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 Science fiction and horror bookshop |
2-5 Suffolk Street Birmingham B1 1LT United Kingdom +44 121 643 1999 http://andromedabook.co.uk |
Andromeda has been established since 1971, making it the world's longest established science fiction, fantasy and horror specialist bookshop. On top of that, it is probably one of the world's largest science fiction bookshops with 2,500 square feet of space devoted to books, with a few videos, SF magazines and book signings thrown in for good measure. If you are not fortunate enough to be able to visit the store, then a mail order service is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Everything for the arty to the crafty |
10 Calthorpe Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1QT United Kingdom +44 121 455 0099 |
Whether you are a budding Picasso or Leonardo, or even if you just fancy a dabble, Everyman offers all the equipment you will need. It is a well-known and popular place to buy everything from a tube of paint to an easel, and it also offers craft kits to suit all levels of ability as well as some stationery products. The shop is located in the heart of the city center. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Homely bookstore |
97 High Street Birmingham B17 9NJ United Kingdom +44 121 427 9343 |
Faced with stiff competition from high street chains able to offer huge discounts on bestsellers, and with W H Smith just down the road, it's a wonder places like Hooper's manage to survive. But the world is a better place for it, and although you won't find many bargains here you will get that personal touch. You are guaranteed help when you need it and if you do purchase something you'll leave with the knowledge that you've helped a local business. This is a good place to look for mainstream and local history books. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Transport and military books |
47 Stephenson Street Birmingham B2 4DH United Kingdom |
This is a shop for the transport enthusiast as it has books and journals on all aspects of travel, including cars, buses, trains and planes. There is a collection of diecast models with unusual items such as a detailed model of a Hong Kong bus. On the military side you can choose from the Campaign series of books for battles throughout the world. There are also some publications of local interest to Birmingham and the West Midlands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old style mags and science fiction |
14-16 Smallbrook Queensway Birmingham B5 4EN United Kingdom +44 121 643 0143 |
The shop has been established since 1978 and sells new comics, toys and movie memorabilia (including Austin Powers, Star Wars and Star Trek), as well as ever-popular trading cards. They have a good stock of popular American comics such as Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image, plus editions by smaller independent publishers. Although they do stock a few collectables, they say that most people tend to hang on to their valuable items until the spring fairs. This is the place for mostly brand new items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Book bonanza |
137 Digbeth Birmingham B5 6DR United Kingdom +44 121 643 8664 |
An astonishing array of reading matter can be found in this second-hand bookshop, just a hundred yards or so from St Martin's-in-the-Bull Ring. Don't expect to find rare first editions here, but you will find unusual and out of print books alongside more familiar volumes on everything you can imagine, fiction or non-fiction. The shop is a little cramped to get around but that's part of the appeal and you never know what might be lurking in the corners. Books are piled from floor to ceiling and there are magazines to suit most tastes too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Vincent Van who?! |
5 Fetchers Walk Paradise Circus Birmingham B3 3HJ United Kingdom +44 121 233 1780 |
Even if you don't fancy tackling the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel just yet, Spectrum Fine Art can provide you with everything you need to create your own mini-masterpieces. Along with a range of paints, pastels and paper, the shop also supplies a selection of videos and books so you can develop your artistic streak further. The store is the leading stockist for such names as Windsor and Newton and is within easy walking distance of the city's Snow Hill station. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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High Street emporium |
29 Union Street Birmingham B4 7SL United Kingdom +44 121 631 3303 http://www.whsmith.co.uk |
Smith's, although losing popularity in recent years, remains a mainstay of high street shopping life in Britain. It's a life-saver when it comes to buying last minute cards and presents and usually first port of call for students needing good, cheap stationery. Of course, it deals in much more besides. Smith's sells an excellent range of books, many at discounted prices, and is great for music as long as you're not after anything too obscure. Games, toys and puzzles, calendars, newspapers, magazines, and videos are also sold. The only problem with this store is that it may be a little too big, so it takes a while to get from one area to another, but that's hardly reason to forgo this national institution. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Well-known booksellers |
24 – 26 High Street Birmingham B4 7SL United Kingdom +44 121 633 4353 |
After a major refurbishment, this Waterstone's is now back and better than ever. It holds over 150,000 titles on its six floors, guarantees to find you any book in print and will try its damnest to get you any book which is not. The lifts now talk to you, there's a book garden, Coffee Republic has opened a small cafe on the first floor and the whole monster-sized building is lighter and airier than before. It seems this Waterstone's has regained its position as the best bookshop in Birmingham. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Rivier  |