Whilst I really enjoyed 84 Charing Cross Road, I enjoyed The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street even more. What a wonderful description of all that is wonderful about London and whilst some of the social mores have evolved, the history (and weather) are a constant. Prior to reading these books, thought they were fiction, didn't realise they were a memoir. Whilst I new the book, I'd never heard of Helene Hanff, and I think she and the people her book attracted to her, are just wonderful. ( )

There are 90 reviews of 84 Charing Cross Roadon LT already, so not much point in saying that it is a little treasure. Everyone knows that by now!

I found this paperback in a bargain box and bought it, as I either never had a copy of my own or have mislaid it somewhere. When I got it home, I found that the publishers had sneaked in Hanff's follow-up, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street (the diary of her visit to London to launch the UK edition of 84 Charing Cross Road), as a filler to bulk the book up to the required number of pages, without troubling to mention this on the cover. It's the first time I've had the chance to read them both together, and it does add to the enjoyment. We learn a bit more about Hanff's background and the reasons for her interest in 17th and 18th century essayists and poets, and we get to share her pleasure in discovering London and teasing a few more Londoners. Joyce Grenfell puts in a cameo appearance as an early 84 Charing Cross Road fan, which is somehow fitting.

When you put this book side-by-side with the flimsiness of the recent Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society, you do begin to see the point of Hanff's dislike of "stories". What a shame she didn't take up that invitation from the Marks & Co. secretaries to go on holiday to the Channel Islands with them in 1950 and spare Mary-Anne Shaffer the trouble of writing her version! ( )

I read the Virago Modern Classics edition of '84 Charing Cross Road' which included the sequel, 'The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street'. Both volumes were a delight to read, really charming and witty. Helene is quite a character, especially in 'The Duchess'! Recommended reading for bibliophiles and Anglophiles alike. ( )

When Helene Hanff begins a post-war correspondence with a rare bookseller's shop in London, meaningful friendships result. Bittersweet and gauranteed to bring a tear to even the driest eye. ( )

I can't believe more LibraryThingers don't have this book! This is a classic, a staple for the book lover. There's an excellent film adaptation of it, too, starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins. ( )