Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK 2018
Key
Open at advertised times
Phone before travelling
Appointment necessary
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure these details are correct, we recommend that you contact each individual bookshop before travelling any distance. Add your Bookshop here
Abbey Bookshop
2 White Hart Arcade
LAUNCESTON Cornwall PL15 8AA map
tel: 01566 779113 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
Gen.stock 15K books. Contemporary lit. mass market, art, photography, history, cookery, craft, biogs. Psychology, philosophy, cinema, travel/topo. Specialist: Irish. Relocated from Camden Lock London to Cornwall in 2002.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsThis is actually quite a good bookshop. Although somewhat cluttered the owner did move piles of books to extract titles of my interest. He does not take plastic so a visit to a nearby cash machine was needed. Stock was general but with many surprises tucked away. Worth a visit. - Chris Harte 12.10.17.
Age UK Book Shop
68 The Parade
Oadby
LEICESTER Leicestershire LE2 5BF map
tel: 0116 2718197 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
A very varied selection of good quality second-hand books at attractive prices starting from £1. All proceeds go towards providing important services to local older people.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsLess extensive stock than in Mkt Harborough, but still not bad. Very bright clean and friendly. On the way from MH to the bookshops in Leicester and worth stopping off. - Jon Morgan 06.03.13.
Berwyn Books
Unit 4 Spencer Ind Estate
Liverpool Road
BUCKLEY Flintshire CH7 3LY map
tel: 01244 541415 e-mail web
Open: Appointment necessary.
Over 20,000 books on our constantly updated internet inventory. Valuations, bookbinding and clearance services.
Add a comment Read commentsHide comments*Situated at the rear of an antiques centre on a not easy to find side road on an industrial estate. Once found, the pleasure of searching the shelves takes over. Here is a shop comprising quality publications; some old and some fairly recent but all worthy of time to check if they could be worthwhile purchases. Everything in marked categories which makes it easy to browse. WWAD. - Chris Harte 07.04.13.
*Moved to Old Chapel in May. - TBG 16.05.13.
**A visit, by appointment, to the new premises meant an introduction to the knowledgeable Julie. She seemed to know where most of the internet titles could be located and I left with a box load of surprises. Prices were slightly high but the quality could not be faulted. - Chris Harte 13.06.13.
**Moved to Buckley in October 2013. - TBG 23.12.13.
Visited them in Unit 4, by appointment. The storage area is huge and I would have no idea how many (tens of ??)thousands of books line the narrow wooden shelves. Although mainly an internet organisation the titles I briefly saw were of some substance. Go with your 'Wants List' - as nowhere near the full stock can be listed online - and Julie will hopefully find what you want. - Chris Harte 02.01.14.
The people who run this bookshop are both friendly and efficient with a vast knowledge of their stock...we could not fault them and will use them again in the future..FANTASTIC! - Netty 10.03.14.
Book
17 Merrial Street
NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME Staffordshire ST5 2AE map
tel: 01782 630201 e-mail
Open: 7 days 9.30 - 4.30.
Our stock is mainly second-hand but we do carry a number of new books. We have a good History. Military and Transport sections. All visitors from outside of our immediate area will be given Coffee or Tea.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsWorth a visit. Rather an 'old-fashioned' feel to it (same with the stall on Stafford market): plenty of rather scruffy - but quite interesting and even uncommon - titles. Parking nearby. - Andrew Bradley 18.07.14.
Book End
Bridge House
Bridge Street
BAKEWELL Derbyshire DE45 1DS map
tel: 01629 814994 e-mail
Open: Thursday - Monday 10.00 - 5.00.
We are a small second-hand bookshop run for the benefit of Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport. All books are donated. Wide cross section of fiction and non fiction. As well as second-hand books of all genres, there is a stock of new goods including: cards, gift wrap, There are also greetings cards. This second hand book shop is run primarily by volunteers who are friendly and helpful.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsWell worth a visit. Good for those little treats like old NEL and 4-Square paperbacks, true crime, 1960s Pan. Saw nothing priced above £2. - Andrew Bradley 26.10.15.
Nice friendly little shop near Bakewell's historic bridge over the River Wye. Spot the many "Original Bakewell Pudding Shops" en route! Most books are priced at £2, though I paid a fiver for a Folio Society edition of Priestley's English Journey. Busy and popular, clearly part of the community, the shop has a good selection of both fiction and non-fiction. - TravellingLibrary 13.03.17.
A well laid out shop with books in very good condition at very reasonable prices. A joy for a reader but little for collectors. - Loyola 13.04.17.
Book Mongers
439 Coldharbour Lane
BRIXTON London SW9 8LN map
tel: 020 7738 4225
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 6.30.
Book Mongers sell a wide range of new and second hand books including novels, cookery books, music books, thrillers and comics.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA bit of a messy place with a resident dog to boot and no real bargains to be found. Still, good to have a bookshop back in S W London. - Mandalay Bookshop 23.01.12.
Yes there is a measure of disorganisation - the shop is a stranger to the concept of 'alphabetical order' within a degree of categorisation and thematic placing. Irritatingly the stock is, as in so many places, placed two deep on shelves , so one misses the opportunity to scan and move on. The owner is an ex pat American with excellent taste in music and radio tuned to a Boston station (depressing to find so much support for Romney). Excellent little rest area with couch and resident dog v. friendly and an integral part of the considerable charm of the place and to which I was banished when my phone went off - not unreasonably. Worth a detour for the stock and the gems which have to be mined for. - Jon Morgan 05.10.12.
Back again, and no dog. Excellent jazz playing - Coltrane?? Sadly even more books in front of books, making browsing / scanning difficult. I love the eccentricities of organisation to be found in second hand bookshops, but this place is a real challenge. Worth a visit if in the area if only to support a significant asset in what otherwise seems a book desert! - Jon Morgan 14.06.14.
This shop opened in Brixton 4 years after I left. - so it's been run by a Boston MA guy since 1992. Here a short video. Made my first visit there last Wednesday. Lots of stock both hardbacks and p/bs. Bought a good h/b at a decent price. WAD. - Chris K 15.09.14.
This bookshop has grown on me - especially as it is one of the very few remaining in S W London. The stock is substantial and the staff very friendly. Shame about the dust though! - Mandalay Emporium 17.10.14.
Mostly recent (I bought one paperback to read). There were some shelves of older books behind the desk but I was not allowed to look. "waste of time plenty of dealers have looked through them". - John Collins 08.08.15.
Further to Jon Morgan (above), the dog has returned - it now sits in the window - and the practice of double-parking books on shelves is no longer widespread. Substantial stock in most categories; especially strong on countercultural fiction from both the UK and USA. Prices are fair; I bought the recent Edward Burra monograph in perfect nick (RRP £40) for 15 quid. - Nicholas Sack 14.05.16.
A revisit but little has changed, Still a good range of stock esp fiction although it sees that large numbers of remainders are creeping in. There is some organisation evident alphabetically but fiction is subdivide into categories such as 'Women's etc. Books are placed face out on the edge of the shelves obscuring the titles behind, which themselves obscure the layer behind. That said, mining can yield gems and the crime fiction section has some excellent stock. Good music , off the wall decor and reasonable prices. A root and branch reorganisation and rationalisation would assist without altering the character of the place. Long may it remain but I hoe it becomes more user friendly. - Jon Morgan 20.11.17.
Bookbane
Unit 9
Felin Fawr Coed y Parc
BETHESDA Gwynedd LL57 4YY map
tel: 01248 600 632 e-mail
Open: 7 days 9.00 - 6.00.
25,000 books in Welsh, English & other languages. Poetry. Technical publications from the 19th & 20th centuries. Working class movement library. Shop & bindery in interesting early 19th century quarry workshop.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsCalled in and returned on long weekend London-Manchester trip. Worth visits - purchased 6 books. Browsed in peace & enjoyed chats with owner. Interesting location with added travel bonus of wonderful N. Wales scenery. Some books sealed in clear film. - Zim 24.06.17.
Books Revisited (Charity Bookshop)
110 High Street
Coleshill
BIRMINGHAM West Midlands B46 3BL map
tel: 01675 464 853 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 4.00.
Fiction, children's, sport, travel, art, history, auto/biography, gardening, cookery, literature, CDs + DVDs, foreign language, humour, music, entertainment and some antiquarian and collectables. We probably have close to 25,000 books and are able to check stock rooms upon request. A charity Bookshop with 4 rooms on a small High Street. We are located in an old building with a lot of character and all proceeds go to the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, a local charity.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsVisited Saturday afternoon after finding free 1hr parking in a side street. The front room is well stocked with popular paperbacks, the back room downstairs is filled with children's books. Upstairs the back room is music, Vinyl, CD's & DVD's. The 2 front rooms upstairs are non fiction and hold some magazines. I came away empty handed as I found the WWII, Military History, naval/maritime sections poorly stocked. I certainly don't feel they hold as much as the advertised 25,000 books as it took me only 5-10 mins to look over this charity shops holdings. - Laurence Batchelor 22.03.14.
A gem of a town with free parking nearby. I was a little late and had little time to browse. There was a good selection of modern hard back and paperback fiction. The staff were very courteous but were shutting up shop and assured me that there was little space to display in the premises but the stores were extensive. Worth going early and worming ones way in there.This place is a short drive from Astley and a wander around the small but interesting town is highly recommended. Fantastic old buildings and so close to Birmingham. - Jon Morgan 07.10.14.
A return visit after 4 years and pleasantly this high street charity shop has become enlarged. Stock is spread in 2 rooms downstairs - popular fiction and Children's and then with 3 rooms upstairs containing music, non-fiction and magazines etc. Pricing was very reasonable and every main area of interest seemed catered for. Came away with a bag load. Free parking in Morrison's for 2 hours a short walk away. - Laurence Batchelor 30.08.18.
Ditto for me, back after 4 years and if anything it is even better. Good general stock, Excellent military! (females serving in RAF section - sorry, I emptied it !). I was allowed into the back store too (Next time upstairs!!!) and scored a few more ! Worthy of the Driff accolade WAD! - Jonathan Morgan 15.09.18.
BooksIsell
85 High Street
NEWPORT Shropshire TF10 7AY map
tel: 01952 811683 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.
30,000+ used books. Not all on display but on premises including 6,000+ online books (listed on Amazon/Abebooks under Severnbooks). Inexpensive pricing. New owner from February 2015 who welcomes fellow book lovers and collectors. He's turned his hobby into his retirement business!
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsI asked the owner when he was open and his reply was 'when I'm here, which is most of the time'. (This obviously isn't quite true as I'd phoned at different times over four days before catching him on the fifth attempt - so be warned.) I asked about his stock and he said that he 'didn't have any books people would want to buy'. - TBG 20.05.10.
Now under new ownership from 23rd February 2015. As the new owner, I'm poacher turned gamekeeper, having turned my passion for visiting bookshops into an occupation. Am looking forward to seeing you all from the other side of the desk! - Brian Stringer 26.02.15.
Huge quantity of books but although in subjects, disorganised within subjects and lots of boxes. Can find a goodie by much rummaging, so have a look if you are passing as it is literally in the middle of the town in the main street. - Norman Davies 13.05.17.
Decided to take a trip out to Newport this afternoon only to find this shop was closed despite the opening times declaring the shop as open until 4pm... we arrived at about 2.30pm. - Martin R 01.02.18.
Broad Street Book Centre
6 Broad Street
HAY-ON-WYE Powys HR3 5DB map
tel: 01497 821919 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.30.
Sixteen book sellers under one roof. Specialities include music, military, maritime, sport, antiquarian, geology, Observer, Ladybird and Shire books, history, children's, railways, cookery, modern firsts, Churchill, and women writers. Be part of the "Town of Books". Fully serviced units available to specialist book dealers, including internet listing of your stock.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsContains several sellers including in my view one of the best railway book shops in England/Wales: Superb selection at reasonable prices. Sadly missed by many as at north end of Hay. WAD. - Norman Davies 16.03.11.
Wide ranging multi-dealer emporium on one floor.. Some prices rather ambitious but bargains to be had. Parking nearby. - The Drifter 22.08.13.
As it says in the blurb, sixteen different dealers. However, that did not deter from a good range of stock covering a number of specific classifications. Easy to search and, in addition, racks of very amusing cards. - Chris Harte 01.03.14.
It very much depends on what you're looking for, but I found this rather disappointing. Many of the books appeared to be priced up for book fairs and would seem to be slightly on the optimistic side. While I found a few interesting titles, they weren't tempting enough to make me get my wallet out. - Nicholas Pendower 12.04.14.
Several small dealers in neat and tidy cubicles, too neat and tidy to be interesting. - James Mackay 14.06.14.
For me this is in the top 3 of book shops in Hay on Wye. So many dealers rent space within which means there is varied and specialized holdings. I spent around an hour in here and came away with 8 military books and was offered a discount. - Laurence Batchelor 19.07.14.
Always worth a visit, although space can be limited when trying to browse and competing with another bookworm for space. Some of the prices of the railway books were a bit on the high side. - SteveBrissle 04.08.14.
Visited for the first time in 18 months, it appears a number of dealers have left, no Military and very poor selection of History. Now closed on Sundays. - Peter Williams 07.03.15.
Return visit and there are now two sections of railway books. The one nearer the front of the shop is well organised and the books are reasonably priced. The other at the rear of the shop was less interesting. Various other subjects were reasonably well represented. - SteveBrissle 28.11.17.
Carningli Centre
East Street
NEWPORT Pembrokeshire SA42 0SY map
tel: 01239 820724 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.30.
About 10,000 books on many subjects including Wales/Cymraeg, natural history, railways, art and crafts, cookery, Penguins, science, poetry, plays etc, etc. On the main A487 (between Cardigan & Fishguard) in the centre of Newport. Free car park in Long St.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsFrontage on main road gives no indication of what is quite a treasure-trove reaching down through rooms full to the brim of interesting titles. Muddled, musty and somewhat eccentric but worth a stop if you are passing. Junk room a must for railway buffs. - Chris Harte 03.09.09.
This is an antique centre dominated by old railway signs so inevitably it is good for railway enthusiasts with a good collection of well priced books on railways. Not sure the rest of the stock is very interesting but some good local books. - Norman Davies 30.07.11.
Revisited and same comments - paradise for a railway enthusiast, also worth a look for other s/h books, extensive local and fiction collection. - Norman Davies 27.01.15.
A highly enjoyable shop with more than just railway memorabilia - a lot of interesting things to see plus a wide selection of books. Well worth a visit. - Nick Harris 05.12.15.
Castle Books
20A Church Street
BEAUMARIS Anglesey LL58 8AB map
tel: 0124 8811394 or 07835 927 541 e-mail
Castle Books has moved just a few yards to its own premises just past the Post Office and opposite the parish church. History, Welsh interest, archaeology, travel, walking, maps, natural history and rural affairs, literature, Penguins, Ladybirds, Tunnicliffe, Observers, good transport section. Ever changing stock, friendly book chat, booksearch, fair prices, books bought. Credit/debit cards accepted. The only bookshop on Anglesey. Stockist for Anglesey Antiquarian Society, Gwynedd Archaeological Trust.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsJust arrived after more than an hour's journey to find the curse of the "we're closed today" card on the door. Looking through the windows I can't see a reason to call again. Needs some decent stock. - TC1842 15.09.14.
Checked my daybook - was open all day all week - I am open when I say I am - not sure what this refers to. - Mandi Abrahams 12.12.14.
Wide ranging good reasonably priced stock. Very friendly and helpful owner. Look forward to coming again. - Lesley 12.12.14.
Like a previous reviewer found to his annoyance, shop closed when I visited. - Chris Harte 24.10.15.
Closed when I visited this week but to be fair a sign indicating family illness. - Norman Davies 26.07.16.
This shop is a mess with piles of unsorted books - many unpriced. Not enough room to pass another customer in shop. Owner uninterested and rude.
No set opening hours. Avoid at all costs. - Merv 04.09.17.
Daisyroots Books Ltd
Main Street
GRANGE-OVER-SANDS Cumbria LA11 6DP map
tel: 015395 38817 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.00.
Extensive stock of collectable and contemporary titles in sought-after subjects. Over 20,000 books on two floors. Famous for fiction. Friendly, independent family business established in 1994. Book searches undertaken. Free roadside parking opposite. Town centre car park within 5 minutes walk. All major credit/debit cards accepted.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsPrices to make the eyes water. - Gareth James 03.07.13.
I have to agree with the previous reviewer, within a couple of minutes it was obvious that the " good" stuff was way pricey. A brief look at the modern firsts clarified this and common titles in questionable condition were top-end fine/fine internet prices. - The Travelling Bookdealer 24.08.13.
Darlington Lion Club Bookshop
Houndgate Mews Arcade
Blackwellgate
DARLINGTON County Durham DL1 5HG map
tel: 07504 429 635 e-mail web
Open: Monday & Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 4.00.
Situated in Blackwellgate between Boyes & Guru We have a vast selection of good quality paperback & hardback fiction and non fiction books devoted to biographies, mysteries, cookery, sport, gardening, health, science fiction. Classics, children's books and many more topics. All books are donated & all proceeds go to charity. Please visit our website.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsPleasant charity bookshop with wide range of fiction-non fiction titles all at bargain 50p each & friendly, helpful staff. Only problem is that it's only open erratically 3 days a week, so visiting is often a gamble. - Zeitgeist45 10.05.14.
Lived in the area for 12 years, first visit today - going to be a place to watch. Only made one purchase today but surprisingly well laid out, bright and some good stock. - Anthony 18.02.16.
Deja-Vu Antiques and Books
31 Fore Street
LOSTWITHIEL Cornwall PL22 0BN map
tel: 01208 873912
Open: Monday - Saturday: 10.30ish - 5.00-ish.
An antiques shop with a carefully selected stock of some 2,000 books. Subjects include: local history and Cornish topography, art, antiques, cookery, and some fiction.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsNot a bad selection of books at all and if one added together all the books in all the antique shops in town it is worth a visit - and the main car park is free. - Steven Whitehead 04.08.12.
Focus on the Past Antique Centre
25 Waterloo Street
Clifton
BRISTOL BS8 4BT map
tel: 0117 973 8080
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30, Sunday 11.00 - 5.00.
From 30th September 2016 I will be moving out of Focus on the Past as I am moving to Cornwall. Another dealer will carry on with the selection of Bristol books. I would like to say thank you to all my lovely regular customers. I have enjoyed meeting you and will be sad to leave. I am now looking for outlets in the Penzance/St Ives area. Best wishes from Margaret Anglim.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsAlways worth a good rummage. Some good books can be found and approachable owner. - SteveBrissle 03.03.14.
A good number of reasonably priced books both on the ground floor and down the stairs. Particularly strong on local history. Aisle's quite tight which makes browsing difficult when busy. Recommended- well worth a detour. Just across the road from the books at Rainbow Cafe. Free parking nearby. - The Drifter 19.04.14.
There is a fairly good selection of books in the basement of this antiques centre. However, if they were stacked properly and the view of the shelves not obstructed by clutter then some decent titles can be found. Recommend taking a torch as lighting is poor. - Chris Harte 15.11.14.
buy books here on a regular basis and the main stock is in a section on the ground floor not the basement! Great for local history and 1930s to 50s illustrated if you are into vintage. Rarer books in a cabinet. This is an antique centre not a general book store but books in good condition and not over-priced. Well worth a visit. - Mo H 19.11.14.
Always worth a visit. Small quantity but some good quality books at very reasonable prices. Recommended. - SteveBrissle 22.12.14.
This is an odd one, a crammed antique centre. Upstairs a small selection but I always seem to buy something so worth a look if in Bristol. Downstairs I have twice given up trying to shift boxes, prints and piles of books to get at what may be some decent stuff on the shelves. As the Boxer would say, I need to be fitter to do book removals! - Norman Davies 09.01.15.
Highly recommended selection of collectable and realistically priced books on the ground floor of the Antiques Centre. I visit regularly and have picked up some real bargains over the years. There are further books in the basement. Just across the road are books at the Rainbow Cafe. Well worth a detour. Parking nearby. - The Drifter 14.02.15.
My last two visits have resulted in some good purchases being made at reasonable prices. Lots of local books, mostly in good condition. One of the more interesting established shops in Clifton Village. - SteveBrissle 07.04.16.Very cramped and not much stock re books. Plenty of rugs though. - David 29.09.17.
Sadly now no books upstairs except a few antique centre type ones. Downstairs can now get at the books but they appear the same as were there on the last visit some time ago. No longer worth it for a book buyer or lover. - Norman Davies 31.05.18.
G and J Chesters
14 Market Street
POLESWORTH Staffordshire B78 1HW map
tel: 01827 894743
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 5.30.
Large stock (over 35,000 vols) and a big selection of antique maps and prints. Academic and enthusiasts' books: philosophy, sociology, history, literary criticism, psychology, anthropology, politics, railways, aviation, cookery, gardening, angling, etc. etc.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsOne of those shops that always has something you want to own. Give yourself plenty of time to wander around. - Tafflin 15.02.10.
Interesting bookshop - now has 45,000 books! Owners glued to computers in warm shut door room so could have walked off with armfuls of books! Presume most business done through Internet but at least the shelves were labeled. - Mary 13.04.13
Right by the Coventry canal down from bridge 53. Non-hurried browsing and welcoming and helpful proprietor (Geoff). V large and wide ranging stock in vgc, particularly most academic subjects from arts to sciences, also good topology, transport, music, prints ... - Ray 02.11.13.
Had a great four hours wandering around the massive holdings in between being given cups of coffee and gossiping with the owner. Found some incredibly esoteric titles. Everything categorised. Well worth a visit. - Chris Harte 16.11.13.
A particularly difficult shop to navigate as there was piles and piles of books on the floors blocking shelving which I wish to peruse and many of the rooms the lights where switched off or there was piles of jiffy bags in the way. Geoff the owner was very helpful as where the staff to my repeated requests for assistance. One thing I would say though is many of the titles need price revisions and the prices are often based on the 'at the time of listing reasonable Amazon Marketplace prices'. However over time they can often become out-dated and 1 book, in particular, was seriously over-priced. In the end, I was able to negotiate a more reasonable price upon my visit. Lastly I was unfortunately not impressed to find more titles in the 45,000 on-site books as I came away with just 3 on WWII/Royal Navy/Aircraft/Military History/Intelligence. - Laurence Batchelor 02.01.14.
What a difference 6 months make! There's a lot of fresh newly arrived stock here including a recent acquisition of 1950s/1960s hardbacks with dustjackets. As ever the owner and his staff where a pleasure to deal with as I came away with 3 books at a discount and could have easily bought more. The shop must be pushing on 60,000 books now and is overflowing. Clearly they could do with bigger premises but still this place is Roast Beef!- Laurence Batchelor 17.05.14.
Wife and I planning a second visit. Allow yourself plenty of time - stock is slightly overwhelming but mostly accessible. We were given tea/coffee/discount/helpful directions to other shops. - Andrew Bradley 03.07.14.
Second visit. Shop very quiet - nice for us as punters. Better able to find our way around this time: our collecting interests on the first floor. Most books seem fairly priced. Discount given. Parking facilities excellent. - Andrew Bradley 12.07.14.
Plenty of books in my fields of interest - especially history and politics - including some rarities. The owner was most helpful and I shall certainly visit again. - Geoffrey Warner 18.03.15. - Laurence Batchelor 18.07.15.My 3rd visit. I made the mistake of parking in the pub car park next door, instead of in front of the shop, and some old battleaxe came out and moaned at me even though I told her I was just visiting the bookshop next door! It was a hot Saturday and the owner was outside pilling up books on the steps leading up to the front door I presume as he was having a clearout. Inside there was fresh stock and even less space to move about. Upstairs it looked like the place had had a tidy up. Downstairs the owner was as pleasant as ever and a discount was offered due to a multiple purchase. Still highly recommended as one of the Midlands best bookshops. It is a pity the town of Polesworth isn't prettier as he would receive more trade then. - Laurence Batchelor 18.07.15.
After not visiting for 2 years the time was right to see if he'd refreshed the stock. Sadly in my areas of interest - Naval/WW2/Maritime/Royal Navy there was nothing new and most of the titles I've seen there for years not selling. There is still a lot of books in piles on the floors which need sorting and categorising. In the end I found 3 books to purchase and each one was found by chance as they were perched in the wrong categories. Prices were reasonable. Upon conversation with the owner he informed me they have taken over the small book room at the nearby Whitemoors Antiques Centre (previously held by Aucott & Thomas trading from Ibstock) and that he is having to move out of his present shop in Polesworth due to the landlord wanting to make them into flats. He is, therefore, to move into a local storage unit in August so you intrepid bibliophiles only have a few weeks to pursue his shop before it closes. Thereafter the stock will be viewable by appointment only. - Laurence Batchelor 31.07.18.
GfB: the Colchester Bookshop
7 Trinity Street
COLCHESTER Essex CO1 1JN map
tel: 01206 502218 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.30.
Very large stock, specialising in academic and out-of-print books on literature, art, philosophy, and history, as well as the sciences and local interest. Our quirky rooms and staircases lead up to the medieval roof of Elizabethan scientist, William Gilbert's Colchester home.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsWelcomed with a request to sign an anti-supermarket petition! Varied stock on two floors. Topography strong as well as art and fiction. - Herne.
Just down from the Castle. Seems a little dry and academic on first inspection. The upstairs is new since I last visited but some good stock. The rear is an excellent place. Good Military section and excellent stock of reasonably priced paperbacks. - Jon Morgan 05.02.08.
Not easy to find as entrance on lower ground floor, hence the damp smell. Stock reasonable but nothing really old. Shop assistant (owner being away) had virtually no knowledge of the business. - Chris Harte 21.08.09.
Not as good as the other bookshop in the town but nevertheless well worth a visit. But be warned, they don't take cards and the cash machine is a fair step up the hill. - Nicholas Pendower 16.02.13.
As good as ever, A wide selection of old and new fiction and even in the basement I could get a mobile signal to check prospective purchases on Library Thing. Prices are very reasonable and the £1.00 section which I usually avoid like the plague i bookshops yielded some gems. Did not smell damp to me despite the basement set up. There were a few dehumidifiers going. NB seemed cash only as no evidence of chip pin machine and it is a long walk back to the cashpoint. There are a couple of good-ish charity shops and a recently opened branch of Emmaus which had a good stock of books (History of Radio 4 for £1.00). - jon Morgan 16.02.13.
Revisited after an interval to find still going strong. Good general stock and strong on poetry. Still cash only. - Herne 26.03.13.
Seems diminished in its new home, which is a beautiful structure and ought to be perfect for a secondhand bookshop with differing levels and floors, nooks and crannies, but is oddly empty. Seems disorganised in comparison to the previous location. Bargain basement in the attic (??) with occasional gems. - Jon Morgan 05.11.15.
Out of necessity, this first year has been a case of recovering from our forced move. The stock is diminished because we have weeded out most of the less saleable books. Next year, with a longer-term lease agreed, we will begin shelf-building in earnest to accommodate a lot of new and better stock. It is our aim to turn the building into one the most beautiful bookshops in Britain, for which it is ideally suited. It will take a lot of hard work, though! PS. We do accept credit/debit cards. - Simon Taylor, The Colchester Bookshop 22.12.15.
Re-visited after two years encouraged by the owner's post. Nothing appears to have changed. Not the stock or the arrangement of books on the attic floor. Some evidence of organisation but a slightly haphazard feeling about the place. Intent to shelve can be inferred from wood pile in discreet corners but as the stock is not particularly large and despite the fascinating building, there is a long way before it is the most beautiful bookshop in England.... For me that is probably Booth's in Hay (Even if it is sanitised to within an inch of its life) or may be Daunt in Marylebone. Anyone else got any suggestions? - Jonathan Morgan 13.11.17.
Jonathan's comment is puzzling because, about the same time, a customer who hadn't visited for two years told us how impressed he was with progress. Both rooms on the first floor have been fully shelved and in November we had recently added two large and interesting lots to the stock. However, I will concede that we still have some way to go towards being as beautiful as we want to be! - GfB 15.01.18.
Returned after a long interval to the new premises. A lot to see and plenty to interest. I found some good material in literary fiction and poetry realistically priced. And an excellent coffee shop in an equally historic building next door. - Herne 12.02.18.
Glaisnock Book Cafe
20 South Main Street
WIGTOWN Dumfries and Galloway DG8 9EH map
tel: 01988 402249 e-mail web
Open: 7 days 9.00 - 5.00.
Thousands of books displayed in our book cave room. Modern fiction and non-fiction at affordable prices. Our book cave is located at the rear of our book themed cafe
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsFairly humdrum selection of 'charity shop' type books - so not really on a par with the other Wigtown shops. However the prices are fine - if you are on the lookout for a coffee table book or an airport-type novel then it will probably be here. - Steven Kelly 16.10.13.
The beating heart of Wigtown. The books are a clean and bright selection of largely modern paperback fiction, 50p for a paperback, £1 for a hardback. You can get your holiday novels here, but you don't come to Glaisnock for the books, you come for a warm and friendly welcome, a chat over a superb 'Full Scottish' breakfast and excellent coffee - and to earwig on the community at its ease. My paperback novel came free, courtesy of Glaisnock's very own "Happy Cafe Day". I'm sure a stay in their B&B would be a pleasant one. - TravellingLibrary 27.06.15.Very nice, friendly cafe. The books, in one room at the back and a few other shelves, are pretty much charity shop fare. But you do get a free copy with your cafe order. - Mark V 08.08.15.
Island Books
White House
Storrington Road
THAKEHAM West Sussex RH20 3EQ map
tel: 01798 812 223 e-mail web
Open: By Appointment.
Large stock of fine, rare and academic titles. Binding and restoration. Showroom open by appointment.
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JW Books
The Shopping Courtyard
Stratford Garden Centre Campden Road Clifford Chambers
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Warwickshire CV37 8LW map
tel: 01789 508031 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.00, Sunday 10.30 - 4.00.
Extensive range of secondhand books encompassing architecture, art, aviation, biographical, history, maritime, military, natural history, performing arts, topography, transport, travel, sports and Folio Society. Local interests: Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Also Fred Archer and John Moore. Regular attendee at Churchdown Book Fair.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSituated in a new small retail development north-east of the town. Lovely setting; ample parking; perfectly built and designed - but no one around! The owner still has many crates to unload but what was on the shelves showed a high proportion of local and regional titles. Give him time to settle in. - Chris Harte 16.11.13.
Serves me right for not contacting owner beforehand: difficult to find, but looks like excellent selection. next door shop said owner only there occasionally but will open on request. - Norman Davies 13.08.14.
Now trading as JW Books (John Welch who is very personable and helpful). Small shop but well picked and very clean stock, fairly priced. Worth visiting. - Brian Stringer 02.10.14.
Recently moved from Evesham - TBG 05.11.15.
A shopping unit within a garden centre courtyard. Amazing how much stock can be crammed in and still browseable/accessible! Mostly hardbacks and most are in excellent condition. Fair prices on most things I looked at. Ended up with only 1 book but the proprietor was so personable I ended up chatting with him for the best part of an hour. General stock I suppose (something for most tastes) but I spied a fair amount of history (especially military) and a lot of Folio editions. Well worth a detour if in the surrounding area. - Flip M 06.02.17.
After my double strike out in Warwick, I took a return trip here. Happy to say it was not only open but well stocked (with more on the floor in boxes waiting to be sorted). Same comments apply as above, except more paperbacks this time, incl a batch of Star Trek and Star Wars novels. I found a few things to buy, at reasonable prices, in fact I was browsing for far longer than I spend in some larger shops. A good military selection but something for most tastes and WAD. - Flip M 29.07.17.
Visited 11.40am on a Wednesday, but was still unfortunately closed. After visiting the shop next door calls were made and it appeared he was opening a bit later and was doing a book appraisal elsewhere. The stock in this shop is impressive - All high quality and nearly all Hardbacks with DJ's and not much ex-library. I would go so far to say that it has the best military book collection on show in the Midlands, superior even than my nearby Astley Bookfarm. The owner is most pleasant and helpful and this is one shop you simply must visit if in the area. I came away with 6 purchases, all reasonably priced and a bulk-discount was offered. Other categories well-catered for are Folio, Railways, Politics, some foreign-language Art books, Biographies, Maritime, Motoring among others. Advise ringing before making the journey. - Laurence Batchelor 03.08.18.
Keel Row Books
11 Fenwick Terrace
Preston Road
NORTH SHIELDS Tyne and Wear NE29 0LU map
tel: 0191 296 0664 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Rare & second-hand books, maps, ephemera & photographs bought & sold. Established 1981. Tyneside's longest running rare & secondhand bookshop. Member of the ABA, ILAB and PBFA. Sprawling early Victorian house now crammed with 40,000 books on every conceivable subject. Located in historic North Shields, close to the mouth of the River Tyne. A couple of minutes drive from the attractions of the coast.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsI counted six rooms but they also use the hallways and parts of the stairs, but no matter what the room count is the shop is big, relatively easy to park at, friendly (being more than happy to pull books from the window display for me to look at) and well worth the visit. The upstairs hall was being used for piles of books and boxes of comics and magazines when I was there but the shop is tidy and well laid out. - Jeremy Briggs.
Taken over by a new owner but the standard of books is still as good as always. Never leave Newcastle without a visit. - Chris Harte 14.04.09.
Good range of stock, very helpful staff. - Paul Simpson 28.07.09.
They now have a really splendid selection of Australian town and regional histories some of which are difficult to get even in Australia. - Chris Harte 12.09.09.
Like other big book shops in area (Alnwick & Carlisle) prices are generally too high, this one is not easy to get to or park by, there are some quality books here but if only there were the odd bargain it would be worth a visit. - PaulP 02.08.11.
The owner is very unpleasant indeed and I will not be recommending him to anyone and shall tell people of his impoliteness. - E 19.04.12.
The owner is very pleasant indeed and I will be recommending him to anyone and will always tell people of his politeness. He does have a low tolerance for pillocks, mind. - Steve Liddle 23.04.13.
Still the best s/h bookshop between Alnwick and York, I think. Went there on a fairly sunny PM. Plenty of stock to browse but some areas are too dark. Needs better lighting installed in the rooms with no windows. Bought 3 good books though. - Chris K 16.10.13.
Excellemt bookshop well worth a visit. Fair/reasonable prices. - Dickl 05.11.15.
Enjoyed a recent impromptu visit here with friends. Proprietor seemed pleasant & we were all pleased to find a decent selection of cheap but quality used stock & in my preferred area of science fiction. Made several purchases & would gladly visit to browse again. - Darania45 24.09.16.
What a great shop. Broad range of stock, most subjects covered. The place has real character with helpful staff. The general readers stock is fairly priced and the collectible books don't seem unreasonable. - Andy 20.11.17.
Landers Bookshop
Hall Street
LONG MELFORD Suffolk CO10 9HZ map
tel: 01787 378957 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
Lots of General new titles that are regularly updated. A good, wide selection of secondhand books. We undertake searches for new and hard to find titles as well as general second hand requests.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA very small shop, with mainly new books and two shelves of general secondhand material. Apparently has another 1500 secondhand books in an inaccessible storeroom. - Tom Lawson 20.05.16.
Leominster Books
Book Room
The Secondhand Warehouse and Antiques Centre New Street
LEOMINSTER Herefordshire HR6 8DR map
tel: 01568 614114 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.30.
On the first floor of this large Antiques Centre. A good selection of secondhand and antiquarian books on all subjects. New stock added regularly.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsQuite a good selection on the first floor. All in category order with a number of shelves of old children's books. - Chris Harte 29.10.12.
Well organised, well lit and stocked with an interesting mix of old and modern books at reasonable prices, even some sheet music. Handy for the car park and free coffee too. One not to miss. - Laura 29.10.12.
Very small stock. About half a dozen bookcases. - Mark 10.11.12.
The customer above must have missed the book room and only visited one of the antique dealers on the ground floor of the Centre who carries a small stock of books. Leominster Books is on the first floor (up the main staircase by the cash desk) and has a substantial stock of several thousand books in considerably more than half a dozen bookcases! - Simon, Leominster Books 14.11.12.
Yes, if you go straight upstairs you will find the real books - excellent selection, decent prices. WWAD. - Norman Davies 24.08.13.
A fairly large unit in a bright and interesting antiques centre. The stock is well presented and in good condition, and there is a comparatively wide selection of well-chosen books at quite reasonable prices. However, there is no facility for those who like to rummage in interesting and dusty corners. - Nicholas Pendower 12.04.14.
Asked for Leominster Books at the main desk, only to be met with puzzlement. There is a unit of books upstairs, but it is fairly small in size and general in character. - TravellingLibrary 18.05.18.
Lodge Books
25 South Back Lane
BRIDLINGTON East Yorkshire YO16 4EY map
tel: 07449 887118 e-mail web
Open: Thursday & Friday 10.30 - 4.30, Saturday 10.30 - 2.30.
A range of popular fiction, classics, biographies, non-fiction and children's, with a selection of collectibles. Find us close to the Old Town of Bridlington, the Priory and the Bayle Museum.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsAnother shop in Bridlington which will gladden the hearts of those seeking paperbacks but, there are hardbacks as well. - Laurence Purcell 19.12.13.
Louth and District Hospice Bookshop
53 Ashwell Street
LOUTH Lincolnshire LN11 9HW map
tel: 01507 600887 e-mail web
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10.00 - 3.30.
We stock thousands of secondhand books. Dependent on donations but we have large stocks of crime, history, cookery, gardening. We also offer a Book Club in conjunction with a local café and a book search service
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McNaughtan's Bookshop
3a - 4a Haddington Place
EDINBURGH Midlothian EH7 4AE map
tel: 0131 556 5897 web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 11.00 - 5.00
We have a large general second-hand and antiquarian stock including books on
the fine arts, architecture, children's books, literature, history, music,
travel, topography, natural history, cookery and gardening. Within the shop
is a small gallery space with a rolling programme of exhibitions of the work
of contemporary artists. The exhibition space can be rented and you are
referred to our website for terms and conditions.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsThis bookshop is Edinburgh at its best. The shelves are groaning with quality and I was amazed at the runs which were being offered for sale. I spent just over two hours here when, in all honesty, it should have been longer. The prices were very fair and I had no hesitation in parting with quite a lot of money in exchange for some very collectable titles. Visit highly recommended. - Chris Harte 11.06.10.
Specialities include Scottish, literature, history and visual arts. Has changed since my last visit in that there's now a small gallery area with paintings by the owner Elizabeth Strong on display. Tantalisingly a lot of white plastic bags at the foot of the shelves: new stock waiting to be processed. Staffed by a young American chap. (I spent £3.50) - Chris K 27.07.10.
Down some steep steps into an extensive basement premises. Probably one of the 2 best rare and second-hand bookshops in Edinburgh. (Just opposite a good s-h vinyl/cd/dvd seller in Elm Row.) Found 2 good cheap, local history p/backs and an unusual French art history title. WAD. - Chris K 02.08.11.
The moment you walk in that lovely smell of a quality bookshop, a proper bookshop, interesting books, bargains known, friendly staff, Edinburgh's finest in my view. - PaulP 14.08.13.
Missed it on my first walk past! Glad I found it because it is full of interesting volumes. And a great music shop just over the road. - Herne 02.11.13.
I have been visiting this place for the past forty years and it is still by far the best secondhand / antiquarian bookshop in Edinburgh. Great art section with an impressive collection of old exhibition catalogues. Large children's section and great Scottish section. A place of pilgrimage for all serious book collectors. - Oor Wullie 26.07.14.
All the other comments are still quite right. But I must add some praise for those who work there: civilised, knowledgeable, friendly, they're as much Edinburgh at it's best as are the shop and its stock. - James Mackay 22.11.14.
One of my 2 favorite Edinburgh bookshops. A wide range of prices from a few pounds up to many hundreds, but all excellent quality. It seems this shop only sells the best of the best an honest prices based upon condition and rarity. - Richard 24.04.15.
Spoke to the nice lady assistant to learn that the shop owner Elizabeth Strong is retiring at the end of the month. It's being taken over by a Blackwell's Oxford Bookshop guy and his partner.The lady I spoke to was being made redundant and finished that day ... All the available stock now out for sale - did manage to find a very good copy of 'London's Railways From The Air'. [Have vivid memories about local stations and steam loco sheds I knew very well.] - Chris K 10.07.15
I have visited this shop many, many times over the years and have always considered it one of Edinburgh's great treats. The Architecture section is a little smaller now that the Gallery has taken much of its space, but is still an excellent offering and largely modestly priced. I wish Elizabeth well in her retirement with her paints and easel. There will be an exhibition of her work at the shop soon. As for Macnaughtans, I expect the old-established name will stay but anticipate a change of ethos and atmosphere in the near future. - TravellingLibrary 08.08.15
Very pleased to catch the old shop in its final week. 5 good rooms, spent hours and found a bagful for less than £20. best wishes for the retirement; fingers crossed for the new management. - glenk 04.09.15.
New owners Derek Walker and Anna Fomicheva, formerly of Blackwells in Oxford. Met DW on my first return. Had a good look round and could only find a £2 item to purchase. Some of the shelves now need the books kept better sorted. There are gaps since my last visit though 37 new boxes of art etc. waiting to be added. - Chris K 23.02.16.
Books now well sorted, nicely presented and well shelved. A cross between antiquarian and general s/h, this is a must for the general collector (ie me). Beware it is difficult to find - look down into the basement off the main road pavement! - Norman D 30.10.16.
After 5pm on 23rd December the shop will close for the holiday period and necessary restoration works on our ceiling. We will re-open on 23rd January at 11am with a new exhibition in the gallery. - Chris K 15.01.18.
Pages of Hackney
70 Lower Clapton Road
HACKNEY London E5 0RN map
tel: 020 8525 1452 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 11.00 - 7.00, Saturday 10.00 - 6.00, Sunday 12.00 - 6.00.
An independent bookshop on the Lower Clapton Road, stocking an eclectic selection of contemporary and classic fiction, children's books, politics, environment, art, cookery and much more. We now have a new and improved secondhand section in our basement.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA small independent bookshop that has apparently been open for seven years but undiscovered. A mix of new and second hand. The basement contains a fair selection of reasonably priced books including three shelves full of Penguin and Pelican books and quite a few Ladybird series too. Steve Newman 30.11.15.
Pendleburys Bookshop
Garreg Fawr
Porthyrhyd
LLANWRDA SA19 8NY map
tel: 01558 650 840 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00 .
Booksellers for many decades with a large general stock & specialisms of 20,000 theology, 3,500 botanical & gardening books. Outside advertised hours please telephone before visiting. A remote hillside bookshop housed in converted barns in the foothills of the Cambrians within a three acre garden project.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA journey into the middle of nowhere was rewarded by a friendly greeting, hot coffee and lots of chatter. This really is an oasis in the wilderness and the tens of thousands of titles on offer took some hours to browse. The theological stock took the whole of one massive converted barn. Other subjects, with a large gardening section, were a joy to behold. Only a fraction of the books are on the internet at the moment. There are many scarce titles on offer, particularly on field sports and rural pursuits. WWAD. - Chris Harte 05.03.13.
Talisman Books
Unit 4 Business Court
Rear 32 Buxton Rd High Lane
STOCKPORT Gt. Manchester SK6 8BH map
tel: 07523 236850 e-mail
Mixed stock, 50p to £50 generally. Lots of ordnance survey maps. Cookery, Terry Pratchett, Stephen King, collectables. Modern 1st editions. Books wanted, please ring or email.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsSmall shop but well laid out with very varied stock. Prices are fair and owner is friendly. Well worth a visit. - The Wanderer 09/01/09.
Lovely little two-storey shop, in very picturesque setting. Prices are good - and stock is suitably eclectic. Very friendly owner - can recommend highly. - Steve 10.05.12.
Charming, friendly little shop with stock over two floors - mainly non-fiction upstairs. Strong on local history and topography with lots of maps. Worth a visit. - Steven Kelly 30.01.16.
Change of address! The Marple Bridge shop is closed. - Flip M 29.07.17.
The Book Cellar at St Richard's Hospice
11 High Street
EVESHAM Worcestershire WR11 4DA map
tel: 01386 422921 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00.
We have a vast selection of high quality secondhand books, catering for a wide variety of tastes. We also stock some Folio Society and old collectable books. All funds raised through sales support St Richard's Hospice.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsExcellent extensive selection in a largeish basement room. Above average charity shop and I made several purchases. Sadly some older books seem to have been "Oxfam-ed" or "Abe-ed" priced. - Norman Davies 13.03.17.
The Gently Mad
2 Summer Place
EDINBURGH Midlothian EH3 5NR map
tel: 0131 261 6028 e-mail web
Open: 7 days 11.00 - 6.00.
In the shop above our bindery we hold an interesting selection of antiquarian and collectable books that cover a wide range of subjects. We always have a good selection of military, natural history, children's illustrated, transport, sports, folklore and legends, art, history and classic literature.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsWas T & B Bookcrafts, changed ownership and name in January 2013. TBG 06.03.13.
Times of change at The Gently Mad, with stock en route from the first floor to the basement. This move should be completed shortly. In the meantime, a concentrated essence is on display, illustrated books and decorative bindings of great beauty, in that small part of the shop that is not occupied by the bindery. I was in heaven! Staff were friendly and the emporium felt very accessible. Prices are high, sadly, but a visit is sheer visual joy. - TravellingLibrary 01.08.15.
Expanding - the owners are in the process of opening the basement, in order to relieve the rather cramped area upstairs. - Richard Beaton 05.10.15.
Shop has now expanded - you can go down to the basement, where I did find one Edinburgh book to add to my collection. Better condition titles are in the window but too many others not in great nick. - Chris K 23.02.16.
I loved this shop - chaotic with variable condition items but an excellent place to spend browsing time. Fascinating and less stuffy than many others in Edinburgh. - Norman D 30.10.16.
The Kindness Offensive Bookshop
273 Camden Road
HOLLOWAY London N7 0JN map
tel: 020 7607 6592 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Friday 1.00 - 5.00, Saturday 12.00 - 6.00.
Most of the books not ordered or categorised. All books in the shop are free of charge to take away.
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This Shop Rocks
131 Brick Lane
SHOREDITCH E16SE map
tel: 02077 397 667 e-mail
Open: 7 days 12.00 - 6.00.
Wide range, we have useful books, many on theatre, films, art, cookery, etc. A small bookshop but carefully picked and packed.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsAn interesting shop selling mainly curio's/collectibles upstairs but with a good stock of interesting books in the basement. A stones throw from Spitalfields Market and a short ride on the number 8 bus to Jambala in Globe Road. All three are worth a look. - Steve Newman 03.03.14.
A modest accumulation of low-key books, possibly of interest to readers. - Muggins 02.07.14.
Tree House Bookshop
5-7 Abbey End
KENILWORTH Warwickshire CV8 1QH map
tel: 01926 856843 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 - 5.00.
Community bookshop selling donated books.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsA small charity bookshop towards the top of the high street. Strong on fiction and Children's books but as its a general bookshop all categories are catered for to a degree. Not particularly strong on my areas of interest which is military and naval but they are at the mercy of the town's folk donations. The really best part of this shop is the prices. Picked up 2 1st-edition hardbacks with dustjackets for £2 each. The same title in the same condition was £6.99 the day before in Oxfam in Knowle. The lady owner was lovely and I had to interrupt a book club meeting happening in the shop on a Friday morning I visited for her to assist. There is 3 or 4 general charity shops in the town also selling a few secondhand books for the visitor to browse and the new bookshop Kenilworth books. Long may this lovely secondhand bookshop prosper. - Laurence Batchelor 15.09.18.
Undercover Books
Loose's Fleamarket
23-25 Magdalen Street
NORWICH Norfolk NR3 1LP map
tel: 07745 924388 e-mail
Open: Monday - Saturday:- 10.00- - 5.30, Sunday 11.00 - 4 .00.
A large and ever-changing selection of modern period 'classic' fiction in hardback and paerback, crime, sci-fi, 'pulp', horror. A good children's selection including early Puffin and pictorial board books are always in stock. Art books and hard-to-find titles in various genres. A solid travel section and a number of antiquarian books. Local interest, of course, and academic books too.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsThe fleamarket is an Aladdin's Cave and that's what, I think, they call it anyway. Undercover Books is set up upstairs at the front of the building on the first floor and it's a real delight. I was able to pick up some long lost sci-fi at a very reasonable price and could have spent a whole lot more time here just browsing a great selection of really interesting stuff. It's really a little gem. Highly recommended. - singsong64 04.02.12.
Appearing but once a week with an ever changing array of genuinely difficult to find titles curated by a veritable pulp meister - Nigel! (for that is his name) Go undercover and discover a world you thought was only in books ... book farmer 20.02.12.
Went back to Undercover Books after over a year and it is clearly on the up. Increased stock of high quality. Impressed by the fiction, modernism, crime, SF, drama, theory; also posters, comics, pamphlets ... a good atmosphere and a strong sense that the bookseller knows his onions. Prices seemed very reasonable. One of the best second-hand outlets of its kind in Norwich at the moment? - pinefox 12.09.15.
My first visit was disappointing as I stayed on the ground floor an found a lacklustre selection of books on shelves at the back of this vast emporium. Then I read the reviews above and realised that I had actually missed the real Undercover Books on the first floor at the front. A good selection in almost every genre with a very knowledgeable and attentive owner. He obviously knows the trade and the stock. Other charity shops in a large Oxfam with a good stock of charity stock books almost opposite. - Jon Morgan 06.07.17.
Vanessa Parker Rare Books
Old Thatch
MULRANNY Co. Mayo
tel: 00353 (0)8723 39221 e-mail web
Open: 7 days 11.00 - 6.00 July to mid September, rest of the year pot luck or appointment.
We stock a wide range of books with an emphasis on early children`s, illustrated, fine bindings & sets, antiquarian, Irish, poetry literature, history,horses & dogs, country pursuits, fishing, plus much more. See our slowly growing website for books for sale. We also stock prints wrapped ready for sale and genuine Antiques. In a very picturesque location overlooking the mountains across clew bay.
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Wadard Books
6 High Sreet
FARNINGHAM Kent DA4 0DG map
tel: 01322 863151 e-mail web
Open: Tuesday & Thursday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00.
Secondhand and antiquarian books including cookery, military and local history and topography.
Add a comment Read commentsHide commentsI was amazed at the high quality of books in this shop which also has a very knowledgeable owner who is always willing to help. The scarce titles scattered around are very tempting. - Chris Harte 27.06.09.
What a super bookshop. It is in a pretty village near the M25 and M20 between London and the bookshops of East Sussex. Pleasant and airy with a mixture of antiquarian and secondhand stock, much of interest with a special focus on military history. The owner is very charming and helpful. This is what a bookshop should be. Am most grateful to your website to cause me to stop off there. - Anthony Davis 13.10.09.
Another bookseller who knows about books. A wonderful selection and competitively priced. Daren't go there too often though! - Jane Jones 31.05.11.
High quality stock, particularly strong on topography and local history, overseen by a most genial and helpful proprietor. - Nicholas Sack 08.07.14.
This shop is in fact closed on Mondays and Wednesdays as I discovered when I visited it today (Monday!) The information about opening days shown on the panel which is displayed when you Google the shop's name is wrong as well. This sort of thing is most annoying. - Laurence Purcell 04.03.16.
What a splendid bookshop. - Kingmaker 04.04.16.
Wayne the Book Guy
24 Prudhoe Street
NORTH SHIELDS Tyne and Wear NE29 6QX map
tel: 07760 251278 e-mail web
Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 4.00.
Second hand, loved books and collectables. Both fiction and non fiction. All genres and tastes. Now moved to the Wilbury Inn Cafe. Enjoy a cuppa with your book!
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