JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY AND DISTANT LANDS.

Welcome! I invite you to read stories of lore and humanity that span from ancient times to the present day.

I’ve always had a keen interest in art, world cultures, mythology, histories of different countries, and a passion for philately. My new book, The Art of Stamps, researches and weaves all of these interests into a narrative that is easy to follow and fun to read. Tales of one family’s triumphs and disasters across five generations, and the epic journeys of my ancestry seeking a better life and safety in America, is the basis of my autobiography Finding Ithaka. 

I was inspired to write both books for future generations—mine and yours. I wanted my granddaughters to not only explore who they are and how their ancestors lived, but also listen to the messages and stories that stamps tell about our past, and lessons learned about human rights, economics, environmental protection, mythology and politics. 

I hope these writings ignite a similar spark in your imagination about what we’ve learned and how we can collectively create a better world for all.

Enjoy and all the best!
George Theotocatos

  • What People Are Saying:

    “This timely book by George Theotocatos gives both traditional collectors and younger generations a fascinating portrait of philately through the aperture of artistry, history and humanity.”

    — Nick Asimakopoulos, MD
    Philatelist and author of “The Plate Flaws of the Large Hermes Head of Greece”

  • What People Are Saying:

    “A book to read and savor, like an exquisite painting in a fine arts gallery.”

    — Eli Unger,
    Principal/Founder Antheus Capital, LLC

  • What People Are Saying:

    “George Theotocatos’s book The Art of Stamps is actually a good intro into the art of living a good and balanced life. Through his love of stamps, George opens up our minds to the history and philosophy of monumental men and women who created the milestones and cornerstones of our world today.  I recommend this book to all those “wisdom seekers” who fully understand Socrates’s admonition that “the unexamined life is not worth living.”  It’s amazing how the author, by examining the origins of humanity’s stamps, brings us closer to our own sense of humanity as well.”

    — Father Alexander Karloutsos
    Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical     Patriarchate

  • What People Are Saying:

    “George, reading your book, I found stimulation and opportunity for reflection and learning significant insights and potential applications to the issues of our time. That is, in addition to the absorbing experience in viewing the stamps and in understanding the historical context. I found it really worthwhile.”

    — Hugh Leonard
    HR Consultant, Executive Coach

  • What People Are Saying:

    “I enjoyed reading this unique book very much. George has skillfully laced facts, history and different cultures through stories and messages embedded in each stamp. His personal and descriptive writing style and the stories told kept me turning the pages late into the night. I recommend this book.”

    — Peter Nikiteas
    Division President, US Shoe Corporation (retired)

  • What People Are Saying:

    “George, your beautiful book arrived…and it was so inviting…and engaging it was difficult to put aside. One is immediately drawn by the exquisite cover painting…and the size of the book is so welcoming in the hands! I skimmed thru and found myself drawn firstly to the Chapter about Oman! You are a wonderful writer.. .and of course the depth of the manner in which you present the art history is undeniably fascinating and enlightening! I’m savouring it!”

    — Dianne Dassa, Artist

  • What People Are Saying:

    “I much enjoyed reading your book. It is well written and organized in an interesting way. Not being a philatelist myself, what impressed me most about the book was the capsules of history of the five countries whose stamps you chose to outline. This is not to deny the pleasure of viewing the physical beauty of some of these miniature works of art. Congratulations on a well-executed endeavor.”

    — Stelios Sifniades, PHD
    Researcher Allied Chemical (retired)

  • What People Are Saying:

    “Who would have guessed that stamps have so much to teach? The Art of Stamps is an eye-opening view of global history, writ large. Its breadth and scope are immense and mind-bending. The narrative and stamps themselves shows us how delightfully different the culture and character of nations can be, while reminding us that the humanity of people everywhere and throughout time is amazingly similar.”

    — Sharon Eakes, MA
    Board Certified Coach

  • What People Are Saying:

    George your book sounds fabulous.   I cannot wait to get a copy for my grandson and get him interested.  How wonderful of you to do this.  

    — Ellen Constantinides,
    Corporate Executive (retired)

  • What People Are Saying:

    “I ordered George’s book before Christmas. I really enjoyed looking at it and wanted to send it as a Christmas gift to someone. I finally decided my older brother was a good choice because I knew he liked history even though I didn't know if he was interested in stamps. He called me after Christmas and said he really liked the book! And when he was younger he used to collect stamps from all around the world. He sent me a video of him flipping through his collection!

    George my brother and I have enjoyed reading your book!”

    — Briget McDonald, RN

  • What People Are Saying:

    “I enjoyed reading George Theotocatos' book very much. George is taking us on a gallery tour of philately and history using art and words.

    He skillfully combines miniature works of art on the stamps and simple but relevant narrative to capture powerful images of people and countries of past and present times.

    I found myself taking breaks between chapters only to go back to experience the excitement of discovering something new.

    I recommend this book.”

    —Vasilis Dalavagas, MD

The Art of Stamps

THE ART OF STAMPS: MESSENGERS OF HISTORY AND THE CHARACTER OF NATIONS

The Art of Stamps is a fascinating and informative book that invites readers of all ages on a gallery tour of philatelic collections, iconography and social history. It offers a panoramic view of stamp collecting as an educational media, hobby and investment commodity. Through stamp art, we can collectively enjoy their beauty, as well as learn how the world once was, and how it is now. 

By George Theotocatos
300 pages softbound, 200 Illustrations 
ISBN-13: 978-1-9381845-6-7
$24.95 plus shipping and tax

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FINDING ITHAKA: A MODERN ODYSSEY ACROSS CONTINENTS

Finding Ithaka is a compelling immigrant’s story by a man who has contributed greatly to his adoptive American community.
–Hugh Leonard, HR consultant

In this compelling memoir that spans five generations and four continents, Theotocatos retraces the epic journeys of his family and ancestry who left their homes of origin and settled in unknown places—both by choice and in search of asylum. Through it all, they held true to their Greek heritage and culture.


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By George Theotocatos
212 pages softbound
ISBN-13: 978-1794259607
$14.95 plus shipping and tax



About the Author

George Theotocatos is a former Exxon Company executive with nearly 30 years of service with the organization in its New York and New Jersey corporate offices and abroad. Almost half of his career was spent in the Middle East, holding executive positions in Planning, Projects Management and Commercial Operations in Libya, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. He has travelled extensively in the Middle East, Asia and South America.

After retirement from Exxon, Theotocatos was invited by the East West Center at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu as a visiting scholar to participate in a leadership program, coaching future leaders to create a better world. His recent historical autobiography, Finding Ithaka, has received excellent reviews on Amazon.com.

He lives with his wife in East Hampton, New York. George can be reached at theartofstamps@yahoo.com.