Open: Monday - Saturday 11.00 - 6.00.
General stock of secondhand books with some antiquarian. Large stock of printed music, popular and classic (piano scores, piano duets and duos, chamber music, opera) Two floors of sought-after, selected titles in all subjects. Forecourt bargain stall of several hundred cheaper books and quality reductions.
This is a true old-fashioned London bookshop. Titles scattered everywhere with the helpful owner risking all for me as he kept climbing a ladder to get to books from the top shelves for me to examine. There could be treasures here yet to be found. Sensible prices. Chris Harte 27.06.09
A true secondhand bookshop. Almost impossible to get near the modern firsts even with the assistance of a stool but found a couple of nuggets at very reasonable prices. Very helpful owner and staff. Offered a cup of tea within minutes of entering the shop. I will return. Loyola 24.04.10
Rambling,crowded and friendly shop. The stock changes frequently and often includes gems at reasonable prices, although they may take some mountain climbing to get at. Helpful and knowledgeable owner who may offer a cup of tea or something stronger. James Salmon 16.03.11
I have been using this bookshop for years. The owner is charming and knowledgeable and I hardly ever leave without buying something wonderful and unusual. Don't ever close, please! Jane Jones 31.05.11
The basement is extraordinary, a must for musicians in London- music books and a piano to tinkle. Brian 29.05.15
It was nice to see this was still here but I have rarely bought anything in the shop as it is so chaotic which is off putting. I barely fitted down some of the alleyways. The basement appeared closed although it was being talked about by a visitor and the owner as it has apparently been referred to by Alan Rusbridger in his book on learning the piano. Can't really comment on the extent of the stock as it is, mostly, barely visible! Jon Morgan 06.06.15
To those who have their doubts about the undiluted merits of "progress" and are comfortable with nostalgia, Archive Books, situated in the heart of London, is a welcome oasis of traditional book-selling. It is rare for me to visit this shop without picking up at least one or two serendipitous books (sheet music is a particular strength). Close to unique, certainly in central London, with books crammed into every nook and cranny at very reasonable prices, not to mention the bargains outside, the shop is all the better for being old-fashioned, particularly for those who consider such bookshops an endangered species and its (nowadays) unusual character has even attracted the attention of Hollywood as a setting. Recommended. Richard Durkan 15.06.15
Quirky and unusual little bookshop Najeeya 14.06.18
This shop is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The squeeze-gut aisles and out-of-reach stock reminded me of Camilla's, in Eastbourne. However, it's worth persevering for some unusual titles in arts and photography at reasonable prices. The assistant was most welcoming and helpful - and offered a discount because this was my first visit. Nicholas Sack 18.01.20
The shop happily continues as it always did. Possibly the ground floor is currently a little more accessible, the basement (mainly music) less. The stock changes regularly but the type and quality and the chances of finding a long-sought gem remain. Adrian 16.07.21
Always a great selection, and even the half price boxes out front are always worth perusing. The owner and his assistant are great at finding the obscure title you are after. Mark the Bookseller 01.08.21
There are good things here but access to the shelves is difficult and I found today that even more of the stock around the fiction section is now buried under more recent arrivals. Imagine Camilla's in Eastbourne but restricted to the floor area of half a dozen phone boxes. Laurence Purcell 12.06.22
I have been coming to this bookstore for many years now, and I guarantee you will always receive a warm welcome, and possibly a cup of tea! You are encouraged to rummage around, and you will no doubt find something without really looking… The choice is huge, with many boxes that seem not to have been opened in a while! Do not hesitate to ask the staff - they will guide you towards the right section. I guarantee one visit will certainly not be enough!
The books that are piled up everywhere are the real charm of this bookstore. The selection of books is so comprehensive, that you are sure not to leave empty-handed. The sheet music section in particular has some real gems. Guy B 10.12.22
Open at advertised times
Phone before travelling
Appointment necessary
Status unknown, update requested
