Oxford University Press

Nice to have seen it, but nothing special. When you aren’t there for a certain book, it’s hard to find one. And just because it is Oxford University Press, it doesn’t make the books any more interesting. Still a really cool idea of a university having their own personal book store.

Oxford University Press is famous the world over for producing good quality academic books, journals and reference articles. This shop is just a sample of the huge range you can find on the internet, but it’s really nice to be able to flick through the pages and physically hold the books, especially considering the obscurity of some of the topics.
There are academic books on arts and science subjects, with some catering for people who really know their stuff, and others serving as great introductions for people who want to know more but in a more casual way.
I love the ‘Very Short Introduction’ series, which explains things ranging from dinosaurs to Nietzsche to particle physics all in easily digestible but non-​patronising form, and all at an affordable price. It makes me feel pretty smart having them lying around the house, and I now don’t feel completely lost at dinner conversations when someone mentions Postcolonialism or Classical Mythology.
Aside from this, there really is a huge range of books, including resources for teachers and textbooks for child and adult learners, as well as the usual stock of reference books like the infamous Oxford dictionary.
The prices are what you’d expect from an academic shop stocking its own products and they have sales on every now and again. The staff are friendly and know their stuff.
Pop in, treat yourself, and learn about something new. A book will last a lot longer than a TV programme, although it may be equally addictive!