(Image: Edward Burne-Jones Green Summer 1868)

Idler Academy manager Mr Mash introduces our top five sellers. 

THE SUMMER IS well and truly here and what better time to sit back with a good book and while away an afternoon. Whether you are off to foreign climes or just popping to the park there are plenty of great books in the Idler book shop at the moment. Here is a list of my top 5 books to get you started, all available from our online shop or from the Academy at 81 Westbourne Park Road, London, W2.

1. London: A Travel Guide Through Time by Dr Matthew Green (Penguin) 

We have long been admirers of Dr Green’s work – his Coffeehouse talk has played to sold out houses at the Idler Academy and in our tent at Port Eliot Festival. We published his pamphlet The Lost World of the London Coffeehouse last year and if you enjoyed that then you will love his new book for Penguin. Taking us on a journey through six ages –  Shakespeare, medieval city life, plague, coffee houses, the reign of Victoria and the Blitz. His writing is insightful and clear – it will have you transported back in time breathing in the sights and sounds of London past. To order your signed first edition hard back click HERE.

2. The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy by Dr Mark Vernon (Idler Books)

After the first edition sold out in less than a day we have printed a second run of this wonderful Idler Guide by our Head of Philosophy Dr Mark Vernon. Dr Vernon’s classes in Philosophy have been running at the Idler Academy since its foundation in 2011 and they always sell out. It has been great to hear the feedback from happy customers who purchased the first edition “Dr M.Vernon is to congratulated on making an otherwise ‘difficult’ subject interesting.” Commented Idler customer David Sillwood. To pre-order your copy click HERE. 

3. Middle Class Riot by Youth (Bracketpress)

Legendary musician, producer and writer Youth has long been a friend of the Idler. We were delighted to host the recent launch for his new book Middle Class Riot at the Academy. Published by Bracketpress you won’t find this on Amazon. To secure a copy click HERE.

4. The Last Summer of the Water Strider by Tim Lott (Scribner) 

Award winning author Tim Lott’s seventh novel has been getting rave reviews since its publication earlier this month. Described by Irvine Welsh as: ‘Great storytelling and superb characterisation. Very few writers can evoke quintessential Englishness in its myriad forms like Tim Lott. I loved it.’ To order a copy click HERE.

5. Mermaids by Sophia Kingshill (Little Toller) 

Little Toller have once again produced an enchanting volume. Sophia Kingshill charts the history of a unique family tree, travelling back 3,000 years to discover the enduring myths and the vibrant folklore that continue to enchant us and ensure the mermaid’s survival. To purchase and read more click HERE.

ENDS.