772-1961 pictures 2000+ of the more interesting items from his Nepalese collection with brief discriptions of each.  It is a fun read and a real eye opener as to the amazing wealth of material that can be found in a world class, comprehensive collection Nepal.  Unfortunately, the book is out of print.  However, it comes up for sale on eBay from time to time and can generally be purchased for $50 or $60.