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Selected by the bookshop, why would feminists trust the police, £12.99.

From the publisher: A tangled history of feminism’s complicity and resistanceEvery week it seems there is a fresh scandal involving abhorrent, racist, misogynist behaviour by police officers. Yet these are the very people women are supposed to approach…

Constance Debré

£10.99.

From the publisher: Translated by Holly JamesIn this prequel to the critical sensation Love Me Tender, Constance Debré breaks free from conformity to live her life as a butch lesbian'Defiant, probing, hot' Saba Sams, author of Send NudesAt the…

From Base Materials

Jenny lewis, £11.99.

From the publisher: Rich and various, From Base Materials ranges thematically from violence towards women, love in old age and surviving cancer to translations from Arabic and Russian and a topical re-imagining of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. The poems speak…

Rachel Cusk

£16.99.

Recommended by Victoria ‘This is philosophical fiction at its peak. Parade contains four long chapters that interweave the lives of four different artists – all called G, two men, two women – with the life of the first-person narrator and her husband. Like the characteristic covers, Cusk’s prose is clean and deceptively simple while asking some of the most difficult existential questions: what does it mean to create (produce?) art? Is it anything like creating (producing?) a child? Do the answers to those questions differ depending on whether you are a man or a woman? ( Parade ’s answer is surely ‘yes’, but in interesting ways.) If we are creations (products?) of our own parents, what do we owe them? In true Cusk fashion, Parade is a novel in which the action is pared down to moments that could be life-changing, if only we recognised them as such.’

What Does Israel Fear from Palestine?

Raja shehadeh, £7.99.

From the publisher: A searing reflection on the failures of Israel to treat Palestine and Palestinians as equals, as partners on the road to peace instead of genocide.When the state of Israel was formed in 1948, it precipitated the Nakba or 'disaster': the…

Kathleen Jamie

£9.99.

From the publisher: Cairn: A marker on open land, a memorial, a viewpoint shared by strangers. For the last five years poet and author Kathleen Jamie has been turning her attention to a new form of writing: micro-essays, prose poems, notes and fragments.…

Claire Dederer

From the publisher: A brilliantly buzzy consideration of how we - the fans - should respond to good art made by bad peopleWise and bold and full of the kind of gravitas that might even rub off' LISA TADDEO'An exhilarating, shape-shifting exploration…

The Children's Bach

Helen garner.

Recommended by  Gayle ‘One of the most perfect short novels I’ve ever read. Helen Garner vividly depicts the gentle implosion of the Fox family – from shabby domestic bliss to disaster (and back again) – in 150 pages of brilliantly spare prose.’

Scaffolding

Lauren elkin.

From the publisher: The debut novel from the brilliant essayist, reviewer, cultural critic and author of FlaneuseThe story of two couples who live in the same apartment in north-east Paris almost fifty years apart.In 2019, Anna, a psychoanalyst, is…

Jenny Erpenbeck

From the publisher: Translated by Michael Hofmann'An ambitious story of love and betrayal' - Irish Times'The ending is like a bomb thrown into your room -- you'll be reeling for days and weeks to come.' - Neel Mukherjee Berlin. 11 July 1986. They…

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The most charming independent bookshops in London

By Antonia Bentel and Olivia Williams

There is nothing quite like a lazy weekend spent roaming through the aisles of a bookshop, judging books by their covers. Even those who enter the shops with a resolute purpose to buy just one book and one book only are likely to be struck with an undeniable sense of discovery, leaving the premises with a stack of books found by chance. There is no online replication of this feeling; indeed, there is something quite unsexy (or at the very least, un-charming) about buying books via the Internet: after one fell click, the pure magic of book shopping has been snuffed out.

So, for the bookworms among us, spend your next weekend offline and out and about, perusing the aisles of one of London 's many excellent, charming independent bookshops, our favourites of which we've rounded up below.

Brick Lane Bookshop, Tower Hamlets, E1

On one of east London's most iconic streets is the lovely Brick Lane Bookshop, which carries an array of literary genres and has a special section dedicated to London-based books. The shop offers free delivery for locals in the Tower Hamlets area and can post books anywhere in the UK, so visitors needn't restrict themselves to purchasing only what they can carry. Aspiring writers will note that the shop hosts an annual short story contest with a tantalising £1,000 first-place prize as well as the opportunity for short-listed winners to be published in the shop's anthology, published every October.

Address: 166 Brick Lane, E1 6RU bricklanebookshop.org

Daunt Books, Marylebone, W1U

A longtime member of London's vast bookshop scene, Daunt Books is a classic destination for history buffs and bookworms alike. Originally opened in 1912 as an antiquarian bookseller, the shop was purchased by John Daunt in the 1990s, who first intended to sell only travel books. (Now, Daunt Books sells almost every title under the sun.) With comfortable reading nooks spread throughout the shop, many a long afternoon can be spent here reading the world away. Daunt Books has expanded to eight other locations in London; however, the Marylebone is the most picturesque and historic of all.

Address: 84 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QW dauntbooks.co.uk

South Kensington Books, South Kensington, SW7

South Kensington Books has been a part of the neighbourhood's small-business fabric since the 1940s, selling a wide array of excellent titles, from new releases to exclusive ‘Independent Bookshop’ editions. Recently shortlisted as the Indie Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards, the shop is certainly one of the most independent on this list – and we hope it stays that way for years to come.

Address: 22 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LT kensingtonbooks.co.uk

Bookmongers, Brixton, SW9

Opened over three decades ago by American-born Patrick Kelly, Bookmongers is a Brixton institution. The shop is unbelievably charming, crammed full of a well-organised selection of secondhand books presided over by the shop's cat, Popeye, so it is easy to see how it has developed such a loyal clientele.

Address: 439 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LN bookmongers.com

Books for Cooks, Notting Hill, W11

It does exactly what it says on the tin: Books for Cooks specialises in and sells – curiously enough – books for cooks. While you peruse the bookshelves displaying just about every cookbook, chef's guide and foodie tome ever to be published, co-owner Eric Treuillé will be at the stove in the shop's small open kitchen, cooking and baking the recipes found in the very same books you're perusing. While it changes daily, there is one, well-priced and delicious entrée on Books for Cooks' menu, usually dictated by the season (however, there is more choice when it comes to dessert). To snag a coveted table at Books for Cooks, know that bookings are not taken; we'd suggest you arrive in the late morning before the lunchtime rush and head off to peruse the cookbooks until you're seated. The shop also hosts an array of excellent foodie-forward events and workshops, including cookery classes, in the demonstration kitchen upstairs.

Address: 4 Blenheim Crescent, W11 1NN booksforcooks.com

The Bookshop on the Heath, Blackheath, SE3

With its exterior painted a minty blue, The Bookshop on the Heath was always bound to stand out from the crowd. Inside, you'll find an eclectic collection of rare, collectible and secondhand books, as well as a host of antique maps and unusual ephemera. The shop – the oldest of its kind in south-east London – also sells an excellent range of vintage film and television posters, perfect for movie buffs hoping to put their favourite works on full display.

Address: 74 Tranquil Vale, SE3 0BW instagram.com/bookshopontheheath

Foster Books, Chiswick, W4

On the hunt for an out-of-print book or a rare first edition manuscript? Make Foster Books your first stop on your book-finding journey. A tiny shop in the heart of Chiswick, Foster Books has been in operation for over 50 years and has thus developed quite an excellent, rare collection. While some of the shop's catalogue is available for purchase online, true scavengers are better off heading into the shop in person: not only is it fun to pop in and peruse Foster's crammed shelves, it is also likely you'll find what you're after, as not all books appear on their website.

Address: 183 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR fosterbooks.co.uk

Hatchards, St James's, W1J

A stone's throw from the über posh Fortnum & Mason grocery shop is the triple royal warranted Hatchards, London's most refined of bookshops. Having first opened in 1797, Hatchards is also the UK's oldest bookshop; today, the expansive shop spans four floors, with over 100,000 titles on display at any given moment. Despite its recent acquisition by Waterstones, Hatchards does not give off a chain store aura, still maintaining its independent, historic spirit, making it a must-visit for bookworms.

Address: 187 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE hatchards.co.uk

London Review Bookshop, Bloomsbury, WC1A

For those hoping to go cover to cover with members of London's elite litterati , a stop at the London Review Bookshop is a must. Linked to the iconic literary magazine of the same name, the bookshop is almost always rammed with writers both published and aspiring – especially during the twice-weekly author talks and book readings. Should you work up an appetite post book browsing, enjoy a tasty cake or sandwich at the shop's fabulous café.

Address: 14-16 Bury Place, WC1A 2JL londonreviewbookshop.co.uk

Lutyens & Rubinstein, Notting Hill, W11

There is something quite tantalising about Lutyens & Rubinstein's distinguished striped awning – you instinctively feel compelled to enter. And you should follow your intuition, as this bookshop is not like the others. Indeed, Lutyens & Rubinstein's book browsing experience and internal stock is incredibly unique: since the shop's opening, its book editor owners continually canvass hundreds of readers for their personal recommendations, which find their way onto the shelves of Lutyens & Rubinstein. For true bookworm-to-bookworm connection, this is the perfect one-stop shop.

Address: 21 Kensington Park Road, W11 2EU lutyensrubinstein.co.uk

The Broadway Bookshop, Hackney, E8

For Hackneyites used to spending their weekends traipsing up and down the vibrant Broadway Market, perhaps a quick peek into the window of Broadway Bookshop has become a weekend ritual. However, this cosy shop is a destination in and of itself, market day or not, full of an excellent selection of new fiction, local history and children's books. The shop also hosts excellent, intimate reading events – check their Twitter feed to stay up-to-date.

Address: 6 Broadway Market E8 4QJ broadwaybookshophackney.com

The Notting Hill Bookshop, Notting Hill, W11

The Notting Hill Bookshop is famous, Hollywood famous. The tiny blue shop was the inspiration for Richard Curtis' iconic film Notting Hill and had a starring role as The Travel Book Co., a travel book shop helmed by London's (the world's?) dreamiest travel book purveyor. Today, the shop sells titles beyond those pertaining to travel, from true crime to poetry anthologies. And whilst you won't find Hugh Grant behind the till (and what a tragedy that is), the Notting Hill Bookshop is still an iconic must-visit in the realm of London's great independent bookshops.

Address: 13 Blenheim Crescent, W11 2EE thenottinghillbookshop.co.uk

Heywood Hill, Mayfair, W1J

This dainty Georgian townhouse is home to a formidable selection of books, with a serene atmosphere, and sweet-natured, enthusiastic staff. Nancy Mitford worked here during the Second World War, establishing its reputation as a hub of London literary life. Thoughtfully, they offer plenty of literary services including wedding lists, book subscriptions, and advice on building up your home library. Fans of Heywood Hill are extremely loyal and tend to shop there decade after decade - make the pilgrimage to Curzon Street to find out why.

Address: 10 Curzon Street, W1J 5HH heywoodhill.com

Maison Assouline, St James's, W1J

Immerse yourself in the entirely stylish world of coffee table book publisher Assouline, whose luxurious flagship shop is part Parisian cafe, part library. The former bank building designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1922 is a beguiling setting in which to browse their exhibition catalogues, books, furniture, and prints. It's also a handy place to know about for cool presents.

Address: 196a Piccadilly, W1J 9EY assouline.com

Libreria, Spitalfields, E1

The most self consciously modern and interior designed of these bookshops, Libreria is carefully curated newcomer. What it lacks in heritage, it makes up with its soothing atmosphere, low lighting and mobile phone ban. You might have to elbow past the other shoppers who are browsing slowly as it's a narrow but popular space. It may be small, but packs in plenty of interesting stock. Their diary is full of in-depth seminars, workshops, and performances.

Address: 65 Hanbury Street, E1 5JL libreria.io

Persephone Books, Holborn, WC1N

Not only is Persephone Books primly bijou and beautiful as a shop, it reprints neglected fiction and non-fiction by mid-twentieth century (mostly female) writers in quaint grey jackets with patterned endpapers. The shop is full of overlooked books that you are unlikely to see anywhere else, and they offer a book-a-month subscription service. If you live nearby, you may want to join the Persephone Book Group, which meets on the first Wednesday of the month. (And, as a bonus beyond the books: they will feed you Madeira, and bread and cheese.)

Address: 59 Lamb's Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB persephonebooks.co.uk

Peter Harrington, Chelsea, SW3

A well-loved little shop full of rare books, limited editions, manuscripts and first editions, this is an easy place to accidentally spend a lot of money - some of the most expensive books sold in Britain come through here. Peter Harrington began selling rare editions from the Chelsea Antiques Market on the King's Road in the 1960s and the bookshop is now run by his son, Pom. It has fostered much affection with west Londoners over the decades with its elegant displays, one-off rarities and calming atmosphere.

Address: 100 Fulham Road, SW3 6HS peterharrington.co.uk

John Sandoe, Chelsea, SW3

At the marvellous John Sandoe in Chelsea it is possible to hide out for hours in the stacks that somehow hold 30,000 titles within three eighteenth century shop fronts joined together. The narrow staircases and discreet doorways add to the Aladdin's cave quality of the experience. As John Cleese recently said of the shop, 'you'll find plentiful prize bats in this glorious belfry'. The stock is mainly new, but staff will also seek out of print books for you if you set them in pursuit of something rare. Since it opened in 1957, its shop fronts just off the King's Road have been full of staff 's recent reading pleasures, framed by well-tended window boxes. The windows are always worth a browse if you're in the area, although be prepared to lose a few hours.

Address: 10 Blacklands Terrace, SW3 2SR johnsandoe.com

Treadwell's, Bloomsbury, WC1E

A magical gem in Bloomsbury, this is one for fans of all things esoteric, and the occult in particular. Unusually for a bookshop it also sells rare herbs, ceremonial oils, and anything else that magicians might need, and offers tarot readings. Browsing the curiosities is a memorable experience. There are plenty of obscure titles that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Address: 33 Store Street, WC1E 7BS treadwells-london.com

Word on the Water, St Pancras, N1C

London's only floating bookshop thankfully has been saved from closure with a new permanent home on the canal just behind King's Cross station. The clever owners of a 1920s Dutch barge have transformed it into a palace of reading, with the bonus of a friendly dog, a wood-burning stove, and readings and live acoustic music on the roof.

Address: Regent's Canal Towpath, N1C 4LW wordonthewater.co.uk

By Arabella Bowes

By Charlotte McCaughan-Hawes

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The Insider's Guide To Visiting London

6 Best Bookshops in London For True Book Lovers

Choosing the 6 best bookshops in London was not an easy thing. Still, I strongly got inspired by all the moments I spent in London bookshop cafes working and drinking lots of caffè latte. All of this before going to a great Indian restaurant in London for comfort food, or rushing to eat amazing Chinese dumplings . If you’d like to know which are the best bookstores in London for new and used books, I strongly suggest you keep reading.

The Best Bookshops in London

I’m a book enthusiast – I love carrying a little world in my backpack. When I was starting to learn Italian, I bought many books from the European Bookshop London. There, you can find used books and new titles in Italian, French, German, and other languages that are usually hard to find in standard London bookshops like Waterstones or Foyles.

In this list of book shops in London, I will mostly talk about independent bookstores. Some of those shops are very instagrammable , meaning you’re pretty sure to leave with a new pic to add to your feed. Been there, done that. From bookshops near London Bridge to finding out the London biggest bookshop addresses, follow the guide!

6 Best Bookstores in London For True Book Lovers

Have you ever dreamed of getting to work in a bookshop London? I have. Foyles is one of my personal favorite book shops in London – the one on Charing Cross Road, more specifically. I always feel like it’s the biggest bookstore in London too – it has several floors, all filled with more titles than we’d both ever be able to read.

I’ve found some amazing London second hand bookshop addresses when I was living there and oh, did I buy some books. There’s a special atmosphere around you when you penetrate the cutest independent stores London. To me, being able to get used books and second hand books around Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road, and Camden Town is one of the coolest outings. You spend less than £5 for at least two or three novels that you can then read calmly in a cool London bookshop cafe. How cool and autumn-feely is that, right?

Okay, less talking, more about the best bookstores in London. Let me know your favorites in the comments!

1. Oxfam Bookshop (near Tottenham Court Road)

I think Oxfam Bookshop on Bloomsbury Street is the biggest bookstore in London for Oxfam books. It might not be the oldest bookstore in London, but you can find some pretty cool literary gems there.

This London second hand bookshop is full of novels for adults and kids. Plus, it’s also somewhat of a travel bookshop London, given how many travel-related titles they have. Used books give me a sense of indescribable pleasure.

Although it’s not located on a famous London bookshop street, there are two or three other book stores in the street. If you go to the Oxfam used books London shop, make sure you go to those other addresses too. Knowing that you’re doing a good deed while enjoying a new book is always satisfying.

Oxfam Bookshop Second Hand Books Address: 12 Bloomsbury St, London WC1B 3QA

2. Best Bookshops in London: Foyles Charing Cross Road

Now Foyles Charing Cross Road has got to be the biggest bookstore in london. That’s not where you’ll find second hand books London, however all the new titles are there. I used to want to learn how to draw so bad that I visited the store a few times last year on the quest for the best book. I found more than a couple amazing books on the topic.

When I used to want to work in a bookshop London, Foyles is where I started looking straight away. In my opinion, with its five floors and labyrinth-like aisles, it’s one of the best bookstores in London.

Closeby, there’s a Superdrug store where you can treat yourself to some cool affordable makeup brands in London. There’s also a Starbucks coffee where more than once, I ended up when it was raining.

There’s not much more to say about it – the Foyles London bookshop stores will make any book lover dreamy. And that’s not it – if you’re looking for a cool London bookshop cafe, this Foyles has a jazz cafe inside and sometimes host events.

Foyles Charing Cross Bookshop Address: 107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DT

3. Second Hand Books London: Hurlingham Books

Hurlingham Books seems like it’s the oldest bookstore in London, with its washed out shop window. As far as I’m concerned, when I want any second hand books London, that’s where I’ll go.

It’s not a book shop in Central London though – you’ll have to take the Tube up until Putney Bridge to reach this gem. But you know, sometimes the challenge of finding the best used books London is very much worth it. Luckily, about 3 minutes away on foot, there’s an amazing old school English cafe where you can have an amazing Full English breakfast.

This famous bookshop in London opened in 1968 and they sell any kind of books. They stack more used books in their closeby book warehouse, and they have more than a million books in stock.

That’s also a very instagrammable place – not the biggest bookstore in London, but definitely the cutest book shop.

Hurlingham Books Second Hand Bookshop Address: 91 Fulham High Street, Fulham, SW6 3JS

4. Best London Bookshop: Daunt Books

Daunt Books London is one of the most famous book shops in London. The titles there are new, a proper, modern London bookstore. Built in 1912, it still features beautiful wood that reminds you of Harry Potter as soon as you enter the bookshop.

â–º Read: Top 3 Affordable Asian Restaurants in Central London

More than a hundred years later, Daunt Books London is still standing – probably the oldest bookstore in London. There are several branches to this shop, but the most Instagrammable bookstore in Daunt Books London’s repertoire is the Marylebone branch. From classics to teen novels, you’ll find everything you need at this famous bookshop.

Daunt Books London Bookshop Address: 83 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QW

5. London Review Bookshop

For those looking for a London bookshop cafe, I present to you the London Review Bookshop. Not the biggest bookstore in London, not the oldest bookstore in London since it opened only in 2003, but definitely one where you can chill in peace.

Plus, it’s located literally 3 minutes away from the British Museum, where the bookshop is also super interesting. Much like Daunt Books London, the London Review Bookshop really owns its bold personality.

This independent bookstore will allow you to study for your exams smoothly or just enjoy a hot drink and a novel to get away from it all. Not specifically a travel bookshop London, but there are quite a few titles you’d love to get, even just to make you dream about your next vacation. They mostly offer classics and serious books about philosophy, history and literature – and the tea room is exquisite. I feel like work in a bookshop London like the Review shop would make like very, very enjoyable.

London Review Bookshop Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL

6. Best London Bookshops: The European Bookshop

The European Bookshop London is one of the most famous independent bookstores in London. The books there are new, and the particularity of the store is the wide array of books in various languages. Most importantly, they offer trendy titles as well.

When I was learning Italian, I used to go to this London bookshop to get a new title of Harry Potter in Italian as soon as I was done with the previous one. As far as the best bookstores in London go, that’s definitely a shop to check out.

The European Bookshop London has a partner, called the Italian Bookshop London because of just how many books in Italian they sell. It’s also not too far from the Museum of London bookshop, so while you’re in South Kensington, just visit one after the other. Both are among the best book shops in London in my opinion. After you’re done, take a little walk up to the Macellaio restaurant – one of the best Italian restaurants you’ll ever eat at.

European Bookshop London Address: 123 Gloucester Road, London SW7 4TE

The 6 Best Bookshops in London

Whether I’m in the biggest bookstore in London or an independent used books shop, I feel happy. There’s a quiet serenity that surrounds book readers, in my opinion. Being able to stop at the best London second hand bookshops and forget for a minute about work, the rent, and the kids, is a privilege.

So get yourself some cool new used books, or treat yourself to a brand new book from Foyles, order a large tea at a cool coffeeshop, and relax! And if you’re on a budget, here’s what to do in London with just 10 pounds !

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The best bookshops in London

Beat a retreat from the digital world at London's best and most beautiful independent bookshops

Photograph: Ben Rowe

London is a bookworm’s paradise. Whether you’re after novels, comics, antiquarian tomes, or just somewhere beautiful to curl up with a good book, you’ll find it here in one of the many shops dedicated to the printed word. Hearteningly, the rise of online retailers hasn’t put a dent in the city’s characterful, welcoming book-monger scene. Instead, bookshops have upped their game, offering personalised recommendations, readings, book clubs and cosy cafés where you can enjoy your purchases over a steaming cuppa . Ready to get turning pages? Here’s our guide to the best bookshops in London, whether you’re in central, north, east, south or west London. More of a borrower? Head to these lovely London libraries . 

RECOMMENDED: Literary destinations and activities in London . Also: Our pick of the 100 best children’s books ever .    

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

28 brilliant London bookshops

1.  arthur probsthain.

This family-run bookshop has been going strong for more than 100 years, stocking titles on Asian and African culture, art, literature, religion, performing arts and theatre.  Once you’ve browsed the titles upstairs, take your new purchases downstairs to The Tea and Tattle, a lovely café where you can enjoy a pot of leaf tea, a cup of Monmouth coffee or the full Afternoon Tea for Two.

2.  Bookmongers

This Brixton institution is everything you could want from a secondhand bookshop. Run by American-born Patrick Kelly, who opened the shop’s doors more than 30 years ago, it’s developed a devoted following. Its stock is inspiring and  well-organised  if slightly overflowing, but be warned: you might get distracted from your book hunt by resident cat Popeye.

3.  Books for Cooks

• Contemporary European
• Notting Hill

Books for Cooks runs on a simple but very successful formula. From the small open kitchen, co-owner Eric Treuillé cooks recipes from the cookbooks that are for sale in the shop. You don’t get a choice – until it comes to pudding, when there’s an array of must-try cakes (lemon victoria sponge, raspberry and pear cake, or chocolate and orange cake, say) – but the standard of cooking is high. So popular is the bargain lunch in the tiny café at the back of this specialist cookbook shop that regulars start lurking from 11.45am to secure a table (no bookings are taken).  

4.  Bookshop on the Heath

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Don’t let the violent mint-choc-chip paint throw you off. Bookshop on the Heath is just as functional as it is quirky. Take a quick trip here if you’re looking for more unusual items. It specialises in rare and secondhand books, maps and ephemera. If you’re more into film or enjoy artistic crossover, the store also stocks film and TV posters, perfect for framing and hanging in your hallway.

5.  Daunt Books, Marylebone

This may be London’s most beautiful bookshop. Occupying an Edwardian building on Marylebone High Street, it boasts an incredible galleried main room and stained-glass windows that feel like they’re from a lost golden age. All the books are arranged by country – regardless of content – which makes for a fun and unique browsing experience. A fun and easy way to travel around the world.

6.  Foster Books

Foster Books is a must-visit for any self-respecting bookworm. The tiny h istoric bookshop has been operating for 50 years in the heart of Chiswick, and specialises in hard-to-find, out-of-print, used and rare books. While you can buy from its website, a lot of stock goes uncatalogued on the shelves, so make sure you pop in and browse around for the full selection.

7.  Foyles, Charing Cross Road

• Charing Cross Road

Foyles’ flagship store is a vast temple to the printed word. Standing proud on Charing Cross Road, it covers a whopping five floors, with a staggering 4 miles’ worth of shelves holding more than 200,000 titles. You can easily lose yourself for a few hours in here. On the top floor there’s a café and exhibition space, where high-profile authors often stop by for special readings and talks.

8.  Gay’s the Word

When this haven opened in 1979, gay books could only be found in a handful of radical shops. These days, LGBTQ+ literature has hit the mainstream, but Gay’s the Word is still essential, with a breadth far beyond ‘Call Me by Your Name’. Its rainbow array takes in kids’ stories, graphic novels, poetry, history and more, while it has played host to a who’s who of big names, including Ali Smith and Ocean Vuong.  

9.  Gosh! Comics

Comics aren’t just for kids, as you’ll find out when you step foot in Soho’s Gosh!. Its wow-worthy selection proves that there’s a graphic novel for every possible taste, from manga to funnies to art books to memoirs. Venture downstairs to buy single issues of vintage comics, or browse its excellent collection of prints and posters for colourful art to make your home look more intelligent.

10.  Hatchards

On Piccadilly, in a prestigious spot next to posh grocer’s Fortnum & Mason, is the UK’s oldest bookshop. First opening its doors in 1797, Hatchards covers four floors and is home to 100,000 books. And while it’s now owned by Waterstones, you won’t get a whiff of a chain store here; three royal warrants means a visit here is still a refined experience. For a more modern shopping experience, check out its second store on St Pancras station, which opened in 2014.

11.  Heywood Hill

Heywood Hill was awarded a royal warrant in 2011, making it a bookshop fit for the most regal of bookworms. Based in Mayfair in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, it’s clear that this literary icon is a classy operation. The shop’s exterior is traditional and simple, complete with a blue plaque marking the fact that novelist Nancy Mitford worked here as an assistant during World War II. The books on sale range from brand new to antiquarian, with a great children’s section. 

12.  Housmans

• Caledonian Road

Founded by a gaggle of pacifists in 1945, Housmans  stays true to its radical roots. There are special events like talks about social issues from the patriarchy to the rental crisis, programmes with progressive authors, and niche book groups that meet here. Plus, there’s a collection of books, periodicals and zines that are ready to educate you on views you won’t find in the mainstream. Make for the basement to score some serious bargains on books on everything from pacifism to psychogeography.

13.  John Sandoe

• King’s Road

Stumbling across this beautiful bookshop in a Chelsea backstreet, you might feel like you’ve entered a Dickens novel. The shop, founded in 1957, occupies three floors of three connecting eighteenth-century shops with gorgeous window boxes outside displaying floral blooms. Inside, rows of books fill every surface, with what the shop calls a ‘bias for the humanities’.

14.  Kirkdale Bookshop

Kirkdale Bookshop has been a Sydenham fixture for 57 years and it has become something of a cultural hub for the local community in that time. Inside, beyond the expected shelves of books, you’ll find a tiny gallery, regular music events and a bimonthly book group. It encompasses two floors, includes new and secondhand books and also sells gifts and cards.

15.  Libreria

• Spitalfields

There’s a strict no-mobiles policy at this design-led temple to the printed word, but the lure of the little flashing screen is weak compared to the appeal of its glorious shelves. Books are arranged according to theme, rather than alphabetically, so you can browse by ‘Wanderlust’ or ‘Enchantment for the Disenchanted’. Cosy nooks among the shelves invite you to sit and read for a while.  

16.  Lloyds of Kew

This blooming beautiful bookshop is just around the corner from Kew Gardens, so it’s little surprise that its wares often take their inspiration from horticulture. There’s even a driftwood ‘book tree’ decked with ivy and particularly pretty volumes. Pick up a book that’ll finally tell you how to stop murdering your houseplants, or browse its collection of rare and antiquarian books.

17.  London Review Bookshop

Rub shoulders with London’s literary elite at this chic bookshop, named after the magazine that owns it. It has an enticing collection of all that’s best, newest and most radical in the worlds of fiction and poetry. There are twice-weekly author talks where you can meet writers, space to listen to bookish in-house podcasts or an excellent café, which hosts an ever-changing collection of baroque cakes.

18.  Lutyens & Rubinstein

• Ladbroke Grove

It’s hard to walk past Lutyens & Rubinstein’s  elegant striped awning, and not be intrigued to find out what’s past the smart exterior. Set up by the literary agency of the same name, this beautifully designed bookshop aims to provide an idiosyncratic browsing experience. The stock was assembled after canvassing hundreds of readers, meaning each book has found its way here following a personal recommendation. 

19.  New Beacon Books

• Finsbury Park

London’s first Black bookshop has played a crucial role in Black literary life since it was founded in 1966. You can see proof of that in just how much the community rallied around the store in 2022 when, under the threat of closure, admirers raised more than £80,000 save to it. Not only does New Beacon stock works by Caribbean, Black British, African and African-American authors, it also runs its own publishing house, through which it nurtures new talent.

20.  Newham Bookshop

Originally founded to provide educational materials as part of Newham Parents’ Centre, this community-focused bookshop has grown into an important neighbourhood resource. The stock is geared to local residents – half of it is dedicated to children and there are strong politics, social science and self-help sections, plus a significant number of bilingual dictionaries reflecting the diversity of the area.

21.  Nomad Books

Bright and airy, with wooden floors and comfy sofas, Nomad is a lively and popular shop and café on Fulham Road. There’s something for all ages here, but if you’re looking to entertain the little ones, stop by one of their regular story time events. There’s also a strong children’s section, gifts, stationery and a regular book club.

22.  Owl Bookshop

• Kentish Town

This bookshop on Kentish Town Road does a great line in children’s books. It also hosts a range of kids’ events, from storytime sessions at the weekends to one-offs like a midnight opening for big franchise releases. Unsurprisingly, it’s popular with families, but there’s lots for adults, too: it’s strong on classic fiction, food and drink, gardening, and sport and boasts a programme of popular author events. Iconic totes, too.

23.  Primrose Hill Books

• Primrose Hill

This small family-run bookshop can be found on what might be the prettiest (and poshest) high street in London. Owners Jessica and Marek, who’ve been here for nearly 30 years, sell both new and  secondhand  books (the latter of which are also available through their website). They also host intimate literary events with names like Jeanette Winterson and Martin Amis.

24.  Review Bookshop

Review is the brainchild of Roz Simpson, founder of the Peckham Literary Festival, and author Evie Wyld. It’s a tiny shop that’s intelligently curated and famously dog-friendly (its website even has a dog-themed reading list). The events programme is particularly strong, and the shop is also the home of the aforementioned Peckham Literary Festival, which takes place each November.

25.  Stanfords

• Covent Garden

So iconic is this travel bookshop it even gets a mention in Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’. Set up by Edward Stanford in 1853, the Stanfords flagship store was situated in a grand old building on Long Acre. After more than 100 years in its former home, the bookshop relocated to its current site just around the corner at 7 Mercer Walk, where customers can find its same unparalleled selection of travel stock, from guides and maps, to travel writing and gifts.

26.  The Broadway Bookshop

• London Fields

Broadway Market is a prime spot for browsing and no wander around these parts is complete without popping into this cosy bookshop. It’s larger than it looks from the outside, with steps leading down into a basement filled with new fiction, local history and children’s books. It also holds intimate events here – keep an eye on its Twitter to find out what’s coming up.

27.  The Notting Hill Bookshop

If the name of this bookshop is giving you flashbacks to a certain Hugh Grant and Julia Robert film, then you’re spot on. This is the space which inspired the setting for the romcom ‘Notting Hill’. K-pop fans should keep an eye out when visiting – the exterior is a favourite photo spot of idol groups when they’re in town. However, if you want to visit for more literary purposes, it’s good to know that, as well as an excellent selection of travel books, these days, the small independent store also carries a broad range of genres, from YA to True Crime.

28.  Word on the Water

• King’s Cross

Books and water don’t usually mix, but this floating shop is an    exception. An 100-year-old dutch barge in King’s Cross is filled to the gunwales with new and secondhand books, a cosy stove and even an African grey parrot. Go to expand your literary horizons far beyond its narrow space, or for the poetry slams or live music nights that bring well-read crowds to the canalside.

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The London Review of Books has become the most successful – and controversial – literary publication in Europe.

How I used to love and now hate the London Review of Books

Speaking words of wisdom, LRB

I would read the London Review of Books from front to back. I had to read it all, from front to back. I couldn’t miss any part of what I then saw as the absolute requirement of reading the London Review of Books and absorbing all of the information contained in the London Review of Book s (excluding classifieds and incidental advertising about books, copywriters, book-based dating etc). 

I certainly couldn’t dip in and out of the London Review of Books . The London Review of Books told me, so I thought, everything that I needed to know. The best people would provide me with the best information about what I needed to know. It was a joy and my mind expanded and my taste developed and I became a refined intellectual.

I couldn’t read fast enough to keep up

This reading of each and every London Review of Books ended up making me very anxious ; or perhaps, my latent anxiety overwhelmed my joy of reading the London Review of Books . I couldn’t read fast enough to keep up with the bi-weekly production of these reviews of books.

I was reading nothing other than reviews of books in the London Review of Books . I had no remaining time to read the books they were reviews of, nor any other book. I no longer took any joy in the London Review of Books; it simply became a task or duty to read each copy before the next was delivered , and I began to skim read and hated myself for skim reading the London Review of Books , because I loved the London Review of Books .

Copies of the London Review of Books in their cellophane wrapping piled up , and I began to be frightened of them, frightened of the reading demands the London Review of Books was placing on me. 

Eventually I had to stop reading the London Review of Books , and the pile of London Review of Books filled a drawer which I kept entirely for the London Review of Books . I terminated my subscription because I could not accept reading the London Review of Books without reading it front to back (excluding classifieds , and incidental advertising etc). I couldn’t touch a copy for years , and refused offers from friends of their (used and filthy) copies of the London Review of Books ; those friends who couldn’t throw away their own copies due to the high status of the London Review of Books , and its high cost.

This year, after having said how I used to love and now hated the London Review of Books and couldn’t handle my subscription to it and would never want another one, my neighbour subscribed me behind my back and for free to the London Review of Books ; a free gift subscription . They were delivered to my home, now sealed in a paper envelope rather than the cellophane ( environmental responsibility ).

I opened the London Review of Books , the first I had opened for ten years , and prepared myself for a front to back read. I liked how folded it was , and how much better it was to read a fresh copy than the used (filthy) copies which had been pushed on me by friends who primarily wanted to indicate to me that they read the London Review of Books by offering their (used and filthy) copies  — thinking that I respected the London Review of Books and its users. 

I began reading and my attention wouldn’t hold. I skipped ahead and read half of one article, a line of another, a title of another. I tried to read the poetry and I still couldn’t understand a single line of it , and had no will to try.

Whereas before I could only think TJClarkPerryAndersonTariqAliNealAscherson thoughts, now I could think of no such London Review of Book thoughts, not even Mar iaWarnerJohnLanchesterJamesButlerAdam Mar sJones thoughts could enter my brain. My brain could take in no London Review of Books information , and could form no London Review of Books thoughts.

All this learning was in two dimensions

I considered what was wrong. Part of it was that every article was written in a this is how things are tone, all so tasteful and knowledgeable and clever. Yes, I knew that I would learn a lot, but it felt like all this learning was in two dimensions. It was a very narrow field. 

I considered: I had read the London Review of Books in order to belong to the LRB club and the knowledge I had wanted to acquire was wholly in order to become a member of this club. And the way the London Review of Books reviewers write — their style — is that of the self-assurance of a certain sort of group of people who are self-assured , or who want to write and be read among — and be among — those who are self-assured.

I reflected that England is one big private members club , and the LRB is just a part of this club (the letters “ LRB ” being a spoken code to enter that club). I discovered that this LRB club wasn’t in Bloomsbury, but in Hampstead , and I discovered that having been invited to play croquet on Hampstead Heath, in the Hampstead Heath Croquet Association, in which the words “elle are bee” occurred frequently.

I don’t want someone writing to me as if I were a member of their club , or want to be a member of their club. Everything in this country is a private members club, in which cordial agreement, shared references , and a shared picture of the world is required. A shared belief in what are the right views about the right subjects is required. These people — you? — know the facts and know how to pronounce the facts in the right way. Each article, each sentence of the LRB asks: are you a member of our club? aren’t you a member of our club? Club members look down from their vast knowledge, supported by the vast institutions of their education and the vast institutions of their working life. LRB is a performance of Englishness, just as much as the Hampstead Croquet Association is — often attracting performances by those most insecure in their Englishness.

I reject this LRB club and I will not become a member of it and nor will I cancel my free subscription to the London Review of Books .

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The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper

"The Five" by Hallie Rubenhold offers a fresh perspective on the victims of Jack the Ripper, focusing on their lives rather than their deaths. Rubenhold's meticulous research brings these women to life, challenging misconceptions and shedding light on the socio-economic struggles of Victorian London. Unlike typical true crime narratives, this book emphasizes the humanity of its subjects. It's a must-read for history enthusiasts of all levels.

The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper takes a refreshing approach by focusing on the lives of the women believed to be victims of the notorious killer rather than simply on their deaths. Unlike typical ripperology literature , this book barely mentions Jack the Ripper himself. Instead, it successfully brings the so-called canonical five victims to life, shedding light on who they were beyond their tragic ends. It offers a new perspective that challenges preconceived notions about these women and their places in history.

Hallie Rubenhold, author of The Covent Garden Ladies (2012) and The Harlot's Handbook (2007), showcases her mastery in The Five . She diverges from traditional Jack the Ripper narratives and focuses instead on the lives of the overlooked women. Through meticulous research, Rubenhold breathes life into their stories, exploring their relationships, livelihoods, and tragedies. This book isn't just for ripperologists; it appeals to anyone interested in British history. Offering a captivating glimpse into Victorian London's socio-economic landscape, it is a must-read for history enthusiasts and the curious alike.

Rubenhold's dedication to the five victims of Jack the Ripper is fitting, as she brings their stories to life with respect and dignity. Mary Ann Nichols, facing marital struggles, finds herself among the many homeless in Trafalgar Square. Elizabeth Stride, a Swedish immigrant, escapes a troubled past only to end up on the streets of London. Catherine Eddowes undergoes an abusive relationship. Mary Jane Kelly, once employed in a Paris brothel, seeks refuge in London. Rubenhold's portrayal of these women goes beyond their tragic ends, shedding light on the challenges they faced in life.

The Five challenges common misconceptions about the victims of Jack the Ripper, revealing a stark contrast to the sensationalized narratives often depicted in popular culture . Contrary to popular belief, only two of the five women—Elizabeth Stride and Mary Jane Kelly—were confirmed sex workers. Moreover, the ages of these women varied significantly: Mary Ann Nichols was 43, Annie Chapman 47, Elizabeth Stride between 44 and 45, Catherine Eddowes 46, and the youngest, Mary Jane Kelly, 25. Rubenhold's narrative offers a profound reexamination of these women's lives, moving beyond their tragic demise to illuminate the complexities of their individual stories. Placing each woman within the socio-economic backdrop of Victorian London, The Five provides a compelling exploration of the era's pervasive poverty and the harsh realities of daily life. Delving into the intricacies of workhouses, the narrative offers insights into the grim existence endured by those who found themselves within their confines. Additionally, it vividly depicts contrasting experiences, from the newly established Peabody Estate to the squalid brothels of the East End. Moreover, the book delves into the widespread perils of addiction, a prevalent issue among the urban poor, and the profound challenges of homelessness and familial disconnection. Through poignant storytelling, readers are transported into the harsh and unforgiving world faced by these five women.

This book is a remarkable literary work that transcends the confines of true crime literature, appealing to history enthusiasts of all levels of familiarity with the Whitechapel murders. Suitable for the teenage audience and beyond, this book offers a captivating journey into the hardships of Victorian London, making it a must-read for anyone interested in this era. What sets this book apart is its unparalleled depth of research and unique narrative approach. It stands as a singular masterpiece, offering a profound exploration of societal struggles and individual resilience. With no rivals in its genre, this book is an indispensable addition to any reader's collection. In its pages, this book unveils the forgotten snapshots of lives, preventing historical figures from being relegated to mere footnotes. Through poignant storytelling, it celebrates the endurance and resilience of its subjects, leaving an indelible impression on its readers.

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Cite this work.

Roche, T. S. (2024, June 24). The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper . World History Encyclopedia . Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/review/405/the-five-the-untold-lives-of-the-women-killed-by-j/

Chicago Style

Roche, Taylor Shaye. " The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper ." World History Encyclopedia . Last modified June 24, 2024. https://www.worldhistory.org/review/405/the-five-the-untold-lives-of-the-women-killed-by-j/.

Roche, Taylor Shaye. " The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper ." World History Encyclopedia . World History Encyclopedia, 24 Jun 2024. Web. 28 Jun 2024.