Arthur Probsthain is an independent bookstore based in London, specialising in antique Asian and African books.[1]

Arthur Probsthain
IndustrySpecialty retail
Founded1903 (1903)
FounderArthur Probsthain
Headquarters,
United Kingdom
Number of locations
2 stores
Area served
London
ProductsNew, used and rare books
OwnerMichael Sheringham
Websitehttps://www.teaandtattle.com/bookshop

History

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The bookstore was started in 1903 by Arthur Probsthain at Bury Place, and now bears his name.[2][3] It has been located at 41 Great Russell Street, opposite the British Museum, since 1905.[2][3]

The bookstore has been family owned for nearly a century and is today managed by Arthur Probsthain's nephew, Michael Sheringham.[4] The bookstore claims to be one of the oldest Asian bookstore in London after Bernard Quaritch.

Collection

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The bookstore has some 150,000 books.[2] Notable items in its collection include a handwritten Quran.[2]

The store featured in the 1991 novel The Feather Men by Ranulph Fiennes.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Browse a bookshop: Arthur Probsthain, Bloomsbury, London". The Guardian. 25 February 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d "Saudi Aramco World : London's Oriental Bookshops". Archive.aramcoworld.com. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  3. ^ a b Eric Abrahamsen (9 February 2013). "More Chinese books in London! Arthur Probsthain's Bookshop". Paper-republic.org. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  4. ^ "Grand old dame of Russell Street|Books|chinadaily.com.cn". Usa.chinadaily.com.cn. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
  5. ^ Harman, Nicky. "My Favorite Bookstore: Nicky Harman on Arthur Probsthain Oriental and African Bookseller – Words Without Borders". Retrieved 1 June 2018.
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51°31′04″N 0°07′36″W / 51.5178°N 0.1268°W / 51.5178; -0.1268