Louis Melius's The American Postal Service takes you behind the counter of one of America's oldest institutions. He doesn't just list dates and postmaster generals. Instead, he follows the journey of the mail itself, from the early riders on the Boston Post Road to the massive sorting hubs of the 20th century. The book tracks how the service grew from a privilege for the few into an everyday right for all, facing challenges like the Civil War, the expansion westward, and the rise of telephones and email.

Why You Should Read It

This book changed how I look at my own mailbox. Melius has a knack for finding the small, human moments within the big system—the postmaster who knew everyone in town, the families connected by letters during wars, the sheer ambition of moving mail by train, plane, and even mule. It made me realize how much we take for granted. The Postal Service wasn't just delivering bills and birthday cards; it was delivering news, ideas, and a sense of shared identity across a continent.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about how everyday things came to be. You don't need to be a history expert. If you've ever felt curious about the world right outside your front door, this book is for you. It's a warm, thoughtful look at the wires and workers that stitched the country together, one letter at a time.