By Christiana Jasutan, Holly Presswell, Nazifa Khan and Tamara Yamamoto
Bath is a city with a rich history flowing through every street. Many great novels were written there, and it is famously the home of Jane Austen. So, it’s only fitting that Bath is also home to some unique and beautiful bookshops. We have rounded up the top ones to visit for you below.
Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights
Tucked away in the heart of Bath, Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights is a real treat for book lovers. Here, finding books you'll enjoy is enhanced in a way unlike anything else. Imagine cosy shelves and comfy reading spots that take you to another realm. To add to its charm, you can find a vintage bathtub in the corner – but not filled with water. Instead, it is bursting to the brim with a carefully curated selection of books. It's like a little treasure trove waiting to be explored. This bathtub full of books is a nod to the city's historical connection to baths, making the entire visit a whimsical adventure. Mr B's isn't just a bookstore; it's a magical place where books rule. Have a chat with the "Bibliotherapists" to figure out what kind of books you enjoy, as they suggest perfect reads that make you feel connected to the stories.
But of course, there’s more! Mr B's is also a place where book fans get together for chats with authors, book clubs and fun workshops. There are many different genres of books available, as well as intriguing book-themed products – like unique gifts and fancy stationery.
So, next time you're in Bath, don't miss the chance to visit Mr B's Emporium of Reading Delights. It is not just shopping for books; it's like plunging into a universe of stories created especially for you!
Persephone Books
At the top of Bath, in a grade II listed building built in 1761, you will find Persephone Books. There is a slight difference in the books that Persephone sells. They reprint neglected fiction and non-fiction written mainly by women in the mid-twentieth century. The range of books includes short stories, diaries, memoirs, novels, gardening books and cookery books.
Persephone Books has successfully published 147 books, which are all beautifully written, intelligent and thought-provoking. Every title is covered in an elegant grey jacket and patterned endpaper with a matching bookmark. Persephone has a message behind this, ensuring customers don’t judge a book by the cover or author, giving the neglected authors another chance at publication.
The shop offers many different packages up for grabs. “A book a month” is a good place to start if you are unsure what book to read. Persephone Books will send you a book a month for six or twelve months, giving you advice on what to choose. They also offer many box sets for different genres and authors. The sets are hand-curated by the staff and delivered in beautiful packaging. So, if you love underrated women authors, get to Persephone Books and check out the fantastic books they have to offer.
Bath Old Books
In the heart of Bath, you will find the small, red and long-established independent bookstore Bath Old Books. Inside, you will discover it is crammed full of beautiful second-hand and antiquarian books, with specialist areas such as books on Bath and Jane Austen. Here, you are welcome to browse for as long as you wish and to chat with one of the five experienced booksellers who run the shop. There is something to bring home for everyone. To find out more information, you can check out the Facebook page here.
Topping & Company Booksellers
This bookshop probably needs no introduction. Situated at the heart of Bath and near touristy places such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum, Topping & Company is famous for their beautiful wooden interior, complete with wooden ladders that look like they’ve come straight from the library from Beauty and the Beast. They have a wide range of books, from fiction to non-fiction, graphic novels, manga and even a special shelf for books set in or inspired by Bath, including an extensive Jane Austen collection. Truly a beautiful bookshop, Topping & Company is the perfect place to get lost on a rainy day – or even on a sunny day in between your trips to Bath’s famous landmarks.
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