When I first started this ‘blog, way back in the midst of time, it was entirely conceived as an aide de memoire, something to enable me to keep track of the myriad of books I read. In time, it’s grown to a rather big, if randomly arranged database of some of some remarkable works.
A second, if rather more surprising outcome, has been that the site receives around about 2000 hits a month. Being the resolute cynic that I am (and a cursory glance at the site visit report tends to confirm this) many of these hits are from individuals doing one off searches for a favourite book, or perhaps school students trying to find out enough about a book so they can complete some essay or assignment. However I do seem to have attracted a number of regular visitors and even some who comment more or less frequently. I admit to being somewhat nervous when confronted with the thought that there are people out there waiting with bated breath to find what I have read next.
All this, is a somewhat convoluted way of asking for something in return. Almost everyone who reads this ‘blog will buy books. Often the only source of those books are the giant multinational high street stores with their pile ‘em high, sell them off cheap philosophy. Alternatively, the siren voices of Amazon call out to the reader for their cash. Amazon of course being that arch-evil multinational with its anti-Trade Union ideas, low paid staff and a contempt for small publishers and unusual books.
The independent bookstores that have survived the ups and downs of the book industry over the last decade are few and far between. Specialist bookshops are even rarer, which brings me on to the point of this non-review post. Bookmarks, the central London socialist bookshop is asking for your support.
Bookmarks is the official bookseller to the Trades Union movement. It has a wonderful selection of left wing, books, publications, newspapers and postcards. Their second hand selection is possibly the finest north of Charing Cross road and their staff are intelligent, well-read and make a mean cup of coffee. They also have a model of Tatlin's tower - you won't find that in Borders.
But they need to pay the rent and times are hard. You can help in several ways – you can BUY your books from them – they can get any book, even best sellers and your money will go to helping the movement, rather than lining the pockets of shareholders. You can take out a standing order, which gives you free postage for future purchases and means you always have funds when short of something to read in central London. As a one off, you can make a donation or ask your Trade Union branch to make a donation, or circulate information.
Many of the books that have been reviewed on this website over the years have been ones dedicated to trying to understand the world in order to change it for the better. Some of those books wouldn't exist without Bookmarks making sure that they are published, distribute and printed. The continued existance of this shop is something important to all of us. Do what you can to help.
Bookmarks - The Socialist Bookshop
To download a copy of the trade union model motion click here
To download a version of the appeal letter that appears below click here
To donate by credit card click here
More on the appeal from Socialist Worker here
1 comments:
Bookmarks is a great place! They never made me a cup of coffee though, mean or otherwise - must be doing something wrong...
If you're ever up north London way, check out New Beacon Books near Finsbury Park. They bill themselves as black culture specialists, but also have a wider selection of left-wing literature on all topics.
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