The local post office has a special place in the social history of Britain. This book provides an historical overview of the development of this public institution - from `letter receiving house` to familiar high-street presence. It outlines the range of services post offices have provided over time - from stamps, pensions and postal orders, to airmail, savings certificates, dog and TV licences. Highlighting the `heyday of the GPO` during the 1930s, 40s and 50s, the author recalls childhood memories of post office counters selling stamps and sweets, the weekly pension queue, and the friendly local postmaster. It constitutes a celebration of a very British institution now threatened by modern-day forces.