In the early 19th century, the only way to transmit information was to send letters across the oceans by sailing ships or across land by horse and coach. This book explains how the rate of information circulation increased many times over as mail systems were developed. It covers the period from Napoleonic wars onwards.

The study covers the period from the Napoleonic wars to the foundation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and includes the development of overseas business information transmission from the days of sailing ships to steamers and the telegraph.

Preface
Business Perspectives in the History of Communications
Measurement of the Speed of Communications: Methods And Sources
Overseas Mail And Speed of Communications Before 1815
North Atlantic
The West Indies And South America
East India And Australasia
Conclusion
General Index
Ship Index.