Morphiana - who knew?

As a by-product of writing a novel centrered on the life of legendary chess player - forgotten by history - Paul Morphy of New Orleans, I developed a minor interest in collecting all things Morphy. Apparently this is known in the strange world of antique trading as Morphiana. Who knew such a thing even existed?

So recently, I just purchased - off ebay of course, it is the 21st century, the proof of which is the Beijing Olympics happening right now with the Communist Party, George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin all looking on (while Russia and Georgia fight a territorial war on their borders!) - and I quietly buy some Morphy stamps.

Who knew Mr. Morphy was such a celeb? Surely you've only really made it when they put your face on a stamp?

Paul Morphy's face on a stamp from Myanmar (formerly Burma) - in their 'Kings of Chess' series!