If any city in Europe has its bookstore game down to a tee, it’s London. The ever-cool city is filled with so many independent, specialized, and niche bookshops that there’s even been a guidebook written about them. But few London bookstores summon as passionate a cult following as Persephone Books. Once a month, this small, independent publisher re-prints one quality work of fiction or nonfiction, usually by an overlooked female writer from the early-to-mid-twentieth century. Their catalogue now spans 128 books and counting, each one with an elegant gray jacket, period endpapers, and a matching bookmark. You’ll recognize their store on Lamb’s Conduit Street by the British flag and sunflowers in their window. Inside, their books are artfully stacked between postcards, teacups, and other literary gifts. Persephone Books also hosts a variety of literary events, including lectures, talks, film screenings, and a monthly book club. And for those of us who *sob* can’t visit this elegant gem on a weekly basis, all of their books can be ordered from their website, along with themed boxsets and the Persephone Biannually, a free magazine featuring reviews and excerpts from their latest titles. Perfect for those days when you just want to brew a cup of tea and escape to Bloomsbury.
Persephone Books
59 Lamb’s Conduit St, London
+44 20 7242 9292
info@persephonebooks.co.uk
Open weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00;
Saturday 11:00 to 17:00;
and Sunday 12:00 to 16:00
The Inquiring Traveler's Notebook 