The Petersfield Bookshop specialises in buying and selling antiquarian and second-hand books, but also sells antique maps and prints, new books, Ordnance Survey maps, artists' materials and has an on-site picture framing workshop.
Initially everyone would find this shop fascinating, but it doesn't bear repeated visits. Prices are somewhat optimistic, stock doesn't shift very quickly and there is a dearth of new things going onto the shelves. Nicholas Pendower 03.01.09
I agree with this review - in addition they have taken out selling space to incorporate a book binding room and crammed the books into two other rooms where browsing because of restricted space is difficult . I sometimes feel that owners forget that it costs money to visit their shops and should do everything to ensure that items can be viewed comfortably. Gavin Richardson. 27.01.09
I would have to agree with the comments above that, whilst the place is large enough to interest any first time visitor, there does seem to be a significant problem getting new books on the shelves and a second visit often isn't really worth the trouble for quite some time after the first. The books that are there are somewhat ambitiously priced although oddly this is not always true of the more 'expensive' books behind glass. The staff are helpful but can be somewhat eccentric. Don't hope to make an appointment with the owner who seems more interested in football than in books. Great to have both picture framing and bookbinding on site but overall a little shabby and has the feel of shop in slow, gentle decline. RS 11.06.10
Alas, all of the above comments were rolled into one for my visit. There are some very good runs on the shelves and the shop has many good books all over the place. It was the lack of compromise which threw me. I presented 42 (yes, forty-two) titles and suggested that as some of them were damaged then possibly a job-lot price might come into the equation. I was firmly put in my place and informed that "each item has been priced as such for a reason. " I returned them all to the shelves and will no doubt see them again in years to come. Chris Harte 26.01.11
I visit this shop every 2 years .. I love it. Proper old fashioned bookshop, often hilarious prices but bargains definately known. PaulP 02.08.11
I used to value this shop but have grown increasingly frustrated. Four years ago I enquired about a pile of Victorian periodicals and was told they were waiting to be sorted. I have returned annually and every time they are still there unpriced and unsorted. What is the point? Why not give them away if youre not going to sell them. Andy 10.05.12
I have read the comments from our customers and take onboard what they have written and have to agree myself with some of the comments. We will endeavour to rectify the matters that have come to light because customer service is of the upmost importance. John Westwood, The Petersfield Bookshop 15.05.12
So when Mr Westwood has taken the appropriate action would he please post it here so that we can revisit his shop without the fear of being rebuffed by his staff. Chris Harte 17.05.12
Like Andy I have been asking for the price on the pile of Victorian journals here, on and off for several years. You would think that with at least two (and who knows how many more) potential customers keen to purchase, that someone would actually buckle down to some pricing. But no -- nothing happens. It's maddening! Richard 18.05.12
Dear Customers, with regard to your queries and problems, we are in the process of extensive change to the shop and the price structure of the cheaper books. Also, for some reason the pile of periodicals and the details of who wanted them have been lost. We appreciate your comments and would like to put things right for you our valued customers, so please can you call me on 01730 263438 so that I can speak to you in person and resolve or answer these matters, or any other matters or queries you may have. John Westwood, The Petersfield Bookshop 31.05.12
I am sure there are some good books here but can you find them? - No because empty bookcases are stacked in front of full bookcases - a total mess! Pauline 12.07.12
The whole place is full of unfulfilled potential and needs a dressing down and a make over from the likes of the hotel inspector. BTW bookshops are no longer about running away with bargains or bargaining. They are businesses and need to be run as such otherwise all we will be left with is Oxfams. OWC 22.09.12
My usual annual visit found even fewer books than last time and a mightily confused pricing structure. Were the books this price, that price, any price? Nobody seemed to know. What they certainly didn't seem to be was the price listed, either in the book or on the many notices hung around this, sadly, ever shrinking bookshop. Andy 15.06.13
I visit here about once every six months and have to say there do seem to be signs of change for the better. The shop is now smaller but still large by 2ndhand bookshop standards and the reduction seems to have concentrated the mind of whomever puts books on the shelves. There is new stock in lots of sections and less dross. Shop looks tidier and much easier to move around. I have to disagree with the previous comment and say I found the price structure for the general 2nd hand books very simple and straightforward, not rocket science. It's taken a lot of time and there's lots still to do but it seems this shop might just be getting its act together again. Worth visiting. RS 10.07.13
An excellent shop, well laid out, with something for most people and prices well within reason. Recommended. Paul Dear 19.07.14
What a change between visits. There has been a massive sort out of books; new shelving in place; some parts of the building leased out to other businesses and the formerly open frontage now enclosed. The quality of books on offer was good and I had no hesitation in making a few purchases. Prices somewhat high for the top-end range titles but that is a minor quibble. Chris Harte 08.04.16
I loved this shop having not visited it before. Large selection of all genres, I liked talking to the parrot, and it seemed well shelved and organised. Came away with several items after man on till made significant discount for some specialist titles. Norman Davies 08.04.17
A mixture of bookshop, antiques shop and museum. Large stock, mostly well organised. Some sections look tired, others have plenty of newer stock. Few bargains to be had, but worth looking if you have expensive tastes and budget to match. Worth visiting to be reminded of the way all second hand bookshops used to look. PeterM 10.09.23
Looking at the older comments, it is at least 10 years since my last visits when I used to pass by on way to Masters degree weekend schools in Portsmouth, It has changed (ie tidied) considerably. I do not recall the small units tool sellers, garden pots and antique bits tho.'
The place is navigable and fairly well organised with extensive (albeit not intriguing) stock, although nothing caught my eye. Much there in my areas of interest I already had. I was tempted by the Patrick Leigh Fermor 'Between the Woods and the Water' - apparently a first for £10, but as I already have two signed copies, I left it.
There is not too much dead stock but I could not access the children's books because of maps being sorted.
Given its size and potential it ought to be WWAD, but it is not. Is it a bookshop or an antique / tool / pot shop? They must be doing something right as it is still in existence more than 20 years after my first visit. Firedrake 07.04.24
Open at advertised times
Phone before travelling
Appointment necessary
Status unknown, update requested
