Read on Twitter
I don't know about you, but I'm really missing browsing in a good bookshop right now, so I thought it might be nice to take a vicarious trip back in time to Bumpus Bookshop on Oxford Street in London in the 1950s. Let's open the door and step inside...
In the best tradition of Mr Benn, the first person we meet is the shopkeeper, Mr J.G. Wilson, referred to here as the old man. But customers beware, the old man can be rather persuasive in his recommendations, making a visit to Bumpus a rather expensive business.
At the front of the shop we find Miss Cocking, for whom a simple request for a book on the Spanish guitar can induce fond Proustian memories of her childhood days.
Be aware though that Miss Cocking disapproves of more racy literature and when wielding her walking stick is *not* a woman to be crossed.
Smitten customers have been seen to linger in the foreign department, hoping for a glimpse of John or Diana.
Miss Hitchcock is kept behind the curtains at the back of the shop and seems to be cut from the same cloth as Mrs Overall.
Mr Garland is one of the more senior members of staff at Bumpus, but sales reps need to be aware that he is no longer the buyer there, so please do not leave presentation copies in his possession.
If you are looking to purchase a map, then please visit Miss Harrison and her assistant, Mr Evans, who should be easily recognised by the cream bun in his mouth. But beware bad language will *not* be tolerated.
Behind the scenes, Miss Harlock and Mr Cox keep the bookshop's finances ship-shape, ably assisted by Celia, who, when taken ill, is placed on top of a wall...
Other booksellers at Bumpus include Mr Hopkins who's in charge of antiquarian books and Miss Green who suffers from sleeping sickness.
Miss Williamson looks after biographies and has been known to blush if reminded of an unfortunate knitting incident.
Any customers who neglect to settle their bills at Bumpus will receive a letter from Uncle, so please pay for all purchases promptly before leaving the bookshop.
I hope you've enjoyed this browse through the shelves of Bumpus Bookshop. All extracts are taken from 'The British Book Trade: An Oral History', edited by Sue Bradley and published by @britishlibrary.
