Buying Anthony Powell Books

We're often asked where people can buy Anthony Powell books, either new or secondhand.

We do not keep a comprehensive list of book dealers, but those listed below are new and secondhand book stores which we've used, which we believe are reputable, and which provide the sort of service we like.

Unless stated, as far as we are aware these stores will mail to anywhere in the world (but check the shipping charges!), will accept online orders, and will accept payment with most widely available credit cards via a secure interface. There are, of course, many other dealers.

Shop around and know what you’re buying! The asking price of secondhand books can vary greatly between dealers and between countries, and is also highly dependent on the condition of the book. As with all things bought "sight unseen" you need to satisfy yourself as to what you are getting. Caveat emptor.

New Books and Audiobooks

It is worth noting that since its first publication, Dance has never been out of print; and at the time of writing all Powell's other fiction is also in print in the UK.

Amazon. In the UK use amazon.co.uk; in the USA, amazon.com, and in other countries your local Amazon website. Amazon UK normally list all books in print in the UK and many US titles too (and vice versa in the US). They also sell their Kindle ebook versions of most of AP's works, and the Audible audiobooks of Dance.

Waterstones. The UK's largest high street specialist bookseller, and also a mail order business at waterstones.com.

Blackwells. Originally the Oxford University bookshop, but now with outlets on many university campuses across the UK, and mail order from blackwells.co.uk. Their Oxford shop (maybe others too) also sells good secondhand books.

Don't forget your local high street bookstore! If you have one, cherish them, as far too many have gone under in the tsunami of Amazon and Waterstones. You may not get the lowest prices or delivery, but you will get friendly personal service.

Secondhand Books

If you want to hunt for secondhand or out of print copies, then where you look may depend on what you want, what condition you want it in and how much you are prepared to pay. Be aware that some secondhand book dealers are only too well aware of the price of everything – and then some! – so it does pay to shop around.

Abebooks. This is an international consolidator of the stock from thousands of used book stores worldwide, who will ship to you individually. The stock ranges from cheap paperbacks to the most expensive ever editions. In the UK use abebooks.co.uk, in the USA use abebooks.com. Each book is described as to seller, location, condition, and price. But beware because an unfiltered search will give you every available copy anywhere in the world – and that may incur high shipping costs for the unwary.

Amazon. Details as above. Amazon also sell used books; like Abebooks they take the order and forward it on to the seller. Again, watch the shipping charges.

eBay. The auction site eBay acts as a broker for businesses and individuals to sell items, either via a timed auction or first-come-first-served for a fixed price. This means that if you know what you're looking for, know how to use the system to advantage, and have some luck, you can get decent bargains – or not! On eBay you really are buying "sight unseen" and are dependent on the seller to accurately identify and catalogue what they're selling. Caveat emptor – in Spades! In the UK use ebay.co.uk; in the USA ebay.com. Again watch where the item is located, and the shipping charges.

The Book Shed. The Book Shed is an internet only book business run by a sometime AP Society member in Vermont, USA. Friendly and very knowledgeable; worth contacting for those rarer items.

Again, don't forget your local secondhand bookseller; your local, and national, auction houses; and local charity shops/thrift stores. There are still bargains to be found out there.

Disclaimer: Neither The Anthony Powell Society nor the author have any relationship with the suppliers listed here other than as a customer. The Society, its representatives, and the author take no responsibility for the suitability of any supplier, or for any arrangement made between you and any supplier. No liability is expressed or implied.

Keith Marshall, August 2025