Daunt Books

83 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW

We spoke to Rose who explained that Daunt specialises in travel and history. Daunt Books describes itself as an independent bookseller, and the Marylebone branch has long oak galleries and graceful skylights, and has recently started to publish out of print books, giving new life to little-known masterpieces, something which has been well patronised by their regular and loyal customers. Daunt Books dates from Edwardian times, and runs a well-established literary festival which happens every year and takes six months of planning. They are reticent about stocking new writers and new publishers as space is at a premium, but Daunt has six bookshops in and around London, also at Belsize Park, Cheapside, Chelsea, Hampstead and Holland Park, and is clearly well-loved by London’s literary cognoscenti.

The Marylebone bookshop reeks of history with its old wooden shelves and creaky stairs. It is crowded but in a good way and one that encourages the visitor to linger and explore. They have carved out their own niche and have little contact with other independent bookshops. They are confident enough to plough their own furrow; after all they’ve been around for a long time. So no blame attached there. If it’s a historical or travel book you’re after, this is the shop for you.

Contact details

Address: 83 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW
Phone number: 020 7224 2295
Website: dauntbooks.co.uk
Email: enquiries@dauntbooks.co.uk
Weekday opening hours:
Facebook: @dauntbooks
Twitter: @Dauntbooks
Nearest tube station: Baker Street, Bond Street
Buses: 18, 27, 30