Joshua Leavitt's Cheap Postage drops us right into the heart of a 19th-century battle that feels surprisingly modern. Before 1845, mailing a letter was complicated and expensive, with costs based on distance and pages. Leavitt, a minister and newspaper editor, became a leading voice in a movement to change that. The book follows his crusade to convince Congress and the public that a simple, cheap, flat-rate postage system would be a social and economic game-changer for the young United States.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a dry policy manual. Leavitt’s passion jumps off the page. You get to see how change actually happens—through relentless pamphleteering, building public support, and facing down powerful opponents who liked the old, profitable system. The core idea—that connecting people through affordable communication strengthens democracy—still resonates today. It makes you look at the humble stamp in a whole new light.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history lovers who enjoy stories about underdog ideas, or anyone curious about the hidden systems that built everyday American life. If you’ve ever appreciated sending or receiving a letter, this book gives you the backstory. It’s a short, focused, and surprisingly gripping account of how a big, simple idea fought its way into reality.