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Bustling with rich detail, historical vignettes and surprising wares, this is the story of Britain's best-loved but ever-changing public spaces. What makes a high street? It's certainly not just about the shopping; these thoroughfares are often the beating heart of our towns and cities and, by extension, of the people who use them. As spaces where local life and culture unfolds, our high streets can be playgrounds of personal indulgence and community spirit, or sites of contentious debate and politicking.
Historian Annie Gray takes us down the street and through the ages, from medieval marketplaces to the purpose-built concrete precincts of the twentieth century. Peeping through the windows of tailors, tearooms and grocers, we explore everything from the toyshops of yesteryear - where curiosities were sold for adults, not children - to the birth of brands we shop at today. Vibrant and enticing, The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker is an essential reflection on how we shopped and lived in days gone by - and what the future may bring.
Published 25 September 2025
We offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over £50.
Orders up to £30 are charged a flat fee of £4.95 within the UK.
Orders between £30.01 and £50 are charged a flat fee of £6.95 within the UK.
Usual UK delivery timescale (excluding custom prints) is between 5 and 7 working days from the date of dispatch.
Due to the EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) selected items are not available for delivery to Northern Ireland.
Delivery Worldwide
Due to the EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) we are currently unable to accept any orders for delivery to EU member countries and Switzerland.
We can deliver to other selected countries worldwide.
Returns & refunds
If you are not completely satisfied with your item you may return it within 28 days for a refund.
Publisher: Profile
Binding: Hardback
Author: Annie Gray
Pagination: 416p
SKU: 9781800812253
Bustling with rich detail, historical vignettes and surprising wares, this is the story of Britain's best-loved but ever-changing public spaces. What makes a high street? It's certainly not just about the shopping; these thoroughfares are often the beating heart of our towns and cities and, by extension, of the people who use them. As spaces where local life and culture unfolds, our high streets can be playgrounds of personal indulgence and community spirit, or sites of contentious debate and politicking.
Historian Annie Gray takes us down the street and through the ages, from medieval marketplaces to the purpose-built concrete precincts of the twentieth century. Peeping through the windows of tailors, tearooms and grocers, we explore everything from the toyshops of yesteryear - where curiosities were sold for adults, not children - to the birth of brands we shop at today. Vibrant and enticing, The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker is an essential reflection on how we shopped and lived in days gone by - and what the future may bring.
Published 25 September 2025
We offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over £50.
Orders up to £30 are charged a flat fee of £4.95 within the UK.
Orders between £30.01 and £50 are charged a flat fee of £6.95 within the UK.
Usual UK delivery timescale (excluding custom prints) is between 5 and 7 working days from the date of dispatch.
Due to the EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) selected items are not available for delivery to Northern Ireland.
Delivery Worldwide
Due to the EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) we are currently unable to accept any orders for delivery to EU member countries and Switzerland.
We can deliver to other selected countries worldwide.
Returns & refunds
If you are not completely satisfied with your item you may return it within 28 days for a refund.
