It’s always useful to know about the next holy day, full moon or high tide. Cures for common ailments and crop planting charts are also handy. Almanacs have been printed since 1457 and make for a fascinating book collection.

This selection of rare almanacs stretches from Benjamin Franklin to a sporting reference book still being published today. Don’t rely on your trick knee – get your hands on an almanac, and prepare for what’s coming.