Continuing our amble round London’s independent bookshops
“What’s the difference between an ‘esoteric‘ and an ‘occult’ bookshop?” we asked Atlantis co-owner Geraldine Beskin. “Nothing,” came the reply. We like simple answers.
Atlantis is the oldest non-externally backed esoteric/occult bookshop in London, focusing on Western religions and magic (as opposed to Cecil Court’s Watkins, which specialises in Eastern and mysticism). It was founded in 1922 by magicians including Austin Osman Spare, Dion Fortune and Aleister Crowley, as a place for magicians. These days their clientele range from young people snapping up some of the stock of cheap secondhand hardbacks (as well as shiny new books) to alchemists. Yes, alchemists.
They also run a huge number of events: evening classes, art shows, workshops, and not forgetting the Moot With No Name. It takes place in the Devereux Arms, down an alley next to the George pub, every second Wednesday. If you head down there tonight you can catch Chris Street discussing his theory that London’s sacred sites (incluidng the great cathedrals and parish churches) form a recognisable temple floorplan. It’s only £2, 7.30pm for an 8pm start.
Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, Bloomsbury. Continue reading for a map, images author’s own. Know a good bookshop? Email us at londonist (@) gmail.com.
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