I was delighted to read the front page of my Otago Daily Times this morning and see that little old Octagon Books in Dunedin was judged one of the top ten second-hand book stores in the world by the Irish Independent News.
I love wandering in for a peruse among its well stocked shelves and have come home with many a treasure that just couldn't be passed by. From books on rocks and fossils, to Otago Maritime History, to Ngaio Marsh novels, to children's books, so many delights have come from that store.
To read the article and see what charmed the judge follow the link here.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
4 comments:
Wasn't that a charming article! Especially this bit...
"... the shop's most distinguishing features are the things it does not have.
There is no telephone, computer, website or eftpos terminal.
The till rings up prices in pounds, shillings and pence and a bell sounds when the drawer pops open."
Few things beat a second-hand bookshop.
One of my (other) favourites is Dove & Hudson, in Albany NY. In June, it was rated in the top 3 in Upstate NY. Over the years, it's managed to deliver up most - if not all - the titles I'd searched for elsewhere and not been able to find. Character-wise, It has much in common with Richard's Octagon Books. Dan has long silver hair, immaculately groomed and tied back. He wears a hat and a long corduroy coat. One can expect to hear Saint-Saens, or Arvo Part... one knows not to step inside unless one has at least a couple of hours to roam about in there!
PS. Here's a line from D & H's shop statement...
"Specialties: gently used books of all genres"
; )
This morning I'll be thumbing through my gently used recipe books, on the lookout for an Expresso Walnut slice.
Very interesting posting. Thanks for the info. Keep it coming.
Bathmate
I see in this morning's ODT Richard has had a very busy time since the story broke the other day. The part I liked was he had been receiving lots of calls from the press, but not to his phone, because he doesn't have one, no, they had been ringing neighbouring businesses to get hold of him!
Post a Comment