Innerbooks

Interview with Ian Parker of Innerbooks

When did you get started in bookselling?

In 1980, when I was asked to help manage a high-street bookshop (with café) run by a charity. Our friends with learning difficulties served in the bookshop and café from the start.

What drew you to bookselling?

I love reading and sharing my enthusiasm for good books.

Did you have any mentors in becoming a bookseller?

One good friend who had worked in the bookshop for 2 years.

What are your specialties as a dealer?

Spiritual traditions, especially Anthroposophy, Quakers, Buddhism. Also some classic fiction and poetry for adults and children.

What's the most amazing book you've ever sold?

A mint copy of Steiner's blackboard drawings.

What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?

It's always satisfying to find the "right" book that someone has been searching for!

Do you have an open storefront or have you in the past?

In the past we had; not since I retired in 2011.

What is your favorite bookshop (other than your own)?

Helios Fountain in Edinburgh.

What do you personally like to read? Collect?

I most enjoy reading good books to my grand-daughter.

What's your favorite book you personally own? Would you sell it, if the price were right?

At the moment, a rare version of Julian of Norwich's writings. I wouldn't sell it but might give it away if someone needed it.

What one book would you buy if price were no object?

The Flower Garland Sutra.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring three books, what would they be?

The Bible Shorter Discourses of the Buddha Chekhov's complete short stories