Using his database of 130,000 words and phrases, the lexicographer known as ‘Mr Slang’ explains the origins of some of the most witty, colourful and disreputable expressions in the English language. He takes us into the worlds of boxers, drunken sailors, doctors and lovers, as well as the more literary realms of PG Wodehouse and Shakespeare, that master of the double entendre who is the earliest source for nearly 300 slang terms.

Classicist Peter Jones and David Dare-Plumpton (alias Plausus, crossword compiler of The Times Listener) have concocted what could amount to an alternative Christmas – you probably won't have time for the Queen's Speech or a turkey. Their 50 'cruciverbally exquisite' Latin crosswords are arranged in five 'courses', from Facillimum to Difficillimum. The clues are in English (phew).

Exploring Britain's architectural, industrial and spiritual heritage, this set of three documentaries on DVD uses spectacular, high-definition aerial photography to see the most important cathedrals, abbeys and churches, historic mills, harbours and bridges, domestic buildings and masterpieces by architects such as Wren, Vanbrugh and Adam from the air. The films are from the producers of the BBC's Wainwright Walks and narrated by Richard Mervyn. 3 DVDs: running time 52 minutes each. Slipcased.

Narrated and directed by Liam Dale, this series of seven documentaries uses archive footage to chart the events of the Second World War, from the rise of Adolf Hitler to the Japanese surrender in 1945. Boxed set of seven DVDs, running time 60 minutes each.

From ‘alcohol-free wine’ in the Home Comforts chapter to ‘serially monogamous’ in Uncomplicated Relationships, Simon Brett presents a collection of oxymorons – ‘the undiscovered beauties of the English Language’ – that includes the obvious (‘safe bet’), those that need a bit of explanation (victimless crime), and some tongue-in-cheek (Young Conservative).