Today, European nations use stamps to commemorate aspects of a nation's culture, history and achievements. During the Second World War, however, stamps were considered far more important in conveying political and ideological messages about their country's change in fortunes – whether it was as triumphant occupier, willing or unwilling ally, or oppressed victim. Some issues and overprints contained obvious messages, but many others were skilfully designed and subtle in their intentions.

Stamps and their accompanying postmarks offer an absorbing and surprisingly detailed insight into the hopes and fears of nations at this tumultuous time.

This remarkable collection examines and interprets the stamps of twenty-two countries across Western and Eastern Europe, revealing the aspirations, assumptions and anxieties of so many nations as their destinies hung in the balance.