Collectables

Books fair 'Firsts' got under way on May 15 with around 100 dealers exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

An American library has announced the purchase of six “exceptional collections” including letters shedding light on the early British Atlantic slave trade that were originally sold at a UK auction.

Can you make a living from selling ephemera and low-value works on paper?

Letters found in family archive include first-hand accounts from St Helena in 1821

The toy manufacturer Märklin did not just produce models for private use.

A Citroën 2CV toy car is not quite as glamorous as a Lotus Esprit, even when the full-size version helps to save James Bond in an epic chase.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

By the time H Turner’s book on billiards came out in 1849 (Northampton, printed for the author by JT Burgess) the game was hundreds of years old – with roots back to the 15th century.

Ship models ruled the waves but railway toys were certainly on track too as two sales held either side of the Pond offered the collection of the late Tony Cuff.

The Ephemera Society Fair is still going strong for its 50th anniversary despite having to make a move this year.

A miniature map of the Turkish Ottoman Empire is among the items being offered by Sanders of Oxford at London Map Fair on June 7-8.

It took 16 years to compile the first great German florilegium, an edition of which can be seen – and purchased – at the Firsts London book fair running from May 15-18 at the Saatchi Gallery.

Helen Day is a language teacher, collector of Ladybird books and expert on the history of the books and the company behind them.

The British invasions of the island of Guadeloupe during the Seven Years’ War was part of William Pitt’s plan to attack the French wherever they could.

Greek philosopher Epictetus (c.50-c.135AD) is best-known for his contribution to Stoicism.

If you are green fingered but also like getting your hands on antiques, then Louise Allen and Piers Newth’s stall at the 'RHS Chelsea Flower Show' in London from May 20-24 will be of great appeal.