A little concerned that our younger daughter’s morning message was from the periphery of the war-zone at Clapham Junction – her office right inside the police cordon. Oddly, we were staying at the Rock Inn on Dartmoor, where one of her best friends from university now works. So – very much in our thoughts. A special word from The First Lady on the fineness of both the baked ham and the marmalade at the Rock.
Geoff Tyson in Honiton
On the road to Honiton – Geoff Tyson (High Street Books) and Graham York as amiable, entertaining and as well-stocked with books as ever.
How much is that …?
Books, eggs, and the Yorks
Julian Nangle
Across country on the return leg. Julian Nangle in Dorchester: tea in the garden and a very interesting chat about the interconnectivity and chequered histories of the various members of the trade we have both known over so many years.
Car now beginning to sag with weight of purchases. Cheque-book bled white – or a least looking very, very pasty.
Christopher Proctor in Puddletown
Final stop of the day in Puddletown. Christopher Proctor (The Antique Map and Bookshop) jovial and interesting on the way the trade has changed – the ways we have adapted. And the things we have forgotten in so doing. A refrain throughout the week – why don’t the trade come and buy from each other anymore. Time was when we got out and about. The London trade bought heavily and well from their country cousins. They still could. I’ve been doing it for days.
Make it a vow to go to an ABA member and buy a book once a week.
The Bookhunter on Safari 