Bookshop visit 15: Much Ado Books, Alfriston, East Sussex.

Hello again blog readers. It is that time of the month where I have a bookshop to spill on. This month has seen me amongst the glorious South Downs in the quaint East Sussex village of Alfriston. Let me introduce you to Much Ado Books.

Here we have a beautifully designed bookshop nestled in a nice location with a lot to offer. Now the bookshop is not far from Charleston which was the home and studio of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. It is also near to Monk's House which was the home of famous author Virginia Woolf who wrote Orlando (1928) as well as other works. Both Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf where members of the infamous Bloomsbury Group who were a collection of artists, writers and intellectuals in the first start of the 20th century that would regularly meet in Bloomsbury. When I visited Much Ado Books I saw stuff about the Bloomsbury group which was fascinating. I read Woolf's Orlando at university and have been to her home Monk's House once, which is owned by the National Trust. It is situated in the small village of Rodmell between the East Sussex towns of Lewes and Newhaven.

What I liked about this bookshop (apart from the décor) was that they offered both second-hand and new books. It gives people a choice as to what they want. I must admit that the majority of the books are new, though some great second-hand choices can be found. They also have some other things aside from books which was nice to see. Anytime I go into a bookshop and see other things such as cards, tote bags or candles then I find it adds to the bookshop. It establishes that a bookshop is offering more to entice their customers more. I am not saying every bookshop should have other things because they are a bookshop, it is in the name. I just think it is nice to add other things as a little extra.

All in all, this is a gorgeous bookshop designed and laid out well. The staff are friendly and helpful too so what more could you ask for. Oh, and the name is cool! Pop back in April to see whose bookshelves I have a rummage through.


Until next time,


Thomas.

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