Halcyon Books began as a stall in Greenwich market before expanding into two family-run bookshops in Greenwich and Lewisham. “Our family always had a passion for books,” says the owner Matt Hubbard who recalls selling books on the market stall with his parents. “The Lewisham shop specialises in secondhand art, architecture and design books, and stocks modern literary fiction and classics at £2 each, and children’s and teen books at £1 each. We also have an enclosed garden, seating to read or work at, and delicious homemade cakes.”
Top five sellers
• David Hockney: Etchings and Lithographs Marco Livingstone
•Sleeping by the Mississippi Alec Soth
• Shelter Sarah Franklin
• Atlas of Emotion: Journeys in Art, Architecture, and Film Giuliana Bruno
• The Wonder Down Under: A User’s Guide to the Vagina Nina Brochmann, Ellen Stokken Dahl (translated by Lucy Moffatt)
Five recommendations
• The Summer Book Tove Jansson
“A quietly beautiful book about the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter.”
• Hera Lindsay Bird Hera Lindsay Bird
“A hilarious book of poetry by an up-and-coming New Zealand poet. Excellent observations on art and love.”
• Amrita Banana Yoshimoto
“While in recovery from a brain injury, a young woman narrates the story of her unconventional family.”
• Paradise Rot Jenny Hval (translated by Marjam Idriss)
“The debut novel by the acclaimed Norwegian musician and artist, powerfully exploring sexual awakening.”
• School Play Alex MacKeith
“Set in a south London primary school on results day, written by a local author. Very witty – and tells it like it is!”
Halcyon Books, 266 Lee High Road, London, SE13 5PL; halcyonbooks.co.uk
