The Story of Edinburgh Books
Occupying numbers 145 to 147 West Port in the historic Grassmarket district, Edinburgh Books is the largest and most atmospheric second-hand and antiquarian bookshop in the capital. Located along the historic thoroughfare celebrated for its bibliophile heritage, this sprawling literary labyrinth has welcomed scholars, poets, and curious readers for over thirty years.
The shop is an enchanting maze of four expansive rooms interconnected by creaking floorboards and soaring timber shelving that houses over 50,000 volumes. The stock spans rare 18th-century antiquarian bindings, Scottish Enlightenment philosophy, Jacobite histories, classic literature, poetry, art monographs, and vintage sheet music. In the rear room, visitors encounter Clarence, the famously dry-witted taxidermy water buffalo head presiding over the philosophy section.
Unlike sterilized modern retail, Edinburgh Books invites slow, tactile exploration. The proprietor and staff are deeply versed in Scottish book trade history, always ready to discuss rare first editions or help track down elusive out-of-print titles. It is an unmissable cultural monument for any true bibliophile visiting Edinburgh.
Signature Specialties & Crafts
Key Venue Highlights
Four interconnected labyrinthine rooms packed with over 60,000 antiquarian and second-hand volumes
Specialist collection of rare Scottish Enlightenment philosophy, local history, and Gaelic poetry
The legendary mounted water buffalo head presiding over the inner book vaults
“Head down the short flight of stairs into the back room to unearth out-of-print 19th-century maps of Midlothian and original Scottish folk music folios.”
Tax-Free & Overseas Shopping Advice
Antiquarian books and printed publications are zero-rated for UK VAT; insured worldwide book-rate postal dispatch available.
Direct overseas export zero-rates UK 20% VAT on qualifying purchases dispatched to non-UK residential addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you buy rare or antiquarian books from private collectors?
Yes, the proprietor evaluates private libraries, antiquarian folios, and desirable first editions by prior appointment.
Can rare books be packaged securely for international posting?
Staff specialize in book preservation and provide robust, acid-free protective packaging and insured worldwide parcel shipping.
Are book prices fixed or can you negotiate for large purchases?
While individual books are clearly and reasonably priced, modest courtesies are often extended on substantial multi-volume library purchases.
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