Andrew Morten

The humble banknote has been around in one form or another for over 300 years, and no one would deny that during that time they have been an indispensable part of trade, commerce and the growth of the UK economy. The Bank of England came into existence to oversee their creation and distribution and has played a critical role in steering the country through good times, bad times and the occasional economic crisis ever since.The earliest notes were little more than handwritten bills, rarely seen as they could be worth more than a year’s wages. But historical events soon required more widespread issue of smaller denominations to raise money for the Crown. But, as banknotes have always attracted forgers, notes had to be frequently updated to stay ahead of the counterfeiters.From simple paper designs in the nineteenth century to modern, holographic polymer notes, this book explores the history of the Bank of England through the many different banknotes that have been issued during its existence.

Today, wrist watches are part practical, part fashion and part wearable tech. This was just as true at the beginning of the 1970s, with the invention of the digital watch. Initially they were incredibly expensive, first seen on the wrists of James Bond and Elton John. However, the technology soon became more affordable, and they were considered a cool must-have gadget.Over the coming decades, they evolved from the early red LED displays to today’s smart watches and fitness trackers. Along the way there were games watches, radios and calculators – even a TV on your wrist. In this book Andy Morten explores the history and cultural significance of this influential device.