Abebooks revealed last week what they think of as their most unusual item on their site: Edith Wharton’s baby rattle. £10,500 and it’s yours! It’s just a rattle. The Guardian describes it as simply a ‘sterling silver and coral’ rattle, engraved ‘Edith’ which Wharton even gave away to her friend’s daughter.

For those looking for a pricier antique, eBay have JD Salinger’s “used toilet commode” for a thrifty $1m. I know what you’re thinking: I would love to have both but by the time I’ve saved up for the Salinger toilet someone will have already bought it. Worry no longer! For only $1750 AbeBooks will sell you Eugene O’Neill’s underpants (with the authenticating ‘E O’N’ stitched into the waist-band).

Looking for a more fun way to celebrate the past than dubious mementos of authors? If you haven’t already, you could always celebrate Back to the Future Day.  

Luke, Intern.