My love affair with Penguin books began several years ago at a market stall in Oxfordshire. Spotting a raft of Penguins laid out before me, I could see the start of a dangerously addictive hobby. Thus, I began my affair as a humble collector - setting myself a goal to acquire the first 100 Penguins in 1st impressions - no mean feat as I was to discover!
As my collection and appreciation of Penguin Books grew, so too did my pleasure in acquiring and gifting titles to friends. I soon began buying job lots at auction and from people downsizing their homes. This meant that I was often left with unwanted or duplicate titles - what was I to do with these boxes and boxes of lovely books?
Hence like most inventions, The Penguin Chap was born out of necessity. And in 2019, I made things official by joining the Penguin Collectors Society, and started selling my books in a professional capacity. Since then, I’ve taken great pleasure in sourcing titles for fellow bibliophiles the world over - Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
Half of the fun of being a bookseller is finding books customers have been looking for - whether for a gift, for their collection or any other reason. So take browse of the website and I hope there’s a Penguin, Puffin or Pelican there for you!