Bookseller Profile
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with their experience, commitment and love of the used and out-of-print
book business who help all our buyers find that treasure they've
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Willow Books
How did you get started in bookselling?
I worked in bookstores every summer from age 12 to 18. My love of
reading and books had me visiting bookstores all over the world.
But I never thought of opening one. After university, like so many
of my generation, (late 70's graduate) I found myself solidly unemployed!
One day, in a secondhand furniture store, I spotted a box of used
books for sale. I saw a few which were obviously worth more than
the 50 cents they were asking. So for the first time I bought books
which were not of particular interest to myself, but which I had
a sense would interest others. I immediately took these books to
a store I often bought books from, and offered them to the owner.
She bought them, and I was hooked!
Bookselling is not the easiest way to make a living. What keeps
you doing it?
The (rare) enjoyment of a person finding a book they have been trying
to find for a long time. I am currently running my 8th book store
in 20 years, which shows that I am determined to stay with it, plus
after all those tries I am managing to make a good living from book
selling.
What is your specialty? How did you choose it?
I have no specialty, nor do I want one. I am interested in a wide
range of subjects, and my bookstore reflects this.
Do you collect anything besides books?
No.
Do you have a shop pet?
I did have a border collie - Babba - who was my constant companion
for 15 years. People would come to the store just to see him! He's
gone now.
What is the most unusual book you ever bought?
Three days into a university book sale, with dozens of store owners
and 'scouts', having missed it, I found an uncorrected proof of
an early Anthony Burgess novel written under a pseudonym.
Do you have any legendary stories you tell about incidents in your
store or as a bookseller?
I once had a conversation with Timothy Findley, in which he acknowledged
my point about 'used bookstores', i.e. a book or author's true test
is not how many copies are printed, but whether people are still
seeking out secondhand editions years later.
What are your favorite books, or your recommendations?
I like African and Japanese novels.
Any other comments?
Online selling has added an exciting element to bookselling. I am
in the process of placing my entire store online. At the current
rate, this will take about one year.
- David, Willow Books
The views of the author, expressed
above, are not necessarily those of the Advanced Book Exchange
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