About the shop

We are the longest continuous-running radical bookshop in Britain, established in 1945 and based in London’s Kings Cross since 1959. We specialise in books, magazines, and periodicals of radical interest and progressive politics, such as feminism, pacifism, Black politics, LGBTQIA+ politics, environmental justice and anarchism. We also stock fiction, graphic novels, poetry, children’s books and more, and host events and book groups throughout the year. 

Magazines and Periodicals

We stock the largest range of radical pamphlets, newsletters, newspapers and magazines of any shop in Britain. Our ever-changing collection includes feminist, pacifist, anarchist and Marxist titles, many of which are hard to find elsewhere, and we also carry a huge range of DIY zines and small-press publications.

Bargain Basement

Deep down in the Housmans basement we have a vast, diverse, and ever-changing selection of second-hand books at the truly bargain price of £1. 

There are lots of great titles, primarily politics and fiction, but also a lot more besides. There’s always new stock coming in, so do drop in regularly to get the best of the bunch.

We also stock greeting cards and postcards, badges, radical teatowels and the iconic Lesbians & Gays Support the Miners t-shirts!

Access:

The main floor of Housmans has level access from the street. There are two steps leading to the back section of the shop, but we do have a ramp available.

Our second-hand basement and ‘Vaults’ area are located downstairs, and due to the nature of the building unfortunately there is no step free access.

There is no step-free access to the toilet.

Please get in touch if you have any questions about shop accessibility and we will do our best to help.