The best selection of second-hand birdwatching books I’ve come across in East Anglia is in the basement of G. David Bookseller, just off Cambridge’s Market Square. I’ve dealt with David’s for many years and would happily recommend it. The staff are knowledgeable and are helpful if you’re looking for a particular title or edition.
G. David Bookseller, 16 St Edward’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PJ.
Current opening hours and contact details
Bird books in the basement
On my last visit, there were shelves and floor stacks of ornithology books, with a particularly good showing of Helm identification guides. I saw Gulls, Thrushes and Tits, Nuthatches & Treecreepers, as well as field guides to East Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Closer to home, there were copies of The Birds of Suffolk. With a specialist guide in hand, you can turn straight to the plates and see how it treats a plumage you’ve been puzzling over.
Back upstairs, the antiquarian gallery also deals in rarer books. If you’re after a particular edition or an older illustrated work, they may be able to help.
From Cambridge Market to St Edward’s Passage
The Paris-born Gustave David began selling books on Cambridge Market in 1896. A 1930 Cambridge News account dates his first shop in St Edward’s Passage to 1906. The market stall stayed open until 1981. The shop is now run by Gustave’s great-grandson David Asplin and his business partner Neil Adams. The shop’s history · Capturing Cambridge
In May 1897, the year after he opened his stall, Cambridge University Library paid David eight shillings for a Venetian edition of the letters of Franciscus Philelphus, printed in 1498. Cambridge University Library Special Collections
G. David is a member of the Provincial Booksellers’ Fairs Association (PBFA), which lists natural history among its specialisms. The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association (ABA) has recorded the firm as a member since 1927. PBFA directory · ABA directory