Treadwell's

Great esoteric bookshop that also holds events, talks and lectures on a wide range of topics.
So if you are curious about paganism, wicca, the supernatural or the occult this is the place for you. Either call in or check the store website for an interesting list of events, which usually only cost a few pounds and is a great oppurtunity to explore new topics, make new friends and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
Also the store occasionally holds open days where you can enjoy cheese, wine and nibbles with the staff along with browsing the books, periodicals and small selection of craft gifts.
Enjoy!!!!

Edit 17/12/2009: After having now been to some events, and spent more time, I have to upgrade this to a five. I've seen a growing book selection in my chosen topic/s over last time, gotten to know the staff better and seen the extras on offer. It's all I could really have hoped for! Original review in full below;

So, I've been following this place for a good year or more now, but never got around til heading up - until now.

I knew a lot about the place, and had a lot of expectations/pre-biased-ness, so maybe it'll reflect here.

For those who have never heard of the place, the Treadwell's website sums it up far better than I could, so here's an excerpt;

"Treadwell's Bookshop specialises in cultural history and esoteric belief. We have lots of British history, but also the history, religion and magic of Celtic regions, Europe, the Near East, Asia, Africa Australia and the Americas.

"Yes, we are eclectic and wide-ranging! You will find a heady mixture of genres: poetry anthologies; fortune-telling guides; classic novels; grimoires, art books, folklore studies; occult texts; etiquette manuals; literary essays; almanacs; paranormal study journals; travel writing; philosophical works; antique dictionaries; tarot cards; biographies.

"And it's not just books! You will find old engravings, carved wall-plaques, wall hangings, loose incenses, hand-made soaps, ceremonial daggers (including witches' athames), wooden wands, antique candle-sticks, rock crystals and ethnic jewellery.

"Entering the shop is a step back in time: the building itself was constructed in 1710, and is listed. The interior is almost entirely original, right down to the archway sculpted with dancing fauns. The original hardwood floors are scattered with persian rugs and mismatched antique bookcases line the original plaster walls. Pride of place is given to the legendary "Browsers' Sofa" on which many a customer has spent a blissful hour."

A bit of a long excerpt, but there wasn't a single part I wanted to leave out!

It's welcoming to enter, and very laid back. The owner was sat at her computer eating an ice cream, yells of scripture from a play rehearsal downstairs could be heard over the shop music every now and again, and the amount of books all looking each as intriguing as the next takes a few seconds to come to grips with for where to head first.

I had a few particular books in mind, and so with ease was able to track down the relevant category. I was a little let down to see just how few books there were for what I was after - the shop is quite small, and truly does cover many subjects, so I can understand.

Now, I should point out, I've never been able to just 'waste time', without media. Be it music of my choice accompanied by some kind of game or work out, or a movie. Especially without chain smoking. However, I was able to pass an hour extremely quickly just browsing the books here. Under normal circumstances, as the only person actively shopping at that time, I'd have felt a little pressured or guilty, but thanks to being greeted as I entered by a sign reading something along the lines of "Browsers welcome, it's an all too lost practice", and the helpful, talkative but unpushy staff, it was a joy.

I found a seat, I browsed, I read a few too many covers and pages, and was able to select the right books for what I was after - and then struggle to pick which of the many were what I wanted most. Thankfully, the prices were neatly written just inside the cover, at below back-cover prices, so it wasn't too hard on the wallet.

After having a nice conversation with the owner on the books, an unreleased book which she showed me, and some subject matters as a whole, in which she also advised me of another nearby store that might have the other books I sought, I paid and went on my way with her directions.

The only reason I couldn't warrant a five was, due to the size, the collection of books per topic matter felt a bit limited.

This may be redeemed however, once I've attended some of their many events. For those with an interest in the esoteric, supernatural, and old religions, their website and facebook group are well worth a check. They host regular (1-2 a week, maybe?) gatherings, with generally well known names in the field, or authors on book launches.

In fact, the shop and the owner have been mentioned in a fair few books, articles and websites, even involving a radio interview I believe at one point.

You know when you think something is cool, but when you really get to know it you realise how utterly amazing it is. Come on down and take a bow Treadwells. This is an esoteric book store and so much more. The specialised selection of books in the relatively small store provide all the aspects of Pagan workings one could ever desire.

What stands Treadwells above other esoteric stores in London is the extra-curricular activities and staff. The fact that the staff at Treadwells are practising means the information you receive is in depth and current. This is vital if you are looking for moots and talks on different aspects of Paganism. The people working here also seem to thoroughly enjoy divulging their knowledge and helping you along whatever pathway you may be walking. So never be afraid to ask questions whilst browsing the exciting titles on their shelves.

Afterhours at Treadwells is a treasure trove of magical meetings, talks, rituals and meditations, some thrown by Treadwells themselves, others by external groups using the space. What I love about these meetings is the sharing of knowledge and levels of trust everyone seems to have with each other. The energy built between those present is quite beautiful. You need to ask in store or check the website to find out more.

All in all this is the ultimate shop for furthering your knowledge of the occult.

This place is speciality bookstore heaven. Their niche is the esoteric, the alternatively religious, and the cultural past and present.

Treadwell's is a great store for browsing. While they don't have enough space to contain a complete selection on every topic, what they do have is a wide range of topics with a decent selection in each. Any bookstore that has a folklore section gets an A+ in my book. I love being able to walk through a bookshop and find something interesting on every single shelf, and in this shop, that is exactly what happens, every time.

Christina, the owner is a joy, very friendly and helpful without being overbearing or leaving the customer feeling unacknowledged.

There are a few chairs and a couch to sit on and peruse until you can make up your mind which of the books that caught your eye you want, and trust me, you will want something.

What makes Treadwell's really special for me, is the lecture series they do. A few examples of what they have coming up in the next few weeks, below:

"Witch Hunts in West Africa: Ghana's Persecutions - and Responses" by Zoe Young, Documentary Film Maker

"Jung and the Occult II: Active Imagination, Overactive Imagination" by
Gary Lachman

"The Orishas in Cuba's Lukumi Tradition" by Martin Tsang (Egbado Lineage)

These are just a sliver of the things that go on at Treadwell's. and having been to a lecture, and signed up for another, I can say I was incredibly pleased with the quality and content of the lecture, and if I could afford to, I would go to every one they offer, no matter the topic.

Treadwells isn't just a bookshop; it's a community.

It stocks a carefully chosen and wide range of esoteric books, catering for those with a causal interest as well as having an impressive collection of rare and out of print texts (also available to see on their website).
The staff know their subject very well and are very good at giving advice and pointing out books to suit your needs and interests.

The shop also hosts numerous events in the evening such as lectures and book launches, and so has a loyal customer base who meet around these books and events - the shop isn't just for books but also for networking!

This makes me one of my favourite bookshops - a true independent store with a unique atmosphere.

I am online customer for Treadwells since I don't live in the UK. I have had phenomenal experience when shopping online for my books. I get my books deliver in about week which is fast since its traveling via postal from Europe to the US. The presentation of delivery is great since the books comes wrap in black tissue and their logo sticker on it. I love their personal touch in wrapping the books and note they always enclose. When it's time to buy esoteric books, I check their website first before going to another vendor. They have a great selection of books and always letting you know via their newsletter and Facebook page of new book arrivals.

In my opinion, without a shadow of a doubt the best esoteric bookshop in the world.

The staff are very knowledgable, patient and helpful.

During the evenings and at week-ends there are a wide range of lectures, guided walks and courses available at very reasonable prices. The topics covered in lectures I have personally attended include a general nintroduction to magick, the works of Mr Crowley, sigil magic and a course on herbal medicine.

There is an amazing selection of books which range from £1 upwards. They even stock rare antiquarian editions for the serious collector. There is also a wide range of mystical paraphernalia, most of which I don't know the names for.

If you would like to know more, come and talk to Christina, the proprietress, who is not only very friendly and approachable, but also extremely knowledgable and enthusiastic.She has been of great personal assistance to me in helping me to find further training and information.

I only recently discovered the shop because my friends were lecturing there and I am very glad to have done so.

This unique shop is a must-visit in London, even if you have no interest in magic, weird-sh** or the occult! Browsing the various esoteric subjects documented on the shelves, it's easy to feel like you've wondered into a real-life Harry Potter world, and the friendly staff really know their stuff, too.
Treadwells also offer Tarot readings, and host plenty of events for anyone with a passing interest to full-on witch or wizard stripes. Check it out.

Treadwell's is a very pleasant bookshop to have a browse in. If you're interested in Esoteric, Wicca, Paganism and Freemasonry, then Treadwell's Bookshop is probably, one of the best bookshops in London to go for.

Lovely bookstore and pagan information bureau ;) They offer candles, oils, incense and of course books. There is a small jewellery collection to choose from and they offer readings as well. It is a gem for London and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommended to stop in.