Continuing our amble round London's independent bookshops
This week we stopped by Heywood Hill, a wonderful shop located a few steps away from Green Park. Opened in 1936 and supported by Nancy Mitford, it is not only a fun place to pop in for shelf browsing, but also a historical treasure.
The shop certainly has its own personality, with books stacked in every corner and on top of (and inside) fireplaces.The downstairs area houses a fantastic children's section while the upstairs area contains more current works of fiction and non-fiction. We were wholeheartedly impressed by the collections of old books at every turn, which are stored in beautiful cabinets and, in some cases, piled on the floor. The shop specialises in antiquarian books of various sorts, including (but not limited to) history, architecture, travel and topography.
Perhaps what stands out most is not the shop itself but the incredible services it offers. The staff prides itself on being able to locate almost any book, old or new, for the ambitious reader. If you don't ever seem to know what to read next, or simply like a challenge, Heywood Hill will send you a couple of hand selected books every month. Beat that Amazon or Waterstones! The shop also offers book restorations and book binding. If you stop by, be sure to pick up one of their highly detailed catalogues.
By Caroline Dickie
G. Heywood Hil Ltd, 10 Curzon Street W1J 5HH. Map after the jump, images author's own. Know a good bookshop? Email us at londonist (@) gmail.com.
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