Alex S.
Yelp
I really like the font they use. Is this a weird thing to lead with?
So, the schtick is that "Persephone Books reprints neglected fiction and non-fiction by mid-twentieth century (mostly women) writers". Walk into their charming HQ on Lamb's Conduit and it feels like...hmm...calm chaos? The staff are always kind, and never rush, but also have their own things happening in the back rooms. The books are on labeled shelves, but also have massive spill-over onto big tables, medium sized tables, anywhere books can sit! The resulting visual is a book lover's delight: beautiful dove grey-covered books AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE!
Back to the design elements: all of the books have a beautifully neutral and classy-like-whoah grey cover. However, flip the books open and their 'endpapers' are bright and bold reprints of art and textile. I'm a big fan of the Bloomsbury Group of artists, so seeing Duncan Grant reprinted in my first Persephone Books purchase just made it all the more sweet. Grab a few bright bookmarks, too.
I challenge you to go into Persephone Books and _not_ find a book of interest. From humour to biography to history to poetry, they've got it. I especially love gifting the books on London and British life to friends. "Good Things in England" was my first Persephone Books purchase, containing more than 800 British recipes dating back to the 14th century - a great exercise in culinary anthropology.
Price? Love that they're the same, 'cross-board. A very affordable 12 GBP each; or, 3 for 30.
My Mom occasionally sends me a voucher to get a freebie when she thinks I need a pick-me-up (NOTE: AWESOME GIFT, MA, YOUDABESTEST) so just a headsup if you're in the need for a gift but can't decide: this is a great route to go.
Yelp note: they also have a growing audiobook and e-book collection, though I really think that these are books you want to physically hold on to and collect.