'I welcome you with open arms to my book of treasures. It's a book for all seasons and for all occasions; and it comes to you from me, with armfuls of effusive greetings and salutations, trailing clouds of glory and affection, this offering of treasures made specially for you.' Joanna Lumley

Over the years Joanna Lumley has kept private notebooks, filled with her favourite writings, thoughts and quotes. Now, for the first time, she opens her Book of Treasures to share some of her many and varied jottings with readers.

This collection of chosen writings, interspersed with narration from Joanna, features the lines of her best-loved authors, from Shakespeare to Emily Dickinson, pearls of wisdom that she has heard or read, and nuggets of trivia and miscellanea that have made her happy.

The book is full of surprise and variety: the wistful keeps company with the acerbic, the sincere slips in besides the absurd. And the result is a jewel box of delights, filled with fabulous titbits.