An artisanal gift guide from the Idler’s designer Alice Smith

1. Books about William Morris
“I can’t read enough about this man – his politics and craft. His designs are so iconic, but looking beyond all that – to his outlook on life and work, is even more interesting. I love this quote: ‘If a chap can’t compose an epic poem while he’s weaving tapestry he had better shut up’.”

2. Gilliamesque – a visual autobiography of Terry Gilliam’s work from over the decades
“This man is a genius, he created the visual nightmare that is Monty Python, I can’t imagine there are any collage artists in the word who haven’t been subconsciously influenced by this man’s work. The book is a fantastically curated journey of Monty Python and also his film work. Anyone with any interest in collage, humour, the Pythons, films, animation and surrealism – should all buy this book.”

3. Any Folio Society editions 
“I’ve been collecting Folio Society books since I graduated. The quality of their books in terms of design, illustration, production and content is outstanding. Because of their production values these books last for years and do not fall apart in the way a lot of the mainstream publishers’ newly produced modern classics do. Most folio editions have a sewn binding, beautiful embossings on the cover, are exquisitely typeset for a comfortable read, with luxurious paper stock and are finely printed – they make great gifts for any book lovers.”

4. London – a Travel Guide Through Time
“A slightly biased view as I was involved in the production of this book – I did the interior illustrations and maps, BUT I sincerely think that this book is an excellent gift…  it is an extremely insightful, knowledgable and humorous book about London’s history. I don’t even live in London but I found this book fascinating, and have since bought multiple copies as gifts for friends and family who have an interest in history, story telling, London or psychogeography. Matthew’s writing is superb, imaginative and evocative, much like his tours and talks on London.”

5. “And everyone should subscribe to the new quarterly Idler magazine, we’re putting the final finishing touches to the forthcoming issue at the moment, and it is going to be an excellent issue.”