Bits From an Old Book Shop

by Robert Milne Williamson

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

118 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