Are you a collector of rare books? Are you looking for shops that stock such books in the capital? We’ve featured 10 of the best antiquarian bookshops in London for your convenience below.
1. Henry Pordes Books Ltd
Located on Charing Cross Road in London, Henry Pordes Books Ltd is an antiquarian bookshop that focuses on rare and vintage titles. This independent bookshop has been in the antiquarian business for over fifty years, and the team has since built an impressive collection of antique texts.
This antiquarian bookshop offers texts in all categories. Top selections include archaeology, anthropology, economics, art, design, architecture, German, film, history, and many more. Books can be browsed in-store and on the shop’s website. Henry Pordes Books Ltd is also a member of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA).
Find the bookshop online here.
2. Shapero Rare Books
If antiquarian and rare books are your interest, explore Shapero Rare Books on New Bond Street today. This bookshop on New Bond Street is operated by knowledgeable staff who are here to help you find the antiquarian book you need. Alongside books, this shop carries antique paperwork and art.
Here you’ll find first editions, famous authors, and books that span all genres. The rare book catalogues here cover literature, travel, natural history, illustrated texts, guidebooks, children’s books, antiquarian books, and rare options. Shapero Rare Books is part of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association.
Contact the bookshop online here.
3. Sotheran’s Rare Books & Prints
Situated in the Piccadilly area of London, Sotheran’s Rare Books & Prints is an extremely old and notable antiquarian bookshop. Founded in 1861, this shop has centuries of experience and a wealth of books to impress all visitors. Whether you’re browsing or need assistance, this shop should be on your list.
Antiquarian books here include texts from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Many of these books relate to English literature, however there are also classics, romantic, gothic, and translated texts. Poetry, detective fiction, private press, and philosophy books are also available.
Visit the bookshop online here.
4. Maggs Bros. Ltd. Rare Books and Manuscripts
Located in Bloomsbury, this London antiquarian bookshop is here to offer a variety of rare books. The Maggs Bros. Ltd. Rare Books and Manuscripts shop has been an independent bookshop since 1853, proving the shop’s expertise in the niche.
Catalogues of books here include travel books, continental books, historical texts, art books, seasonal texts, and texts from famous authors – such as Virginia Woolf.Modern literature, philosophy, politics, and economics options are also on offer. Customers can browse collections online now ahead of their visits.
Find the bookshop online here.
5. Jarndyce
Jarndyce is an antiquarian bookshop located on Great Russell Street in central London. This bookshop was founded in 1969, and the team has decades of experience with rare and unique texts. If you’re looking for English history and literature texts, this could be the bookshop for you as the team specialise in these genres.
The antiquarian books here cover a range of time periods, including the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Catalogues and genres here include the Romantics, language, travel, evolution, famous authors, fiction, women’s literature, plays, penny dreadfuls, and more. Vintage greeting cards are also available for purchase.
Contact the bookshop online here.
6. Any Amount of Books
Situated on Charing Cross Road in London, Any Amount of Books is a second-hand bookshop that specialises in antiquarian and rare book editions. If you’ve been digging for a hidden gem, you’ll likely find it amongst the shelves here! Any Amount of Books is open all days of the week for customer convenience.
Books here cover all categories and niches. For example, buyers on a budget can visit for £1 used books, whereas the shop also stocks priceless antiquarian options. From leather bound books and proofs to academic writing and modern literature, all options are on the table.
Visit the bookshop online here.
7. Peter Harrington
Peter Harrington is a rare and antiquarian bookshop that has two locations in London – one in Mayfair and the second in Chelsea. This contemporary book dealer is dedicated to building a varied and valuable collection, ideal if you’re an avid book lover or collector. The team here strives to educate and inspire visitors with their knowledge and stock.
When you visit this store, you can connect with over 30 book specialists to find your antiquarian purchase. Whether you know what you want or not, these experts can guide you through the world of books with ease. Options here include design books, private press, literature, illustrated books, and many more.
Find the bookshop online here.
8. Marlborough Rare Books
Situated in St. Clement’s Court in London, Marlborough Rare Books offer antiquarian books and products to all visitors. This team provides advice to buyers, and those looking to start their own collection or library. Alongside books, this team stocks Pre Cinema objects, Optical Toys, Panoramas, and Peepshows.
The catalogues of books at this store cover art books, literature, topography, illustrated books, art, architecture, and bindings. Customers can view the team’s recent catalogues online for inspiration before they visit. Marlborough Rare Books is part of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association.
Contact the bookshop online here.
9. Foster Books
Located in the Chiswick area of London, Foster Books provides first editions, antiquarian books, fine bindings, and more – all from a quaint 18th century building. If you truly want to step back in history, this is the antiquarian bookshop for you.
With five decades of experience, Foster Books has a large variety of options to comb through. Whether you want a modern first edition or an illustrated book, you can scour these shelves for hours. Other categories here include children’s books, art books, collectors’ items, antiquarian books, local history, and more.
Visit the bookshop online here.
10. Daniel Crouch Rare Books
Looking for an antiquarian bookstore with a focus on maps, sea charts, and plans? The Daniel Crouch Rare Books shop is for you. This St. James’s-based shop offers a range of paper-based products, including a wide section of books and maps from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Books available at this store include antique books, first editions, and rare texts. The team here specialise in discovery and travel books, and customers can explore options from Cook, Columbus, Darwin, Krusenstern, Drake, and many other famous names. See all books online today.
Find the bookshop online here.