How Queer Bookshops Changed the World

Independent bookshops are the unsung heroes of queer liberation, providing friendship, solidarity and sanctuary through the ages.

'A terrific read!' Jane Cholmeley, author of A Bookshop of One's Own

Travelling from Shakespeare and Company in Paris to Gay’s the Word in London to the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop in New York, A.J. West has written the first history of these remarkable spaces. Tracing their evolution from under-the-counter operations to beloved out-and-proud institutions, West reveals how they stood at the vanguard of LGBTQ+ rights, offering support through the AIDS crisis and bringing the fight to Section 28.

How Queer Bookshops Changed the World celebrates cherished shops past and present, the ground-breaking books they championed when others wouldn’t, and the booksellers who demonstrated courage and community through it all.

'I have savoured every chapter, practically every sentence.' James Cahill, author of Tiepolo Blue

'Perfectly captured and inspirational.' Robin Ince, co-host of BBC Radio 4's The Infinite Monkey Cage

'A crucial history of love, struggle, solidarity and liberation.' Jake Arnott, author of The Long Firm

About the Author :
A.J. West is an award-winning former BBC journalist and broadcaster from Buckinghamshire. He is the author of The Sunday Times bestseller The Betrayal of Thomas True and The Spirit Engineer, which won HWA Debut Crown Award. How Queer Bookshops Changed the World is his first work of non-fiction.

Review :
'I have savoured every chapter, practically every sentence... a testament to the small, unsung acts of love and perseverance that have allowed gay bookshops to flourish in different times and places, and to change lives.' —James Cahill, author of Tiepolo Blue 'A beautiful browse through spines of rebellion and shelves of acceptance – the vitality of the radicalism of the bookshop is perfectly captured and inspirational.' —Robin Ince, co-host of BBC Radio 4's The Infinite Monkey Cage 'A terrific read! Widely researched and full of fascinating information and a goodly sprinkling of gossip (essential) it tells the stories of brave pioneer booksellers who created our health and information centres, our culture and our communities. Queer bookshops are places of refuge and resistance, groundbreaking then and necessary now – just as much. We must know our history and this is a vital contribution told with passion and panache.' —Jane Cholmeley, author of A Bookshop of One's Own 'A crucial history of love, struggle, solidarity and liberation, vividly brought to life and written from the heart.' —Jake Arnott, author of The Long Firm 'A gem of a book. It reads like a travel guide, a memoir, and a conversation by the fireside. It’s a celebration of the importance of books - and of the people who love them.' —Gareth Russell, author of Queen James 'What a vital, life-affirming book this is. A.J. West is the perfect guide to a history of the most important queer space of them all: the bookstore. Without self-knowledge and without community, we’re screwed – and West shows just how vital queer bookshops have been to both.' —Will Tosh, author of Straight Acting 'This is a unique and important book. A fascinating history – both expansive and intimate – told with the novelist’s flair. I’m overwhelmed by the many stories of determined heroism and personal sacrifice A.J. uncovers. This is a really brilliant work which any queer person (or ally) ought to read.' —Christopher Stephens, author of The Light of Day 'For so many of us, a bookshop is where we first glimpse just how fabulous our queer life might be. This fact-filled history of our best-loved bookstores is a timely reminder of the bravery and brilliance of all the people who made those moments possible.' —Neil Bartlett, director and playwright 'A glorious celebration of queer bookshops and their place in our community. Delightful.' —Jim McSweeney, bookseller at Gay's the Word since 1984 'This loving tribute to the trailblazers who fought for our right to buy queer books (and more) illuminates a vital chapter of LGBTQ+ history. It made me cry.' —Layla McCay, author of The Queer Bookshelf