Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd Reviews 76

TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.9

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

So much more than just books! This brilliant bookshop has an amazing selection of books but also sells a great range of old prints, book illustrations and affordable original art works. Tony was ver... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding and one of the best booksellers in the country. The catalogues are meticulously well researched and informative enough to be collector's items in their own right. I once acquired a biograp... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

One of the most delightful second hand bookshops that I know. Great stock for enjoyable browsing. The wrapping of purchased books in green paper is an addtional joy - a keen pleasure to walk along Mic... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am a very satisfied longtime United States customer. I have only had the best experience when ordering books from Tony. He takes great care describing what he sells and has the most interesting item... See more

Company replied

Company details

  1. Rare Book Store
  2. Book Store
  3. Used Book Store

Written by the company

Rare, antiquarian, and second-hand books & manuscripts. Books bought. One of the 10 best rare bookshops in Britain [The Independent]. Established 1948.


Contact info

4.9

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

76 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very prompt service and a great price!

The book, now out of print, is better than I expected for a second hand book – it is a perfect copy in fact – and its price was very good, too. And I received it very promptly despite the current situation. Many thanks indeed for your excellent service and I will strongly recommend you.

18 June 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Thank you very much for such a kind review, and we look forward to re-opening as soon as possible.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent online catalogues

Excellent online catalogues, fair prices, with well selected stock. A traditional bookshop which has kept place with the times.

9 June 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Thank you very much for such a kind review, and we look forward to re-opening as soon as possible.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A book lovers sanctuary

A book lovers sanctuary ; spent many lunchtimes browsing and buying ; a large part of my book collection is the result of being unable to resist

2 June 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Anthony, very many thanks for the kind review.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful shop, wonderful dealer…

Tony Fothergill is a superb dealer invariably finding unusual collectable books, fresh to market, in good condition and always fairly priced. He offers practical advice and ideas when selling books for me, and is extremely helpful when selling to me. He's a sterling member of the antiquarian book trade.

1 June 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Thank you James, look forward to a catch up soon.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

4 stars

The cards arrived on time but one phone call, and I would have given 5 stars but two emails relating to a book I should have liked to buy from your monthly selections failed to elicit a response.

30 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Many thanks Felicity. I have checked all our email and spam folders and can find no record of your order from that list, although I can find all those relating to the card purchase. Which email address did you send to. best wishes Tony

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely Greetings Cards

I received a supply of attractive greetings cards promptly. Just what I wanted!

30 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Many thanks Lois, that is much appreciated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

One of my favourite bookshops

One of my favourite bookshops in York. And I have bought things online too which has always been a completely reliable and straightforward process

30 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Many thanks John for the positive review, very much appreciated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding and one of the best…

Outstanding and one of the best booksellers in the country. The catalogues are meticulously well researched and informative enough to be collector's items in their own right. I once acquired a biography of an eighteenth century dramatist, only ever having seen previous copy in the British Museum Library. World class and friendly at the same time. What could be better?

28 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Many thanks for the lovely review... much appreciated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

An institution among bookshops

I've been going to Ken Spelman's since the 1950s when I was taken there by my father. It has always been a fascinating and beautiful shop with knowledgeable and friendly staff. And there has always been a terrific selection of books at reasonable prices. I'm an architectural historian and have bought lots of items over the years.
For those who enjoy antiquarian and second hand bookshops, I can guarantee you will very much enjoy a trip to Spelman's! It really is something of an institution.

28 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Thank you very much for the great review, which is much appreciated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Hidden Treasure.

A Wonderful shop to browse and seek for treasures. York has several fine bookshops and this is one of the best . I particularly enjoyed the History section and the Modern First Editions. I live in Jersey in the Channel Islands and hope to revisit some time next year.

28 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

John, thank you so much for the great review.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Always reliable

Always reliable, efficient service.

28 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Thanks David, that is goo to hear.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

One of the most knowledgable dealers

One of the most knowledgable dealers in antiquarian books and manuscripts in the UK. Impeccable research makes buying without viewing safe, you will get what Tony and his team has told you you will get

28 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Thank you so much for the great reiew.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Favourite Yorkshire secondhand book shop

My favourite secondhand book shop in the region. I have always had positive experiences: great books, good selection, helpful and friendly staff.

28 May 2020
Unprompted review
Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd logo

Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd

Many thanks James, that is very much appreciated.

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