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
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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
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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
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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
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Company details
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
PO Box 807, YO1 0PF, York, United Kingdom
- 07960 350909
- kenspelmanbooks@gmail.com
- kenspelman.com
Knowledgeable
Knowledgeable, long-established, helpful, with an interesting, varied and changing stock.
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Stephen. many thanks indeed for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
Very good quality stock at fair prices
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks John for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
Bought several books over the last few…
Bought several books over the last few months and the service was always great. Books delivered were properly described and catalogued.
Recommended!
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks Steffen for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
Long-Standing Customer
I have bought from Ken Spelman over many years and look forward to receiving their excellent catalogues.
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks Patrick for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff. Catalogues are prepared and will be sent out as soon as things are rather more normal!
One of the most delightful second hand…
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 Micklegate with a Spelman package. Always an essential treat when I visit York
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks Dabby, the wrapped parcels will return as soon as it is safe to do so.
It's a truly excellent shop
It's a truly excellent shop. I have happy memories of past visits, sadly currently not possible, but the postal service has always been equally good.
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks indeed for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
A Bookshop paradise on Mickelgate York
Both on line and in visits to the shop, a great place for book collectors.
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks indeed for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
Excellent Professional Booksellers
Purchased from this bookseller a few years ago and found them very helpful with a large range of books which in my specialised was very useful. The number of booksellers has reduced over the years so it is very useful to receive their very regular catalogues and presentations on-line.
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks Tony for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
A wonderful bookshop!
I have bought books from Tony Fothergill at Ken Spelman for decades. It’s a lovely old fashioned Second hand bookshop in the heart of historic York. The range of books Is impressive, from paperbacks to Antiquarian books worth thousands. The staff are charming and knowledgeable. This is what bookshops should be like!
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks Anthony for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
Very satisfied longtime customer
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 items. Posting is prompt and books arrive well-packed. Bravo to Ken Spelman Books!
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks indeed for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
The Ken Spelman Second Hand Bookshop is the ne plus ultra of bookshops
The Ken Spelman Second Hand Bookshop in York is the ne plus ultra in second hand bookshops. It has such a strong customer base that the new stock is often a wonder to behold and at reasonable prices.
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks indeed for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
A really wonderful shop with a large selection.
A really wonderful shop with a large & diverse selection of books at very reasonable prices.
Staff are really helpful.
We invariably buy something every time we visit.
I love the online cataloge and the monthly updates of new stock which has been acquired.
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks indeed for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
Always a treat to visit
Highly recommended: terrific shop, interesting books of all kinds, in generally superior condition, and with knowledgable and friendly staff. Online orders aren't as good as a visit, but you can buy with confidence (and return if necessary, without quibbles).
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks Jim for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
My favourite bookshop
27 May 2020
Unprompted review
Reply from Ken Spelman Rare Books Ltd
Many thanks Chris for the kind words, and we aim to be open again as soon as it is practical, and safe for customers and staff.
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