Fantasy Centre, Holloway Rd

I was introduced to this remarkable place today by a friend. I don't know how I missed it.

According to the website it's "the only shop in Europe specialising in science fiction publications of all eras" and, established in 1971, it may even be "the oldest surviving specialist SF bookshop in the world".

I never really considered that anything like this existed, certainly not in this day and age. Rows upon rows of old pulpy paperbacks with garish covers, signed first editions, Sci-Fi & Fantasy as far as the eye can see. I walked around with a big gleeful childlike grin all over my face. If I had the money I'd have bought the entire place.

For the last few years I've done all my book buying online, simply because it's a hell of a lot cheaper and easier. I'm rethinking that now, feeling slightly bad that perhaps it's that kind of thing that contributes toward the hard times currently facing many an independant bookshop. I doubt I'll change my habits entirely overnight but it's made me think.