| Riders Gear |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Second handbook stores in London: Some top choicesLondon is the home to a multiplicity of bookstores off the beaten commercial track. Hosting books and manuscripts not only out of print but at reduced prices, with crowded shelves and usually knowledgeable, helpful staff, second-hand bookstores have a charm all their own: the potential for a new discovery awaits for every visitor. Balham’s ‘My Back Pages’ is one of the best of such second-hand stores in London. Tucked away opposite the main railway station, it contains used and rare books from a wide range of subjects and disciplines – history, classics, politics and psychology to name a few. For ten years, the manager, Philip Leigh, has allowed the customers of Balham themselves to supply the store with their own used books. The fluctuations in shelf stock mean that regulars can always hope to dig out an exciting literary find. ‘Black Gull Books’ in Camden Lock Place by Camden Market is an untidy, musty and attractive store, with academic and accommodating assistants. This store offers second-hand books in mint condition and at a fraction of the usual retail price. Next to the renowned jeweller ‘Roger Stone’ and Puzzles specialist ‘Village Games’, it is perfectly situated for the curious buyer interested more generally in one-off items. Another store whose location contributes significantly to its appeal is ‘Portobello Books’ in Portobello Road. This shop specialises in out of print books, historical manuscripts and regular fiction, and has two of the friendliest assistants you could meet. Near to Goldborne road, customers can combine their book searching with a wander around the colourful weekend markets, a browse through the Portobello arcade, and a stop-off for a tasty tagine lunch in one of the local Moroccan cafes. Lastly, more centrally in Charing Cross is ‘Foyles’. Founded in 1903 by two brothers, who had failed their civil service examinations; this store rose from modest beginnings to become the most famous independent bookstore in Britain. Containing 1.4 million books, numerous floors so that customers can read and glance through the shelves for hours at a time, it is no longer the aggressive, consumerist shop it once was under the ownership of Christina Foyle. Situated in an historic location, ‘Foyles’ is also famous for the figures of literary and artistic renown – Arthur Conan Doyle, Walt Disney and Alistair Crowley – who have, at different times, been regulars. All these bookshops are located in some of London’s most interesting corners and each have a pulsing sub-culture of their own, which is well worth a visit and a stay. You could try a website likeLastMinute.com for London hotels and more tourist help with outings and trips you can organise online before you go. The well-reputed London Book Fair website also has a top ten listing of the bigger bookshops in London that come well recommended.
|
||||
|
|||||
 |
|||||
