Any lover of books will love this classic memoir by Helene Hanff, an American screenwriter and script reader living in New York in the 1950's. This true story is comprised of a series of letters over twenty years, Hanff corresponds with the staff of Marks & Co., Antiquarian Booksellers, 84 Charing Cross Road.
Although she can schlep downtown to find classic and somewhat obscure titles, she prefers to order them from Marks & Co., fantasizing her ideal English bookstore. Her letters of inquiry are returned by Mr. Frank Doel, and quickly turn from asserting which book she is seeking to personal asides, friendly questions and comments on England post war. Soon she is conversing with all the staff, and sending gifts of food care packages for them to share, and dreaming of one day entering through the door of Marks & Co. herself, breathing in the rarified air of the classic bookshop.
A short collection of just 97 pages, you will quickly become enamoured with the charm of a bookstore who realizes your literary desires, and of outspoken Helene in New York, whose forthright manner is charmingly at odds with English reserve. Filled with warmth and friendship, this is highly recommended for anyone who loves books and reading.
Wonderful.
Continually reprinted and considered a beloved classic, this was made into a stage play, filmed for TV, and into a feature film starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins in 1987 for with Bancroft deservedly won the BAFTA.
1970 / Tradeback / 97 pages
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