Monday, June 29, 2009

Lo Shopping: The Lion Bookshop

First, why did I not know today is a big holiday in Rome? It's St. Peter's Day. I walked all the way to the Prati market and was surprised to find it closed. I noticed there were no people on the street and many stores were closed. Of course Prati is much quieter than the Center but I was puzzled.

Later talking to a friend she told me everyone is pretty much at the beach. Okay that is why I only see tourists out and about.

Anyway, The Lion Bookshop is one of the best bookstores in Rome for English language books. They will also order books for you (with a deposit). Well stocked and friendly this is one place I must avoid. Last time I was there I saw at least twenty books I wanted. As expats know, English language books are not cheap overseas.

The store has been in Rome for over 50 years and is the oldest English language bookstore in Italy. They have over 30,000 titles.

If you are visiting Italy they also have a well stocked guidebooks section. Their children's section is one of the best in town.

The store is off Via del Corso, just south of Piazza del Popolo. During the summer they are closed on Sundays.

Via dei Greci, 33/36
00187 - Roma
06/32654007
www.thelionbookshop.com

16 comments:

Liz Dwyer said...

I love the look of that place! Did you pick up anything interesting?

joanne at frutto della passione said...

OMG I loved going there! However, now that there is Amazon UK I never buy English books here in Italy anymore. Even with the shipping charges it is cheaper to buy online and we love getting packages in the mail!!

Unknown said...

I'll have to put this in my travel folder. I love going to bookstores in other cities.

Anonymous said...

I was wondering if you'd ever used Amazon (US)? I'd imagine it would be cheaper but not sure about the shipping. Also there are other book-exchange websites as well (I'll try to find them and get back to you). Easy access to books (and close proximity to awesome public libraries) are something that I definitely take for granted here in the US and will miss if (when - dammit!) I ever move to Europe.

Love your blog. Please talk more about how you're transitioning now that it's been over a year...thanks.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

los angelista - I ordered Michael Pollan's book "The Ominvore's Dilemma". I read in "In Defense of Food" last year and it was excellent.

Joanne - There's Amazon France too which has English books. I haven't ordered from them yet. Even in the States I liked mix it up, getting some books from the library, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and supporting independent booksellers. The latter are a dying breed. I love browsing in stores and talking to people about books.

ms. wooden shoes - so do I!

anon -Thanks for the love. :) Amazon UK or Amazon FR are cheaper than ordering from the States especially with the shipping costs/exchange rates.

Around my first year anniversary (April 1st) I did talk a little about how things were going. Also getting my Italian license was a big deal/step. Man, I'm so glad that process is over.

J.Doe said...

When I lived in Italy I often went to the local library for an English language book. Now that I'm not living there I see there are book exchange groups in Italy too. If I had known that my bookstore purchases of English language books would have been a lot less

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

J. doe - I've gone to a few libraries to work during the construction next door but haven't explored getting a card, taking out books etc. I need to hop on that. My friends and I informally exchange books and magazines as well. I'm very behind in my reading.

Anonymous said...

I miss browsing books stores. You are so lucky. Sigh.

Anonymous said...

I miss browsing books stores. You are so lucky. Sigh.

Jen said...

I just saw an intriguing book on another blog - Mae's Food Blog that is the Oxford encyclopedia of Italian Cooking - or something like that. It was "Abbachio to Zuppa Inglese" - you might want to see if The Lion carries it - it's just come out in paperback and I'd bet you'd like it.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

scattered moments - poverina, there aren't any stores near you. While that could be a good think financially I understand.

jen - thanks for the tip.

Eleonora Baldwin said...

Good you found the Lion open, then!
You'll ADORE and will be freaked out by the Omnivore's Dilemma.

Ciao
Lola

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

lola - really? I was kinda freaked out by in Defense of Food!

Moi said...

Mark may be the best BookWorm ever. Ask him anything and he can always direct you to a great book.

maxbjr said...

Two more book stores, the Anglo American bookstore on via dellaVite and The Almost Corner Bookstore in Trastevere on via del Moro. A copy of the English Yellow pages very helpful.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

moscerina - he wasn't there the last time I went. I have to go back and pick up my book. I'll look for him.

max - I've been to both. The Almost Corner Bookstore is probably the closest to me.