The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker: A History of the High Street

The Times describes Annie Gray's book as a "rich, lively, and nostalgia-provoking sensory experience" that explores the history of Britain's high streets. Lucy Worsley calls it "impeccably researched and searingly nostalgic," while the Daily Mail praises its "bustling with rich detail, historical vignettes, and surprising wares." The book takes readers on an expedition through the ages, exploring the evolution of high streets from medieval marketplaces to post-war concrete precincts. It reflects on how we lived in the past and what the future might bring.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2025
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

A rich, lively, and nostalgic sensory experience awaits you in this captivating exploration of Britain's best-loved public spaces. Like a chatty and trusted friend, historian Annie Gray takes you on a journey through the ages, revealing the history and essence of these bustling hubs. From preserved medieval marketplaces to post-war concrete precincts, high streets are more than just shopping destinations; they are spaces where local life and culture thrive, reflecting the beating hearts of our towns and cities. With meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, Gray weaves historical vignettes and surprising wares into her narrative, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of these public spaces. Whether you're strolling through arcades, department stores, or backstreet shopping malls, you'll be transported back in time to witness the changing face of British high streets. Gray's writing is both informative and nostalgic, evoking a sense of familiarity and longing for the past. She reflects on how we lived in days gone by and ponders what the future might hold for these cherished public spaces. Join Gray on this expedition down the street and through the ages, as she explores the rich tapestry of Britain's high streets and the stories they hold.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800812253
Edition number: Main