Bits from an Old Book Shop

by Robert Milne Williamson

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

122 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1904

Reviews

[Diane Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very old fashioned in some of its attitudes, but generally true as far as bookselling and reading.

[Marlise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read. It’s like a love letter to books and bookshops. Especially in the first nine chapters, I feel swept into a 19th century world of musty bookshops where every man’s a poet and hidden gems are still possible to be found. I found a digital copy of the book for free online at archive.org since it is no longer in print and the only other copy was available in bad shape on Abe Books for $256USD - yikes! I would still like a copy of my own, though, so I’ll have to look next year when I visit Edinburgh and London for a decently priced reprint.

[Brian Quast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific biblio-memoir that I was finally able to secure an original (albeit a softcover) copy of yesterday & devoured on a single Saturday afternoon/evening. It is a delight to both own & read. Highly recommended.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wonderful old time view of books, authors, booksellers and life. Some of it rings true to this day. Very enjoyable...too me awhile because I read it twice!

[SheMac · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have mentioned, this book is hard to find, but is available online in facsimile form. A book about books written early in the 20th century ... not a lot of new ground covered here. I, however, have compiled a long list of books mentioned here that I want to read, especially other booksellers' memoirs. Some might also enjoy both Williamson's denunciation of novel readers especially women who are probably neglecting their household chores and his questioning why taxpayers should be footing the bill for libraries to stock novels. Amusing from a distance of 100 years