Description
Book Synopsis:
National bestseller A Literary Hub and BookPage Most Anticipated Book of 2023. Welcome to Sotheran’s, one of the oldest bookshops in the world, with its weird and wonderful clientele, suspicious cupboards, unlabeled keys, poisoned books, and some things that aren’t even books, presided over by one deeply eccentric apprentice.
Some years ago, Oliver Darkshire stepped into the hushed interior of Henry Sotheran Ltd (est. 1761) to apply for a job. Allured by the smell of old books and the temptation of a management-approved afternoon nap, Darkshire was soon unteetering stacks of first editions and placating the store’s resident ghost (the late Mr. Sotheran, hit by a tram).
A novice in this ancient, potentially haunted establishment, Darkshire describes Sotheran’s brushes with history (Dickens, the Titanic), its joyous disorganization, and the unspoken rules of its gleefully old-fashioned staff, whose mere glance may cause the computer to burst into flames. As Darkshire gains confidence and experience, he shares trivia about ancient editions and explores the strange space that books occupy in our lives—where old books often have strong sentimental value, but rarely a commercial one.
By turns unhinged and earnest, Once Upon a Tome is the colorful story of life in one of the world’s oldest bookshops and a love letter to the benign, unruly world of antiquarian bookselling, where to be uncommon or strange is the best possible compliment. 6 illustrations.
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Get ready to be enchanted by Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller! This national bestseller is a literary gem that has been anticipated by book lovers everywhere. Step into the world of Sotheran’s, one of the oldest bookshops in existence, and prepare to be captivated by its eccentricities and mysteries. From suspicious cupboards to unlabeled keys, poisoned books, and even some things that aren't books at all, this is a place like no other.
Join Oliver Darkshire, the deeply eccentric apprentice, as he takes you on a journey through the hushed interior of Henry Sotheran Ltd. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating aroma of old books and discover the joy of a management-approved afternoon nap. But beware, for this ancient bookstore is not without its secrets. From encounters with historical figures like Dickens to brushes with the Titanic, there is always something fascinating happening at Sotheran's.
What truly sets Once Upon a Tome apart is its well-researched and delightful exploration of the strange space that books occupy in our lives. Darkshire shares captivating trivia about ancient editions, revealing the sentimental value that old books hold, even if their commercial worth may be far less. Discover the unspoken rules of the gleefully old-fashioned staff, whose mere glances have been known to cause computers to burst into flames.
Experience the unique charm of the world of rare bookselling through the pages of Once Upon a Tome. With its colorful storytelling and poignant observations, this book is a love letter to the enchanting world of antiquarian bookselling, where being uncommon or strange is the highest form of praise. Let this book transport you to a place where every page holds a hidden treasure and where the lines between reality and fiction blur.
To embark on this magical journey, order your copy of Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller today and discover the secrets that lie within the walls of Sotheran’s. Click here to get your copy now!
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