Issued in 1972, this Mexican postage stamp commemorates the Año Internacional del Libro (International Book Year), a UNESCO initiative promoting literacy and the love of reading worldwide. Designed by G. Gutiérrez, the stamp’s abstract pattern of colorful vertical bars symbolizes rows of books standing together—representing diversity in knowledge and culture. The bold, modernist style reflects Mexico’s strong tradition in graphic design during the early 1970s. Denominated at 40 centavos, it carries the UNESCO emblem stylized as two human figures embracing an open book—signifying education as a shared human endeavor.