A Bookshop Of One's Own: How A Group Of Women Set Out To Change The World - Non Fiction - Hardcover
Free 48-Hour Delivery
On orders over £35
Fast UK Dispatch
Orders shipped within 24 hours
Easy 30-Day Returns
Hassle-free returns on eligible items
Secure Checkout
Safe & encrypted payment options
Title:
A Bookshop of One's Own: How a group of women set out to change the world
Condition: Brand New
Format: Hardcover
Overview:
A Bookshop of One's Own is the intimate, inspiring true story of Silver Moon, a feminist bookshop born in Thatcher’s Britain and nurtured by a pioneering group of women who refused to yield to the odds. Jane Cholmeley blends memory with documentary detail to craft a vivid portrait of a shop that became a meeting place, a haven for readers, and a beacon for women writers. The narrative is anchored in concrete, lived experience—from staff newsletters and community events to handwritten ledgers and bustling shelves—letting readers feel the daily rhythms of running an independent bookshop with a mission. This isn’t just a business tale; it’s social history in the form of a loving, practical guide to building a culture around books. It celebrates courage, community, and the belief that a small, purpose-driven space can influence national conversations about gender, publishing, and the power of storytelling. For anyone who believes in books as catalysts for change, this book is both a tribute and a blueprint.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
What makes A Bookshop of One's Own truly stand out is its rare fusion of archival candor and warm, human storytelling. Cholmeley writes from the heart of a lived movement—the emergence of a feminist bookshop as a social hub—while grounding the memoir in meticulous research and firsthand testimony. The book delves into the logistics of independent bookselling—curating titles, hosting authors, building a loyal neighbourhood, and navigating a changing retail landscape—without losing sight of the emotional currents that kept a small team going. It also situates Silver Moon within a wider feminist and literary ecosystem, painting a vivid backdrop of how a single storefront can empower countless voices. This is reading that nourishes both the mind and the imagination, offering practical lessons for modern independent booksellers and a heartfelt celebration for readers who love the culture of bookselling.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
Perfect for lovers of non-fiction, feminist history, and the book trade, this is a must-read for current and aspiring independent booksellers, retailers, librarians, and students of social movements. It will resonate with readers who enjoy memoirs rooted in real-world impact, as well as those who seek authentic stories about community-building, entrepreneurship, and the literary world. Gift buyers looking for a meaningful, conversation-starting present will find it ideal for fans of book culture, publishing history, and female-led enterprises. Whether you’re a retrospective thinker or a hands-on practitioner reinventing a small business, this book speaks to anyone who believes in the power of spaces where ideas flourish.
Key Highlights:
- True story of a pioneering feminist bookshop in London
- Behind-the-scenes look at independent bookselling with purpose
- Personal voices from staff, patrons, and authors
- Historical context of women’s writing and publishing in Britain
- Practical insights into creating community through books
- About resilience in a shifting retail landscape
- A tribute to female authors and readers who shaped a culture
- Ideal for collectors of social history and book culture
About the Author:
Jane Cholmeley is a co-founder of Silver Moon, the feminist bookshop opened in London in the 1980s that became a landmark for women writers and readers. Alongside colleagues, she helped build a space on Charing Cross Road that championed female voices and fostered community through readings, workshops, and everyday conversations about books. Her work on A Bookshop of One's Own draws on decades of frontline experience in independent bookselling and a commitment to making books a force for social change. Cholmeley’s storytelling blends memoir with historical reportage, inviting readers to witness how a grassroots venture can leave a lasting imprint on a city’s cultural landscape.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you’ve ever walked into a bookshop and felt instantly seen, this book will resonate. It reveals how a small team’s steadfast belief in female authors and inclusive spaces can spark a broader conversation about publishing, community, and fairness in business. It’s a compelling, well-researched narrative that feels intimate without sacrificing depth. For anyone who cherishes independent bookstores, feminist history, or the magic of a well-curated shelf, this is a book to treasure—an invitation to celebrate the past and imagine how today’s booksellers can shape tomorrow’s culture. A thoughtful gift for readers, entrepreneurs, and advocates of literature’s social power.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
