Why collect vintage books? It's not nostalgia - it's history kept alive. From Laetitia Pilkington to marginalia, here's what old books really offer."

If you've ever wondered whether old books are too fragile to actually read, you're not alone and the answer might surprise you.

If you've ever wondered how to buy vintage books without spending a fortune, you're in the right place. Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room - or rather, the elephant in the auction catalogue. When most people picture rare and vintage books, they picture eye-watering prices, hushed bidding rooms, and the kind of numbers that make you want to sit down quietly for a moment. And yes, that world exists. A fine first edition in pristine condition can command serious

Picture the scene. You're in a secondhand bookshop, you pick up something old and beautiful, and for a split second you think - I'd love to own this.