Best books… Richard Holmes The biographer chooses five ...

Middleland: Dispatches from the Borders Rory Stewart (Jonathan ...

The English House: A History in Eight Buildings ...

Literature and Learning: A History of English Studies ...

The literary locations that inspired ten of our favourite festive stories and wintry tales, plus where to stay to enjoy them for yourself

Reins in hands, three young sisters ride the coils of an enormous blue snake. Waving a rattle and smiling happily, the fourth, a baby, is held around her plump middle by its tail. Passers-by dive out