My Book of Treasures National Treasure Dame Joanna Lumley's collection of favourite writings

'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 favourite writings, interspersed with narration from Joanna, features the lines of her favourite 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.

Joanna Lumley has been described as 'our most trusted national treasure'. She was born in India and grew up in England and the Far East, celebrating the Queen's coronation as a schoolgirl in Kuala Lumpur. She is a celebrated actress, a former model and Bond Girl, an author and presenter. Her varied screen credits have included Absolutely Fabulous (where she played the legendary Patsy Stone), The New Avengers, and Coronation Street. She is well known for her travel documentaries and as a political activist, including for the Gurkha Justice Campaign.