Book excerpt: By exploring the patterns, colours and crests of flags, we can learn all about the histories and aspirations of the countries they represent. Did you know that the flag of Nepal is the only one with more than four sides? Or that the flag of Mozambique features a book, a hoe and an AK47? Find out the difference between the flag of Chad and the flag of Romania (spoiler: there is none), and why the Union Jack is assymetrical. Robert G Fresson’s meticulous, vintage-inflected illustrations provide a refreshingly elegant insight into the fascinating world of vexillology.