Ursina's Shelf - London for book lovers
Issue 45
Dear Readers,
I am happy to write to you after a delightful weekend in London filled with long walks and talks with the best of friends and also exciting bookish discoveries. London is a paradise for book lovers and one issue will never do it justice. Here’s to trying.
Where to visit
Word on Water (Regent's Canal Towpath)
Description: This shop is located on a barge near King's Cross station. It is not only charming and picturesque but has a particularly well curated selection of books to delight in and discuss with the staff. I cannot wait to go back and tell them about how much I am loving my current read.
Bonus tips: Combine this stop on your London tour with a visit to Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross and stop by Dishoom’s nearby location for delicious Indian cuisine. The German Gymnasium is also fun for Brunch.
The British Library (96 Euston Rd)
Description: The library houses an impressive collection of books, including a free exhibit displaying religious texts, an original version of the Magna Carta, and hand-written excerpts by Jane Austen and many of Britain's finest writers. A collection of Javanese manuscripts from Yogyakarta is my favorite. Though it is important to note these manuscripts were stolen from their rightful owners by British soldiers. Additionally, the centerpiece, the King's Library is beautiful and awe-inspiring.
Bonus: There are limited seats for non-members, so you will need to come early to work or study here. This sight is walking distance from Word on Water and can easily be combined.
Where to shop
Daunt Books (Marylebone, 84 Marylebone High St)
Description: This is my favorite bookshop in the world (it was previously featured in issue 4 for a longer description). It's beautiful and organized by countries, a great way to discover fiction, non-fiction, and travel.
Bonus tips: Nearby Opso is a favorite London restaurant. Marylebone is a wonderful area for walking, and Sherlock Holmes' Baker Street is not far off.
Hatchards (187 Piccadilly)
Description: Hatchard's is a refuge in the busy area around Piccadilly Circus with charming old school feel and great recommendation tables. Thank you to Kimchi for taking me here.
Bonus: Nearby by Seven's Dials is a great area for window shopping and browsing.
Foyles (107 Charing Cross Road)
Description: This beautiful modern space across five floors is a paradise for book lovers. Over a century old, Foyles' flagship store always has interesting themed curated sections. I particularly like the extensive music department.
Bonus tip: The Café is a great place to recharge and work.
Gosh (Soho, 1 Berwick St)
Description: This is my favorite comic bookstore. It also has a vast selection of children’s books and the staff have a great appreciation and love for the books they sell. I always find something new here and can’t wait to dive into the staff-recommended comic I picked up there last weekend.
Bonus: Stop by the Third Man London record store for the latest music coming out of Jack White’s label and press or a live show in their downstairs performance space.
Where to read
Hyde Park
My Description: You can easily get lost in Hyde Park for an entire day. In addition to the many benches, there are lawn chairs for hire or one can join the locals and grab a spot directly on the grass (with a respectfully proper distance to ones neighbors). The Flower Walk is great for a stroll and a keen observer may even spot a Parakeet. Thank you, Hannah, for pointing one out to me!
Bonus Tip: For families traveling with children, the Diana Memorial Playground is a wonderful (and safely enclosed) area for exploration. Thank you to Chirag and Aishwarya for flying all the way to London with Riaan, so I could finally visit this spot, which is only accessible with a child ;)
Pubs (all over London)
My Description: Pubs are a mainstay of British culture, but are easily over-looked as a place to read, but what could be much better than a book and a beer, and maybe even a snack surrounded by people enjoying themselves and relaxing together?
Bonus Tip: There are many famous pubs associated with famous writers. The George Inn, for example, which is referenced by Charles Dickens in multiple works.
There is so much more to do in and around London to do with books. For further inspiration, see Books and Bao London literary itinerary suggestions.
Currently reading: and head over heels in love with Helene Hanff's 84 Charing Cross, a most beautiful celebration of London, books, and friendships (link to buy).
Thank you all for reading. If you are desperately awaiting more book recommendations, sit tight and in the meantime do send me yours. My to-read pile may be tall (especially with my recent hauls from New York and London) but there is always room for one more. Have a lovely weekend!