Arthur Probsthain
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bookstore |
| Founded | 1903 |
| Founder | Arthur Probsthain |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Rare and antique books, particularly Asian and African literature |
| Owner | Probsthain family |
Arthur Probsthain is a privately owned bookstore in London that focuses on rare and antique literature from Asia and Africa.
History
Established in 1903 by Arthur Probsthain at Bury Place, the shop has been located at 41 Great Russell Street, directly opposite the British Museum, since 1905. The enterprise has remained within the family, transferring ownership from Arthur Probsthain to his nephew Walter Sheringham in 1941. During the 1970s, Walter's sons Michael and Lesley became involved, with Lesley's sons Tim and Christopher joining the team by 2003. The premises also house a tearoom named "Tea and Tattle."
Arthur Probsthain is recognized as one of London's longest-standing bookstores specializing in Asian literature, alongside Bernard Quaritch.
Collection
The inventory holds around 150,000 volumes, including rare treasures such as a handwritten Quran.
This bookstore was mentioned in Ranulph Fiennes' 1991 novel The Feather Men.