Meet Handpicked Books...

We all love a good book. And whether it's a crime thriller, classic novel, local history, cookery, vintage reprint, craft (or almost any other genre) that you enjoy, Handpicked Books are sure to have something on their shelves in Bird's Yard that will catch your eye. Here we catch up with Evelyn Risner, the owner of Handpicked Books, to ask her about her choices and selling in Bird's Yard. 

What was your inspiration to start Handpicked Books?

I was in a gallery on the south coast about 5 years ago and saw a beautiful series of art books. I got to thinking that there was nothing like this available in Sheffield, which was a shame. So, I bought some to sell myself...they were some of first books I ever sold. 

Why did you decide to sell your choice of books in Bird's Yard?

Selling with Bird's Yard appealed to me as it's an independent shop and it's a great way to support other small businesses while keeping Sheffield city centre interesting. As well as selling books at fairs, I wanted a permanent base to sell from and being right in the heart of the city it's perfect for getting a selection of unusual books to a wide audience.

A selection of books in Bird's Yard handpicked by Evelyn

How do you choose the books that end up on your shelves?

I choose books often for their illustrations, for example Shakespeare's Illustrated Verse. They bring to life the writing and also make beautiful additions to your bookshelves at home. It's also interesting to find books by local publishers, such as Remote and Undisturbed: A Brief History of the Sheffield General Cemetery.

A selection of some of the local interest books selected by Handpicked Books

Whose work and items do you like in Bird's Yard?

There are many items I like in the shop. Some of my favourites are the jewellery, in particular the vintage brooches from Galabeer and the Dog. Also, the fused glass and semi precious stone jewellery of Claudia Latini.

Some of the jewellery from Galabeer & the Dog and Claudia Latini that Evelyn admires

What's next from Handpicked Books?

Continuing to find more interesting titles to share with Bird's Yard's customers. And then there's the Persephone Book Group that I'm organising that takes place quarterly in the shop. The first evening was in March with the next one on 4th June where we'll be discussing is High Wages by Dorothy Whipple. 

You can find the books Evelyn selects on the book shelves in Bird's Yard.

If you'd like to come along to the book group please email Evelyn (bookshandpicked@gmail.com) to book a free place. 

Persephone Book Group: 19th March at Bird's Yard

One of our most popular sections in Bird's Yard is the shelves of Handpicked Books. They find and stock a whole range of interesting, unusual and beautiful books you won't find just anywhere. Some of these books are published by Persephone who specialise in forgotten classics, mainly by women writers. They're republished in the beautiful grey covers with beautiful patterned designs on the inside and on their bookmarks. And for fans of Persephone Books we're having our first book group specialising in their titles this month.

A selection of Persephone Books at Bird's Yard

The first Persephone Books group will take place in Bird's Yard on the evening of 19th March from 6pm. It's been arranged by Evelyn from Handpicked Books and will take place 4 times a year for fans of the books to discuss their favourite titles - and of course if it proves popular it could come back more often! 

 

The March group will discuss Miss Buncle's Book by DE Stevenson. Published in 1934 the novel is a lighthearted and fun story about Miss Buncle who writes a book, anonymously, about the small village she lives in. The fun starts as residents recognise themselves and try to discover just who wrote it. 

You can find a little review to give you a taste over at Books With Bunny.

If you'd like to attend the book group just let Evelyn know of your interest by emailing her at bookshandpicked@gmail.com so she can give you the details and we can work out how much space we'll need!