history. At the start of the book, Melius sets the context by outlining the long-standing need for communication, tracing postal services back to ancient civilizations. He highlights notable figures such as Ben Franklin and the evolution of postal services, particularly in colonial America. The opening chapters discuss various historical milestones, including the establishment of postal routes and services, the introduction of postage stamps, and the developmental challenges faced in providing equitable mail service to both urban and rural areas. Overall, Melius presents a well-rounded perspective of the postal service's growth and significance in connecting people throughout American history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)