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Each of these four volumes begins with verses from Poly-Olbion – a 17th-century poem by Michael Drayton – accompanied by black-and-white maps of the various regions of England, showing geographical features represented by gods, nymphs and faeries. These are colouring books, but not in the contemporary sense: the black-line images should be carefully washed over with watercolours, according to cartographic tradition. Slipcased.

After providing basic information about materials and colours, each chapter in this DIY guide focuses on a specific material – including wood, thread, clay and wax – explains how to use it, and offers two or three easy projects to try. From making your own tea-lights to spray-painting a dining chair, these unusual designs can make a striking difference to your home. (References to websites may no longer be valid.)

The world of the shell described by Ingrid Thomas encompasses a tremendous range of artefacts, from a primitive axe made from sharpened Giant Clam shell, to Maggi Hambling’s Scallop (2003) on Aldeburgh beach. Magnificently illustrated with over 500 photographs, the book begins with an introduction to natural shells before exploring their uses as tools, currency, for carving and as jewellery, then goes on to look at the shell – as material and as inspiration – in art, architecture and the decorative arts.