Fingolfin's Findings XXIX: The Gaffer's Office

The recent news that the independent book chain Blackwell's with its origins right in the heart of Oxford had been sold to Waterstones (Abre numa nova janela) reminded me of one of its many quirks that only independent book publishing and bookshops seem to be able to provide: The Gaffer's Office.

It is the original office of Sir Basil Blackwell, left unchanged to this very day, that can only be reached by a "secret door" (Abre numa nova janela), so to speak. I really do not need to stress the links Tolkien had to Blackwell's (Abre numa nova janela), ranging from the publication of Goblin Feet to living in Sir Basil's home,  20, Northmoor Road. And the Gaffer's Office (my emphasis.)

Keep on reading by becoming my member here on Steady (Abre numa nova janela).

Next time you are in Oxford do look out for the Poetry Corner (Abre numa nova janela) 🥰 And if you are lucky enough to somehow visit this room, do know that the chair you sit in will be the chair J.R.R. Tolkien himself (Abre numa nova janela) has been in. Do also know that Basil Blackwell is one of the few given the Freedom of the City (Abre numa nova janela) of Oxford! 

Seriously, now that I come to think of it I might take one of those tours on the day before my birthday! Don't take my spot (Abre numa nova janela)! 

Picture credits: Keith Barnes (Abre numa nova janela) / Morris Oxford (Abre numa nova janela).

This post was originally published (Abre numa nova janela) on Mar 13, 2022.