WEST PORT BOOKSHOPS
Guide to Edinburgh’s West Port Book Trail
The historic West Port, once the haunt of bodysnatchers Burke and Hare, is now the haunt of book lovers from around the world who come to browse through the string of friendly, independent bookshops, each with its own highly individual identity.
ARMCHAIR BOOKS
72–74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE
7 days a week 10.30–6.30
72–74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE
7 days a week 10.30–6.30
Ceiling-high shelves packed with old and collectable books. Online reviewers have described this shop as ‘bohemian’, a ‘cosy wee maze’ with ‘ramshackle charm’, ‘great for a serious rummage’.
@armchairbooks
AVINZANDUM
56a Candlemaker Row Edinburgh EH1 2QE
Monday–Friday 9.30–6; Saturday 10–1 (except June–August)
Monday–Friday 9.30–6; Saturday 10–1 (except June–August)
Clarity and reliability are the defining features of law books specialist Avizandum. Comprehensive stock of Scots law, UK law books, Avizandum Publishing and Stair Society titles.
Tel: 0131 220 3373
www.avizandum.co.ukCABARET
137 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP
Tuesday–Saturday 10.30–5.30
Vintage books, beautiful objects in their own right and a fitting counterpart to the jewellery that is Cabaret’s other speciality. Period bindings, illustrated and children’s books.
Tel: 0131 229 4100
Facebook page
EDINBURGH BOOKS
145–147 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP
Monday–Saturday 10–6 (later in summer).
145–147 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP
Monday–Saturday 10–6 (later in summer).
Edinburgh’s largest secondhand and antiquarian bookshop; intriguing and collectable titles on every imaginable subject. In the basement, as well as bargain books, there is sheet music from Alba Music.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE BOOKS
60 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD
60 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD
Foreign language books and language learning materials. Good selection of novels and non-fiction, and a linguist proprietor who can respond to enquiries in several languages.
Tel: 0131 229 7534MAIN POINT BOOKS77 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AH
Monday–Saturday 12.30–5.30 (longer summer hours)
Interesting re-reads and collectable books – philosophy, art, architecture, religions, fashion, history, climbing, transport. Book launches and readings. Base of literary website textualities.net. Typesetting service.
OLD TOWN BOOKSHOP
8 Victoria Street Edinburgh EH1 2LD
Monday-Saturday 10.30–5.45
8 Victoria Street Edinburgh EH1 2LD
Monday-Saturday 10.30–5.45
Antiquarian and second-hand books, old prints, antique maps, and a small selection of original artwork in various mediums. Bookseller Ron Wilson is an artist whose work can be viewed at link below.
Tel: 0131 225 9237
http://ronwilsonpaintingsgallery.com
http://ronwilsonpaintingsgallery.com
PETER BELL BOOKS
68 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD
Tuesday-Friday 2–5; Saturday 11.30–5
Tuesday-Friday 2–5; Saturday 11.30–5
Specialities include Edinburgh University Press publications, philosophy, art catalogues, and Scottish material. Peter Bell and Andrew Pringle have united forces – both are old school bookmen.
SCOTTISH PICTURES
60 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD
Thursday-Saturday 10.30–5.30; Sunday 12–4
60 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD
Thursday-Saturday 10.30–5.30; Sunday 12–4
Ian Smith is a print specialist offering a tempting selection of 16th-19th century antique prints and maps, with a strong but not exclusive emphasis on Scotland. Bespoke framing service. Prints sent to any destination.
Tel: 0131 229 5353
www.scottishpictures.cominfo [at] scottishpictures.com
www.scottishpictures.cominfo [at] scottishpictures.com
