Londres: Hatchards
"Hatchards, booksellers since 1797, is the oldest surviving bookshop in London. Our customers have included some of Britain's greatest political, social and literary figures - from Queen Charlotte, Disraeli and Wellington to Kipling, Wilde and Lord Byron -and our staff have always had a reputation for knowledgeable and professional service" (de su página web)
París: Librairie Galignani
"Walking east on the Rue de Rivoli, two blocks or so from W. H. Smith, one comes to the oldest and most elegant English-language bookstore in Paris, the Librairie Galignani. If W. H. Smith has the feel of an upscale Dalton, Galignani is reminiscent of Scribner or Rizzoli in New York. Galignani, lined with dark wood shelves and with a skylight overhead, is easy to move around in, well-stocked, a mix of shelves and tables displaying few if any best sellers. Unlike the chains, it is a store for which books are objects of respect and affection. Galignani has a good selection of poetry and a small though impressive selection of art books. Its prices are generally comparable to Smith's. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Browsing is encouraged. Originated in 1805, and at the present address since 1856, Galignani carries 15,000 volumes in English and 15,000 in French. It is a favorite among American writers living in Paris and a place to visit for those who love bookstores as esthetic objects in themselves" (reseña de The New York Times)
Friburgo (Alemania): Buchhandlung zum Wetzstein
La librería más elegante que conozco en Alemania. Se trata de un negocio pequeño y lógicamente no se puede comparar con cadenas como Mayersche. Excelente selección de libros en un ambiente acogedor. Trato exquisito.
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Nota del lunes, 7 de junio de 2010: El nombre original de esta entrada era "Las librerías de nuestra vida". He considerado oportuno cambiar el título y reducir su contenido. Quizás en otra ocasión vuelva sobre el primer tema en una nueva entrada. Por ahora, doy por bueno lo publicado hoy.