#charing cross

Bryars & Bryars, WC2N. Back to Cecil Court and the infinitely charming B&B. This antiquarian map and early edition specialist has blown my mind with their selection of rarities; earliest sea chart of the Americas? Check. London wartime tube map posters? Sure thing. First edition of Lord of the Rings? You better believe it. The Bryars (Tim and Pinda,) are gushing with knowledge and will give you a tremendously warm welcome. Tim has previously shared his cartographical expertise on the BBC and is is currently collaborating for a very special exhibition of the history of 20th century Maps for the British Library opening October 2016. With items for all pockets/wallets you would be woefully remiss to deny yourself a outing to this very fascinating corner at the heart of Charing Cross. http://bryarsandbryars.co.uk/

Tindley and Everett, WC2N. Back to the glorious Cecil Court off Charing Cross Road for another humdinger. T&E specialises in rare 20th century books and modern firsts. What I did not know until they generously let me see the basement is that they have an expansive downstairs with four rooms of stock! if it was published in the 1900s, and you can conceive of it. It’s probably here or they can get it for you fairly rapidly. The novels, texts, periodicals and odd curiosity aside it is the history of the walls that grabs you. The Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, heritage of a building that has survived all London and the world can throw at it for two to three (depending on who you ask,) centuries is writ large here. [Update: I’ve just found out it was an air raid shelter during the war.] The current incarnation of bookshop suits the notable environs well. If you’re chasing a rare title and don’t mind having to suitably pay for it  Tindley and Everett is an excellent port of call (just don’t rush your visit; you’re in for a treat.) https://www.abebooks.co.uk/tindley-and-everett,-aba-london/2791513/sf

Tender Books, WC2N. Along again to the delightful Cecil Court just off Charing Cross Road to a rather wonderful Artist’s Publication specialist. Tender Books hosts delights as varied as photography titles, contemporary art and graphic design as well as their own imprint. Their gallery space downstairs has just commenced exhibiting work in complement of Thurston Moore and Ecstatic Peace Library’s new book Musicwhich brings to life the early alternative music scene of London and its cross cultural pollination. A must for serious music and publishing fans. Go check it out now! http://tenderbooks.co.uk/