BookLovers of Bath

02/06/2026

Big thank you to whoever was kind enough to murder my lovely little statue outside the shop last night... a thoroughly decent thing to do. Do remember, mind, that CCTV covers the shop frontage to an extent... Clousseau will be looking into matters pertaining.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

01/03/2026

There’s something deeply beautiful about old iron.

Today’s curiosity: manhole covers and frames from Messenger & Co. of Loughborough.

Founded 1858 by Thomas Goode Messenger, the firm started as a plumbing and glazing business but became famous for its Victorian and Edwardian greenhouses and garden structures. By late 19th century it was a serious industrial name (remember those in England?), later known as the Midland Horticultural Company, and struggled on until 1980 just as the music got really good.

But what I like are the details - the weight, the lettering, the confidence of cast iron that expected to outlive us all. Victorian industry had a habit of making even the practical things handsome. A drain cover was not merely a drain cover. It was a statement: we are here, and this will last.

You don’t get that from modern street furniture no matter who you vote for.

BookLovers of Bath: occasionally distracted by ironwork.

23/02/2026

You can Google “what wood is that?”

Or you can consult Herbert Edlin, who helpfully glued actual pieces of wood into a book so you don’t have to guess.

Published in a time when reference books meant business.

Currently sitting here for less than the price of two coffees and infinitely more educational.

However, worth more to me to have and hold I'm afraid...

21/02/2026

Welcome to BookLovers of Bath.
Independent second-hand & collectable bookseller since 1997.
60,000+ books sold. Carefully described. Properly packed.
Specialists in history, biography & the beautifully obscure.
Browse the full catalogue at booklovers.co.uk.

14/09/2024

GSPR

What is point.

26/08/2024

Kirstie Allsopp - well played. I was a forces child, flying twixt Singapore and my school at the age of 8... despite my best efforts I didn't die in the process.

02/08/2024

The trouble is. When you sell something. You haven’t got it any more.

Doesn’t matter that you never use it.

It just isn’t there.

Which is why I am reviewing the situation.

04/06/2024

I don’t think Keir Starmer should be put on the telly to be honest. Reminds me of a 40s children’s programme. 😄

20/04/2024

01/04/2024

The 1 o'clock gun in 'Burgh?

I think I need a safety zone...