Alan G. Hodgkiss 978 0 7478 0307 2, (Db 98), 120 pp

This book is designed as an introduction to the history and the many-sided interests of early mapmaking. It begins with a ­discussion of the two contrasting facets of map design – the topographical detail and the decorative treatment of features such as the cartouche, border and scale. This is followed by an outline of the earliest forms of cartography and an account of early printed maps from c.1500. Regional mapping in Britain from 1570 to the early days of the Ordnance Survey is dealt with chronologically and there are separate chapters on specialised types of cartography and finally a brief look at some of the more unusual aspects of mapmaking from maps as the basis of ­educational games to tapestry and mosaic maps.

Alan G. Hodgkiss was a Principal Experimental ­Officer in the University of Liverpool, where he was in charge of the cartographic unit of the Department of Geo­graphy for thirty-seven years.

Ronald Russell 978 0 7478 0499 4, (Db 266), over 100 pages with many black and white and colour illustrations

For centuries, prints were the only means of conveying information pictorially to the public. They were the means of illustrating books, reproducing paintings, satirising politicians and depicting sporting occasions. This book helps distinguish the various types of prints, tells about their history and development and shows something of their range and variety.

As a historian, Ronald Russell is greatly concerned with what prints can tell us about the past. He is also appreciative of prints as works of art.

John Chidley 978 0 7478 0387 4, (Db 267), 120 pp, 48 ills

This book sets out to show that there are few pastimes as fascinating, enjoyable and rewarding for the enthusiast of modest means as collecting books. It explains plainly the often obscure terminology used in describing books as well as showing the collector how to detect a 'first edition', distinguish between 'original boards' and 'contemporary tree-calf' and collate his books to check for completeness. A concise history of printing in the West, with particular reference to printing in England from Caxton to Morris, is followed by a list of suggested subjects for the collector with limited funds, and a useful checklist for further study.

John Chidley was for many years a member of a leading London firm of antiquarian booksellers. He now deals in antiquarian books in Granada, Spain.

Christmas Cards £3.95

Michelle Higgs 978 0 7478 0426 0 (Album 373) 40pp, 40 colour and 40 black and white ills.

This book traces the history of the Christmas card from its Victorian origins, through the Christmas postcards of the Edwardian era and the popular art of the inter-war period, up to the end of the Second World War. It illustrates examples of a wide variety of Christmas cards from each decade and shows how to create your own collection of these colourful, miniature works of art.

Michelle Higgs is a history graduate and freelance writer specialising in history, heritage and lesiure. She is interested in all aspects of social history, particularly the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and her passion for Christmas cards began when she was given a Victorian Christmas card album as a gift.

C. W. Hill 978 0 7478 0398 0, (Colour Album 208), 40 pp

On 1st October 1869 the Austro-Hungarian Post Office introduced the first plain postcards; this new method of communication was an immediate success. This book recounts the history of pictre postcards, illustrates some of the most interesting types and provides suggestions for anyone planning to form a collection.

Formerly a naval officer and college lecturer in history, the late C. W. Hill lived in Buckie, on the Moray Firth, within sight of the sea and midway ­between the historic burghs of Elgin and Banff. He contributed regularly to journals in Britain, Ireland and the United States and wrote a number of books