London's Second Hand Book Shops: No 1

Although websites like Abe Books have transformed the way in which we track down out of print books (you can find virtually anything without leaving home) some of us still get pleasure out of browsing and making unexpected discoveries in real bookshops.  In Central London there are still some interesting and quirky shops, though they are gradually disappearing.  In the first of an occasional series I want to start with one of my favourites, Walden Books, in Camden. Not quite "Central London" but easily accessible by a 168 bus from Bloomsbury to Chalk Farm, Walden Books in Harmood Street has a profusion of quality books for the literary forager.  It has a fantastic collection of Penguins classic and modern, and lots of literary criticism, poetry, and biography, and is just the place to go for a cheap reading edition of your favourite Tolstoy or Graham Greene or less well known 20th century writers in English or in translation.  The only downside is that, as you can see, a lot of the stock is kept outside and shows the effect of the weather sometimes, but it has a proprietor who understands the insides of his books and everything is reasonably priced.  Long may it survive, but remember it's only open Thursday to Sunday.

Walden Books, 38 Harmood Street, London NW1 8DP. 

Email: walden_books@tiscali.co.uk. 

Web: ukbookworld.com/members/waldenbooks.