Bookstore Guide

Hurlingham Books, London

2012-02-01T16:37:00.011+01:00

Where? London, England, UK

Recommended by Claudio Sansone

Claudio said: "Hurlingham books is my latest discovery in London bookshops and in one visit it has easily outweighed the long travel (long story, don't ask) I had to undertake to reach it. It is situated in Fulham right next to Putney Bridge tube stop, and is generally (read: when not being stupid like I was) very accessible from anywhere in the center of London in less than 20 minutes. The shopping starts outside the store with stacks and stacks of wonderful paperbacks being placed in 10foot piles with their spine showing against the window! Inside, the amount of books in a relatively small space is staggering, and the loosely organized feel actually makes shopping more of a pleasure because of the constant surprises (the presentation of the books is done in such a way as to somehow be intuitively clear...). The shop has a whole host of fiction, poetry and general interest books but unlike most London bookshops the shopping doesn't end there!

By request/arrangement one can ask to be taken to the warehouse (I was actually picked up and driven by the kind owner, Ray, but the walk would have been brief and pleasant through Fulham). Once there you are escorted below ground to 5 or 6 rooms stacked (walls and center, creating interesting labyrinthine shopping patterns) with the widest selection of books I have ever seen -- perhaps rivaled in quality/quantity only by Skoob. And these are not just rooms, a few of them are veritable halls! There are huge selections of everything; just to name the most impressive sections; modern firsts, classical lit, poetry, psychology/sociology, painting, 18thc/19thc novels...I could go on and on...essentially a huge treat of a trip. There's even the possibility of having your own "box" in the warehouse where you can keep books you're not entirely sure you want to purchase for a future visit! Highly recommended!"

It is difficult to add anything to the wonderful and most informative recommendation by Claudio, so we'll just stick to the bare facts. Hurlingham Books has been a part of the Fulham bookshop scene for almost four decades and their stock counts more than a million books! Currently, they are working on updating their website which should soon feature a full database of their stock (an based on Claudio's description, this is not an easy task...). They have a special 'book finder' so in case your looking for something specific, and hard to find, this might be the right place. Also, this is very likely the only bookshop where you can spend an hour browsing without actually entering - just check their window display...

Address:
Hurlingham Books
91 Fulham High Street
London, SW6 3JS

Website: http://www.hurlinghambooks.com/

Phone and Email:
+44(0)777 553 1590
+44(0)207 736 4363
Warehouse: +44(0)207 371 5426
ray@hurlinghambooks.com
hurlinghambooks@gmail.com

Working Hours:
to be added

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Alta Via, Antwerp

2012-01-11T20:15:00.007+01:00

Where? Antwerp, Belgium

Recommended by Dirk Van Den Berghe

Dirk said: "I would like to recommend a new travelbookstore in Antwerp, Belgium. An international range of travelbooks in Dutch, English, French and German. Lots of maps for walking and cycling. In a cosy atmosphere with hard wood shelves and chairs where you can talk to other people with a cup of coffee..."

Alta Via is an independent travel bookstore with an ecological vision - it offers a wide range of guidebooks, maps and all sorts of things one might possibly need during a trip. These come in a variety of languages: Dutch, French, German and, of course, English. Here you can find publishers such as the classics Lonely Planet, Time Out, Eyewitness, Frommer but also the less known ones such as Moon, Jonglez, Cadogan, and many many more. And the ecological part? Alta Via donates 5% of their earnings to CompenCO2, a non-profit environmental organization. Furthermore, the shop is decorated with recycled wood scaffolding, painted with ecological paint, does not give away any plastic bags and, needless to add, uses energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. The owners, reportedly, always take the bus or bike to get to work.

The good people of Alta Via have based their bookstore on the principles of contemporary philosopher Alain de Botton, which he explored in his book The Art of Travel. De Botton argues that people travel in order to find out "why", to explore their own curiosity - and Alta Via can certainly help you in this exploration.

The owners of Alta Via are definitely no newbies. Xavier has been a cyclist for years and he even cycled several continents on his bike, while Dirk's passion towards flora and fauna has led him to his trekking adventures in Europe. Therefore, be certain that, if you ever wander into this store, you won't leave disappointed. They take pride in their store because it's not only a place to get quality resources for your travels but also a place where you can meet different people, exchange ideas and travel experience (even over a cup of coffee, Oxfam fair trade organic, of course). Alta Via is indeed a bookstore with a consciousness. Also, check out the bookstore's promo on YouTube.

Alta Via
Address
Nassaustraat 29
2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Website: http://www.altaviatravelbooks.be

Phone and Email:
03/293 87 33
info@altaviatravelbooks.be

Working Hours:
Mon-Sat 10-17:30
Thur 10-13 and 14-19.30

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The Secret Book & Record Store, Dublin

2011-12-26T11:01:00.006+01:00

Where? Dublin, Ireland

Recommended by Claudio Sansone

Claudio said: "Set in the very centre of Dublin this wonderful shop has both a large and high quality range. You can find near-all genres but the fiction section is very very abundant. Philosophy and History also promise something interesting for any visitor. The prices are as low as you are going to get in Dublin, or lower across the board. It's a must-visit for any keen book-buyer as this store is all that's best in book buying also through the wonderful atmosphere created by the illusion that it might actually be a secret store -- and by the wonderfully helpful and friendly staff. They also buy books at reasonable prices or offer an excellent value in-store credit alternative (better than Chapters by far)."

Books and music is a combination we appreciate in any setting. Since you're reading about this store here on Bookstore Guide, it's obvious that it's not the best kept secret in Dublin, but read on and you'll probably agree with us, that it's for the better. So what about the secretive aspect of this bookstore? The store is not easy to find as it's hidden in Wicklow street where it shares an entrance with a yoga center. According to our research, it's very easy to miss it even when you walk right by it. Another interesting piece of information mentions that they used to (perhaps they still do) pay a man to sit in front of the store with a sign in his hand. Surely an interesting marketing strategy. Another thing that adds to the secrecy is the fact that The Secret Book & Record Store has no website, although they do have a Facebook page (see link below).

Those who do find their way in are rewarded by discovering a great secondhand bookstore which shares the premises with a used record store. A combination which is described as the best browse in Dublin. A great offer, friendly prices and the welcoming atmosphere have all attracted a faithful clientele which is not put off by the store's motto: "Abandon hope all ye who enter". We ourselves would be more than willing to accept this condition as The Secret Book & Record Store is the kind of place where we'd surely spend several hours...

The Secret Book & Record Store
Address:
15a Wicklow Street
Dublin

Website:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Secret-Book-and-Record-Store/124706510933587

Phone and Email:
016 797272
no email

Working Hours:
Mon-Wed 11-18:30
Thu 11-19:30
Fri-Sun 11-18:30

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Sweny, Dublin

2011-11-27T21:16:00.010+01:00

Where? Dublin, Ireland

Recommended by Cristina Cona

Cristina said: "Located in the heart of literary Dublin, Sweny’s pharmacy is known to Ulysses aficionados as the place where Leopold Bloom goes to have a lotion made, admires the wares displayed on the shelves and buys a bar of lemon soap. The pharmacy had opened for business in 1853; it kept going until 2009, when it would have closed for good and probably gone the same way as other shops nearby, most of which seem to have turned into rather soulless coffee- or juice-bars. Fortunately, a group of volunteers decided to keep it and its spirit alive, and now the premises double as a small bookshop, a venue for cultural events, particularly readings from Joyce’s works on several days a week, and a place where one can buy both vintage jewellery and the famous soap.

The stock is not large, consisting mainly of second-hand books: Irish literature, history and politics. However the shop, which apparently has not changed since Bloomsday 1904, has a charming interior, the volumes for sale are interesting, and you can find very unusual and rarely-seen volumes there. As for the soap, I can confirm it’s got a beautiful scent and feels smooth and delicious!”

There's not much to add to the wonderful recommendation by our friend Cristina. It's very nice to see that special places immortalized in the work of fiction do survive over time and in fact pay their debt back to the author, by serving as some kind of a very lively and cheerful monument to his work and life. And all that thanks to a bar of soap...
"Mr. Bloom raised a cake to his nostrils. Sweet lemony wax. I'll take this one, he said." Ulysses, James Joyce

Sweny
Address:
1 Lincoln Place
Dublin 2

Website: http://www.sweny.ie

Phone and Email:
swenyspharmacy@gmail.com

Working Hours:
Mon-Sat 10-17

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Mint Vinetu, Vilnius

2011-11-13T15:21:00.010+01:00

Where? Vilnius, Lithuania

Recommended by Natalia from Bratislava

Natalia said: "Being on a cycling trip visiting many places in Lithuania and exploring Vilnius made me visit several shops and small stores in the capital. This beautiful and cozy place, where the city center belongs to the UNESCO, is full of timeless shops. One of it was MINT VINETU - a bookstore which made me stop for a while. The store was divided into two sections, one offering Lithuanian books, other English books. Friendly atmosphere was also created by comfortable seating and an English speaking young fan of second hand books watching 'How I Met Your Mother'."

Mint Vinetu is certainly a specific bookstore, with specific crowd, stock and services. The name also reveals that Mint is also about tea, which you can sip while reading your books, even if it is cinnamon over mint that you prefer. We haven't, however, been able to solve the mystery behind the presence of Vinetu (Winnetou), the legendary last chief of the Mescalero Apaches tribe immortalized in the books of Karl May, in the name of the bookstore. Yet he is there, also embellishing the logo of the store.

"Mint Vinetu is a bookshop of used books, where good people meet", as is stated on their website. This bookstore specializes in secondhand books in both English and Lithuanian. but they offer a selection of titles in Russian, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Polish as well. The selection, people argue, may be small but it's "best anybody's managed to do so far" is what one review said. The prices of English books usually range from 3 to 5 EUR, though some more expensive pieces can be found. The friendly staff will also buy books from you, if you are willing to sell, that is - travelers passing through Vilnius can use this opportunity to exchange the books they've read and get a 50% discount in Mint Vinetu. What is also interesting about Mint Vinetu is that several months ago they launched a campaign, titled Become Someone Else, which became ubiquitously known for its originality. You can check it out HERE.

Mint Vinetu
Address:
Šv. Ignoto 16/10
Vilnius, Lithuania

Website: http://mintvinetu.com/

Phone and Email:
+370 618 20 347
info@mintvinetu.com

Working Hours:
Monday-Sunday 11-20

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The Publisher’s Role in the Emerging eBook Market

2011-10-30T10:38:00.005+01:00

By guest blogger Abigail Rhodes

In the second and final part of her article focused on the changes occurring in the publishing business with the expansion of eBooks, our friend Abi Rhodes takes a closer look at the questions and challenges related to publishing eBooks from the financial point of view, as she considers the pros and cons from the perspective of the author as well as the small publisher. In case you have missed the first part which dealt with the profile of eBook readers, eBooks market penetration and the potential of eBooks on the book market in general, you can find it HERE.

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The idea of an eBook isn’t new to the book trade and, as noted, they presently only represent a small percentage of the market. According to market research and general opinion there is no fear that paperback/hardback books are about to disappear overnight, but it seems that the new generation of consumers are enjoying digital editions of books and feel that they complement traditional formats.

However, the digital environment is different to the paper and ink environment for many reasons, not least the new source of revenue/income it can generate. For example, an eBook is a digital file that requires no physical storage and it can be reused infinitely to supply as many customers as possible. For specialist publishers there is the added advantage of being able to supply individual chapters of a title for a low price. This would generate income and provide the consumer with the exact section they want, which is particularly attractive to students.

But where to start! It is worth thinking about how/where you will make your eBooks. For example, will you outsource it and ask an established printer with eBook making facilities to make your electronic books for you or are you willing to spend time and resources making them yourself? Do your authors want their books making into eBooks? What changes would need to be made to contracts with authors? And, if you do decide to make them how are you going to price/distribute them? And, will these new editions need new ISBNs?

I shall try to answer these questions one by one. The process of making an eBook is quite a complex one that requires a working knowledge of HTML. It is a technical process – which can be learnt, but perhaps for some this is not desirable. There is the option of outsourcing your eBook creation to a printer who already has this working knowledge and simply pay for their time. On average, for a simple 200page text only book with minimal footnotes it would take an experienced person 8 hours to create a validated eBook. So, depending on the hourly rate it might be ideal for some publishers to outsource this, but of course this eats into any profit that might be made. However, the beauty of an eBook is that this charge would be a one off – you need only create one file and that file can be distributed infinitely with no reprinting costs, which means the profit in the long run would be all yours, or the authors’.

If you publish many different authors’ titles it would be a good idea to find out their opinion on eBooks and whether they would like to see their work digitized. By communicating with your authors in this way you can begin to find out if you should be making steps towards a digital front list and start to put in to place any new sections that might need to be added to contracts.

Now, I am not a legal person, and I am certainly not the authority on contracts, plus this is a very new field but I will try to explain the information I have come across. To enable eBooks to be distributed, further negotiations are required with regard to the right to distribute an author’s work. In many cases publishers only have the rights for printed and audio content and so, according to PwC most of the big publishing houses are deciding to digitize most of their front list, including current bestsellers and, to the extent that they own the rights, are also opening up parts of their backlist for electronic sales. It might be advisable to ensure that any future contract with an author contains a clause about electronic rights.

It is possible that authors may decide to go it alone with their e-content and, for those of you amongst us, here are a couple of pros and cons of this. Firstly, the main reason to publish your own eBooks is that it is possible you would receive more money in the long run if you make, market and distribute your own content. The cons are that you would be unable to access publishers’ editing, marketing and distribution services, plus all fees would need to be stumped up personally and not by your publishing house! And, finally distributing content yourself is a lot easier if you are someone like Stephen King!

What kind of return can be expected from your eBooks? Well, since the advent of the iPad the industry seems to be following the Agency Pricing Model, which means if you decide to sell with an online retailer such as the iBookstore or Amazon (I will later tell you how to get on to these major retailers) then you, as the publisher fix the price and will receive up to 70% of the net revenue. But what does this actually mean? How much is an eBook retailing for?

At present there is no set price for an eBook but it seems the industry is generally choosing a price of 20-30% less than that of the paperback edition. Both consumers and publishers agree that an eBook should be priced lower than its physical counterpart, because it is a virtual product and consumers believe the costs involved in producing one is/should be small. As I have mentioned already, the cost of creating an eBook is a one off cost as there are no reprint, shipping and storage costs, but I have not yet reached the moment when I tell you there is an added cost to your eBooks and it is a Value Added cost! Yes, you have to pay VAT on all eBook sales! The reason for the different taxation is that tax law treats the digital book at the point at which it is downloaded or read online as a service that is rendered electronically and not as a cultural asset. So, it would seem tax law is based on the type of distribution (downloaded/online) and not on the product to be taxed. As the eBook industry becomes more prolific it might be possible, with some petitions, that tax law could be changed! Another cost is that of supplying ISBNs. It is required that each eBook has its own ISBN, which means you would need to provide up to three ISBNs for the one title – hardback, paperback and eBook.

I now turn to just the pricing and distribution of eBooks. So far I have outlined some costs: creating the eBook, pricing it at around 20-30% lower than its paperback counterpart, giving it a new ISBN, writing new contracts and paying VAT, which is all beside the usual costs of paying your authors and marketing the book. If you then add to these the hefty discount of 60% demanded by big online retailers the profit gained from an eBook starts to seem small.
However, over the longer term the profit will rise due to no reprinting/shipping/storage costs and I have already mentioned some returns – namely the 70% royalty you will get if you decide to sell with a major eBook distributor.

The future

After reading some of the latest reports about the future of the eBook market and keeping up to date with newspaper reports on the subject I’ve found the general consensus to be that eBooks are NOT about to replace traditional bound books. If radio, cinema and vinyl collecting have survived the digital television and music revolution, so too will the book. Old habits die-hard and people continue to enjoy books – the look of them on their shelves, the feel of them in their hands and this is not about to change anytime soon. However, the latest developments in technology, such as smartphones, eReaders, tablets and the prolific use of the internet will change the landscape within which books are situated. There is a new digital territory being built and the traditional book industry would be well advised to explore it and its potential.

From a publisher’s perspective, eBooks can be considered as a nice addition to a title list and will provide customers with a choice. As customers are becoming increasingly more aware of eReaders and their potential uses they are more inclined to read on them and, as a consequence, customer’s shopping-habits are evolving to embrace online shopping more readily. With this in mind, eReader developers have designed their products to include WiFi and 3G, which makes it easier for people to purchase books directly onto their devices from almost anywhere!

The eBook market is now getting stronger. eBooks are being discussed more frequently and by more people, which inevitably means a growth in the number of people who a) know about them and b) are willing to purchase them. In the report I read by PricewaterhouseCoopers, it was suggested that the projected growth of the eBook market in the US will be 22.5% of all sales by the year 2015 with 14.5% being the figure for the UK market.

With this predicted change in the book market how should the small publisher respond? Do we want to join the digital revolution? Personally, I believe it can’t hurt the small publisher to get involved with this new aspect of the book industry – to provide an electronic copy of a future or existing title won’t cost a huge amount and might actually benefit a business. The digital transformation is underway and it would be good to be a part of it. It might seem a little risky at first to develop eBooks alongside physical stock – after all it will incur extra expense if you cannot digitise your books in house or have the facilities to sell them once they have been created – but the cost of converting titles are relatively low compared to printing a book and usually represent a one-off cost. Perhaps an experiment with a strong selling title would be a good way of gauging your entry into the digital world of eBooks.

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Images used:
1: http://cac.ophony.org/2011/10/28/how-disruptive-is-digital-publishing/
2: http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/2011/01/
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eBooks – A Risk or an Opportunity?

2011-09-26T20:43:00.002+02:00

By guest blogger Abigail Rhodes

We are more than happy to present you with an article on a topic that can without any doubts be labeled as one of the factors reshaping the future of the publishing industry - the impact of eBooks. Abi Rhodes, who has previously contributed with an article entitled "Independent Booksellers: What Can Be Done to Help?", profits from her long experience in bookselling, publishing and marketing, and offers her perspective on this hotly debated issue. The article is actually a part of the lecture Abi gave at an Independent Book Fair in Leicester and Birmingham and it addresses the major questions that the emergence of eBooks has brought along. The first part of the lecture answers questions about the profile of eBook readers, eBooks market penetration, as well as about the possibilities of coexistence between traditional printed books and eBooks.

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Research conducted in the US found that eBooks were being bought by adults aged between 35-54; whilst in the UK PricewaterhouseCoopers’ survey suggested electronic media is more popular with consumers aged 30-39. What neither of these surveys mentions is that eBooks are also great for those with impaired eyesight because the text can be increased with ease and the background colour (on tablets) can be changed from harsh white to sepia tones.

Whoever uses these devices, it is clear that technology is advancing with pace. As more people have everyday access to the internet, use smartphones and have at least considered buying an eReader, it is becoming clearer that consumers are now more open to the new technological trends. The BBC reported, at the end of January this year, that Amazon’s customers had downloaded more eBooks in the US than paperbacks – for every 100 paperbacks Amazon sold it also sold 115 eBooks. However, Amazon did stress to the BBC that their sales of paperbacks were also growing.

As a side note, I was interested to discover that the judges of this year’s Man Booker prize have been sent electronic book readers for the first time to help them read the 100 or more novels they will be sent. According to a report by the BBC, the publishers have been asked to send their entries in both physical and electronic format.

With the advent of new eBook formats and new, cheaper devices upon which to read them it seems the book trade is once again trying to incorporate eBooks. Although, Amazon has indicated their sales of eBooks were higher than paperbacks and hardbacks at the end of 2010, these sales still only accounted for 7% of overall sales in the entire US book market and only 0.5% in the UK. The market, it seems, is still emerging slowly.

According to a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (Turning the Page: The Future of eBooks) it will still take a few years for eBooks to start taking a large share of the current book market, they claim we are at the beginning of a potential digital breakthrough. However, the eBook industry has been around since 2000 and back then PwC’s estimated that this new section of the book trade would take a 17% share of the book market by 2004! This hasn’t happened so what is the difference between then and now? Well, PwC believe the reason for their latest, and more conservative projected development of the eBook industry is both the recent advancements in new, easier-to-read, and inexpensive eReaders and the pervasive nature of the Internet. eInk allows the reader to have a more traditional experience whilst reading an eBook on a hand-held device. This is coupled with the ease of access to digital bookshops via the devices themselves and the increased use of online shopping. Today’s consumers are increasingly more tech savvy with nearly every other person owning a smartphone and possessing wireless broadband internet connections at home. It means more people are readily accepting the idea of reading information from a screen whilst feeling comfortable that shopping online is secure and fast. This feeds the eBook market nicely.

But does this mean there will be more readers – a new generation of readers – or simply that existing readers will move toward eBooks and away from traditions editions? Nearly all experts suggest there will be an increase of readers thanks to the accessibility of eBooks but that existing, devoted readers will continue to enjoy and perhaps prefer the feel of a physical book in their hands. The book is still an object of prestige, used to express the owner’s tastes and education and they also provide a certain ornamental feature to any room. They are popular as gifts for birthdays, holidays and special occasions and the touch of a book, the smell of a book is very hard to capture – if not impossible to reproduce – in a digital format!

So, whilst it seems the traditional book format is not about to die out it might be required to start living alongside the new digital editions. Some of the larger publishing houses have decided to begin publishing new/future titles as both paperback AND eBook, thereby providing their customers with a choice to purchase one or the other or indeed both. It is possible they might experience a decline in physical copy sales but this might result in the rise of eBook sales, which, as I will explain in the next part, have lower production costs and in some instances higher revenues.

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Images used:
1: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/05/17/apple_to_promote_ipad_ebooks_ibookstore_at_bookexpo_america_conference.html
2: http://www.mobilitysite.com/2010/05/ebook-news-ebooks-will-have-peaked-by-2014/
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Henry Pordes Books, London

2011-09-17T12:11:00.008+02:00

Where? London, UK

Recommended by Claudio Sansone

Claudio said: "Henry Pordes Books is possibly the most interesting bookstore in central London -- it has enormous sections of everything -- it is cheap and new stock cycles so quickly you can visit it twice a week and find completely new books. The literary criticism/biography section is the best of any used bookstore I've visited in London (and I've seen many, many, many) and it's downstairs sections on art history, philosophy and gender studies are complemented by an excellent choice of prose fiction, wide-angled and plentiful selection of poetry (I say this also because my own poetry was present through some in-communicably funny coincidence) and more criticism! Henry Pordes, also sports large sections on pretty much anything that can be contained in book form, and its collection of precious first editions (modern and less so) is mind-boggling. I have never left without a good handful of books, can't be skipped by any serious bookbuyer visiting London and its vicinity to other bookstores on the same street (Any Amount of Books, Koenig Books, Foyles, Blackwells etc etc) makes the trip even more worthwhile."

Henry Pordes Books is yet another bookstore in London bookstore haven: the Charing Cross Road (perhaps this location deserves a separate entry among the cities in our right sidebar). It's a secondhand/antiquarian bookseller present for almost 30 years and what makes it stick out even more is the fact that it's still run as a family business. The bookstore itself opened in 1983 and despite of Mr. Pordes passing away in 1998, the business flows the same way it had flown during the previous years, with his son-in-law and daughter as the inheritors.

The stock you'll find at Henry Pordes Books ranges from antiquarian and rare art, archaeology, history, travel, Jewish studies, literary studies to philosophy, politics, political economy, just to name a few. One thing that has always been praised, besides its selection, is the bookstore's staff, often described as "eccentric intellectuals". Always eager to help out and share their knowledge on the immense amount of books residing in the store. Perhaps another thing worthy of a mention is that Henry Pordes is also willing to buy your books and, as they say, they "are always interested in purchasing books and can travel almost anywhere if the details are tempting enough".

Henry Pordes Books
Address:
58–60 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0BB

Website: http://www.henrypordesbooks.com/

Phone and Email:
info@henrypordesbooks.com
+44 (0) 20 7836 9031

Working Hours:
Mon-Sat 10-19
Sun 13-18

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Dialogue Books, Berlin

2011-07-23T10:11:00.013+02:00

Where? Berlin, Germany

Recommended by: Amanda (http://www.readux.net)

Amanda said: "Dialogue Books is a cozy gem on the lively border of Kreuzberg and Neukölln. The carefully curated selection makes for great browsing, the atmosphere is smart and contemporary but warm. Dialogue has a very worldly international literature assortment and a cultivated array of nonfiction. Compact, thoughtfully stocked, go here when you want to peruse without being overwhelmed."

A rather fresh addition to the already packed Anglo-bookstore scene in Berlin surely can't go unnoticed. It goes by the name Dialogue Books and it was opened in December 2009. Although the bookshop is new, the people behind it are no rookies in the book trade. On the contrary, the owner, a London expat Sharmaine Reid decided to profit from her experience in publishing and bookselling and thus, she opened Dialogue Books, as the first English-language bookstore in the city specialized exclusively in new books. Through its website, Dialogue Books also offers services of its own Book Doctor. So if you're not feeling your best, you will receive a prescription consisting of a personalized reading list, or even a complete home library, which should help you get back on track.

First working in a second-hand bookstall, then moving on to Foyles, Waterstone's, in order to end up in her London favorite - the London Review Bookshop, Sharmaine had a clear idea of what her ideal bookshop should be like and she set her goals to realize this vision in Germany's capital. Her idea of a 'boutique' shop with a smaller but hand-picked stock that would inspire and stimulate conversations and a café that would offer the proper setting for the conversations to continue required a specific space, which she finally found in Berlin. Numerous literary events and the mentioned Book Doctor service were the remaining aspects that made the Dialogue Bookshop complete.

The stock of the bookstore is intentionally limited to some 3000 titles in diverse categories. The fiction section is naturally strong in native English writers, ranging from cult classics to new fiction, but it's equally rich in translations of authors from all over the world. When it comes to non-fiction, you can find philosophy (supposedly the best place in Germany when you're searching for English translations of French philosophers), politics, history, art, as well as cooking.

Dialogue Books
Address:
Schönleinstraße 31
10967 Berlin

Website: http://www.dialoguebooks.org

Phone and Email:
030 627 35 111
info@dialoguebooks.org

Working Hours:
Mon-Sat 11-19

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Any Amount of Books, London

2011-06-16T21:58:00.010+02:00

Where? London, UK

Recommended by Claudio Sansone

Claudio said: "Any Amount of Books has the feel of a great second hand/antique book dealer and wonderful selections of everything and they have tons of fresh stock every week so you're bound to always find something even if it isn't the thing you were looking for -- particularly good are the classical lit (as in Ancient Greek, Latin translations) and Lit Crit (Which is always stocked with good quality general reading and study material)."

This bookshop is located in the heart of London's busy social and cultural (read: bookshopping) life, on the famous Charing Cross Road, some 50 meters from Leicester Square station and within walking distance to Soho and Piccadilly - which makes us wonder, how come it took almost 4 years for someone to recommend us this gem? Any Amount of Books seems to be a cult bookstore, known in the whole of England (and beyond). With a stock of thousands of books, the prices range from literally £1 up to thousands of pounds for those really special and hard to come across pieces of literature. Needless to add, categories of books include everything from modern literature, art, poetry and academic books to rare first editions, antiquarian and leather bound sets. The basement is where you'll find the "cheaper and more down to earth" stuff, while the valuables reside upstairs.

What we particularly like about this shop is that they do not have an online store, i.e. you can only buy a book by being in there in person - hence the long working hours seven days a week. Any Amount of Books also want your books - therefore, if you have an old encyclopedia or a first edition that you inherited from your great great uncle and it just doesn't look good in your state of the art zen living room, let the people at Any Amount know you have some goodies for them. Surely they'll appreciate it and you could get some modern coffee table books (together with some cash) in return.

Just a little n.b. at the very end, check out the designer bookshelves at Any Amount of Books - they're in the shape of a man and are highly decorative pieces of furniture as well as sculptures (and would look great in your zen living room!). They are sort of pricey but worth every penny because you'll probably be the only one in your neighborhood with the Bookman.

Any Amount of Books

Address:
56 Charing Cross Road
London, WC2H 0QA

Website: http://www.anyamountofbooks.com

Phone and Email:
02078363697
charingx@anyamountofbooks.com

Working Hours:
Mon-Sun 10:30-21:30

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Sandpiper Books, Brighton

2011-05-31T23:40:00.004+02:00

Where? Brighton, England, UK

Recommended by: Rob Innis (http://robinnis.wordpress.com/)

Rob said: "Sandpiper Books are easily located amongst Brighton antique and ‘alternative’ shops. OK so this one is not full of crusty musty books stored on high shelves covered in antique dust but it does offer a very varied selection of remainder and bargain books at very reasonable prices. The back room is stacked full of bargains all priced at one pound. I found a Norman Lewis which I had been looking for. All subjects from philosophy and history to cookery with art and design a specialty. The very knowledgeable and friendly owner then located Paul Preston’s ‘We Saw Spain Die’ another of my wanted list for which I paid a very reasonable 7.99. I was only stopped from buying more by a certain airlines miserly baggage allowance. Well worth a look."

Sandpiper Books, an independent bookshop founded in the late 80s, is a nice example of how an independent bookshop can remain competitive even in the internet age. This bookshop combines the irreplaceable pleasure of book browsing in nice surroundings with the offer of books at very affordable prices. Bargain books and discounted remainders are the bookshop's specialty, but unlike many other bookshops from this field of business, Sandpiper Books also pays great attention to the way the books are presented. So if you've been searching for an out-of-print book for quite a while you may be surprised to find it here at a bargain price. The small room in the back offering everything for one pound offers sufficient proof that good deals are really common at Sandpiper Books.

As for the stock, it is strong in non-fiction titles, especially in art and design books, but also history, philosophy, architecture, biographies and lots of other fields. The quality of the stock, a nicely organized and well designed bookstore, helpful knowledgeable staff and at last but not least - prices well below standard, all make up for a bookstore which has the power to attract a wide variety of satisfied customers. It also presents an interesting business model which shows independent bookselling an alternative worth exploring. The only objection we have is that Sandpiper Books has practically no online presence which seems like a wasted opportunity.

Sandpiper Books
Address:
34 Kensington Gardens
Brighton, East Sussex BN1 4AL

Photo courtesy of For Books' Sake

Website: http://www.sandpiper.co.uk/ (company info)

Phone and Email:
01273 605 422
no email

Working Hours:
No set times, recommended to phone to check opening hours

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Vértice International Bookstore, Seville

2011-04-30T21:48:00.009+02:00

Where? Seville, Spain

Visited: April, 2011

Our recent trip to Andalusia has been full of adventures and new experiences and we will definitely return in the future, but it has been disappointingly poor in terms of new bookstore additions. This was partly due to the fact that the larger part of our trip took place during the Holy Week or la Semana Santa (the week before Easter), which means that most business were closed. However, although tourism is the main source of income of this entire region, it must be very hard to get by without at least some knowledge of Spanish as the locals only very rarely speak any English. English books are also hard to find, so Vértice International Bookstore in Seville is a bright exception.

Seville today is a major tourist destination with an amazing historical heritage and is a modern cosmopolitan city which has a lot to offer. Many people date its recent rise to popularity among the tourists to the successful Universal Exposition of Seville which took place in 1992 to mark the 500 years of Columbus's discovery of America. Vértice bookstore predates this event by full two decades, it was opened in December 1972 and slowly started building its reputation. Through the years, Vértice has profiled as a specialist in foreign language books and has welcomed some prominent visitors as well, such as Mario Vargas Llosa and William Golding.

Our first attempt to visit Vértice failed due to siesta - the bookstore is closed between 2 and 5 in the afternoon. We were more successful on the following day and the bookstore was really worth the return trip. Vértice International Bookstore is not exclusively English, it has a polyglot stock. The bookstore is located close to the impressive building of the university, which is in fact the old Tobacco factory building made famous by the opera Carmen. It is hard to miss as it also has a separate side window display where you can see a selection of titles in different languages. Vértice offers books in English, German, Italian and French. General fiction (with all the latest novels), but also ESL materials, dictionaries, travel guides, biographies and also books for children are available in these languages. In addition to that, Vértice offers a smaller selection of titles also in Russian, Portuguese, Greek, Arab or Japanese.

Vértice International Bookstore
Address:
San Fernando 33
41004 Sevilla

Website: http://www.libreriavertice.com

Phone and Email:
95 421 16 54
info@libreriavertice.com

Working Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30-14 and 17-20:30
Sat 11-14

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Humboldt & Humboldt, Moscow

2011-04-05T21:22:00.009+02:00

Where? Moscow, Russia

Recommended by Nick Okhotin

Nick said: "A small store "Humboldt & Humboldt", named after two famous Germans - Alexander von Humboldt (naturalist and explorer) and Wilhelm von Humboldt (philosopher and linguist) - combines geography and words. This very new store sells maps, travel guides, globes, travelogues, every kind of travel literature. The largest selection in Moscow, with cheapest prices and comfortable location within steps from main touristic paths - in the so-called China-town (Kitaj-gorod). Good selection of English guides and maps. Fast growing section of used books, open for exchange. Friendly crew, including the owner, who is always there and ready for small talk and consultation. The place is also a set for meeting, lectures, presentations of many kinds, but always connected to geography.
It is not very easy to find the store, as it is hidden in a basement inside a small Muscovite yard with all specific today city's marks: garbage bins, fence, new building, neighbor's talks, luxury cars, homeless persons, constructivism house, church. Turn left-left from Pokrovka, 11 (between building 11 and the church) and you will arrive right into H&H."

Located in what is almost the very heart of Moscow, this bookstore, operating from May 2010, covers a space of 80 square meters and is a store with a witty name. Humboldt & Humboldt combines two men of the same last name, yet different professions, thus emphasizing the relationship between space and words - which is exactly what could be said about the stock: H&H specializes in travel literature (not only atlases, travel guides and maps but also travelogues, expedition materials, globes and even souvenirs).

When it comes to the English language section of the store, you're most likely to find publishers such as Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, DK, Fodor's, Bradt, City in Focus, or National Geographic, just to name a few. What you should also bear in mind is that the books are not arranged alphabetically but geographically, which seems to be growing trend of book arrangement in travel-oriented shops. Perhaps we should also mention that, reportedly, prices are usually lower than in other Moscow stores.

Humboldt & Humboldt
Address:
Pokrovka 11, Moscow
(Metro: Chistye prudy, Kitaj-gorod)

Website: http://www.humboldt2humboldt.ru

Phone and Email:
+7 495 624 47 22
info@humboldt2humboldt.ru

Working Hours:
Mon-Sun 10-20

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Cook & Book, Brussels

2011-03-30T18:42:00.010+02:00

Where? Brussels, Belgium

Recommended by Thomas Ruddy

Thomas said: "I have been to Cook & Book. I know their Website is in French, but the English book section is good. I can, in addition, attest to the high quality of the food. Let me add then that the Cook & Book restaurant/shop combination is conveniently located for pedestrians right on a main line of the Métro in Brussels in the direction of Stokkel at the stop called Roodebeek, and offers a large parking lot nearby for car-drivers."

Bookstores/cafes have become a rather fashionable concept in the recent past and we have to say that in many cases, this combination has worked well to bring the best out of the two. Some of these special bookstores also offer some home made bakery or other small snacks. However, the combination of a bookstore with a regular restaurant is something we haven't heard of until now. So don't let yourself be fooled - Cook & Book is not a bookstore specialized in books on cooking, it's a very innovative and original concept which joins books with food. The best way to see if this can work is to see for yourselves - some call it a genial idea and a perfect match, others might complain that a bookstore shouldn't smell like a pizza shop. What can't be argued is the bold decision of the owners to give it a try.

Cook & Book is located just opposite the main building of the Wolubilis complex, one of rather new cultural centers of the city. It is divided into two blocs (two separate buildings) and nine rooms, each with a different selection of books, different decoration and of course, the possibility to dine there. The specific sections/rooms include fine arts, music, general fiction, children's literature, cook books, travel, graphic novels, lifestyle and each of them holds a certain amount of English books. Whats more, there is a whole separate English section (decorated as an oldschool British library/gentlemen's club) as well, which is almost a must for most bookstores in a city like Brussels. The interior design of the bookstore deserves a special mention as it is nothing short of unique. The interior architects had a huge space to work with and they created nine autonomous spaces, each with its own character and atmosphere. There's even a terrace where you can read or eat or both, as well as a small playground for the children.

We are pretty sure that whether you visit Cook & Book for the purpose of buying books or for tasting their cuisine, in both cases, it will be an extraordinary experience.

Cook & Book
Address:
Place du Temps Libre 1
1200 St-Lambrechts-Woluwe

Website: http://www.cookandbook.be/

Phone and Email:
+32 (0)2 761 26 00
english@cookandbook.be

Working Hours:
Bloc A (graphic novels, children's lit, travel, fine arts, music)
Mon-Wed 8-22
Thu-Sat 8-24
Sun 8-21

Bloc B (lifestyle, fiction, cooking, English section)
Mon-Sun 10-20

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Paagman, The Hague

2011-02-27T11:39:00.012+01:00

Where? The Hague, The Netherlands

Recommended by Thelma L. van den Hoonaard

Thelma said: "I have a suggestion for another Bookstore in The Hague or Den Haag, also 's Gravenhage in Dutch. Paagman is a bookstore, annex music store, annex stationary store, annex cafe-restaurant ( Kicking Horse Cafe), annex post office in a neighbourhood, the "Statenbuurt" frequented by a lot of ex-pats, so their choice in English books is large. A lot of international offices and justice courts are stationed close by. It is the same neighbourhood, where the Gemeentemuseum (City Museum ) built by Berlage is."

Perhaps a bit surprisingly, this modern bookstore with a very original bold look also has long history as it was originally established by Gerard Paagman in 1951. The 1990s marked a beginning of a new era of the shop and it underwent important changes under the management of the third generation of the Paagman family. As the recommendation suggests, the range of activities of this bookstore greatly surpasses the usual. Food, stationary, CDs, DVDs are all on offer, but the books still take the main stage. And although Paagman is not a specialized English bookstore, its offer of titles in English is very solid. Discussions or book launches are also quite common in the bookstore's premises. On their website you can even find a section called Paagman TV where you can view videos from one of the numerous events that took place in the bookstore.

The interior of the bookstore definitely deserves special attention and although we're primarily interested in the books, this time it's also the design which makes Paagman stand out. The red and pink bookcases, contrasting with the white lights and the white ceiling, are organized in a very peculiar way, creating the impression of a curved book aisle inviting you to take a stroll. The final result is a very modern and stylish feel, full of light and space with each and every book occupying its own place on display. Paagman has become a true cultural heart of the neighborhood, whether it's due to the quantity and quality of services it offers, the nice setting or the fact that it's open to the public seven days a week.

Paagman Boekhandel
Address:
Frederik Hendriklaan 217
2582 CB Den Haag NL

Website: http://www.paagman.nl

Phone and Email:
info@paagman.nl
+31 (0)70 338 38 38

Working Hours:
Mon- Fri: 9-21
Sat: 9-18
Sun: 12-17

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The European Bookshop, Brussels

2011-02-23T21:09:00.009+01:00

Where? Brussels, Belgium

Recommended by Cristina Cona

Cristina said: "This bookshop was founded in 1966 and spent most of its life in the building that used to house the translation service of the European Commission, in the very heart of the European quarter in Brussels, until the building itself was partially demolished and all its occupants had to find a home elsewhere. Nowadays the European Bookshop is to be found on a quiet street not very far from the Commission headquarters, and the move has allowed it to have more space at its disposal in the form of a downstairs section. As the name implies, it specializes in European Union affairs, and its main attraction is, of course, its uniquely large stock of books dealing with European integration: everything from the most theoretical aspects, such as the history, politics and economics of the EU, to the more mundane, such as the dozens of handbooks on CVs and multiple-choice tests for use by candidates taking part in EU job competitions. Most of the books are either in English or in French, with a sprinkling of other languages. (The range of English-language fiction, on the other hand, is poor - no more than a shelf full of airport novels). The downstairs department is good for dictionaries, conversation manuals and language courses, covering all EU languages and a few others as well. There is also a choice of travel guides, mainly in French."

A very specific bookshop indeed is the EU Bookshop, with such a long history and a stock of over 3000 titles ranging from categories such as EU Concours, Law, Politics, Lobbying, Human Rights, etc. All European Union languages reside here, mostly in forms of dictionaries, grammar books and teaching materials. It is a natural matter that a bookstore such as this one should supply various institutions within the Union and in the world.

It is definitely a peculiar store in terms of its specialization but in the city such as Brussels it has found a perfect place for its existence and is a reference point to many people living and working in the 'capital of European Union'. Oh, and there is a free delivery within EU institutions.

The European Bookshop
Address
Rue de l'Orme 1
BE 1040 Brussels
Belgium

Website: http://www.libeurop.eu

Phone and Email:
32 2 734 02 81
info@libeurop.eu

Working Hours:
Mon-Fri 9-18
Sat 10-17:30

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Libreria Internazionale Luxemburg, Torino

2011-02-07T22:47:00.006+01:00

Where? Torino, Italy

Recommended by: Cristina Cona

Cristina said: "Although the Libreria Luxemburg website describes it as having been founded in 1872, its present name and vocation as an international bookshop are relatively new. For about a hundred years its current premises had been those of the historic Libreria Casanova, a bookshop-cum-publishing venture which in spite of its name had absolutely nothing racy about it, but was in fact a very staid, respectable institution. Casanova had acquired a decidedly old-fashioned, not to say musty, image in the last few years of its existence, and when it was bought by Angelo Pezzana, the owner of a successful international bookshop called Hellas, sometime between the mid-Seventies and the early Eighties, that was indeed the start of a new life. Today, Luxemburg is a thriving, lively bookshop located in the heart of Turin city centre, at the corner with Piazza Carignano and only about a hundred yards from the main square, Piazza Castello. Among its main attractions are the well-stocked “Judaica” section and the English-language department, which is located on the first floor.

Sadly, however, anybody who had the privilege to visit the (truly outstanding) English-language section of the old Hellas bookshop can’t help feeling disappointed at the range and quality of its successor in Libreria Luxemburg. The upstairs rooms where the foreign section is to be found contain fiction and non-fiction in four languages (English, French, German and Spanish), plus language courses and dictionaries covering a number of other languages as well. The choice of English fiction is reasonably good (by this I mean that if you walk in looking for a decent novel to read, you’ll have no problem finding something adequate), but the non-fiction shelf is not very well stocked; as well as that, when I visited the shop the books were presented in no discernible order, neither alphabetical nor subject-based. True, there were so few of them, that I reckoned it wouldn’t exactly take the customer hours to check all the titles.

Downstairs, English-speaking visitors will find a few interesting books in the “Judaica” and travel sections, as well as a good choice of magazines, not only in English, but in French, Spanish and German as well."

Libreria Internazionale Luxemburg
Address:
Via Cesare Battisti 7
10123 Torino

Website: http://www.librerialuxemburg.com

Phone and Email:
+39 011 5613896
info@librerialuxemburg.com

Working Hours:
Mon-Sat 8-19:30
Sun 10-13 & 15-19

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Bookartbookshop, London

2011-01-21T12:38:00.010+01:00

Where? London, England, UK

Recommended by Liam from London

Liam said: "This little bookshop is a true delight for print lovers. The books they offer are a pleasure to look at and completely different than what you can find in your ordinary bookshop. The staff is very helpful and they know their stock very well."

It's possible to observe a clear pattern when you track the existence of a great bookshop back to its origins. These bookshops are very often born out of frustration. As most bookshops fail to satisfy, the disappointed bookseller-to-be decides for the last possible option - I will open my own shop. That was also the case for Tanya Peixoto, the founder of Bookartbookshop, a specialized artsy bookshop in London's East End. Since its opening in 2002 Bookartbookshop has been focusing on titles from artist presses. Artist's books represent a very special category in the book culture. With a history dating back about half a century, this branch still fascinates collectors and pays tribute to the traditional crafts of papermaking, illustrating, printing and bookbinding. Many of the artist presses still make books by hand, using the old traditional techniques.

What makes the offer of this bookshop truly delightful is the fact that every single book on its shelves is practically a work of art. The stock is logically very strong in titles by British artist presses but it also offers space to presses from other countries. All in all, the customers can browse titles from over 300 presses. The browsing will definitely be different than what you usually experience in other bookshops. The look of the book is at least as important as its contents and originality is what counts. Most of these titles were printed in very limited editions and having all of them under one roof must be a true delight.

Supporting a bookshop like this is far from an easy task and the bookshop is still partly dependent on the work of volunteers. As this sector of the bookmarket is obviously rather distanced from the mainstream, Bookartbookshop also aims to create a space where all those with a liking for the art of bookmaking could find inspiration, information and possibly likely minded friends as well. The shop is very active when it comes to all sorts of related activities such as book launches, readings, discussions and also exhibitions.

Bookartbookshop
Address:
17 Pitfield Street, Hoxton
London N1 6HB

Website: http://www.bookartbookshop.com

Phone and Email:
+44 20 7608 1333
info@bookartbookshop.com

Working Hours:
Wed-Fri: 13-19
Sat: 12-18

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Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway

2010-12-27T11:04:00.013+01:00

Where? Galway, Ireland

Recommended by: Eric Wery

Eric said: "As for the best places in Galway, there’s two I intensely recommend, for I left half of my wages there every month: the first is the best second-hand bookshop in the country and the second best in Europe (after Oxford’s Blackwell’s second hand department…) and is called Charlie Byrne’s bookshop (www.charliebyrne.com). I cannot recommend this place enough, as they stock out of print university press books and hard to find books on a wide range of topics."

It takes a certain time for a bookshop to acquire its own character. Once it reaches this stage, it already has a base of loyal customers who talk about the specific atmosphere of the place and the unique feel. This is what makes them stand apart from the uniform and often a bit sterile mainstream bookshops and the almost obligatory level of eccentricity is not only tolerated but openly praised by the customers. It is also true that it is often difficult to describe what makes the bookshop special as it is related to personal experiences. Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, another traditional gem of a bookshop from the Irish city of Galway, has been around since 1989 and it definitely belongs to this exclusive category of bookshops.

The stock of Charlie Byrne's consists of over 50 thousand titles, second-hand, but also new and remainder titles. It is the range of the stock which represents the main strength of the bookshop's offer. Fresh new titles share the space with rare out-of-print books which makes for a unique browsing experience. The sections which stand out include Irish interest, art (also music and cinema), history or social sciences (psychology). Should you happen to stumble upon an old book that you no longer need, feel free to get in touch with the manager, Vinny Browne, to let him know about it. Furthermore, make sure you check this bookshop out if in Galway as it is also the right choice if you want to find out what's going on in town - the shop displays posters of many interesting local events and it is also a place where the locals like to meet and chat. Book launches and readings of local authors take place here as well.

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop
Address:
Cornstore Mall, Middle Street
Galway

Website: http://www.charliebyrne.com/

Phone and Email:
+353 (0)91 561 766
info@charliebyrne.com

Working Hours:
Mon-Thu 9-18
Fri 9-20
Sat 9-18
Sun 12-18

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Pagony Children's Bookstore, Budapest

2010-12-22T23:04:00.014+01:00

Where? Budapest, Hungary

Recommended by: Ryan James

Ryan said: "When you have an entire bookstore devoted to children's literature, you can expect a fun experience. Pagony has a giant soft tree in the reading corner with plenty of pillows to curl up with a good book. Books are primarily in Hungarian, but there are English titles too. They also carry children's CDs, DVDs, and some toys. Look for the children's tour guide book in English, Benjamin in Budapest."

Budapest is one of the cities which we have visited repeatedly and we are quite familiar with the local bookstore scene which we also described in our Report from Budapest. We were thus very positively surprised to find out that there is a bookstore which we have missed. As Ryan pointed out, it is the specialized children's bookstore Pagony. Pagony was founded in 2001 and it remains the only Hungarian bookstore focusing solely on children's books. Children's bookstores represent a very specific category among specialized bookstores as the ones who decide their fate are not only those with the cash and credit cards, but to a great extent the kids themselves. And as we all know, kids can be quite unpredictable.

However, Pagony offers an environment which the little visitors obviously appreciate very much. The whole stock of Pagony Children's Bookstore, which also includes toys, cartoons and music, is dedicated to the needs and desires of the youngest age group. The main ambition of this bookstore is to inspire a passion for reading and stories at an early age and introduce children to the world of literature. Books in English are not that numerous but you will surely find some titles which will catch the interest of your child. Besides, especially for the youngest ones, it is the visual experience which counts more than the text. Pagony bookstore also organizes all sorts of events related to literature for children such as readings or discussions with the authors.

Pagony Children's Bookstore
Address:
Pozsonyi út 26
District XIII 239-0285 Budapest

Website: http://www.pagony.hu

Phone and Email:
+36703174978
info@pagony.hu

Working Hours:
Mon–Fri 10–19
Sat 10–18

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Books Upstairs, Dublin

2010-11-26T20:54:00.010+01:00

Where? Dublin, Ireland

Recommended by Cristina Cona

Cristina said: "Books Upstairs began life in the mid-Seventies on South King Street, right beside what was then the trendiest location in Dublin, the Dandelion Market on St Stephen’s Green (U2 had some of their earliest concerts there). When the Market closed down to make room for the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, the bookshop moved first to Market Arcade, and then, by the early Nineties, to the present, very convenient location on College Green, a stone’s throw from the gates of Trinity College and Grafton Street, the main shopping artery on the south side. The shop itself is not large, but the type and quality of books it stores makes it the most interesting in Dublin. Here you’ll come across works rarely if ever found elsewhere in the city; literary criticism, women’s studies and gay issues are its strongest points, but let’s not forget its fiction, psychology, politics and Irish shelves, where you can discover real treasures. They also sell literary and political magazines, and – another plus point – they will ship your books anywhere in the world."

Often described as a bookshop where one could spend a seriously dangerous amount of time, Books Upstairs has, as we've found out from all the positive reviews online, managed to justify this claim. Its location (exactly opposite the entrance to Trinity College) is a perfect position for the young, developing minds of knowledge-craving students, who often frequent Books Upstairs. However, the little bookshop also often seems unnoticed, which comes as a surprise since many who ventured into it, found it very difficult to leave, always praising its somewhat alternative choice of books, the staff and the overall atmosphere. But perhaps, it is Books Upstairs' own "fault" as they are known for keeping a low profile when compared to their adversaries.

The narrow, somewhat even claustrophobic premises are stacked with books, but only few copies of one title are to be found on their shelves. The bookstore is divided in several levels and is equipped with a wooden staircase making it more interesting to browse. The stock is what sets Books Upstairs apart from other bookshops in the city, sections which are among the most praised ones include Irish literature, drama, women's studies, social sciences and others.

Books Upstairs has been around for over thirty years, thanks to its owner's, Maurice Earls's perseverance and endurance throughout sometimes difficult times for the shop, but as well to the more-than-often praised staff. This bookstore has indeed established a firm foundation onto which it has been building reputation ever since. Many famous Dubliners can be seen wandering about the store.

Books Upstairs
Address:
36 College Green,
Dublin 2

Website: www.booksirish.com & www.booksupstairs.com
(currently closed pending redevelopment)

Phone and Email:
+353 (0)1 679-6687
info@booksirish.com

Working Hours:
Mon-Fri 10-19
Sat 10-18
Sun 14-18

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Chapters Bookstore, Dublin

2010-11-17T21:46:00.001+01:00

Where? Dublin, Ireland

Recommended by: Cristina Cona

Cristina said: "The area around Parnell Street (go to the top of O’Connell Street and turn left at the Parnell monument) has changed beyond recognition over the last ten years, and so has Chapters, which in its last-but-one incarnation used to be a medium-sized bookstore in Middle Abbey Street. Now it’s a huge place, stretched over two very large floors: the street-level one devoted to bargain-priced new books (plus stationery, CDs and DVDs) and the upstairs section a maze of shelves stocked with second-hand volumes (just as well the shop’s management has thoughtfully provided armchairs for exhausted customers to sink into from time to time). All genres are represented here, the most popular being general fiction (Irish fiction and classics are to be found on separate shelves). Penguin aficionados please note: the white-and-orange volumes you are so fond of are also located apart from General Fiction, on a small shelf just past the central desk. Pelicans are also stocked separately from the non-fiction shelves."

Chapters Bookstore was established in 1983 in Wicklow Street but it has moved (St. Stephens Green, Henry Street, Abbey Street) four times in order to reach its present premises in Parnell Street in 2006. The Parnell Street bookstore is also the largest independent bookstore not only in Dublin but in the entire country. It is also one of few bookstores with a very lively Twitter page. The bookstore on Abbey Street was very popular and it seemed that Chapters has found its true home over there. That is why many of the bookstore's visitors were seriously disappointed to find out the bookstore was moving once again. It was a very difficult task to reproduce the charm of the bookstore in any other place. Even though Chapters Bookstore in Parnell street is a different place in several ways, it has managed to hold on to its original charm which keeps the customers coming. Not to forget, the prices are still considerably lower...

Two floors of available space were quickly filled with books and more books, but also music and DVDs. The stock of the store is too extensive to name all the specific sections, so we would just like to highlight the cult fiction section and the graphic novel section, both to be found among the second-hand books. The ground floor is home to new titles but also the bargains, while the entire second floor is dedicated to second-hand books. Especially the second floor is praised by people looking for a different book-shopping experience as that's exactly what this independent bookstore offers. In case you're searching for a concrete book, the ground floor may be the better option, but if you're up for a long browsing session with unpredictable results, the second floor certainly won't disappoint you. The sheer size of the store makes the visit a true adventure and if you're brave enough to explore some of the darker parts of the second-hand section you will most likely be rewarded. Organization is definitely not among the first words that cross your mind when you find yourselves facing all the long overflowing shelves and random piles. However, this is also a part of what makes Chapters Bookstore a special place.

Chapters Bookstore
Address:
Ivy Exchange
Parnell Street
Dublin 1

Website: http://www.chapters.ie

Phone and Email:
+353 (0)18723297
shop@chapters.ie

Working Hours:
Mon-Wed 9:30-18:30
Thu 9:30-20
Fri-Sat 9:30-18:30
Sun 12-18:30

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Librairie Alinea, Luxembourg

2010-11-09T17:59:00.008+01:00

Where? Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Recommended by: Chantal Burton

Chantal said: "I would like to contribute with my favorite bookstore in Luxembourg, my hometown: Librairie Alinea. On the second floor there is quite a large section with English books. Living in a country with so many foreigners and at least three official languages, you can imagine that the space has to be divided between French, German and English books. But the owner is very thoughtful and always offers a variety of books, everybody should find something for his taste. A rather good choice in children's literature and BD (Bandes Dessinés, the more appropriate word for 'comics') are a plus. Hope to see you one of these days in this shop."

We were more than glad to fill one of the few remaining voids on the imaginary Bookstore Guide map of Europe and finally add the first bookstore in Luxembourg. We hope that this will also motivate other people from Luxembourg to recommend their favorite sources of English books and that more bookstores will be added in the future.

The stock of Librairie Alinea spreads over on 300 square meters on two floors of an old building in the rue Beaumont. As already mentioned, the language situation in Luxembourg is quite specific and this fact is also reflected in the bookstore's stock, which counts around 12 thousand titles. English language books are in the third spot behind titles in French and German, but you can still browse through a decent selection on the second floor. This bookstore doesn't specialize in one specific subject and its stock is rather general. Most of the books belong to the general fiction category, but more specific sections such as travel, art, history or children's books are present as well.

Librairie Alinea is also known for its helpful staff which is able to discuss books and chat with the customers in several languages. The staff is ready to help you choose the right book or order the title you can't find in the bookstore. All in all, a very nice mixture of languages and subjects in a city which offers its own mixture of languages and cultures.

Librairie Alinea
Address:
5 rue Beaumont
L-1219 Luxembourg

Website: http://www.alinea.lu

Phone and Email:
+ 352 22 67 87
alinea@pt.lu

Working Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9-18:30
Sat: 9-18

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Nijhof & Lee, Amsterdam

2010-10-26T18:41:00.012+02:00

Where? Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Recommended by: Kyoko Kaneta

Bookstores focused on one specific subject of interest or literary genre as opposed to bookstores offering a general stock always had our respect. The more obscure the specialization is, the more interesting it is for us to follow the story of such a bookstore and to imagine its regular customers. Specialized bookstores often create special bonds based on the passion shared by the owner and the customers. In the case of Amsterdam's Nijhof & Lee, the uniting element is art, especially in the 2D version (fine art, graphic design, typography, posters, exhibition catalogs, photography etc.) but also architecture.

Nijhof & Lee bookstore was founded back in 1988 by Frank Nijhof and Warren Lee with the intention to provide the visitors with hard to find antiquarian art books as well as with fresh releases focused on art related topics. The bookstore can be found in the center of Amsterdam in Staalstraat, a street with a rich history and several high-quality specialized shops. During more than two decades they managed to compile a collection which attracts art aficionados from near and far. In fact, many people rank Nijhof & Lee among the best bookstores in its category worldwide.

The stock of the bookstore is international with a considerable amount of titles in the English language. As we already mentioned, the bookstore offers new titles, but also used books and even out of print antiquarian books. Graphic design and typography are probably the sections the bookstore is the most famous for. As you can see in one of our images below, the art and technique of typography even has its own section in the bookstore. We should also mention one of the special treats available for dedicated collectors - a selection of original rare posters from the post WW2 era. Needless to stress, Nijhof & Lee is the right place to go if you're searching for anything connected to Dutch graphic design.

Nijhof & Lee
Address:
Staalstraat 13a
1011 JK Amsterdam

Website: http://www.nijhoflee.nl

Phone and Email:
+31-20-6203980
Email via webform

Working Hours:
Mon closed
Tue-Sat 10-18
Sun 12-18

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Kennys Bookshop, Galway

2010-10-21T22:24:00.015+02:00

Where? Galway, Ireland

Recommended by: Rosemary Gallagher

Kennys Bookshop is soon entering the 8th decade of its existence, a feat which is extremely impressive itself. However, a short stroll through a brief description of each of the past decades in the bookshop's history available at their site makes you realize that Kennys have accomplished much more. The owners of this bookshop never gave up on venturing into new projects and, thanks to this approach, Kennys is associated with several milestones of the bookselling business in Ireland. The story of this bookshop family clan started writing its first chapter back in 1940 when Des and Maureen Kenny opened Kennys Bookshop in High St, Galway. Today, five of their six children and even three of their grandchildren are associated with the business.

Kennys Bookshop was closely connected to the local art scene and it played a very important role in promoting Irish crafts and arts. Books, paintings and other art forms coexisted in the same space until 1968. But since the number of paintings was growing continuously, the Kennys decided to convert their living room into the first art gallery in the West of Ireland. Since then, art exhibitions became associated with the name Kennys as well. Kennys Bookshop has gained the reputation of a recognized authority in the field of books and arts and its success was appreciated in big style in 1990, the 50th anniversary of its opening. Another interesting fact related to this bookshop concerns its online presence which dates back to 1994. Kennys Bookshop was thus supposedly only the second bookshop with a website. With the introduction of the website and an online store which followed, Kennys has spread its influence around the whole world. The bookshop is a supplier of books to some 300 libraries in the United States. Kennys Bookclub counts 1500 members from 75 different countries who receive their regular dose of books published in Ireland by mail.

When it comes to the stock, the bookshop's focus has been very inclusive since the first years of its existence, as it sells new, used, but also out-of-print and antiquarian books. The new, bigger shop holds around half a million books, most of them used, which translates into several days of browsing, so don't forget to take some food and water. Their on-line catalog includes ten times more books, which is quite scary, to be honest. The bookshop is mainly known for its specialty - books of Irish interest (history, culture, literature, language...) but it also covers all other subjects. Not to mention The Rare Book and Gifts Room dedicated to people for whom the love of literature developed into a collector's passion.

It became very clear how much the people of Galway appreciate Kennys Bookshop when the sad news of its closing was announced. The original shop in High Street was closed in January 2006 as the Kennys decided to focus solely on their online bookselling business.The reaction of the public and the continuing requests for a reopening managed to persuade the owners to change their minds and in July 2008, Kennys Bookshop opened its doors to the public in a new location outside of the city center. It is true that the new shop can't completely fill the void and nostalgia after the original High Street shop. The new premises are more in line with the modern trends of spacious (700 square meters), clean and organized rooms with sofas. However, what matters most is that Kennys Bookshop, one of the prides of Galway, is there again.

Kennys Bookshop
Address:
Liosbán Retail Park
Tuam Road, Galway

Website: http://www.kennys.ie

Phone and Email:
+353 91 709350
books@kennys.ie

Working Hours:
Mon-Sat 9-17

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