Helene Hanff

Cover design by Marion Dorn It all began in 1949 with a letter enquiring about second-hand books, written by Helene Hanff in New York, and posted to a bookshop at 84 Charing Cross Road, London. As Helene's warm and witty letters gradually break down the reserve of bookseller Frank Doel, a friendship across the miles flourishes, lasting twenty years. No doubt it would have continued, but in 1969 the firm's secretary wrote to let Helene know of Frank's death. 'If you happen to pass by 84 Charing Cross Road', Helene later writes to a London-bound friend, 'kiss it for me. I owe it so much.

84 Charing Cross Road

I love inscriptions on flyleaves and notes in margins, I like the comradely sense of turning pages someone else turned, and reading passages someone long gone has called my attention to.

If you happen to pass by 84 Charing Cross Road, kiss it for me? I owe it so much…

Lauri

i go through life watching the english language being raped before me face. like miniver cheevy, i was born too late. and like miniver cheevy i cough and call it fate and go on drinking.

you see how it is, frankie, you're the only soul alive who understands me.

rain/anagha

From where I sit, London’s a lot closer than 17th Street.

84 Charing Cross Road quotes

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