Blackwell's
Blackwell's is a British bookseller with roots in Oxford, specialising in fiction, non-fiction, academic publications and specialist books. Its online shop covers a wide range of subjects, from literature and children's books to science, history, art, philosophy and education. Customers can also find stationery, gift books and selected music-related products.
Fiction and Popular Reading
Blackwell's stocks novels across a range of genres, including contemporary fiction, literary classics, crime, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, romance and historical fiction. Readers can also find poetry, plays, graphic novels, manga and books by new and established authors.
The non-fiction selection covers biographies, history, politics, current affairs, science, nature, psychology, philosophy, travel, cookery and many other subjects. Book recommendations, new releases and selected editions provide further options for readers looking for their next title.
Academic and Specialist Books
Academic books are an important part of Blackwell's business. Its catalogue includes university textbooks, research publications and specialist titles covering subjects such as medicine, law, engineering, economics, computing, education and the humanities.
These collections serve students, academics, researchers and professional readers. The retailer also supplies books to universities, libraries and other institutional customers.
Children's Books and Young Adult Titles
The children's selection includes picture books, early readers, illustrated stories, activity books and reading titles for different age groups. Older readers can browse young adult fiction, fantasy, graphic novels and books covering a variety of interests.
Blackwell's also stocks educational and reference books for younger readers, with titles suitable for home reading and learning.
Gifts, Stationery and Music
Gift books include illustrated editions, literary collections, books about art and design, puzzles and selected special editions. Customers can also find stationery such as notebooks, journals, pens and writing accessories.
Blackwell's has a music department offering sheet music and publications about music. Its specialist bookshops also feature subject collections and rare books, including antiquarian and collectible editions.
Bookshops, Reservations and Delivery
Blackwell's operates physical bookshops in locations across the UK, including its historic Broad Street shop in Oxford. Customers can check whether a title is available at a nearby shop and use the online reserve option where offered. Standard Click & Collect is currently unavailable, although in-stock books may be reserved online for payment and collection in store.
UK standard delivery is included in the displayed price of books, rather than charged separately at checkout. Delivery generally takes two to four business days after dispatch. Books are usually dispatched within one to three business days, depending on the availability information shown for each title. Priority delivery is currently unavailable.
Returns and Refunds
Unwanted online book orders can be returned within 21 working days of delivery. Books must be in pristine condition, in their original packaging and accompanied by the delivery note or receipt. Customers pay the cost of returning unwanted items, while the original postage cost is refunded.
Online purchases can also be returned to a Blackwell's bookshop with proof of purchase and the payment method used for the order. Damaged or faulty books should be reported to online customer services, with photographs where requested. Separate arrangements apply to institutional and business orders.
Oxford Beginnings in 1879
Blackwell's was founded on 1 January 1879, when Benjamin Henry Blackwell opened a small bookshop at 50 Broad Street in Oxford. The business initially occupied a room of around 14 feet square and served readers in the university city.
It gradually expanded into a bookselling business with shops in other UK cities and a strong academic and specialist book division. In 2022, Blackwell's was acquired by funds advised by Elliott Advisors, which also owns Waterstones. The Blackwell's name continues to operate as a distinct bookselling brand.
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