Written by the Chief Executive of the National Pawnbrokers Association, this fascinating insight into pawnbroking traces one of the world's oldest professions back some 3000 years. Social history is mixed with interest facts and anecdotes. Did you know; -How pawning became linked to the game of chess? -That America was discovered because of pawn loan? -That Pawnbroking has its own Patron Saint and its own Victorian nursery rhyme? -That pawnbroking is one of the cheapest loans you can get, that you can redeem the item any day, and that in most cases if you fail to redeem and the item is sold you are still entitled to any profit after costs?