Simple Title: Rare Bookseller's Misadventures

Instant National Bestseller Shortlisted for the 2023 Inc. Non-Obvious Book Award, Once Upon a Tome is a witty, literary, and very funny tale that welcomes readers to Sotheran's, one of the oldest bookshops in the world. Presided over by a deeply eccentric apprentice, this establishment boasts a weird and wonderful clientele, suspicious cupboards, unlabeled keys, poisoned books, and even some things that aren't even books.

Years ago, Oliver Darkshire stepped into the hushed interior of Henry Sotheran Ltd (est. 1761) to apply for a job. Allured by the smell of old books and the temptation of a management-approved afternoon nap, Darkshire soon found himself unteetering stacks of first editions and placating the store's resident ghost, the late Mr. Sotheran, who had been hit by a tram.

As a novice in this ancient, potentially haunted establishment, Darkshire describes Sotheran's brushes with history, including its encounters with the likes of Dickens and the Titanic. He also delves into the joyous disorganization and the unspoken rules of its gleefully old-fashioned staff, whose mere glance can cause the computer to burst into flames.

Through his experiences, Darkshire gains confidence and expertise, sharing trivia about ancient editions and exploring the strange space that books occupy in our lives. While old books often have strong sentimental value, they rarely have commercial value, a fact that Darkshire navigates with both unhinged and earnest enthusiasm.

Once Upon a Tome is a colorful story of life in one of the world's oldest bookshops, a love letter to the benign, unruly world of antiquarian bookselling, where to be uncommon or strange is the best possible compliment. With 6 illustrations, this book offers a unique and engaging glimpse into the eccentric world of a bookshop that has stood the test of time.

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