Tiny London bookstore supplies to the whims and quirks of the average and elite.

Heywood Hill is tiny in size, but mighty in scope. The venerable 80-year old London bookstore eschews the trappings of modern retail book buying, the conveyor belt of mass production, and instead focuses on one major aspect: individualized attention. Their attention to detail is so renowned that the Queen--yes, that one--has someone shop for her at their store.

Looking for a collection of books regarding Dadaism? Need some advice on engaging reads about The Crusades? Thinking a wide array of material on Australia's involvement in World War One is key to any well-rounded intellectual conversation? That's where Heywood Hill lends a hand.

But what if you're opening a fashionable hotel and looking to supply varied reading material to worldly clients? Does your private jet need some tomes to accompany guests on long flights? Have that vacation home in the Hamptons or on Nantucket, and are just tired of coffee table books you see at your competition's friend's place? Heywood Hill finds the perfect collection to suit any taste or situation--for a price.

As the New York Times reports, Heywood Hill's assistance can cost into the six figures. If you still haven't hit the lotto despite your dogged determination and want to have a respectable collection of books, their program called 'A Year in Books' supplies a book-a-month based on your tastes for roughly $515.

But back to the Queen. Everyone wants to know what's on her reading list--so what does she fancy? Histories? Biographies? Harlequin novels?

"We don't really talk about her," said store manager Nicky Dunne to the Times.

So, Harlequin novels it is then.




photo: publishingperspectives.com