An Order From Blackwell’s

Blackwell’s is a bookshop located in Oxford in the U.K. They have been selling books since 1879 and I absolutely love them. The first and most obvious reason for my devotion is that they have a huge selection of books many of which I cannot find in bookshops here in the U.S. The second reason is that they offer free shipping to the U.S. How amazing is that?

When I was in Scotland in April I spent some time browsing in a bookshop near our hotel. As usual, I found many books I wanted to buy. However, I had already crammed my suitcase to bursting with books I found in charity shops and a secondhand bookshop. (A post on those books is forthcoming.) The solution? Come home and order from Blackwell’s.

I limited myself to four books I had browsed through when I was in Scotland and still spent more than I should have. I don’t really care though. There is always a budget for books. (Words to live by right there.)

Blitz Spirit and A Nurse’s War are diaries from WWII. If you have read my blog for any length of time then you know I have a fascination with life in the U.K. during WWII and especially with the Mass-Observation diaries. I had to have these to add to my collection.

Love and Marriage in the Age of Jane Austen. Well, do I even need to explain why I bought this? I think my love of Jane Austen has also been made abundantly clear. This looks so fascinating and the cover is gorgeous. I saw a review of this at the beginning of the year and have wanted it ever since.

All the Rage by Virginia Nicholson “tells the story of western female beauty from 1860 to 1960.” Nicholson is one of my favorite social historians. I have read three of her previous works: Among the Bohemians: Experiments in Living 1900-1939, Singled Out, and Millions Like Us: Women’s Live in War and Peace 1939-1949. They were all excellent and I highly recommend them. As soon as I saw she had a new book out I knew I had to buy it.

As usual, a trip to the U.K. has led to many additions to my bookshelves. I must admit that is a big reason I love traveling there. However, when a trip isn’t possible or my suitcase is too full it is good to know that Blackwell’s has my back.