Cultural knowledge The Antiques Magpie Marc Allum (Icon Books, £12.99 *£10.99)
Why do the best Chinese dragons have five claws, what's the difference between celluloid and Bakelite (the latter is, of course, made of polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride), where are Wellington's boots and Monty's beret and how should you bid at auction? Antiques Roadshow regular Marc Allum answers these and many more questions you never knew you needed to ask.
There are four pages on the differences between Greek urns, a disquisition on the willow pattern, the sad story of Donald McGill, king of smutty postcards (right), a history of hallmarks (700 years old) and a short guide to periods, from Gothic to Pop Art. Not only a very useful overall guide for collectors, whether of cheese labels (fromologist) or umbrellas (brolliologist), and source of unlikely information, but a laugh a page. A perfect present for virtually everyone.
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Folio, Folio, wherefore art thou Folio? Shakespeare set to be auctioned by Sotheby'sFour Folios will be auctioned in London on May 23, with an estimate of £3.5–£4.5 million for 'the most significant publication in the history of English literature'.
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Damon Hill's former home in Marbella is the perfect place to slow downThe glorious Andalusian-style villa is found within the Lomas de Marbella Club and just a short walk from the beach.
