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Shelf Life: A Journey Through the Past, Present & Future of Bookselling and Publishing in Britain
'A very enjoyable history and survey of the present and the future.' - James Daunt, Managing Director of Waterstones; CEO of Barnes & Noble
Embark on a captivating journey through the ages with Shelf Life, a meticulously crafted exploration of bookselling and publishing that spans two millennia. This engaging narrative unveils the resilience and innovation of key figures who have shaped the literary landscape, from the pioneering days of William Caxton to the contemporary influence of Jeff Bezos.
As the narrative navigates the ever-evolving terrain of book retail, it delves into the seismic changes of the past forty years and reflects on the current state of the industry, as well as offering insights into the challenges and future opportunities that lie ahead for publishing and bookselling in the twenty-first century.
A must-read for anyone passionate about books, bookshops and the enduring legacy of the written word.
Embark on a captivating journey through the ages with Shelf Life, a meticulously crafted exploration of bookselling and publishing that spans two millennia. This engaging narrative unveils the resilience and innovation of key figures who have shaped the literary landscape, from the pioneering days of William Caxton to the contemporary influence of Jeff Bezos.
As the narrative navigates the ever-evolving terrain of book retail, it delves into the seismic changes of the past forty years and reflects on the current state of the industry, as well as offering insights into the challenges and future opportunities that lie ahead for publishing and bookselling in the twenty-first century.
A must-read for anyone passionate about books, bookshops and the enduring legacy of the written word.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 19, 2025
A tremendous review of the past, present and future of all things books, bookshops and publishing.
This one should be required reading for all those looking to get into the book trade; whether as a boots on the ground bookseller or a bod in publishing! It is certainly one I will be heavily recommending going forward.
Robb’s excellent history and analysis is both hugely informative and brilliantly insightful!
This one should be required reading for all those looking to get into the book trade; whether as a boots on the ground bookseller or a bod in publishing! It is certainly one I will be heavily recommending going forward.
Robb’s excellent history and analysis is both hugely informative and brilliantly insightful!
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July 20, 2026Really interesting account of the story of book publishing and selling from its origins to its future. Written by Michael Robb of Robbs in Chelmsford, which did not survive Amazon, it is very readable and I particularly enjoyed the parts about the recent history of bookshops in the UK, and locally.
August 5, 2026
Rounded up from 3.5 stars - found informative and interesting
December 15, 2025
I found SHELF LIFE proudly displayed in the Amnesty Bookshop in Hammersmith, a fortuitous meeting that gained new meaning after finishing the book. At time of writing, that secondhand bookshop has survived an attempt by corporate to be closed through a hugely inspiring local campaign.
SHELF LIFE is a hugely engaging read on a subject with which I had little familiarity before, written by a man and some contributors who evidently care hugely about sustainable access to reading, only hampered at points by the author’s occasionally basic writing style.
Reads in part as a personal memoir of being a bookseller (and later taking on other roles), which is what I feel truly elevates this book. Throughout features a considered discussion of bookselling as an ecosystem, explaining if not justifying why Waterstone’s is a net benefit for the book industry. The latter half also features extensive information on independents, written with profuse care.
I was most struck by the significance of contributions made by individuals, both past and present, to the bookselling industry. It is a story of personalities and warring intentions, unafraid to warn against those who consider books only as a business whilst always maintaining a measured tone.
P.S. James Lackington’s “Temple Of The Muses” is an incredible name for a bookshop. I will invariably borrow it if I ever attempt such a venture.
SHELF LIFE is a hugely engaging read on a subject with which I had little familiarity before, written by a man and some contributors who evidently care hugely about sustainable access to reading, only hampered at points by the author’s occasionally basic writing style.
Reads in part as a personal memoir of being a bookseller (and later taking on other roles), which is what I feel truly elevates this book. Throughout features a considered discussion of bookselling as an ecosystem, explaining if not justifying why Waterstone’s is a net benefit for the book industry. The latter half also features extensive information on independents, written with profuse care.
I was most struck by the significance of contributions made by individuals, both past and present, to the bookselling industry. It is a story of personalities and warring intentions, unafraid to warn against those who consider books only as a business whilst always maintaining a measured tone.
P.S. James Lackington’s “Temple Of The Muses” is an incredible name for a bookshop. I will invariably borrow it if I ever attempt such a venture.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews