Daunt Books
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bookstore, Publishing |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | James Daunt |
| Headquarters | London , England, United Kingdom |
Area served | England |
| Products | Books, Publishing |
| Website | www |
Daunt Books is a privately owned chain of bookstores in England, established in 1990 by ex-banker James Daunt, originally focusing on travel-related publications. The company ventured into the publishing sector in 2010. Subsequently, Daunt took on the role of managing director at both Waterstones and the American retailer Barnes & Noble.
Bookshops
The origins of Daunt Books trace back to acquiring a shop on Marylebone High Street, celebrated for its Edwardian design elements such as oak galleries, skylights, and William Morris artwork. This premises, built in 1912, formerly housed the antiquarian Francis Edwards bookshop and is recognized as the world’s first purpose-built bookstore. Near the entrance to the travel section, a sizeable walk-in safe was once used to secure rare books.
Branches are operated in locations including Holland Park, Cheapside, Hampstead, and Belsize Park. The company also took over the Owl Bookshop in Kentish Town, preserving its original identity. Beyond London, Daunt Books has opened Hart's Books in Saffron Walden, Essex; The Marlow Bookshop in Marlow, Buckinghamshire; and an outlet in Summertown, Oxford.
Specializing in travel literature, the stores arrange titles geographically by country, encompassing guidebooks, phrasebooks, travel narratives, historical works, and fiction. The brand is distinguished for its attentive customer care and expert staff knowledge.
Author events and discussions regularly take place at each location. Furthermore, Daunt organises an annual springtime event known as the Daunt Books Festival.
Publishing
Daunt Books initiated its publishing activities in 2010 with a new edition of Saki's Improper Stories and has since brought back numerous out-of-print works alongside new publications. The imprint emphasizes literary fiction and non-fiction, combining rediscovered classics with modern titles.
Tote bags
Around 2006, Daunt Books introduced a canvas tote bag as a complimentary gift for customers whose purchases exceeded £50. Responding to customer input, they later upgraded to larger bags with extended handles made from sturdier fabric, which became sought-after merchandise. These bags continue to be offered free with large or purchases over £80 and are available in multiple colours. Adorned with a line illustration of the Marylebone shopfront, they are manufactured in India by Re-wrap, a social enterprise that trains women to produce organic cotton goods for export.