London’s 12 Best Indie Bookshops—Wander In, Lose Yourself

Yes, we know all about Amazon's Super Saver delivery, and how light and convenient that Kindle is compared to a stack of books in your suitcase. For our money, though, nothing can ever, ever, ever replace the joy and romance of poking around a little bookshop, cracking open a spine, and feeling the pages as we pore over 50 Shades of Grey Finnegan's Wake.

And, not to get all You've Got Mail on you guys, but we refuse to stand back and watch as London's independent, lovingly curated bookshops become an endangered species. With beloved institutions like Northcote Road's The Bolingbroke Bookshop (never forget!) going under, we feel like it's high time for readers to head back to the shops and support their local bookworms. (And no, racing into WH Smith to buy a pack of gum before your train doesn't count.)

Whether you're a cookbook connoisseur, fairy-tale fan, or heavy-duty literature lover, the independent London bookstores ahead deserve a spot on your must-visit list. We think you'll manage to survive any potential paper cuts.