Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK and Republic of Ireland
The Graveyard
Bookshops that have closed and have been removed since January 2024.
Older removals (June 2021 to December 2023)
Removed 06.12.24 from Northern Ireland/Belfast
Atomic Collectables/BELFAST/25 North Street
Atomic Collectables
25 North Street BELFAST BT1 1NA
map
tel:
07582 757614 web
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A small collectables shop with a lot of paperbacks, children's annuals and comics amongst its stock which I was in earlier in 2011. Jeremy Briggs 12.01.12
If you've been here before, they've now moved down the street to number 25 but are still going strong Tinman 10.10.19
The shop closed down in October 2020 as the owner, Jim McKevitt, decided to retire. Booker T 06.12.24
Removed 05.12.24 from Republic of Ireland/Co. Galway
Book Exchange/GALWAY/23 Lower Abbeygate Street
Book Exchange
23 Lower Abbeygate Street GALWAY
e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00.
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Hidden away behind a city shopping centre. Probably half the stock were paperback novels but the rest of the books were general hardbacks covering a range of interests. Chris Harte 19.10.16
This shop, owned by the Cooke sisters, closed down in 2022. The premises lay vacant for a long time, despite plans to convert them into a café. Booker T 05.12.24
Removed 28.11.24 from London/WC & EC Postcodes
Arthur Probsthain/BLOOMSBURY/41 Great Russell Street
Arthur Probsthain
41 Great Russell Street BLOOMSBURY WC1B 3PE
map
tel:
020 7636 1096 e-mail
Open: Monday - Friday 9.30 - 5.30 Saturday 12.00 - 4.00.
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We stock a selection of great classics and also new books which have just been published. Each country or subject is separated which makes it an enjoyable browse. At our main branch we focus on art, (painting, architecture, ceramics, etc) music, film, religion, languages, literature and culture from China, Japan, South-east Asia, The Middle East, Africa, India and South Asia.
Everything as it says in the above blurb. Nothing for the ordinary collector but heaps for those with bottomless pockets. Chris Harte 19.06.13
Now shares space with a tearoom. Presumably this reduces the amount of stock on display. Adrian 01.07.21
Things do not look good here. The bookshop is closed - at least temporarily - as is the 'Tea and Tattle' tearoom with which it shares its premises. Gazing in from the street, it looks like there has been no activity for quite a while. The ground floor contains a few books in rather random places - the ones they left behind? Other ominous signs are that the bookshop's phone number is disconnected and its website is no longer functional. The note on the door, however, stops short of saying that the shop is permanently closed, but it gives no indication of when either business might reopen. The tearoom, meanwhile, appears to be selling off its crockery. Booker T 22.11.24
Booker T confirms that Arthur Probsthain (est. 1902) has definitely closed, and that Skoob has bought the stock. TBG2 28.11.24
Removed 28.11.24 from London/SE Postcodes
Faction Bookshop/LEE/2 Leegate
The Faction Bookshop
2 Leegate LEE SE12 8SS
map
web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday and occasional Mondays 3.00 - 7.00
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A wide range, especially strong on paperback fiction, pop culture, the cinema and TV.
Located in a blighted shopping precinct. Strong on pulp fiction and popular culture, with a case of books about conspiracy theories; the proprietor believes the moon landing was staged in the Nevada desert. Stacks on the floor obscure some shelves. Thousands of videos and vinyl upstairs. Nicholas Sack 15.08.15
There are gems in here. I know I found one a Freeman Wills Croft first from 1945 in Penguin Crime edition (green) But it does sorely test the devotion. This shop has some real goodies and is quite literally stacked from floor to ceiling. I caused several minor avalanched by moving the stacks in front of the lower shelves. Prices were most reasonable. The owner was very friendly and oddly convincing in his conspiracy theories ... (I kept looking around for a) the camera an b) the Special Branch / CIA observer). This shop, albeit in a decaying south-east London concrete shopping centre where even the charity shops have closed, badly needs to decide what it is. There are so many DVD /VHS/CD taking up shelf space that the books are suffering. This is a shame as there must surely be some more gems to mine. (NB I did not venture upstairs.) Jon Morgan 01.10.15
Good to see that Jon Morgan (above) also found a gem among the chaos. It's worth moving the mountains on the floor; I found a couple of rare local history titles, keenly priced, lurking on the shelves behind. The whole precinct is scheduled for demolition to make way for Asda (despite there being a Sainsbury's over the road) but the kindly and helpful proprietor assured me he will be trading for another 18 months at least. Perhaps the best feature of all is the life-size plaster statue of Marilyn Monroe, skirt billowing, in the window - "rescued from a nightclub and yours for a grand". Nicholas Sack 10.10.15
First visit and despite the chaos of books piled all around pleasantly surprised. Friendly owner who knows where he has hid the books you want, so just ask if you can't find what you are looking for. Reasonably priced too, and the new Halcyon shop just 10 minutes walk away, so well worth a detour to visit both. Steve Newman 04.04.16
This may now be the most impregnable bookshop in the land. Waist-high piles obscure the shelves; one of the two narrow aisles is blocked by a mountain of books on the floor. Browsing is now virtually impossible, though the kind-hearted proprietor will direct you vaguely to your area of interest. Roll up your sleeves and start digging. Nicholas Sack 30.10.17
Still no sign of Asda and the shop survives but, as Nicholas Sack says, browsing is more or less impossible unless you're young, strong and fit. Still, there are things to buy other than books: if you're looking for an Alma Cogan cassette, there was one there when I visited this morning ... Laurence Purcell 11.11.18
One of my favourite bookshops in London. Of the cheap and cheerful variety, friendly owner who can tell you where books are and if you can get to them. Far too much stock for the size of the shop, and needs a tidy up after being used for a recent Anchor Butter commercial! Check out Anchor - Caf' on wheels on you tube. Steve Newman 02.04.22
As dauntingly chaotic-looking as ever. As Steve Newman says, the owner is helpful but I like to browse, not read from a prepared statement. I didn't stay long but had time to see that the Alma Cogan cassette is still available. Laurence Purcell 13.04.23
The days of this chaotic and maddening shop are numbered... at about 150, at least at these premises. The stunningly decrepit Leegate Shopping Centre (built in 1967) has squirmed out from under the heel of developers on several occasions over the years, but its luck has finally run out. Lewisham Council has given approval for Leegate to be bulldozed, with 562 new homes, including a 15-storey tower block, to be built on the site. The handful of remaining tenants - the others are charity shops or social enterprises - have been given until October at the latest to pack up and get out; the two I spoke to have been issued with notices to vacate by 30 September. The hour was too early to speak to Faction's eccentric proprietor, who does not usually open his shop until mid-afternoon these days. But his establishment too will be reduced to rubble along with those of his neighbours. So anyone who is undaunted by stupendous levels of clutter should head down here in the next few months for a valedictory rummage. Booker T 02.05.24
As stated by the previous reviewer, the writing is on the wall for this infamous south London hoard of books! It would be hard to describe it as a bookshop, given that much of the stock is inaccessible, or buried in deep stacks. The joy (or terror) of finding random bits of clothing or even parts of a mannequin will remain with me for years to come. There were always a few fun paperbacks to be foraged here, even if the owner did once tell me off for knocking over a stack of books, while he enjoyed the spectacle from his table outside the now closed Wetherspoons opposite. There is also a room of records upstairs for the brave vinyl collectors out there - who knows where all this treasure will end up?! Virginia_Woof 22.08.24
I took a walk down Lee High Road to the fascinatingly derelict Leegate Shopping Centre (scheduled for demolition) to check out whether this highly idiosyncratic bookshop is still trading. The answer, sadly, is no - although it has not yet been bulldozed. I chatted to a local resident who knew the shop well. He told me that the leases of the handful of premises that were still occupied expired on 30th September. The Faction Bookshop was the very last shop to close. Every single unit is now boarded up or shuttered. A visitor on the shop's final day has posted photographs online of the redoubtable proprietor, Les Metcalfe, moving the stock out and closing up for the last time on 28th September. As for the future, although this shop is gone, Les has not ruled out reopening somewhere else. He gave almost 10,000 books away to bolster the free bookstalls at various locations across the borough of Lewisham and has put the rest of the stock into storage in the hope of finding affordable new premises in the local area. Booker T 28.11.24
Removed 27.11.24 from North East/County Durham
Butterwick Hospice Book Shop/STOCKTON-ON-TEES/118 High Street
Butterwick Hospice Book Shop
118 High Street STOCKTON-ON-TEES TS18 1AY
map
tel:
01642 678050
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
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We stock a good selection of fiction and non fiction books. We also stock a number of old and signed books. All proceeds are for the Butterwick Hospice charity.
Sadly this shop is closed now. Jane J 27.11.24
Removed 22.11.24 from London/WC & EC Postcodes
SOAS Bookshop (Arthur Probsthain)/BLOOMSBURY/School of Oriental _ African Studies
SOAS Bookshop (Arthur Probsthain)
School of Oriental & African Studies Brunei Gallery Thornhaugh Street (off Russell Square) BLOOMSBURY WC1H 0XG
map
tel:
020 7898 4470 web
Open: Monday - Friday 9.30 - 5.30 (Saturday 12.00 - 4 .00, term time only: October - March)
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Specialising in books on: Africa, anthropology, Central Asia, China, development studies, economics, ethnomusicology, India, Islam, Japan, languages, Middle East, politics, religion, Southeast Asia, SOAS coursepacks & publications.
A small bookshop on SOAS campus. It mainly serves the needs of its own students in terms of course books. However it does carry a reasonable stock of books, catalogued by country, on the history, politics and development of most developing regions of the world. Interestingly the second hand books are mixed in between the new books on the shelves. I bought a classic (secondhand) text for £5 on the history of Africa but it was sandwiched between two new books of little merit costing over £35!!. So there are some gems but you need to look very carefully. The owner also has an old library trolley full of interesting books for £1. Worth a visit if you are interested in developing countries. PeterD 08.11.22
The SOAS Bookshop is no more, alas. It closed during the summer after SOAS refused to renew its lease, despite a campaign by students for a change of heart. University officials put out the following statement: "...we continue to review how SOAS spaces are being used and the changes we are making mean that we are no longer able to accommodate the bookshop. To ensure a smooth transition, we gave the owners of the bookshop a 1-year notice period, advising them that when their lease ends in August 2024, we will not be able to offer an extension. We hope members of our community will support the bookshop when it moves online." According to the shop's manager, Joe Burridge, SOAS had made three earlier attempts to close it, all motivated by a demand to repurpose the space. Yet, when I looked in today, the space (at the entrance to the Brunei Gallery) is boarded up, with no alternative use being made of it. I checked with SOAS staff in the hope that perhaps a compromise had been reached and that a home had been found for the bookshop elsewhere on the campus, but no. It is gone. Booker T 22.11.24
Removed 05.11.24 from North West/Cheshire
Stothert Old Books/CHESTER/Rock House FarmRock LaneBurwardsley
Stothert Old Books
Rock House Farm Rock Lane Burwardsley CHESTER CH3 9PL
map
tel:
01829 772505 e-mail
Open: Saturday & Sunday 11.00 - 4.00, other times by appointment.
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A wide selection of antiquarian and collectable books on most subjects. A long-established book dealer in the Chester area.
Highly recommended, well-selected general stock in a sort of barn. My own interest, natural history, is well catered for. acanthophyllum 09.01.15
The old shop in Chester had some superb holdings and the good thing is that standards have not dropped. Alan now has a converted barn full of high quality material and it was a pleasure to relax while checking for my subjects. A visit is recommended. Chris Harte 23.03.15
Ihe website and phone number for Stothert Old Books are no longer live and I believe they are no longer trading, but cannot verify. Phil Tyler 19.04.22
No longer trading. I have been in touch with the owner, Alan, who told me that he retired some time ago. Booker T 05.11.24
Removed 05.11.24 from South East/Kent
Periwinkle Press /SANDWICH/trading at Basil and Rose, 29 Strand Street
Periwinkle Press
trading at Basil and Rose, 29 Strand Street SANDWICH CT13 9DT
map
tel:
01304 614141 e-mail
Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10.00 - 5.00
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Established in 1968 we are general secondhand booksellers, specialising in Kent, Children's and Art books. We also sell antique prints, art, postcards, ephemera and collectables.
Situated in a small quality country retail centre. Stock small but of a very high standard. Owner, who was very knowledgable, said he had many thousands more book in store as he also works off the internet. Chris Harte 27.06.09
This shop closed down in either 2020 or 2021, according to the helpful proprietors of the antique shop next door. The bookseller then began to trade only online. The premises now house a "wellness" centre, specialising in yoga and pilates. Booker T 04.11.24
Removed 28.10.24 from Republic of Ireland/Co. Clare
Egans Bar _ Books/LISCANNOR/Main Street
Egans Bar & Books
Main Street LISCANNOR
e-mail
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Small but good stock of collectable Irish books. Strong on art books too. Affordable and well laid out. WWAD. The owner also owns the bar opposite and the wine on offer is excellent. A very civilised spot to spend an afternoon on the road to the Cliffs of Moher. Sean Sexton 16.02.15
Sadly now closed. Patrick still has the bar and the books are at home. Call in to the bar if you are passing. If Patrick is around and has the time, you may get some great bargains. Loyola 09.04.15
This was a wonderful shop but has been closed for several years now. loyola 28.10.24
Removed 27.10.24 from North East/West Yorkshire
Hold Fast Bookshop/LEEDS/Upper Dock Mooring,Leeds Dock
Hold Fast Bookshop
Upper Dock Mooring (opposite the Canary Bar), Leeds Dock LEEDS LS10 1LJ
map
e-mail web 
Open: Thursday 11.00 - 8.00, Friday 11.00 - 6.00, Saturday 10.00 - 5.00, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00
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A floating bookshop! New and second-hand books for sale in the hull of a former coal barge, moored in the redeveloped docks in Leeds city centre.
The 1940s vessel "Marjorie R" was once used to transport coal to Thornhill power station, near Dewsbury. Since 2022, however, it has been a much-admired bookshop, moored in the urban redevelopment and creative/media hub of Leeds Dock - the former Clarence Dock, also home to the Royal Armouries Museum. The owners, local couple Victoria and Chris Bonner, saw their restoration efforts rewarded in 2023 with the award of "Flagship of the Year" status by National Historic Ships UK. The second-hand stock - mostly modern fiction - lines one side of the (surprisingly large) vessel's hull, with new books on the other side. Plants are for sale in the wheelhouse. To make a visit even more interesting, visitors can take a water taxi from the south entrance of Leeds railway station directly into the dock. Booker T 25.03.24
Yes indeed a much admired and pretty book-ship it is. With a unique selling point being plonked on H20. High on novelty value and also selling rather lovely bonsai and cacti plants. However extremely low to the point of virtual nil points for secondhand books. This is an independent bookseller selling 98% new stock. Both port & starboard now exclusively devoted to newly published & selling at full price. I found about 20 books claiming to be secondhand but all barely thumbed new paperbacks indistinguishable from the other stock. Go to buy new if you wish. NWAD for collectable. SaltaireTom 03.09.24
SaltaireTom in his September review is entirely correct, alas. There is now very little second-hand stock here (about 60 books, mainly modern paperback fiction, on three small shelves). This is a marked contrast to the situation even quite recently, when the second-hand books were arranged on one side of the vessel and the new books on the other. Having paid another visit on Friday, I took the opportunity to quiz the ETGOW owners about this change in policy. Their response was that it had been proving unduly time-consuming to source good-quality second-hand stock and so they had decided - with some regret - to focus almost exclusively on selling new books. This is a shame, not least because it rather robs me of an excuse to board the water taxi (little yellow boats) and spend 12 minutes chugging down the River Aire from Leeds railway station to Leeds Dock. Hold Fast is still a delightful bookshop, but really no longer for second-hand books. Its opening hours have changed to 9am-5pm (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) and 11am-4pm (Sunday). Booker T 27.10.24
Removed 15.10.24 from North West/Cumbria
Avril_s books at Farfield/SEDBERGH/Farfield Mill
Avril's books at Farfield
Farfield Mill Garsdale Road SEDBERGH LA10 5LW
map
tel:
07967 638503 e-mail
Open: By appointment
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Specialist stock of Craft, Textile, Needlework, Fine & Applied Arts subjects.
Patch and Fettle has now closed. Avril's Books at Farfield Mill (outside town) have some of the stock, especially crafts related. Andi Chapple 21.08.19
The unit at the mill that housed these books no longer does. The mill itself has a small second-hand book room upstairs of general stock, mostly modern paperbacks. Mark V 15.03.23
Closed. Avril's Books is no longer at Farfield Mill. But see entry for the Mill itself which has a small second-hand book room. Mark V 15.10.24
Removed 09.10.24 from Southern/Oxfordshire
Gulp Fiction/OXFORD/Units 28 and 29, The Covered Market
Gulp Fiction
Units 28 and 29, The Covered Market OXFORD OX1 3DU
map
tel:
01865 365545 e-mail 
Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10.30 - 5.30
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Second-hand bookshop combined with a coffee shop and bar. Mostly paperback literary fiction, some history, social sciences etc. All titles £4.50.
More of a coffee shop with a few books down one side really. Several customers were taking refreshment, so I assume they make a good latte anyway. Wessexman 08.03.22
Purely for paperback people, God bless them. Laurence Purcell 31.03.22
Pleasantly surprised to find that this pop-up micropub isn't just a hipster hangout but has a decent, if small, selection of books. The second-hand stuff seems to have been phased out after their first few months, and now it's mostly remainders, I think -- but it has lots of translated fiction, which is welcome. Paul O 05.07.22
Called in here to check it out, but the complete absence of second-hand books was unmistakable. I quizzed the guy behind the counter, who told me that they now stock new books only, "because it's easier that way". Booker T 09.10.24
Removed 08.10.24 from Scotland/North East Scotland
Jane Jones Books/ABOYNE/The Old Shop
Jane Jones Books
The Old Shop Dinnet ABOYNE AB34 5JY
map
tel:
07834 768228
Open: Sunday - Tuesday & Thursday - Saturday, variable but usually 11.00 - 6.00.
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A small but interesting stock with emphasis on natural history, local history, Scottish and children's. Good section on Deeside and Aberdeen. Collectors items and plenty of bargains. Booksearch facility. Shared premises with antique shop. A relaxing and friendly atmosphere with a complementary cup of coffee.
Interesting natural history stock, but most items very overpriced. Second Nature 16.08.11
The shop closed in either 2012 or 2013. It was succeeded by Auld Alliance Antiques, which stocked some books, but that too closed a few years ago. The premises are currently empty, although it seems they may soon be reopening as a pizza restaurant. Booker T 07.10.24
Removed 08.10.24 from Scotland/North East Scotland
Winram_s Bookshop/BALLATER/Balgairn
Winram's Bookshop
Balgairn Bridge of Gairn BALLATER AB35 5UA
map
tel:
01339 755440 e-mail
Open: Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
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5000+ books, paperbacks, Scottish, natural history, fishing and shooting, military history, mountaineering, children's, art & collecting, travel, history, antiquarian, and many other subjects. We are friendly! Established 1976. 2 miles west of Ballater on A93.There is a bus from Aberdeen going to Braemar. Get off at Bridge of Gairn stop.
This shop closed a few years ago. After the owner died, his widow carried on trading for a while before eventually shutting it down and selling up. This is a shame as it was really quite a good shop. Deeside Books at nearby Ballater bought its stock. Booker T 07.10.24
Removed 07.10.24 from Wales/Mid Wales
River Wood Gallery-Bookshop/RHAYADER/The Old Swan, West Street
River Wood Gallery-Bookshop
The Old Swan, West Street RHAYADER LD6 5AB
map
tel:
07807 906958 e-mail web
Open: Thursday - Saturday 11.00 - 4.00, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00 - 3.00
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An art gallery and bookshop, the only one in the UK that focuses exclusively on wildlife and wild places. New and second-hand books on these subjects.
This small and highly specialised bookshop opened on 25th May in a 16th-century listed building that also serves as a gallery to showcase the artwork of the owner, James Roberts. The stock consists of books on nature and wildlife, including art and photography. Booker T 20.06.24
I presume that the previous reviewer has actually physically been into this very low key Art Gallery in order to make the above comments. If so then there has been a remarkable amount of selling going on as when I visited and spoke to the owner he was surprised when I asked to view the secondhand books. He showed me a shelf of around two dozen which, I surmised, came from his own collection of which he wanted to dispose. Of the totally uninteresting items quite a few were about cows. I left having had a touch of the udder. Do not waste your time, or petrol, bothering to visit. This wasted journey cost me around £30. Chris 20.07.24
Chris tells us there are no books left. TBG2 07.10.24
Removed 07.10.24 from Scotland/North East Scotland
BHF Book Shop/DUNDEE/14 Reform Street
BHF Book Shop
14 Reform Street DUNDEE DD1 1RG
map
tel:
01382 223412 web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00, Sunday 12.00 - 4.00.
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Charity selling donated books.
One of a number of BHF shops within easy walking distance of each other in Dundee city centre, this is the only one that is a dedicated bookshop. Just up from the Desperate Dan statue and across the road from the Oxfam bookshop, it isn't as big as Oxfam but had a good general selection of books, and was very busy, on the Saturday that I was there. Jeremy 15.08.15
This shop - British Heart Foundation's only bookshop in Scotland - closed a few years ago and the premises are now vacant. BHF's general shop on nearby Murraygate has some books, but the selection there is paltry and scarcely worth even the briefest of looks. Booker T 07.10.24
Removed 05.10.24 from Central/Derbyshire
Tilleys Vintage Magazines/CHESTERFIELD/21 Derby Road
Tilleys Vintage Magazines
21 Derby Road CHESTERFIELD S40 2EF
map
tel:
01246 563868 e-mail web
Closing soon, see owner's note below
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Annuals, comics, magazines, memorabilia and newspapers.
If, like me, you are into magazines then this place is a mecca. Everything imaginable in neat, easy to search piles. However, what is held in the off-site storeroom is much, much better than even that in the shop. Chris Harte 21.09.10
I will be retiring later this year and the online shop and Chesterfield premises will be closed. All the stock will be available to purchase via the website or, by appointment, at the shop.
I am still offering website stock at half the listed price on orders of £100 or more (for an order of £100 you pay £50 plus postage), but for those placing an order of £250 or more there is now an even better deal: 60% off the listed price! (for an order of £250 you pay £100 plus postage) - this offer ends on the 15 October 2023. Please take a look at the website and let me have your orders as soon as possible:
RETIREMENT
I aim to retire before the end of 2023 but will guarantee to accept and deliver orders until November
STOCK
Offers are invited for any part of the website stock and a large quantity of unlisted stock - predominantly magazines, newspapers and ephemera but also books, cigarette cards and postcards
DATES AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING If you would like to visit the shop, and make an offer for any part of the stock held there (website and unlisted stock), then these are the dates available in October: Monday 16, Wednesday 18, Thursday 19, Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Tuesday 24, Friday 27, Saturday 28, Sunday 29.
For further information, or to make an appointment to visit the Chesterfield shop, please contact me.
Best wishes,
Albert Tilley. Albert Tilley 04.10.23
According to the shop's website: "September 2024 is the last opportunity to buy stock before the shop premises are offered for sale". The shop now seems to open mainly for customers to collect purchases made online, but if you are keen to view something first, it is worth contacting the owner, who presumably would be prepared to open by appointment in order to sell some of his last remaining stock before he finally retires. Booker T 05.09.24
The shop has closed. A notice posted on its website in early October states that the owner, Albert Tilley, has retired and the Chesterfield premises have shut. The other (very similar) shop run by the Tilley family, in Sheffield, remains open, however - by appointment only. Booker T 04.10.24
Removed 25.09.24 from South East/Surrey
Oxfam Bookshop/DORKING/176 High Street
Oxfam Bookshop
176 High Street DORKING RH4 1QR
map
tel:
01306 889426 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 09.30 - 5.00, Saturday 09.30 - 1.00
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Pretty good all round stock, extensive modern fiction, crime etc, collectables and children's books. Decent prices for an Oxfam shop. Jon Morgan 21.11.16
Very neat and organised Oxfam Bookshop. Good crime and general fiction sections. Nothing compared to the traditional large secondhand bookshops with all manner of thousands of books. But worth a visit if you are in the area. taylor 01.02.18
One of the most orderly shops in the land: all books neatly shelved in categories clearly labelled. Plenty of room, and chairs for browsing in comfort. Sadly, the stock is rather pedestrian - but ten Georges Simenons at two quid each caught the eye. Nicholas Sack 04.06.19
Unreliable. The opening hours on the door have been altered to show that they are only open from 9am to 1pm on Saturday. However when I made a special journey, (more fool me, not something I usually do) I found it closed at 11am on Saturday. PeterM 22.06.24
Some bad news to report. Oxfam have announced plans to close this bookshop. The volunteers there are not taking the news lying down and have organised a petition against the closure, which is feared to be quite imminent. Recent precedents - such as at Haverfordwest, where strenuous attempts to ward off closure failed and left the town without any Oxfam presence - do not inspire much optimism. Here, the outcome is likelier to be along the lines of the situation in Bishop's Stortford, with a much-diminished book section moving into the town's general Oxfam shop, which in Dorking's case is a short walk away on the same street. If you can get to this bookshop, try to make the trip very soon - not just to sign the petition, but because it may well be your last chance to catch it open. The shop is profitable, but is not meeting Oxfam's targets, apparently. It has had problems maintaining a sufficient roster of volunteers and now has reduced opening hours. Booker T 16.08.24
A further update on the situation at this shop, which I visited after walking on nearby Box Hill. Oxfam is seeking to close it as it is, apparently, not meeting its financial targets. However, it seems that the takings have dipped only in the past year or so, and this in large part because of a shortage of volunteers to keep the shop open a sufficient number of hours. Oxfam gave the volunteers one week to lodge an appeal against closure. They have now done so, arguing that the shop is profitable and that they should be allowed one year to turn the situation around. It is not clear how long Oxfam will take to consider this proposal, but the terms of the lease mean that the landlord needs to be given three months' notice. The petition against closure - which is available in the shop to sign - has gathered well over 1,000 signatures in its first few days. In order to boost the takings, the volunteers are redoubling their efforts to open the shop for as many hours as possible. The hours have now gone back up to Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm. They are particularly determined to staff the shop on Saturday mornings, which have recently proved very lucrative (takings of £550 in three and a half hours).
This is actually a pretty good Oxfam Bookshop. The stock is quite high-quality and prices are reasonable. There is a good choice of modern literary and mid-market paperback novels, as well as classic fiction. These are mostly £3 each, but two for £5 or four for £8. A decent selection of modern poetry, although the drama section is weak. A large stock of children's books, mostly £1.50 or £2. For non-fiction, the prices are on the low side across the board. The history and military sections are excellent. Very good for travel, gardening and cookery. A varied and good selection on sport. The natural history section is fairly small, but has some uncommon titles. Quite good for biographies, transport (mainly railways), religion, philosophy, politics and sociology, and a larger than usual choice of true crime books. The antiquarian and collectable section is large and varied, with some good-quality stock. Regrettably, this is the one section in which many of the books are overpriced, some significantly so.
It would be a real shame if this shop were to close, so if you can get there soon to buy a few books and sign the petition, please do so. Booker T 21.08.24
The Oxfam Bookshop in Dorking has closed down. The Oxfam shop further along the high street now has a book area, larger than most Oxfam shops but much smaller than there was in the Oxfam Bookshop. They were still in the process of stacking the bookshelves, so I'll revisit in a couple of weeks. MikeB 23.09.24
Removed 18.09.24 from Central/Lincolnshire
Westgate Antiques/LINCOLN/20 Westgate
Westgate Antiques
20 Westgate LINCOLN LN1 3BD
map
Open: See below.
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A large room of secondhand books, piled high with a general stock that has something for everyone,including children's annuals, Observers, military books and fiction. Another place for a browse but the knowledgeable owners ( a retired couple) will welcome you and help you where they can. Usually open 11am -3.30pm, but hours can be erratic. Bridget the Browser
As far as I can make out this shop doesn’t operate anymore. There is a property all locked up at this location which shows signs of having been an antiques market but it looks as if it’s been closed for a long time. No signs of opening hours at all. There is another ‘Shambles’ antique market on Westgate that displays 10-5 opening hours and advertises that it sells books but it was shut when I visited with no signs of opening. PeterD 08.09.22
The centre has been converted back to residential use. TBG2 18.09.24
Removed 15.09.24 from Central/Lincolnshire
Village Books/GRANTHAM/61 Westgate
Village Books
61 Westgate GRANTHAM NG31 6JZ
map
tel:
01476 569432
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Now just stocks remainders. Bridget the Browser
Long closed we're told TBG2 15.09.24
Removed 14.09.24 from North West/Greater Manchester
Manchester Bookbuyers (was 2nd Hand _ Rare Books)/MANCHESTER/Church Street Market
Manchester Bookbuyers (was 2nd Hand & Rare Books)
Church Street Market MANCHESTER M4 1PN
map
tel:
0161 834 5964
Open: Monday - Saturday 12.00 - 4.00.
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General secondhand stock but particularly topography and natural history.
Essentially a market stall. Gerald Baker
This is a market stall, but when I went there I went there on a Wednesday afternoon (7 Oct) the shutters were down and it looked as if it were closed. jduster 15.10.09
Fun to rummage and spotted some good review copies. Books have no prices so you have to ask. When I offered a fiver, the ownwer said he would give me five! Enough said. Ken Bogle 30.09.10
Seems to be more often closed than open, but I managed to find it open on Wednesday afternoon (was closed on 28.9. but open 29.9. around the same time). Not well sorted, but good bargains - mainly a one pound per book shop. Joachim Duester 05.10.10
Open - and busy - at lunchtime on Friday 19th January 2018. Bit of a Driff Special but the owner knew what he had and where to find it. Condition variable but prices are fair with bargains to be found. Steven 01.02.18
His business hours seem to be 12-4 so ring ahead first. His better stock is shelved (unmarked - you have to ask the price). On the tables books all mixed, higgledy-piggledy and all cheap. Through being constantly handled they get a bit beat up. Worth a call. Johanken 26.04.18
Owner was quite rude, implied I could not afford the book I was looking at and I would have to pay for it if I dropped it! As I have never managed to drop any of the first editions that I have I wasn't overly worried. Having said that I won't be going back. Tracey Gilbertson 03.08.18
Not open at around 12.45 this Monday. Seem to recall this being one of the better book premises in Manchester a few years ago. Just need to be there when it is open. Steve Newman 24.01.22
Was open this jubilee Saturday. Stock is mostly unsorted on the tables with some vague attempt at categorisation on the shelves. Books on the tables are battered by being thrown haphazardly into boxes and then handled roughly. Not really the place for pristine first editions. Came away with a niche interest academic book at a tiny fraction of the price online, so quite happy. Best for people with a bit of time on their hands to root through the boxes and crates. Stive 05.06.22
Arrived at 1pm on Wednesday but sadly the shutters were down. Jon R 01.11.23
Closing down on Saturday 14.09.2024 due to redevelopment of the area. Stive 11.09.24
Removed 09.09.24 from East Anglia/Norfolk
Crab Pot Books/WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA/Staithe Street
Crab Pot Books
Staithe Street WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA NR23 1AF
map
Open:
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The stock is clearly aimed at the tourist trade but is in far better condition than 'Old & New' and priced accordingly. A 'tourist' version of their other shop just down the A149 in Cley I suspect, though I did not have the time to visit the Cley shop this time.
Less interesting than the Cley Crab Pot shop. Smallish stock of mostly more recent books at the lighter end, some perhaps remainders (or similar in type). Mark 21.11.13
I visited the shops in both Cley and Wells and in each case I was welcomed by very helpful owners. The shops are light and airy and contain a stock which is all in excellent condition, and contains some very attractive things. However, if you are looking for the sort of unusual or quirky item that hides in the corner or dusty shelf of a traditional bookshop you are not likely to find it here, and as others have already stated, the stock has a strong bent towards natural history and ornithology (probably aimed at the large holiday trade in this part of Norfolk). Worth popping in if youre in this part of the country, but don't make a special trip. Nicholas Pendower 12.02.14
The best secondhand bookshop in Wells. The prices are often very reasonable . I found some quality items . Well worth a special visit to this shop & their one in Cley. Ed Yardley 21.06.14
Friendly welcome asking if I needed help or was happy to browse (personally I love to browse). Well organised and fairly modern shop, spacious. Prices seemed reasonable enough in a fairly general stock but I didn't find anything in my main interests (military history and old football) and nothing I wanted in my others. Flip M 03.08.18
Stock in good condition but pricey.(£12.50 seemed to be a favourite price for varied titles although going up to £20.00 for larger books) Due to being in a tourist town no doubt. David 09.04.19
I visited this shop straight after the sister shop in Cley. This shop had a slightly larger stock with more history and literature than its sister store. Checking the prices of volumes I still found volumes to be at Abebook prices or above but slight lower than the shop in Cley. I strongly advise parking for free up in the town rather than near the quay where it costs £5 or £6 even for the shortest stay. This shop is worth a look if you are in town but I would not make a special visit. PeterD 14.09.22
Gone. Shop empty and up for sale/lease. Mark V 09.09.24
Removed 09.09.24 from Republic of Ireland/Co. Wexford
Red Books /GOREY/Hawthorn _ Mayblossom, 2 Rafter Street
Red Books
Hawthorn & Mayblossom, 2 Rafter Street GOREY
e-mail web
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00
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Red Books of Wexford opened this satellite outlet in 2023 at the Hawthorn & Mayblossom antique shop in the centre of Gorey. Although considerably smaller than the Wexford town shop, it has a diverse selection of good-quality second-hand books.
The Gorey branch of Red Books closed down recently, after only 15 months. The owner has decided to focus all his efforts on the main Red Books shop, in Wexford, which has seen a substantial upturn in trade in the past year and is being extended to accommodate a further 50,000 books. Booker T 09.09.24
Removed 01.09.24 from North West/Merseyside
Broadhursts of Southport Ltd/SOUTHPORT/5-7 Market Street
Broadhursts of Southport Ltd
5-7 Market Street SOUTHPORT PR8 1HD
map
tel:
01704 532064 web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.30.
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New books, and a very large secondhand stock covering a wide range of subjects, including the arts, architecture, children's, literature and fine books.
Large stock on three levels. Look hard enough in every classification for what you are seeking. Chris Harte 14.04.09
What antiquarian book shops used to be like! Good interesting stock at all price ranges, with some very uncommon titles I was pleased to buy. Well laid out, and organised. Open fires, knowledgable and friendly staff. Excellent! Robert Brown (Bookdealer) 29.06.09
Still there. Still a superb old fashioned shop with extensive stock and knowledgeable staff. Always worth a visit. Norman Davies 12.07.12
Absolutely top quality bookshop. A little like stepping back in time and discussing books with a very urbane, pleasant gentleman. I spent £50 on one book, good value and I just couldn't refuse. CB 06.04.13
My favourite shop! An interesting selection of new books on the ground floor, a very good stock of children's books on the first floor and masses of antiquarian and secondhand books everywhere else. Staff friendly and knowledgeable. Michael 21.11.13
Friendly, courteous, with old world charm. Offers both collectable higher end books and very reasonably priced general stock. A pleasure to visit. Mark V 28.05.16
Short walk from Parkinsons also just off Lord Street. The ground floor is a very good new book shop so there is probably less secondhand stock on the other floors than Parkinsons and it is (from my point of view) a bit less diverse but still better than most and prices still reasonable. John Allen 28.03.18
Still as good as ever. Ground floor new books contain a large holding of local publications. Upper floors are a dream for both general visitors and collectors. I spent well into three figures on titles and am very pleased to have purchased some excellent books. WWAD. Chris Harte 14.06.18
For the first time I did not have to worry about traffic wardens so took my time. In the fifteen months since my last visit the stock of my interests had been refreshed. Spent nearly four hours minutely examining the stock and found some lovely old titles. This is a quality shop. Chris Harte 22.09.19
One of my favourite bookshops, I visit every few months and always come away with a pile of excellent books. Archive61 04.10.21
Still as amazing as ever. I never fail to be dumbfounded by what is on the shelves of this three storey building. Was I starting all over again (and had the money) I would buy in bulk, for there really are some gems and very rare items on offer. WWAD. Chris 04.05.24
Sad to report that this long-established and well-loved bookshop announced on 30 August its permanent closure with immediate effect: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjv02z24z6o Mark V 31.08.24
Dreadful, dreadful news. This wonderful bookshop has closed its doors and made all their booksellers redundant. No reason has yet been given for the closure. I am very, very sad as it was the only reason I ever visited the town. Chris 01.09.24
Removed 31.08.24 from Central/Lincolnshire
Alan Redmond Books/SLEAFORD/25 High St Billingborough
Alan Redmond Books
25 High St Billingborough SLEAFORD NG34 0QB
map
tel:
01529240215
Open: Saturday Sunday and bank holidays 10.00 - 5.00, mid-March to late October
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Established 1981, three big rooms filled with books, fiction and non-fiction. Cash only, ATMs nearby.
This was a duplicate, our error. The shop was listed as Rebecca Redmond but is now trading as Alan Redmond Books, its original name. TBG2 31.08.24
Removed 23.08.24 from Central/Herefordshire
Retro Station/LEOMINSTER/Unit 11-13 Station Yard Industrial Estate
The Retro Station
Unit 11-13 Station Yard Industrial Estate LEOMINSTER HR6 8TW
map
tel:
01568 610614 web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
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A number of bookcases and some stock displayed in boxes on the floor.
Just along from St Michael's Hospice Coffee & Bookstore in Station Yard, Leominster two units of the industrial estate are occupied by The Retro Station a vintage and antique warehouse. In amongst the display cabinets and racks of clothing are a number of bookcases. Some stock is displayed in boxes on the floor. The displays seem a little random with antiquarian books and mass market sharing the same shelf space. Although the prices are very fair. I came away with 50+ old Penguins. Plenty of parking outside. Booksellerbull 02.01.20
We nearly didn’t go in due to the fierce ‘no mask, no entry’ sign as we didn’t have masks. Then we noticed the woman at the desk wasn’t wearing a mask. Very disappointing visit, previously picked up a pile of interesting, reasonably priced books but it appears there has been no new stock. The majority of books are 50p each but they are sub charity shop level, mostly old gardening and cookery books. Definitely NWAD HB 20.03.22
Hardly a book to be seen other than the junk that washes up in dusty piles in antiques centres. Should not be listed here. PeterM 08.09.22
Plenty of books here, dotted around and at least two rooms full of them. Yes, quality is variable, but many are 50p (including loads of Penguins) and bargains can be found. Definitely should be listed! PaulH 03.11.22
Barely any books still here - a few £1 junk titles so probably needs removing now. Ghost of Drif 23.08.24
Removed 23.08.24 from Central/Shropshire
Books By Moonlight/CHURCH STRETTON/2 Burway Road
Books By Moonlight
2 Burway Road CHURCH STRETTON SY6 6DL
map
tel:
07903790005 e-mail web
Open: Monday 12.00 - 3.30, Tuesday - Friday 10.30 - 3.30, Saturday 10.30 - 3.00
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A new small friendly bespoke secondhand bookshop with a broad range of subjects. Mind body & spirit, psychology, history, large fiction section, classics, literature, poetry, vintage books, natural world, transport, local interest, biographies, photography, craft, hobbies, children's, travel, TV & film, politics, economics and art.
A tiny bookshop but chock full, for its size It is doing a great job. BAZZA 28.03.23
A tiny bookshop, full to overflowing, it can be difficult to turn round. Emphasis on paperback fiction, prices seem towards the higher end of the expected range but presumably it works in a town with lots of visitors HB 25.02.24
Also sells on Abebooks. A sign near the till tells you to ask about those books as they are presumably not on the shelves. Stive 07.03.24
Removed 13.08.24 from Northern Ireland/Co. Fermanagh
Gowan Books/ENNISKILLEN/DrumarawSpringfield
Gowan Books
Drumaraw Springfield ENNISKILLEN BT74 8AS
map
tel:
028 66341239 e-mail web
Open: Saturday afternoons or by appointment
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Our present stock is approximately 50,000 theology and 12,000 in other categories.
A splendid old-fashioned bookshop in a huge shed behind a farmhouse. Specialises in religious books but much else besides, particularly books on Ireland. I bought an armful while there and also some I ordered by post direct from the shop after I returned home. Recommended, but beware it is not easy to find: you need a car and you must watch out for a tiny sign on the left which is only visible if you come from the Enniskillen direction. Brian Cox 13.06.19
Sadly, the proprietor, John Gowan, who opened this bookshop over 30 years ago, died in February after a short illness. As a consequence, the opening hours here are greatly reduced. There is currently no functional website and so, for those who cannot get to the shop in person, the most viable approach is probably to email to request a catalogue - Mr Gowan used to issue these at regular intervals; the most recent one was produced in January - or send in a 'wants' list. The shop has tens of thousands of books, the main source of which has been the libraries of retired or deceased clergymen. Its main specialities are theological works and books of Irish interest (notably history and topography). There is a substantial antiquarian stock. Booker T 16.06.24
Some more bad news to report, following the recent death of the owner. The shop's last day of opening to the public was 29th June. The Gowan family have announced that they plan to take the business online only, on a trial basis, although at the moment there is no functional website. Booker T 13.08.24
Removed 12.08.24 from London/WC & EC Postcodes
Witch Ball/CHARING CROSS/2 Cecil Court
The Witch Ball
2 Cecil Court CHARING CROSS WC2N 4HE
map
tel:
020 7836 2922 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 6.30.
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Antiquarian print shop, specialists in the performing arts.
I called in here yesterday to check it out (the shop is open on Sundays). I immediately detected an extreme absence of books. I therefore quizzed the charming proprietor, who informed me that she was mystified by her shop's presence in TBG as it has never sold them. The shop specialises in 20th-century French prints, some of which seemed rather nice. Booker T 12.08.24
Removed 12.08.24 from London/WC & EC Postcodes
Storeys Ltd/CHARING CROSS/1 _ 3 Cecil Court
Storeys Ltd
1 & 3 Cecil Court CHARING CROSS WC2N 4EZ
map
tel:
020 7836 3777
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00.
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Antiquarian engravings, maps and prints.
I called in here yesterday (the shop is open on Sundays, from 11am to 5pm) and had a chat with the staff. It is an antiquarian print and map dealership - and a rather good one too - but it is no longer a bookshop. There was a time, some years ago, when it did sell books in fairly substantial quantities. Nowadays, however, it acquires them only to remove the illustrations and maps, which renders the volumes unsaleable. Very occasionally, it has a few books that have not been dissected in this way. At the moment, these number precisely 12. Booker T 12.08.24
Removed 10.08.24 from South East/East Sussex
Wax Factor/BRIGHTON/24 Trafalgar Street
The Wax Factor
24 Trafalgar Street BRIGHTON BN1 4EQ
map
tel:
01273 673744 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.15 - 5.30.
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A vinyl and CD shop with a good selection of hardbacks and paperbacks covering a wide range of subjects.
Sells more records than books, but has a relatively large stock of books too (for example, it's bigger than the stock at the BHF Books & Music in Brighton). M&O 02.10.12
Crammed with stock, with a bias towards esoterica, underground books, cinema, and local interest. The window displays never fail to draw you in with rare or intriguing titles and even the discards outside yield bizarre finds. Oh, and downstairs you'll find compilations of 60s music you'll never see elsewhere -- even online. Paul O 13.10.12
Plenty to interest on the (book) shelves with a bias to the Arts - and and an enormous variety of music. Herne 22.10.12
Predominately a very good record shop but with an interesting selection of books-largely art, photographic, music, film , arts related at reasonable prices. Worth a detour if within your interests. Car park nearby. The Drifter 14.08.13
It's worth persevering with the extremely narrow aisles for pleasingly keen prices: strong on esoterica, witchcraft and healing. There's a shelf of Sussex local interest near the front counter. Nicholas Sack 08.04.15
Not bad but the stock never seems to change. It would be better if the books and vinyl / CD/ DVD were completely separate, the lower shelved titles are very difficult to see in the narrow aisles. Jon Morgan 26.09.15
Bought a very good item - SUSSEX: EAST (Yale). Cost me £15. Rather more s/h vinyl and CDs though. (You can have some lunch there too.) Chris K 15.09.17
Sadly my limbo dancing skills deserted me many many years ago so unable to get at bottom shelves in aisles reminiscent of tube rush hours. However there did appear to be some decent books for those who could reach them. Norman Davies 31.05.18
Small stock, mostly paperbacks. This is principally a music shop. Laurence Purcell 01.09.21
Several cases of fiction and non-fiction; music books are at the back of the shop. An eclectic mix, including Arnold Whittick's hefty guide to European architecture in twentieth century - at three quid, a steal. From the window display I bought two handsome Middleton Press titles on Sussex railways, bargains again at three pounds each. Well worth a shufty. Nicholas Sack 31.01.22
I have visited this well organized shop on and off for years. The stock is mostly vinyl records and compact discs, but it does sell a fairly good selection of secondhand books. For those, like myself, who enjoy science fiction literature, at the rear of the shop there is a nice selection of science fiction books. On the same street, by the way, is the quirky and charming Raining Books, which also boasts a science fiction selection (in the spectacularly untidy basement). Richard 04.03.24
I visited this shop today and sadly I was informed by the owner of the business that they no longer sell books. They are concentrating on their vinyl, CDs, and music related merchandise. As a retailer, The Wax Factor was always geared mainly towards this, but now, unfortunately for us book lovers, this is entirely so. They have also relocated their shop to a premises just around the corner, on Tidy Street. But as they no longer sells books, its inclusion here on this website is, regrettably, no longer valid. Richard 10.08.24
Removed 08.08.24 from Scotland/Glasgow
London Road Market/GLASGOW/The Barras
London Road Market
The Barras GLASGOW G40 1PE
map
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Contributor Mark V has proved there's no such thing. This is the London Road entrance to the Barras market, already listed under Books at the Barras. TBG2 08.08.24
Removed 06.08.24 from Southern/Dorset
Lymelight Books _ Prints/LYME REGIS/4 Drakes Way
Lymelight Books & Prints
4 Drakes Way LYME REGIS DT7 3QP
map
tel:
01297443464 e-mail
Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10.30 - 4.00
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Small collectors/dealers stock. Emphasis on quality. Worth visiting if you're in the area. Don't expect to find any cheap bargains but nice to see such good books.
Keen on the local notables (Lawrence, Hardy et al). Owner also part of Bath Old Books co-op.
Shop is in little court off main st, RH side going up the hill.
No longer there. I mentioned this to the town's other booksellers, who told me that it closed down about five years ago. Booker T 06.08.24
Removed 05.08.24 from South West/Gloucestershire
Old Ironmongers Centre/LECHLADE/Burford Street
The Old Ironmongers Centre
Burford Street LECHLADE GL7 3AP
map
tel:
01367 252397
Open: Monday - Sunday 10.00 - 5.00.
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Two dealers with general secondhand stock.
Now down to 2 book dealers. This means that the most interesting and collectable selection has gone. David Loach 11.05.15
Closed during lockdown, the Town Clerk advises. Premises now a mental health support service. Mark V 05.08.24
Removed 31.07.24 from South West/Devon
SolBooks/BARNSTAPLE/2 Bridge Street Chambers
SolBooks
2 Bridge Street Chambers The Strand BARNSTAPLE EX31 1HB
map
tel:
01271 327319
Open: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 4.00.
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Charity bookshop selling donated books.
Worth a look if you're in town. TBG 17.07.10
Better than average collection for a charity shop; good range of subjects. All books seem to be on the internet but are for sale. Norman Davies 22.09.11
Revisited today - same comments still apply. Worth a look if in town. Norman Davies 28.02.15
Opening hours are wrong. They don't open on Saturdays. PLF 15.02.20
This bookshop is now permanently closed, from about May 2024 RS 31.07.24
Removed 30.07.24 from North East/Northumberland
Alphabet Soup/BLYTH/13 Bowes Street
Alphabet Soup
13 Bowes Street BLYTH NE24 1BD
map
tel:
01670 797804
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 4.00.
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Mostly fiction.
Closed. Now a cafe: https://www.l-ofabake.co.uk/. Mark V 30.07.24
Removed 28.07.24 from Republic of Ireland/Co. Dublin
Market Bookshop//(in Blackrock Market)
The Market Bookshop
(in Blackrock Market) 19A Main Street BLACKROCK Co. Dublin
tel:
086 395 0987 web
Open: Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays - 11:00 - 5.30.
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About 2,000 books, Irish interest, arts, humanities, literature, rare and collectable. High turnover in stock with 100s of new titles arriving every week.
Don't know whether we chose a bad Sunday for this but just 3 stalls selling overpriced and not very good paperbacks. David 18.08.16
I'm not sure if the reviewer found our shop (upstairs) in the market. We are choked with obscure and collectible hardcover books, some of our customers go around and put a zero at the end of my prices as that's what they've paid elsewere. Tim (owner) 13.05.17
Now the Temple Bar Bookshop Co. Dublin. TBG2 28.07.24
Removed 24.07.24 from South East/West Sussex
Kim_s Bookshop/CHICHESTER/28 South Street
Kim's Bookshop
28 South Street CHICHESTER PO19 1EL
map
tel:
01243 778477 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.30.
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Four rooms of general stock, art and topography and a paperback room.
I often go into bookshops and wonder why they bother. Shelves full of Oxfam material and all my queries were answered by: "You'll find that in our Arundel shop." Chris Harte 12.08.09
Great shop. Staff very helpful in assisting me, they did not have what I wanted secondhand but were able to locate it brand new. Great art selection. Marcus Jones 11.12.09
I managed to find a lovely range of unusal books here. Also one from their Arundel shop was brought over for me. Staff was very helpful. Fab selection of motoring for Goodwood days including rare. One of my favourite shops. tiffjolie 11.12.09
Great shop. Not as big as Arundel but still loads to choose from. Marcus True 21.12.09
Seems to be under new management but still keeping up a good standard. Well worth visiting for topography and transport. Herne 24.02.10
Topography is a strong suit as is the performing arts. A well laid out shop. Herne 30.03.11
Back again after an interval. There is now a third floor for fiction. Topography remains the strong suit but music well represented. Herne 03.06.16
Like the Arundel one, I loved this shop - most areas, very good extensive stock, came away with many transport and topo titles. Norman Davies 08.04.17
Lovely bookshop. Friendly staff. Fiction and nonfiction. Jayne 16.11.21
I've visited this bookshop a few times now. Friendly welcome from owner/staff. A helpful list of subjects on the wall telling you what floor and room to find books. Hardback and paperback. Fiction and nonfiction. A bit pricey for me. My son bought some rare finds at good prices and was very happy. Well worth a visit. Jayne 22.03.22
A visit To Kim's - whose Worthing shop (much missed) and Arundel shops I used to visit often.
On this occasion I was in Chichester to visit the fabulous John Craxton exhibition at the nearby Pallant House Gallery - It was open house and free on Saturday. His paintings both pre- and post-war are superb and the bonus was the original artwork for Patrick Leigh Fermor's magnificent books - a Time of Gifts and Between the Woods and the Water, Mani and Roumeli as well as many others - George Psychoundakis' the Cretan Runner amongst them.
This shop is a PROPER' bookshop, on three floors (bring oxygen) those stock is extensive but occasionally pricey. Fiction is on the top floor, Children's fiction on the ground floor. A good selection of Folio including Leigh Fermor's books. We arrived just before closing time but the gentleman on the till stayed open for us, as well as for others who entered as we were still there.
Worth a detour in my view. Now I just have to find an excuse to get back to Arundel. Firedrake 07.04.24
Closing down sale announced on its Facebook page from today, 14 June 2024. 25% off all books. Does not affect its Arundel shop. Mark V 14.06.24
Removed 23.07.24 from North East/Tyne And Wear
A Little Bookshop/WASHINGTON/23-24 Inshops
A Little Bookshop
23-24 Inshops The Galleries WASHINGTON NE38 7RT
map
tel:
07539 949862 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.30.
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A range of new and used fiction and a small selection of non-fiction. We offer a book ordering and finding service.
A shop that is a bit grubby looking and over priced, staff very surly and miserable. M Mouse 08.05.12
This shop is no longer listed at The Galleries website nor on its guide and map at https://www.gallerieswashington.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/A3-web-map-NOV-17.pdf, though other (remainder) bookshops are. It looks like it has gone. Mark V 23.07.24
Removed 22.07.24 from North East/East Yorkshire
Countryman Books/WILLERBY/Southrise
Countryman Books
Southrise Great Gutter Lane West WILLERBY HU10 6DP
map
tel:
01482 869710 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00, closed Wednesday.
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Specialist dealers in quality rare, and collectable fishing, shooting, hunting, big game hunting, dogs and horse books Also books written and illustrated by Cecil Aldin and Lionel Edwards. Please telephone before setting off to ensure the shop is open.
Spoke to the former proprietor, who told me that the business is no longer trading. It closed down a few years ago. Booker T 22.07.24
Removed 20.07.24 from East Anglia/Norfolk
Books For Amnesty/NORWICH/82 St Benedicts St
Books For Amnesty
82 St Benedicts St NORWICH NR2 4AB
map
tel:
01603 627078 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00
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CLOSING in July, 50% off everything until then.
Not a bad stock in a light and airy shop. The staff were pricing items according to ABE listings — Oh dear! general prices were quite good though and on a par with Oxfam. Jon Morgan 13.06.19
A bright and spacious shop, well laid-out with a fair few publisher's remainders.
Decent prices (except the Bandes Dessinées which were just silly) A good stock of history and modern fiction.
Chatting with very friendly and knowledgeable manager, there are plans for events in the shop, ie readings, promotions etc. He also let slip that Amnesty are planning a serious expansion of their bookshop arm from the current 10 or so to increase by 25. If you come across a new one please let the TBG know. He did undertake to let Amnesty Central know about TBG so we may get a heads-up from that direction.
There is a small pay and display car park just down the road and in good weather it is only a 5-10 minute schlep into Norwich centre. Firedrake 22.01.22
Large and bright. But like all Amnesty shops I've visited there is very little collectible stock. Most books seemed nearly new. Does all the old or interesting stock go to auction somewhere? I didn't see a single book that I would even take off the shelf. PeterM 18.03.22
Can only agree with PeterM. There were a few old books but even those were mostly charity shop fare Stive 26.03.22
I found some good history and literature books, all sensibly priced. I visited mid morning on Saturday and the place was deserted. In fact I go once a year, always on a Saturday, and it's always the same! The shop doesn't seem to have found its niche although much closer to the city centre than before, it is on a quiet road. PLF 28.04.24
The shop will be closing for good in July 2024, details on Instagram Palgolak 04.06.24
Last day of trading is scheduled to be Saturday 20th July. Booker T 26.06.24
Removed 19.07.24 from North East/West Yorkshire
Books On The Lane/WAKEFIELD/59 Oakenshaw LaneWalton
Books On The Lane
59 Oakenshaw Lane Walton WAKEFIELD WF2 6NJ
map
tel:
01924 255666 e-mail web
Open: Thursday & Friday 10.00 - 6.00, Saturday 10.00 - 4-00
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Secondhand and contemporary. Recommended poetry selection plus fiction, literature,art, collectors penguin, crime, thrillers, children's, maps. Something for everyone. All profit to The Yorkshire Live Music Project C.I.C.
Now sells new books only. On occasion, there may be half a shelf of second-hand books for sale, but nothing more than that. The business is a herb nursery with a bookshop on the premises. Booker T 19.07.24
Removed 17.07.24 from North West/Lancashire
Great Grandfather_s Books/LEYLAND/82 Towngate
Great Grandfather's Books
82 Towngate LEYLAND PR25 2LR
map
tel:
01772 422268 web
CLOSED since the pandemic
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Over 15,000 secondhand books in most subject areas and prices ranges. 5 mins from M6 Junction 28, follow signs for Civic Centre and the shop on left just before second set of lights.
Very pleasant owner who found it no problem to guide me through his holdings. Some excellent Lancashire material and recommended for those who collect such things. Chris Harte 27.07.09
One of my favourite bookshops in the area. A good selection of titles and subjects. Michael 21.11.13
Very helpful and friendly seller,lots of stock to look through and the shop has a lovely old fashioned feel about it.I recommend a visit. Check visiting times before you go. Hydraulic 16.09.14
Excellent, welcoming and interesting. Two floors crammed with a wide range and reasonably priced. The proprietor's desk is surrounded by old clocks, mysteriously all telling a different time. Mark V 28.05.16
I loved this shop - gloriously old fashioned, 2 floors crammed with books, irresistible to make a few purchases. Shelves full and also many floor bound boxes. Friendly seller too. Norman Davies 06.02.17
Closed during the first lockdown and never reopened since according to the shop next door. Still closed as of September 2021. Stock still visible inside via the shop window so may reopen one day. Stive 26.09.21
According to the owner's website the shop has indeed been closed since the pandemic and if it ever reopens an announcement will be made on said website. There has not been a single post made to the Facebook page since 2021 and no response from the owner.
Until further notice, the shop is closed. Stive 17.09.23
I spoke to the owner, Greg, who confirmed that the shop - which he opened way back in 1985 - is now permanently closed. He had hoped to reopen it, but has finally decided to retire. The shop was very well-regarded (as its TBG reviews testify) and its closure is a real shame. Booker T 16.07.24
Removed 10.07.24 from Southern/Dorset
Ida_s Country Corner/CHARMOUTH/The Street
Ida's Country Corner
The Street CHARMOUTH DT6 6PX
map
tel:
01297 560252
Open: 7 days, 8.00 - 6.00 in summer, 9.00 - 5.00 in winter.
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Small but growing stock of secondhand books, OS maps and prints. Westcountry books and railways.
Long gone. The shop closed down on Christmas Eve 2010 as the owners were moving away. The premises are now occupied by Charmouth Pharmacy, which moved here in early 2011. Booker T 10.07.24
Removed 08.07.24 from East Anglia/Norfolk
Shiloah Books/CROMER/23 Church Street
Shiloah Books
23 Church Street CROMER NR27 9ES
map
tel:
01263 515691 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.30.
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Newly opened secondhand bookshop with a growing stock of good quality general books in excellent condition. Clean and bright with a wide subject range.
Quite a small shop but a very bright and "new" feel. Prices were often a bit on the high side for what I was looking at but I did find a signed HB 1st Ed for £12 which I thought more than reasonable. Unusual to see a new SH bookshop so I hope it thrives. Has a set of shelves devoted to religious books but also covers other topics - its not just "a christian bookshop". Only a few minutes walk from Bookworms and a few doors away from Much Binding - when the latter is open - so worth a visit! Flip M 18.02.17
A well stocked,organised and friendly bookshop. It provides a good range of genres both fiction and non-fiction. What a pleasant surprise to find this little gem by the sea! Well worth a visit. Mr C 25.05.17
This is a Christian bookshop selling new books that has now got 2 rooms of secondhand books. There is not a very large stock but there are some volumes of interest. Apparently the owner does buy lots at auction so you never know what might be there. Prices are very much determined (and checked) to be in line with Abebooks - so there are no bargains I am afraid. Maybe worth a quick check if you are in Cromer but not worth a special trip. PeterD 13.09.22
Removed 03.07.24 from South West/Cornwall
Book Shop/LISKEARD/2 Barras Street
The Book Shop
2 Barras Street LISKEARD PL14 6AD
map
tel:
01579 342112
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New bookshop, no obvious secondhand stock! Ghost of Driff 08.10.21
The previous reviewer was correct - there is no longer any second-hand stock here. The shop changed hands about six years ago and began to sell only new books shortly after that. Booker T 03.07.24
Removed 03.07.24 from North East/South Yorkshire
Oxfam Bookshop/SHEFFIELD/Sheffield University Union
Oxfam Bookshop
Sheffield University Union Unit 3 Graves Hall SHEFFIELD S10 2TG
map
tel:
0114 276 1922
Add a comment
This shop closed down a long time ago. Booker T 03.07.24
Removed 30.06.24 from Wales/West Wales
Oxfam Shop/HAVERFORDWEST/45a High Street
Oxfam Shop
45a High Street HAVERFORDWEST SA61 2BN
map
tel:
01437 760739 web
Add a comment
The whole of the large first-floor is devoted to a wide selection of books. Everything is shelved by category. The collectables section had some interesting titles but the pricing was all over the place. There were bargains here for the taking. Chris Harte 12.01.12
Very disappointing. Sadly Chris, no longer anything but standard Oxfam fare, odd goodies at silly prices. Norman Davies 03.07.15
Sadly, Norman's comments of three years ago still apply. Quality has plummeted while prices have soared upwards. There were books in the £12 to £14 range which were barely worth a couple of quid. I await a new manageress and sensible pricing. Chris 03.08.18
With a new manager in place the first-floor bookshop area is now split between books and vinyl. The books are, however, well categorised with military to the fore. There were quite a few collectable items, some of which were very keenly priced. Christopher Harte 04.09.21
Pricing is now very reasonable. The Fiction section has grown larger. Military still good especially in the Welsh section. However, vinyl is taking up more space in the upstairs area. A few pre-1970 books of which I purchased four for under a fiver. Chris 31.12.22
Like many of the charity shops in run down Haverfordwest the problem of getting volunteers is now becoming a problem. Today Oxfam opened at noon and I waited, with others, for the doors to open. I'm glad I did for the first-floor book area offerings were of a good quality, slightly over-priced but not to be criticised. The book floor manager knew his subject and was able to categorise for easy viewing. I purchased some good titles so can't complain. Chris 10.02.24
Regrettably, the shop closed about a month ago. Costly work to remove asbestos from the upper floors of the building is needed, but even though the branch was profitable and there are many vacant premises in the centre of Haverfordwest, Oxfam GB - against the wishes of many of its volunteers - decided not to relocate but to pull out of the town altogether. Booker T 30.06.24
Removed 28.06.24 from North East/West Yorkshire
Oxfam Shop/BRADFORD/54-58 Darley Street
Oxfam Shop
54-58 Darley Street BRADFORD BD1 3HN
map
tel:
01274 306700 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 4.00
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Big and varied stock, fiction and non fiction, in very large shop premises. Extensive range of novels available, both popular and classics. Non-fiction subjects covered include history, sport, biography, travel, religion, etc. Also DVDs and music CDs.
First went to Bradford back in the late '90s. A good place - some interesting books for sale. Do hope to return there soon. Chris K 10.06.17
The bookshop is on the large first floor above Oxfam general retail below. So disability access not good. Prices are very good. Intermittent management of stock I feel. Turnover might be on the low side. Make the most of the view out the window. David Hockney painted a very early streetscape from this room. SaltaireTom 24.10.22
A correction to my last review. The large first floor book room does have disability access with a dedicated wheelchair compatible lift. SaltaireTom 30.04.23
A forlorn look to the Oxfam upstairs bookroom this afternoon. Acres of unused empty shelving. Stock levels depleted. No change of stock on the collectables shelves. Everything looking a tad anaemic and well rifled. The whole thing needs a refresh. Can Oxfam Bradford find the fresh stock and more importantly the willing volunteers to carry through the task. The large book room upstairs is strictly speaking an add-on to the retail downstairs & appears not to have dedicated staff. In the past stock renewal & rotation was a good deal more consistent. A disappointing & disheartening visit. SaltaireTom 08.12.23
Sadly the upstairs dedicated book room has now permanently closed at this city centre Oxfam branch. Visiting yesterday I see books have been relegated to the selling space at the back of the room downstairs with general retail. The book stock seems to have shrunk to about 20% of what was upstairs but most categories have been retained. All probably driven by lack of stock or volunteers or low footfall. The writing has been on the wall for a time. SaltaireTom 28.06.24
Removed 26.06.24 from South East/Kent
Cinque Ports Military Bookshop/TENTERDEN/The Old Stables
Cinque Ports Military Bookshop
The Old Stables 2B East Cross High Street TENTERDEN TN30 6AD
map
tel:
01580 766224 e-mail web
Open: Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
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Specialist military bookshop, opens January 2012 on Saturdays only. All books at reasonable prices, please contact before travelling any distance. Military books across a range of subjects.
A good stock of books in very good condition and at competitive prices. The owner is knowledgeable in his field, amiable and pays fairly when he buys books. David H 18.04.16
The shop closed in 2023 when the owner relocated to Whitchurch, Shropshire. The business is still trading, as CP Militaria, but is now online only. Booker T 26.06.24
Removed 26.06.24 from South West/Devon
Sea Chest Nautical Bookshop/PLYMOUTH/Queen Anne_s Battery Marina
The Sea Chest Nautical Bookshop
Queen Anne's Battery Marina Coxside PLYMOUTH PL4 0LP
map
tel:
01752 222012 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
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A comprehensive stock of new and secondhand books and Admiralty charts.
The Plymouth shop has closed. The business now has new owners and has moved to the distinctly unmaritime location of Stoke Newington, London N16. It now has a shop there, Sea Chest, but this carries new stock only and does not sell second-hand books or charts. Booker T 26.06.24
Removed 24.06.24 from South West/Devon
Bookbag/EXETER/7-10 McCoys Arcade, Fore Street
Bookbag
7-10 McCoys Arcade, Fore Street EXETER EX4 3AN
map
tel:
01392 757910 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00, Sunday 11.00 - 3.00
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Mainly new books, but with a second-hand section. McCoys Arcade is at the lower end of Fore Street, near the junction with Bartholomew Street West.
This independent bookshop, which opened in 2020, has recently started selling second-hand books as well as new ones. Booker T 04.05.24
Sadly, things have gone backwards here, although it remains a nice little shop. Bookbag began stocking second-hand books last year, and it was building up its stock. I called in, hoping to see further progress, only to find that the second-hand section has been reduced to the extent that it is now too small for TBG to list. Upon enquiring, I was told that the shop needed to prioritise space for new books. Booker T 23.06.24
Removed 24.06.24 from South West/Cornwall
Willow Books/REDRUTH/Unit 2A
Willow Books
Unit 2A United Downs Industrial Estate St Day REDRUTH TR16 5HY
map
tel:
01209 822011 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00.
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Cornish bookshop including mining, geological, art, industrial heritage,language cooking, cycling, maps, guides and anything else relating to Cornwall. We are primarily an internet book shop but are always delighted for customers to come to our warehouse. Please telephone for details.
Website defunct and premises last used by Tormark Ltd, a publisher mostly of Cornish and West Country books. No indication of second-hand books. Mark V 22.06.24
Removed 24.06.24 from North West/Merseyside
Passionate About Books/WALLASEY/140 Seaview Road
Passionate About Books
140 Seaview Road WALLASEY CH45 4PE
map
e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
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Situated a short distance from the centre of Liscard, up near ASDA, a well-arranged second hand bookshop.
Nicely organised, good stock, reasonable prices. Worth a visit. The Wanderer 21.09.13
Shop is now extended into back room which has the title the temple of peace. Extensive theology section, 19th and 20th century English and american classics as well as lots of reasonably priced folios. booklover 18.12.13
Great selection of fantasy and Sci-Fi. The Owner is more than happy to point out good authors. I'm quite sure he left the shop open late because I was still shopping! Steve 13.01.17
I've intended to visit this shop for years & finally did yesterday. Well worth the visit, interesting books, low priced & a very nice owner. He's interesting too, knows about the authors & his stock. Very helpful & pleasant to talk to. Gen 10.03.17
This seems to have gone: premises now a tattoo parlour. Mark V 22.06.24
Removed 22.06.24 from South West/Somerset
Double-B-Books/TEMPLE CLOUD/Gillards Warehouse Trident Works
Double-B-Books
Gillards Warehouse Trident Works Marsh Lane TEMPLE CLOUD BS39 5AZ
map
tel:
01761 451365 e-mail web
Open: Appointment only Monday - Friday 8.00 - 4.00.
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Antiquarian, art, Folio Society, history, private press. For an idea of the sort of stock we carry why not visit our website.
Website is dead juniorbonner 28.07.21
Website defunct as noted above and the premises is now a warehousing and distribution firm:
https://www.gillards.com/about/contact/
Looks pretty certainly gone. Mark V 22.06.24
Removed 19.06.24 from Republic of Ireland/Co. Galway
MW Books/CLAREGALWAY/N18 Lydican
MW Books
N18 Lydican CLAREGALWAY H91X 7E2
tel:
0876 927443 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 4.00.
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150,000 hand-picked titles covering all areas of the Humanities. Publication dates range from the 1500s to the present in a dedicated 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse.
I spoke to the proprietors, who informed me that this is now an online seller only. The premises are not open to the public. Booker T 17.06.24
Removed 19.06.24 from Southern/Dorset
St Martin_s Charity Bookshop/BOURNEMOUTH/113 Belle Vue Rd Southbourne
St Martin's Charity Bookshop
113 Belle Vue Rd Southbourne BOURNEMOUTH BH6 3DJ
map
tel:
01202419119
Open: Monday 9.00 - 3.00, Tuesday Friday & Saturday 10.00 - 3.00, Wednesday 10.00 - 4.00
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This shop closed on 29th February, after almost a quarter of a century, owing to a sharply reduced level of custom. In its heyday, it apparently raised £200 a week from book sales, but recently the figure had dropped to below £80. Booker T 17.06.24
Removed 19.06.24 from Wales/South Wales
Stephen_s Bookshop/MONMOUTH/3 Church Street
Stephen's Bookshop
3 Church Street MONMOUTH NP25 3BX
map
tel:
01600 713701 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00, Sunday 10.00 to 4.00
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Bookshop selling both new and secondhand books. Fiction and non fiction.
I believe this is now Rossiter Books, and is part of a chain of shops along the Wales/England border. It does NOT sell secondhand books. New books and greeting cards et al. Chris 16.06.24
No longer has any secondhand stock. Chris 19.06.24
Removed 16.06.24 from Wales/South Wales
Troutmark/NEWPORT/5 Griffin Street
Troutmark
5 Griffin Street NEWPORT NP20 1GL
map
tel:
01637 216208 e-mail web
Open: Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00
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Now open at new Griffin St premises. Paperback fiction and some hardback non-fiction.
This market stall has closed-the market is being modernised. However a shop in the next street has been decorated in the Troutmark livery; it seems full of boxes of books, but is yet to open. Hafren 26.10.21
Thu-Sat only for the moment. Stive 22.06.22
Made a special Saturday journey to Newport to find the shop with its shutters down, an incomprehensible scrawled message on the door and with the metal gates closed and padlocked. With most of the other shops in the street appearing to be empty I wonder if this shop has gone the same way. Chris 25.03.23
Telephone disconnected. According to a nearby shop owner, the tenant of Troutmark normally collects his mail every other Friday but does not open the shop. Chris 15.06.24
Removed 12.06.24 from Central/Lincolnshire
Lindum Books /LINCOLN/4 Bailgate
Lindum Books
4 Bailgate LINCOLN LN1 3AE
map
tel:
01522 262374 e-mail
Open: Currently variable - ring first
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Our first floor is dedicated to secondhand books, with 2 rooms of books in all genres.
Friendly welcome. Fiction and nonfiction. Hardback and paperback. Some bargains. Some are a bit pricey. We didn't buy anything. Jayne 19.04.22
Tried a couple of times (unsuccessfully) to visit this shop. It posts hours of 10-5 every day except Sunday on the door. But this is not when it’s open. I strongly advise you ‘seek an appointment or check it’s open before you visit. PeterD 08.09.22
Pleasant and well presented new books downstairs and two rooms of second-hand and remainders upstairs. Paperbacks looked like charity shop rejects but there were some interesting hardbacks although the high prices were too much for me. Perhaps tourists with a good exchange rate will find them affordable. Nice location with plenty of places to get a cup of something within easy walking distance. Steven 08.02.23
We were pleased to see this shop was open on arrival. Unfortunately, the positive mood did not last. Upon enquiring of the lady at the till about the secondhand books we were informed that they are no longer selling them. It is now new books only. David 12.06.24
Removed 09.06.24 from South East/West Sussex
Barnardo_s/EAST GRINSTEAD/10 London Road
Barnardo's
10 London Road EAST GRINSTEAD RH19 1AG
map
tel:
01342 315303
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Donated books.
Now have a dedicated bookshop on the first floor of their 'normal' charity shop. Good general selection. There appears to be a healthy trend developing of the other 'main stream' charity shops playing 'catch up' with Oxfam. About time they had some competition in this sector, might even drive Oxfam's prices down, one can live in hope! Steve Newman 16.08.11
Upper floor of books permanently closed. Now has just a couple of shelves of paperbacks on the ground floor. Nicholas Sack 03.07.14
Couldn't see this anywhere - presumably closed. Many empty shops in this street. PeterM 09.06.24
Removed 09.06.24 from North West/Lancashire
Pages Book Shop/BARNOLDSWICK/33 Albert Road
Pages Book Shop
33 Albert Road BARNOLDSWICK BB18 5AA
map
tel:
07748 126202 e-mail
Open: Monday - Thursday, Saturday 9.30 - 4.00
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Moved in December 2020 from Settle. Specialises in buying and selling good quality secondhand Books.
Two rooms of general stock, particularly good on Penguins, crime fiction, literature, and history. Mark 29.07.14
Now closed Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays, with a note on the door apologising for not always being open as advertised. Probably best to ring first if travelling. Mark V 15.06.15
Small but packed with good titles. A little gem. Roger G 15.01.18
Definitely don't travel without checking - twice within a year I've tried to visit on a Thursday, only to find the shop locked and a post-it on the door. Can't comment on their merits as a bookshop since I've yet to make it through the door! Kaye 24.03.19
Definitely a good selection of Penguins and healthy stocks of non-fiction too. Small but interesting stock, was open on a wet Tuesday afternoon. Down an alleyway but visible from the main street. Graeme Rendall 13.06.19
Sadly, this shop closed down in July 2022. Barnoldswick is a very pleasant place, but does not really have the tourist trade that Settle - the shop's former location - enjoys, and it lasted only 18 months here, despite its prime site in the town centre. Booker T 09.06.24
Removed 05.06.24 from South West/Somerset
Real Books Shop/PORLOCK/High Street
The Real Books Shop
High Street PORLOCK TA24 8PS
map
tel:
01643 863070 outside opening hours e-mail
Open: Wednesday - Saturday, summer 10.00 - 5.00, winter 10.00 - 4.00
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About 2000 books. I specialise in Railway books, principally those about pre-Beeching times. The shop also stocks a good selection of fiction and non-fiction titles on other subjects. Also art quality photographs by local photographer Paula Kirby. Payment by cash only.
Passed by a couple of times today (a winter Thursday) but the shop was closed. Wessexman 17.03.22
Friends who visited this shop at the weekend tell me it is in the final stages of a closing down sale and that the shutters will be coming down for ever very shortly. Wessexman 17.04.23
This shop closed several months ago and the premises have been repurposed. Wessexman 05.06.24
Removed 04.06.24 from North East/County Durham
Bijou Nearly New (next to Snipz hairdressers)/HARTLEPOOL/Hesleden Road
Bijou Nearly New (next to Snipz hairdressers)
Hesleden Road Blackhall Colliery HARTLEPOOL TS27 4EA
map
tel:
07779 043330
Open: Monday - Friday 9.00 -3.00,closed Wednesday, Saturday 10.00 - 12.00
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Small but interesting stock of secondhand books. Donations always accepted (book recycling we call it !)
A modern day 'Old Curiosity Shop' with lots more to buy besides books, retro and new. Lovely friendly helpful owner. Well worth visiting ! Angela 06.12.12
This shop closed in 2021. In the same year, the owner opened Needful Things Boutique & Bookshop, in a far busier location, right in the centre of Hartlepool, where she sells a much larger stock of books. Booker T 04.06.24
Removed 02.06.24 from South West/Cornwall
Bookspace/HELSTON/4 Coinage Ope
The Bookspace
4 Coinage Ope HELSTON TR13 8EB
map
tel:
01326 564459 e-mail web
Open: Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10.00 - 4.00, Wednesday 10.00 - 12.30 & Saturday 10.00 - 3.00
Add a comment
Vintage paperbacks, pop-ups and pulp
Opened in Helston late 2010. Small shop run by enthusiastic, helpful and knowledgeable staff. Good selection of vintage books displayed well, majority stored in bags. Well worth a visit. Duncan 27.04.12
The staff are very friendly and eager to help. Love the vintage covers in special bags to keep them safe. Worth going to Helston to look in. KitKatt 18.12.13
The staff are very friendly and eager to help. Love the vintage covers in special bags to keep them safe .Worth going to Helston to look in. KitKatt 20.02.14
The owner informs us that their shop closed over two years ago. TBG2 02.06.24
Removed 01.06.24 from North East/West Yorkshire
Stephen Conway Booksellers/HALIFAX/48 New Road
Stephen Conway Booksellers
48 New Road HALIFAX HX1 2LH
map
tel:
01422 353767, mobile 07918 053346 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00
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Signed First Editions, Fine Bindings, History, Music and Modern Fiction over three rooms. Also bookbinders.
Established as long ago as 1985 as a fine bookbinders, they have sold secondhand books since 2017 and in September 2022 expanded the stock into three rooms. TBG2 05.05.23
Also large section on Art books anonymous 28.08.23
Highly recommended! The stock, although not enormous, is very good-quality, and all in excellent condition. First editions are a speciality, also many signed books. Quite strong for fiction, military, local interest. Prices reasonable. Nicely laid-out shop, situated almost in the centre of Halifax, which is quite a pleasant town to visit. Friendly and knowledgeable proprietor. Halifax is lucky to have this shop! Booker T 24.11.23
Shop closure notice on the website. Please note our physical bookshop at 48 New Road is now closed and our bookselling is online only from Mon 1st April 2024. SaltaireTom 01.06.24
Removed 17.05.24 from North West/Cumbria
Bookshop/KIRKBY STEPHEN/22 Market Street
The Bookshop
22 Market Street KIRKBY STEPHEN CA17 4QT
map
tel:
017683 71804 e-mail web
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10.00 - 1.00 & 2.00 - 5.00.
Add a comment
A small bookshop established in 1980 with an eclectic stock of new, secondhand and antiquarian books, maps and documents. Local maps and guides. Book finding service and mail order.
Nice little shop, couldn't find many second hand or any antiquarian books though. PaulP 05.11.11
Sign in window said it was open on Mondays 10-1 and 2-4. But not open on Monday 21 March at 11 or 12. As previously noted, looks (from the outside) to be new books only. Mark V 23.03.16
Very few second-hand books: small case in doorway at £1 each, a shelf or two inside, not full. This is mainly a small independent bookshop selling new stock. Mark V 02.08.23
Closed. Visited today and it's gone: shop empty and up for sale. Mark V 17.05.24
Removed 17.05.24 from Central/Herefordshire
We Do Books/ROSS-ON-WYE/Cantilupe Road
We Do Books
Cantilupe Road ROSS-ON-WYE HR9 7AN
map
tel:
01989 763388 e-mail web
Open: Monday, Wednesday - Friday 10.00 - 3.30
Add a comment
Charity bookshop with a medium-to-large selection of donated books at a flat price of £1 for hardbacks and 50p for paperbacks.
The bookshop does not open on a Saturday. Current hours according to a card on the door are 10.00 to 3.30 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. These same hours had been handwritten against Monday as well so whether that was a one-off for this week or that they also now open on a Monday I don't know.
The shop seems to be a reasonable size from what we could see but cannot add anything more regarding type of stock, condition etc...at present. David 28.05.22
This shop closed down some while back and the premises were still empty when I passed by yesterday. Wessexman 17.05.24
Removed 08.05.24 from North West/Merseyside
Kernaghan Books/LIVERPOOL/The Bluecoat
Kernaghan Books
The Bluecoat School Lane LIVERPOOL L1 3BX
map
tel:
0151 703 9077 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.00
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Large general stock of collectible, fine and unusual books with particular interest in Irish, Private Press, Natural history, local history and travel.
Upstairs in the Wayfarers Arcade and it is like walking into a treasure trove. Very knowledgable assistant who knew exactly where to take me for my wants. Spent far too much but am loving my newly purchased books. Excellent quality stock. Chris Harte 14.04.09
Welcoming staff, clean good stock, and a easily visitable "back room" make this a top notch shop. All on one floor, and well lit. Well worth a visit. Robert Brown (Bookdealer) 29.06.09
Another excellent shop in Southport (see Broadhursts). A little pricey but extensive quality selection and bookseller make this a worthwhile detour. Note is is upstairs in the Wayfarers Arcade off Lord Street. Norman Davies 12.07.12
Visited yesterday and was disappointed to find the shop closed, with a sign on the window stating that it is moving to Liverpool. Stuart T 22.10.12
Top quality bookshop in an excellent setting. Very pleasant, friendly staff and while they had little of what I collect , there were other books to buy. CB 06.04.13
First class location and premises, quality stock at reasonable prices, helpful and friendly owners. Howard Walters 08.10.13
Some of the earlier comments have been superseded, the shop has moved from Southport to Liverpool. Forget the Wayfarer's Arcade, it is now in the Bluecoat School, a haven in the overbearing Liverpool One shopping centre. A wide-ranging serious stock, sensibly priced. James Mackay 19.04.14
Visited them in their delightful new premises within the old Bluecoat School. The standard of holdings has, if anything, increased from their previous existence in Southport. As always, helpful, chatty and very fair pricing. Best bookshop on Merseyside by a long way. Chris Harte 17.06.14
A great shop with very helpful owners, I came away with some gems. Richard Ransome 29.05.15
Another of my favourite bookshops, I visit regularly, and always find some great books Archive61 04.10.21
This place is a gem. Somewhere to browse and a place to talk books, shops and dealers. I had placed in front of me a run of titles I didn't even realise existed. My car did not have enough room for them. The courier will deliver next week. Never leave Liverpool without visiting the superb bookshop. Chris 13.11.22
Several shelves of books at £1 just inside the entrance to whet your appetite. Lots of folios, orange penguins and vintage classics with a wide range of prices but generally seemed fair. Strong on poetry and military. Everything nicely arranged to make for a very enjoyable browsing experience. The owners are friendly and helpful. Definitely worth a visit. Jon R 07.10.23
We the owners of Kernaghan Books at the Bluecoat, Liverpool are no longer operating as a shop, but will be involved in occasional book fairs and hopefully online in the future.
The shop is continuing under new ownership and with a new name - Aldous Books - and will be open six days a week.
Bryan & Alwyn Kernaghan Kernaghan Books 08.05.24
Removed 05.05.24 from Wales/North Wales
Oxfam Shop/BANGOR/301 High Street
Oxfam Shop
301 High Street BANGOR LL57 1UL
map
tel:
01248 354110 web
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The back half of this Oxfam shop has numerous shelves groaning with well categorised titles. Being a University town the quality of most of the non-fiction is fairly high with numerous bargains on offer. Lots of mid-wars fiction to be found. Worth a look if around the area. Chris Harte 17.04.13
The town centre is at death's door. So is the Oxfam shop. Chris Harte 22.09.19
Removed 03.05.24 from Central/Hertfordshire
Oxfam Bookshop/BISHOPS STORTFORD/3-5a North Street
Oxfam Bookshop
3-5a North Street BISHOPS STORTFORD CM23 2LD
map
tel:
01279 504627 e-mail web
Open: Monday 9.00 - 5.00, Tuesday 9.00 - 1.00, Thursday 9.00 - 1.00, Friday 9.30 - 1.00, Saturday 9.30 - 5.00
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I have been perplexed for some time that the newly re located Oxfam Shop in Stortford Town centre was larger and lighter but had no books. NONE at all. Today I found out the reason. The old shop is now an Oxfam Bookshop. It is not over-large and has general charity shop stock but is worth a browse. I came out with a book at 99p, a far cry from the oft inflated prices these places often charge. Jonathan Morgan 18.08.21
I called by yesterday, it was closed. Sign on the door gives new opening times [as amended above].
Oh dear Oxfam, why bother! Steve Newman 03.02.22
This shop, like so many small town Oxfam bookshops, believes that any vaguely collectible book is worth a huge amount, either because they get so little of such stock or because they spend too much time looking at ludicrous prices on eBay. A Penguin special, realistic price £2-3 is on sale here at £15.99.
Otherwise a small awkward shop with a moderate and not very exciting stock. PeterM 09.07.22
This shop closed on 13 April. From now on, a smaller selection of books will be sold at Oxfam's general shop at 17 South Street. Booker T 03.05.24
Removed 26.04.24 from South West/Bristol
Bloom and Curll/BRISTOL/74 Colston Street
Bloom and Curll
74 Colston Street BRISTOL BS1 5BB
map
tel:
07786 960 941 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 11.00 - 6.30.
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New and used books. Beautiful little shop.
Very attractive well laid out shop with an eclectic choice of books - featuring a great choice of cult books. Also at the Bristol Book Market first Sunday of the month and the Harbourside Market (near the Watershed). KS 06.10.11
Lovely bookshop. Interesting and varied stock at reasonable prices, and free cake too. Steve Brissle 01.05.13
Excellent bookshop with a wide range of cult literature. Friendly owner and free cake! Just up from the Harbourside Market bookstalls at weekends so a good day out for the discerning book buyer in central Bristol. The Drifter 14.08.13
Upper cut. 8/10. The Boxer 14.09.13
Great shop. One foot in the old fashioned type bookshop, where you are not sure what you'll come across, and the other foot in new fresh looking paperbacks etc. Lovely display and friendly owner. Great! The Old Curiosity Shopper 17.09.13
The curse of the absent owner ... Do these people really want customers, I arrived at past 11 and returned at 12.30 and it was still shut with no notice as to rational ... looked promising. The other people window shopping also looked frustrated. Luckily within walking distance of the Market (Don't bother) and The Last Bookshop and the Oxfam in Queens Road. Jon Morgan 21.11.13
What I was expecting to see here, and what I actually saw, were very much apart. It took me longer to find a parking spot than to examine the shelves. Chris Harte 15.11.14
Dear Chris Harte, ever so glad you'll not be back for a further examination. Yours Sincerely Jason Beech, Bloom & Curll 03.12.14
Managed to get in this time. An eclectic range of stock with quite a lot of recent fiction some s/h some either new or remaindered. A very pleasant environment with some unusual items across the ranges. Jonathan Morgan 15.11.16
Not open at just after 4 on the Saturday I tried, so perhaps the opening hours ("to 6.30") have changed. Lost Club 11.04.17
Their stated opening times are still until 6.30 - I suggest phoning first. tbg 11.04.17
Shop looks nice but I felt put off by the sign in the window which states that if you want to browse you should go to Waterstones Marcia 03.08.18
Eccentric shop. One sign in the window was odd and off putting but the stock is good and the prices reasonable. SteveBrissle 06.12.18
This is essentially a paperback shop, with comparatively few hardback titles, quite unusual really. Even more unusual is the arrangement of the books, very decorative but a bit of an assault course to negotiate. I saw the offending sign (mentioned above) but the apparent owner seemed chatty and friendly. Maybe he means something else by 'browse'? Steven Kelly 11.11.21
Closed down April 2024, as I discovered a few days ago when I arrived to find the unit cleared out. I loved this little shop! Laurence 26.04.24
Removed 25.04.24 from Republic of Ireland/Co. Wexford
Zozimus Bookshop/GOREY/The Book Café86 Main Street
Zozimus Bookshop
The Book Café 86 Main Street GOREY
tel:
086 123 3137 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.30.
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Founded in the autumn of 2011. It is a bookshop of the traditional sort, with a very wide range of hand-picked titles arranged by subject and in alphabetical order.
A lovely bookshop incorporated with a cafe (whose quality home-made food was near perfection). My two hours browsing time was far too short. Had I not had a ferry to catch I would have spent far more time examining the stock in detail. John, the owner, has had years of experience in the book trade, mainly in London. Hence his shelves were groaning with personally selected titles, of which I purchased quite a few. Some subjects were of top quality. Just as an aside, while planning my book-buying trip around Ireland, I sent emails to my selected shops asking about their holdings of books of my interests. John took the effort of using his 'phone to take photos of what he had in stock. Therefore I could let him know which books interested me. That is customer relations of the highest order. Chris Harte 09.11.15
Just a note to add that the owner, John Wyse-Jackson, is now publishing 'Zoom,' a magazine devoted to Irish literary and bookshop matters. Chris Harte 14.04.17
Sadly, the shop closed down in February 2021, a year after the sudden death of its owner, John Wyse Jackson. His widow had sought to sell it as a going concern, but no buyer could be found. Booker T 25.04.24
Removed 18.04.24 from North West/Cheshire
St Rocco_s Books _ Media/WARRINGTON/6, Bridgewater Street Lymm
St Rocco's Books & Media
6, Bridgewater Street Lymm WARRINGTON WA13 0AB
map
tel:
01925 757 924 web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00
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Charity bookshop in aid of local hospice, it describes itself as: "St. Rocco's pre-loved books & media shop offers a fantastic range of recycled books and media. Located in the centre of Lymm village, it is a delightful place to visit and browse".
Was thinking of visiting today but website says: "It has been concluded that combining both operations in Lymm into one shop is the best decision. Therefore, St. Rocco’s Books and Media on Bridgewater Street has been closed and will be relocated inside the shop at The Cross in Lymm Village on Thursday 21st March (2024)." Don't think I will bother! PLF 18.04.24
Removed 18.04.24 from Republic of Ireland/Co. Wicklow
Townhall Bookshop//23 Florence Road
Townhall Bookshop
23 Florence Road BRAY Co. Wicklow
tel:
01 276 8574
Open: Unknown
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Secondhand bookshop also selling a selection of new books.
I was warned prior to my visit that the shop might, or might not, be open. The reason given is that Henry Cairns who owns the business is occasionally arrested by the Garda for being an active member of the IRA. When I arrived the affable, bearded, Henry took it all as a joke although some of the titles on his shelves suggested that the Irish revolution is a must-read subject. We chatted while I looked over his holdings which included the 'Who's Who of the 1916 Uprising' (in two volumes) which did not quite grab my fancy. Chris Harte 09.11.15
Regrettably, this shop closed at the start of 2019. The Town Hall Bookshop had been trading since 1978, but attempts to sell the business upon the retirement of the owner proved unsuccessful. Booker T 18.04.24
Removed 08.04.24 from South West/Somerset
Books by the Yard/FARRINGTON GURNEY/Unit 13 Farrington_s Farm Complex, Main Street
Books by the Yard
Unit 13 Farrington's Farm Complex, Main Street FARRINGTON GURNEY BS39 6UB
map
tel:
07927 629785 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00, Sunday 10.00 - 4.00
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Successor to the nearby Bookbarn.
Went last year and seemed to have limited stock apart from a good children’s section. But much more to see this year and particularly interesting for travel, fiction and vintage Penguins. Nearby fish and chip shop specialises in gluten free - and so do I! Herne 03.09.23
Removed 05.04.24 from Scotland/North East Scotland
Madigan_s Food Emporium/DUNDEE/25 Castle Street
Madigan's Food Emporium
25 Castle Street DUNDEE DD1 3AA
map
tel:
01382 699202 e-mail web
Open: Monday to Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.
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Tea room in the heart of Dundee city centre, with books.
Round the corner from the sadly deceased Big Bairns Books, Madigans appears to have rescued some of Big Bairns stock. However as the name suggests , this is a café with some bookcases which, typically of all such establishments I have been in, doesnt work as a bookshop. The soup may smell excellent as you enter but most of bookcases are blocked by tables & chairs which if they are vacant only impede the book hunter but if they are in use complete prevent access to the adjacent books, while many of the childrens titles are trapped in the kids play area. OWADIYAH only worth a diversion if you are hungry. Jeremy Briggs 29.04.14
Removed 05.04.24 from North West/Isle of Man
Jurby Books /JURBY/Unit 2 , Jurby Industrial Estate
Jurby Books
Unit 2 , Jurby Industrial Estate JURBY IM7 3BD
map
tel:
01624 897815 e-mail
Open: 7 days 11.00 - 4.40.
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17th Century to modern day fiction, thousands of books. Hidden gems, classics leather bound - a book lover's search heaven. Large purchase opportunities
I only found out about this place on my last day in the Island and time did not permit a visit. Apparently the books are scattered about in boxes unsorted but bargains can be had if you have the time to search through them. Steve Newman. 13.08.14
2 large warehouses - the other had lots of old and new junk. Many thousands of books to search: lots of p/bs in boxes on the floor, with better stuff sorted on shelves and upper layers. Not too many of my interests but bought 2 h/bs - an uncommon S&W French film director's biography and an Andes cities one. Chris K 19.08.14
Lots and lots of books. If there was any attempt at a logical ordering it was lost under the piles of books seemingly dumped at random. I gave up after about ten minutes, finding the whole place dispiriting. There might be some real gems in there, but it will take a lot of perseverance to find them. Caroline Mathews 10.07.15
Removed 02.04.24 from Central/Bedfordshire
Mary_s Bookshop/BEDFORD/6 Springfield Centre
Mary's Bookshop
6 Springfield Centre Kempston BEDFORD MK42 7PR
map
tel:
07746512957 web
Open: Tuesday 10.00 - 2.00, Thursday & Saturday 11.00 - 2.00.
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Mary's Bookshop sells second hand books, records (compact discs, DVD's and tape). All have been donated and we have a stock which is possibly as large as 20,000 books. Raising funds for the Sue Ryder Care Home, Moggerhanger.
Still exists in a rather bleak and windswept arcade just o/s Bedford - many of other units shut down. Strange opening hours but looks like a large and varied stock thru the window. Free carparking at rear. Maybe WAD - to confirm. Jon Morgan 20.02.12
There are indeed 20,000 books but mostly pulp fiction pretty much ready for pulping. Hard work to find and hard work to find much to buy but very good value. Slightly weird Samuel Beckett atmosphere that I thoroughly enjoyed. rickenbacker 06.09.13
Visited Tuesday 8th November. Closed for refurbishment. June Skelley 15.11.16
Website defunct and the address is now a tattoo parlour so bookshop presumably closed. Mark V 02.04.24
Removed 01.04.24 from East Anglia/Suffolk
Books and Prints/LOWESTOFT/The Grit, Old Court House, Old Nelson Street
Books and Prints
The Grit, Old Court House, Old Nelson Street LOWESTOFT NR32 1EQ
map
tel:
07947406617 e-mail web
Open: Wednesday and Thursday 10.00 - 2.30, Friday and Saturday 10.00 - 4.00
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An independent bookshop with 1000's of secondhand fiction and non fiction In addition you can order your choice from 100's of 1000's of new tiles from Bookshop.org for collection or home delivery. Now open at The Grit, Old Courthouse Buildings, Lowestoft. Drop in for a coffee at the Grit Cafe whilst you browse for a book! Cash and card taken.
Not easy to find, not in the main shopping area but only a short walk away. Quite limited opening hours, closes at 2.30. Pleasant room, coffee bar, fairy lights etc and friendly owner. But only a few hundred books, mostly paperback fiction. 2 shelves of local books (all of it run of the mill) some history, poetry, art. Prices quite high £3.50 for a paperback thriller. Not really worth a special trip but would call in if in Lowestoft HB 09.10.22
The bookshop has closed. Books and Prints is now focusing on printmaking and community-focused arts projects. According to its website: "In September 2023 we handed the baton [of the shop] to Colette, who has reimagined it as Moral of the Story at a new location in Lowestoft High Street". Booker T 01.04.24
Removed 31.03.24 from Central/Shropshire
Candle Lane Books/SHREWSBURY/28 Princess Street
Candle Lane Books
28 Princess Street SHREWSBURY SY1 1LW
map
tel:
01743 365301
Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10.00 - 3.00
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Rare books, first editions, bindings, literature and local topography.
An amazing find, tucked away behind The Square in the centre of Shrewsbury, and spread over four floors (though the attic one is quite small). Strong on antiquarian, and of course Shropshire topography and local history, also children's books. A higher proportion of the stock than is usual in bookshops these days seems to be from the first half of the last century (and before) - though hopefully this is not a sign of low turnover! I only made one purchase, but I'm sure if I'd had more time I should have been able to find more. Henry Middleton 15.10.09
Like the previous reviewer, I have to agree that this shop was a really good find when visiting the town. Very clean and tidy with a good quality stock - many books in original dust jackets. Very strong on county and general topography - probably on all other subjects too. The item I purchased was wrapped in brown paper with the name of the shop (a really nice touch). The Brummie Bookman 16.07.11
As other reviewers have said, this is a most wonderful shop. Family owned, it shows love and attention throughout all of the rooms. Each area is categorised and for my specialities it was like being a child again in a room full of chocolate. I gorged on the titles and ended up by buying 32 volumes (and they took a cheque without question!). Chris Harte 18.06.12
What should be a great shop in a great building and well located, was a bit of a disappointment. The stock is mainly pre 1970's but is generally in poor condition, maybe the good stuff has been bought up over the last couple of years. It is in need of an injection of fresh stock. That being said, I bought quite a few obscure fiction titles at very good prices so will return again! The Travelling Bookdealer 24.08.13
Visited this shop recently having read the glowing comments [admittedly quite old now] I was a little disappointed - the owners may be losing the fight against Oxfam [despite Oxfam's prices customers THINK they are cheaper than proper bookshops. Mary 17.10.16
The opening times have changed. The shop is now open from 10am-3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I can offer no further comment as (you've guessed it) I turned up at 3.30 on a Wednesday. Laurence Purcell 24.08.22
The place has dust and character. Very much what you envision a bookshop of yore to look like. Unfortunately, the stock is quite as old and sunbleached with little sign of turnover and it does sadly appear that its best days are behind it.
There are two narrow, steep and rickety staircases and the rooms they access upstairs are no longer interlinked, so you you'll need to negotiate both if you want to discover what stock they hold. If you want an old tome on German dentistry, this might be the place for you. Stive 17.02.23
Removed 27.03.24 from North East/West Yorkshire
Children_s Bookshop/HUDDERSFIELD/37-39 Lidget Street
Children's Bookshop
37-39 Lidget Street HUDDERSFIELD HD3 3JF
map
tel:
01484 658013 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.30, Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
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A new bookshop with a small stock of secondhand children's books.
The shop is probably the longest surviving independent specialist children's bookshop in the country. They specialise in new children's books but the secondhand section has other subjects as well. The owners Sonia and Barry Benster who are friendly and knowledgeable folk. Pierce Roche
I came, I saw, I walked out without buying. It was rubbish, A few scruffy second-hand kids books, some much older and much more expensive non-fiction and that was about it, took me all of 15 minutes to see the whole of their second-hand stock. Not worth the trip from the town centre. The Wanderer 28.01.09
The Children's Bookshop has moved up the road to 80 Lidget Street and no longer sells any second-hand books. A different second-hand bookshop (Benster Books) is now operating at No. 37-39. Booker T 27.03.24
Removed 26.03.24 from London/N Postcodes
Black Gull Books/FINCHLEY/121 High Road
Black Gull Books
121 High Road East Finchley FINCHLEY N2 8AG
map
tel:
020 8444 4717
Open: 7 Days a week 9.30 - 7.00.
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Books bought and sold. Remaindered, secondhand and antiquarian. Art, philosophy, psychology, history, fiction, film. Books of Irish Interest.
Great stock changing regularly with a wide spread. D Marcus
Book prices here were so outrageously high it was funny to check them. My usual £8-20 titles started at £180 and progressed higher. However, very good for Jewish historical matters and Yiddish books. If you can stand the owner's continual breast-beating then pop in for a glance. Chris Harte 27.06.09
We welcome any comment good or bad about our shop but we do take exception to remarks which are neither accurate nor from correspondents who may have an ulterior motive in damaging our good name. To point out the inaccuracies - we do not, alas, stock any Yiddish books, and our 'Jewish historical ' section is perhaps 4 or 5 books strong at any one time. As for the matter of pricing, the clue 'my usual 8-20 pound' range suggests a fellow bookseller attempting to muddy the waters by rather underhanded means. Any fair minded browser in the shop would quickly realize that our stock is overwhelmingly priced to sell at 3- 20 pounds with a strong antiquarian section that reflects prices as noted on the net. I realize that this email may add to my reputation as a 'breast-beater' but I can live with that, misinformation and maliciousness less so. Chris Overfield, Black Gull Books 04.08.09
Can I add a comment on this bookshop as a regular if infrequent visitor with no vested interest? It is a traditional secondhand bookshop. Large varied stock of books in good condition and just like second hand bookshops used to be but neat and tidy. As the owner says the prices are not especially high (not cheap either but I suppose he has to make a living) and it is also true that there are not a significant number of Jewish books there. I wonder if Chris Harte (who usually seems to make very sensible comments) has mixed this bookshop up with Josephs Bookstore in the Finchley Road near the junction with the A406 which is very close to East Finchley and is mainly a Jewish bookstore and did seem awfully pricey when I went in once. (Come to think, you don't list that ..) Anthony Davis 07.09.09
(I have remedied this oversight today TBG
So appalled at Chris Harte's review that I felt compelled to write a few words myself! I love this bookshop! interesting and fairly priced selection of books find it hard to visit without making a purchase. George Drew 05.12.09
I think this is one of the best second-hand bookstores I've been to. Its fantastically curated, a great selection interestingly juxtaposed. I think these guys have figured out what a second-hand bookstore is for in the age of Amazon. India Cicolini 08.12.10
Having not been here for a year or two, been twice recently and found good stock at much better prices than I remembered previously - very much worth a visit. M&O 14.04.12
"All books are individually priced" it claims; ironic, then, that the very first two I pulled off the shelf had no price in them. So I took them to the shop assistant who, no doubt after perusing ABE, Amazon, etc, came back and said "Oh, you happened to find two expensive books" which he had now priced accordingly. No one likes to be taken for a fool, so I promptly left the shop never to return. Mandalay Bookshop 12.07.12
Everything a local second-hand bookshop should be and my favourite in London. Incredibly eclectic and regularly changing stock, typically in excellent condition, with collectible books priced very competitively. Particularly strong on Art and Irish. Really excellent. Neil Goodlad 30.11.12
Having read through the previous comments Black Gull Books would certainly seem to divide opinion. I have been calling in when in the area for a few years now, so about time I added my comments I guess. Yes, no question the stock is wide ranging and good quality and yes, it is rather on the expensive side. Not sure I have ever bought anything here, but I have found good copies of books I would have had at half the price asked! But it does have very long opening hours unlike a certain bookshop a mile or so down the road, and I have always found the staff friendly and helpful. So, as long as you are not looking for a bargain certainly worth giving it a try. Steve Newman 20.02.15
The high quality of stock makes a visit to Black Gull an uplifting experience. Probably the largest secondhand arts section in London, after Marcus Campbell. Many unusual and attractive titles at prices that might be a little above average. Physical stamina and agility are required to browse some shelves that are tricky to access. Highly recommended - as is the smaller Black Gull shop at Camden Lock. Nicholas Sack 18.01.20
Cannot think why I have never taken the extra 3 tube stops from Kentish Town (Amnesty and Oxfam) to visit this superb emporium. Friendly owner, large and eclectic selection. I will be back. The charity shops on the Finchley Road are not worth bothering with. Jon Morgan 06.02.20
A fascinating shop which had much to offer in the way of arts books. Many were American or European which added to the diversity of what was on offer. Alas, my visit was too short: it needed at least an hour more than I could spare. Christopher Harte 07.10.21
Closed when I visited today. A notice on the door says that it will close for good on 28/3/24. They will relocate to St. Leonards in Sussex. A sad loss for North London. PeterM 26.03.24
In fact, all the signs are that it has already closed (several closing dates in the past, empty shelves on Instagram posts etc). That source says that (some? all?) of the books have gone to Boom Cat Books in Camden, which was a branch of Black Gull until they sold to friends. We now need to find out if the new St Leonard's Black Gull is a real shop that we can list. TBG2 26.03.24
Removed 24.03.24 from Wales/Mid Wales
Willis Antiques/MACHYNLLETH/54 Heol Maengwyn
Willis Antiques
54 Heol Maengwyn MACHYNLLETH SY20 8DT
map
tel:
01634 700430
Open: Monday - Saturday, mornings - 5.00
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For what in reality is a junk shop there are a surprising number of books on various shelves. One complete wall was covered and it was fairly easy to check the titles. You could just possibly find that missing elusive book you have been after for years - I did. Christopher Harte 29.08.21
I appreciate that this looks, on first stepping through the door, as though it is a junk shop like no other. But don't be fooled as there are many books stuck on shelves all over the place. They are not tatty but a good selection for all tastes, especially for railway buffs who were clogging the aisles on my visit. Chris 02.09.23
Alas, alas. Closed last November. The shop is now empty. An estate agent's sign says 'Sold subject to Purchase.' Chris 23.03.24
Removed 22.03.24 from North West/Greater Manchester
Sharston Books/MANCHESTER/Unit 15 Wearlee WorksLongley LaneSharston
Sharston Books
Unit 15 Wearlee Works Longley Lane Sharston MANCHESTER M22 4WT
map
tel:
0161 945 8604 e-mail web
Open: CLOSED until further notice
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Extremely comprehensive stock, with a book on almost every subject.
This is a very large warehouse on two floors just off the main road. I spent just over two hours there and only managed to look through British topography and architecture. Prices are also very reasonable. Graham Eastwood
Situated on an industrial estate just off the M56, most books are mainly to be found in the large building although others are in portakabins sited outside. There can be either hours of searching the thousands of titles or a brisk walk around observing little for the collector. Either way, it's worth a visit. Chris Harte 15.02.10
This is the best used bookshop in Greater Manchester, but the serious bibliophile or collector should ask to see the `internet section' upstairs. They have there sequestered thousands of quality books (at somewhat higher prices). Jay Kennedy 11.05.10
Certainly packed with huge numbers of books and agree WAD. There are however problems with book storage and condition, particularly in the walk in shipping containers. Best selection definitely upstairs which can be seen on request. Norman Davies 01.10.10
Well worth a visit. Massive selection on all subjects (not exactly my thing, but if a shop has a space for a whole shelf labelled "Marilyn Monroe biographies" then you know they have a lot of books). Came away with a £60 stash of books, which would have probably cost us double if bought in most secondhand shops - some real bargains. M&O 17.08.12
Dusty, cluttered gem of a place. All topics catered for and reasonably priced. Ivy growing through the roof, tight squeeze into SF section but I always find buried treasure here. Rosie Gamgee 10.11.12
A bizarre piece of Mancunian eccentricity, the likes of which I had thought had long gone (I must make a return trip just to check out that it is real, and that I wasn't dreaming). Yes, its stuffed full of books, but the Internet Section appears to have creamed off anything that is interesting or of value to the real collector, leaving the main shop with a stock that the devil himself would have trouble shifting. The very helpful and quaint staff wouldn't be out of place in an Alan Bennett play (apart from the fact they're on the wrong side of the Pennines) and the shop itself might be described as an overgrown Hobbit hole (I would suggest that overweight customers would do well to go on a diet for a few days before visiting). Im sure, if you're looking for reasonably priced, bog-standard books you'll be in heaven here, but Im afraid I really didn't find anything, apart from its entertainment value, that would make me want to go back. Nicholas Pendower 12.02.14
Don't make my mistake, their loo is staff only, not for customers. I got an embarrassing telling off for using it. Rosie Gamgee 12.08.14
It was five years since my last trip. Stock improved a good deal since then. Allow two hours to do a thorough reccy. 5-6,000 on line books which I was able to look through. Good bargains to be had on the ordinary shelves but lots of poor stock as well. Assistant very helpful. Converted warehouse about 6 miles S of Mcr city centre in a light industrial area. Johanken 26.04.18
Closed on 29 May 2022 according to Nicholas Royle's excellent book-collecting memoir 'Shadow Lines' (Salt, 2024). He was there for the last day. Mark V 22.03.24
Removed 12.03.24 from South West/Gloucestershire
Top Banana Antiques Centre/TETBURY/1 New Church Street
Top Banana Antiques Centre
1 New Church Street TETBURY GL8 8DS
map
tel:
0871 288 1102 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00, Sundays 11.00 - 5.00.
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Two bookrooms of medium-size general stock with an emphasis on military, country pursuits and sport. Also a good selection of antique prints, especially old advertising material.
What a find! If you can make it to the top floor, 2 substantial rooms of decent stock. Variable condition though but prices good. Allow much time to view. Norman Davies 05.08.13
Multi-dealer antique emporium over a few floors with some books thrown in. A disappointment in terms of stock and prices. Not worth a detour. Parking nearby. The Drifter 19.04.14
Disagree with the Drifter. A cut above most books in antique centre offerings. Two rooms of books, nicely presented (although not well labeled), with some unusual material. Well worth a good rummage if you are after non-run of the mill stuff. Paul H 21.08.14
Superb. Having read the above reviews I visited expecting to be pleased - and I was. Two boxloads of books purchased in an hour and a half of searching. I needed double that time, for what were on the shelves were quality titles, some so unknown to me that I will need my bibliography on my next visit which can't come soon enough. WWAD. Chris Harte 19.05.15
Revisited this week. Splendid selection, I agree with Chris Harte (for once!) this really is WWAD. Drawback is signs of low turnover but such a number to look at may take two trips. Norman Davies 18.02.16
Agree with previous comments. An interesting mix of stock. You do need to rummage as many titles shelved together under the category heading of "general ". WWAD. David 15.02.20
As always I was impressed by the quality of the books on show and will try and revisit at least annually. There were some excellent titles on display including quite a few non-European. However, the downside was the attitude of the centre's manager who, on me suggesting that a book marked at £45 was only worth about £15, told me "buy it on the internet if you want a cheap book." Chris 13.05.22
Additional to the above. I really would have paid £15 to support a dealer. But taking the manager's advice I purchased a perfect copy from the internet at £5.33, which included postage. I don't like doing this - but that's 21st century life. Chris 20.05.22
All books are half price at the moment Paul H 24.12.22
Removed 08.03.24 from Central/Leicestershire
Alfred Lenton/LEICESTER/27 St Nicholas Place
Alfred Lenton
27 St Nicholas Place LEICESTER LE1 4LD
map
tel:
0116 262 7827
Open: n/a
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I chanced on this place on the way to Maynard & Bradley as I noticed it on Google. Hopefully, TBG has now added it.
Upon opening the door a small bell ring and an elderly gentlemen appeared from the shop's nether regions.
He looked like someone out of a Dickens novel - perhaps Fagin in a former life? When asked what sort of 2nd hand books he had for sale he started to immediately moan about how he can't sell books anymore and that he can't even give them away. The shop is extremely chaotic with what looks like a lifetime of hoarding and accompanying dust. Bits of old railway track and old computers everywhere and piles and piles of paperbacks and railway magazines blocked all the shelves. I spotted 1 book on warships in a tatty dust-cover, but nearly fell over when I saw it was priced at £30! It's online price was £5. When I offered this he stuck at £30. No wonder he can't sell anything! I'm sure there may be some treasures in this strange shop but good luck finding them! Laurence Batchelor 06.10.18
Laurence Batchelor's comment is well-observed, but the reality was a little more complex than the appearance (as well as perhaps more touching).
At any rate, all that is past. The shop closed finally on 9 February 2024 after some fifty-three years. The Bookman 08.03.24
Removed 18.02.24 from South West/Devon
Book Aid/NADDERWATER/Rebecca Springs
Book Aid
Rebecca Springs NADDERWATER EX4 2JH
map
tel:
01392 213002
Open: Wednesday and Thursday 10.00 - 6.00. Other times by appointment.
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Charity selling secondhand and some out-of-print and collectable books.
User PLF suspects this is long gone and the website confirms it. TBG2 18.02.24
Removed 09.02.24 from North East/North Yorkshire
Taikoo Books Ltd/YORK/46 Bootham
Taikoo Books Ltd
46 Bootham YORK YO30 7BZ
map
tel:
01904 641213
Open: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 5.30.
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Fine antiquarian and scholarly out-of-print stock on Africa and the Orient, especially Middle East and Central Asia.
Think this must have closed. No longer listed on the York Booksellers website, Yorkbooksellers.co.uk, and the premises have been redeveloped. Mark V 22.07.23
Information from SaltaireTom. No. 46 Bootham and its neighbours have been converted into flats, their own numbering in "Bootham House" superseding the old street numbers. Google now has Taikoo in Easingwold, but with an approximate location. The phone number no longer exists and there is no email or online presence.
In short, even if Taikoo Books exists we can find no way to visit or contact them, and unless we learn otherwise we can't therefore list them. TBG2 09.02.24
Removed 08.02.24 from Central/Warwickshire
St. Giles Hospice Book Shop/ATHERSTONE/111 Long Street
St. Giles Hospice Book Shop
111 Long Street ATHERSTONE CV9 1AB
map
tel:
01827 721613 web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.
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Charity bookshop selling donated books.
Visited on a Saturday in 2011 and it seemed this was the only bookshop still open in the town as Throckmorton's on the village square was closed. The staff in the shop were helpful and checked their stock room for any further books which may have been of interest. Overall they had a selection of books on all topics just not a vast quantity or specialisation . I found 1 gem and left pleased but saddened that this 'book town' had died. Laurence Batchelor 08.01.11
Visited again 3 years later and pleased to see this small shop on the high street is still well stocked with books. The two pleasant and chatty ladies allowed me into the back store room as there had been a recent acquisition of military books. I came away with 2 books as pricing was fair. I feel this shop could do with larger premises as they have almost as much stock out back, which cannot be displayed, as out front. WWAD if passing on the A5. Free parking in the town car-park or the Co-op car park. Laurence Batchelor 22.03.14
My 3rd visit after a 4 year gap. Nothing much has changed in this sole survivor from the 'book town fiasco'. This time the Manageress and Sales Assistant would not let me view their small stock room as now - "out of bounds; staff only" however they did place books from there of my interest on the counter to peruse. Overall I found the stock of a lower quality than 10 years ago and their pricing seemed a tad high as just about all paperbacks were £1.99 and hardbacks £3.50 when some would warrant only £1 and £2 respectively in other charity bookshops. I would most definitely put the charity bookshops in Coleshill, Coventry and Stratford ahead of this small establishment. Laurence Batchelor 30.08.18
Pretty sure this closed down years ago. I went to Atherstone and couldn't find it. Then checked the St Giles website, which doesn't list it as a premises. Stive 08.02.24
Removed 08.02.24 from Scotland/Central Scotland
Mair Wilkes Books/NEWPORT-ON-TAY/3 St Mary_s Lane
Mair Wilkes Books
3 St Mary's Lane NEWPORT-ON-TAY DD6 8AH
map
tel:
01382 542260 e-mail
Open: Open: Tuesday - Friday 10.00 - 12.30 & 2.00 - 4.30, Saturday 10.00 - 4.30.
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20,000 books across all subjects but especially, the history of ideas, philosophy and medicine. Scottish literature and topography. A selection of our stock can be found at The Scottish Antique and Arts Centre, Abernyte.
Easily missed on a side-street, a very large and eminently browsable stock in the upper floor of a large detached house. Somewhat reminiscent of Bookcase in Carlisle albeit on a much smaller scale. Prices reasonable for the most part. Steven Kelly 02.10.14
Despite Google indicating it's only 'temporary' closed - the shop itself has been shut for a couple of years and has a new owner. Doesn't appear to have re-opened elsewhere. IgnatiusJReilly 08.02.24
Removed 07.02.24 from Central/West Midlands
Handy Bookshop/WOLVERHAMPTON/Coven Farm
The Handy Bookshop
Coven Farm 6 Brewood Road Coven WOLVERHAMPTON WV9 5DE
map
tel:
01902 791833 e-mail web
Open: Appointment necessary.
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General secondhand and antiquarian books. Also on display - Local artists work and country bygones.
When you can get into the place it's not bad. Recently I've tried twice and it was shut. Even rung the bell - no answer. Last time I resolved it would be my last attempt, but of course it won't. If you have books for sale please open the bloody place. Book Buyer 26.07.12
Unfortunately it is now open by appointment only. tikitnet 21.06.14
Removed 24.01.24 from South East/Kent
Broadstairs Bookshop/BROADSTAIRS/7 Albion Street
The Broadstairs Bookshop
7 Albion Street BROADSTAIRS CT10 1LU
map
tel:
01843 860824
Open: Saturday & Sunday 10.00 - 4ish depending on the weather
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Smaller and more low key shop in the same street (as Albion Books) which had a presentable stock - in much the same areas. Herne
A most knowledgable owner who was candid enough to state that his good material went virtually as soon as it arrived. He had some interesting bits from between the wars but little else from pre-1960. Chris Harte 27.06.09
Helpful owner and reasonably priced stock too. Worth a visit but don't expect anything out of the ordinary. Steve Newman 03.12.14
Many gaps on the shelves. Apart from a section of children's books there was not much order to the rest. Condition not v good. There are a lot of clocks in the shop so maybe the owner is changing direction. David 14.09.21
A small shop with limited stock and it could do with a bit of a tidying up. But it's better than it looks; persevere and you may be rewarded. There is a cabinet devoted to (mostly hardback) PG Wodehouse and a strong speciality in children's books. Laurence Purcell 17.09.21
Quite a small shop and as commented above some shelves only half full. However books are reasonably priced in the main, and I did find something to buy too. Steve Newman 03.09.22
If Miss Havisham had a bookshop it would look like this. But unlike more manicured shops here you have a chance of finding a neglected treasure or a bargain. I did. PeterM 25.03.23
Yes, a long room filled with shelves, but the shelves are sadly half-full if that. Prices are very reasonable and the stock is much better than you'd expect if it consisted of the unsold remains of a once full shop. Maybe the owner has added some quality items, but the empty shelves suggest no more is to follow. Adrian 11.09.23
According to a recent article in the Medway Messenger, this shop closed in November 1923 (you were just in time, Adrian!) It was a funny old place but I shall miss it. Laurence Purcell 24.01.24
Removed 21.01.24 from Scotland/Edinburgh
Duncan and Reid/EDINBURGH/5 Tanfield
Duncan and Reid
5 Tanfield EDINBURGH EH3 5DA
map
tel:
0131 556 4591 e-mail
Open: Wednesday to Saturday 11.00 - 4.00
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Antiques and books.
A shop which is half books and half antiques. The books cover mainly art and antiques related subjects but the shop has a small but interesting selection of old children's books. Jeremy Briggs
The highlight of the visit was chatting to a charming, cultured lady who was running the shop. Her literary knowledge was top class and she showed me around many of the quality books adorning the shelves. The arts and antique publications were not my forte but I could well become interested with such a delightful teacher. Chris Harte 11.06.10
Only open Tuesday to Saturday 11.00 - 17.00. Got here 5 minutes too late. Chris K 19.04.14
Managed to get back after the April poor timing. Can't remember buying a book here - the stock is not too special. Chris K 16.08.14
This little shop is part of the cluster of shops near the Botanical Gardens. It is mainly an antique shop but has a few hundred books amongst its stock. I always enjoy a browse here, even when my specialist interests mean there is nothing to buy. As a previous commentator has said, the stock is strongest in collectable children's titles. TravellingLibrary 08.08.15
The antiques are much better than some rather badly displayed old books. Chris K 23.02.16
Is a small shop with a small selection of both antiques and books. Worth a look if passing - purchased one goodie, but not worth a large detour. Norman D 30.10.16
A notice in the window says that this shop will not be open throughout September and October. Wessexman 22.09.19
After many months of closure due to flooding they have reopened today. TBG2 10.05.23
It appears that Duncan and Reid has very few books remaining, and also only opens on very occasional Saturdays for a few hours. Regretfully it no longer seems to qualify for inclusion. TBG2 21.01.24
Older removals (June 2021 to December 2023)
