Posts Tagged ‘Books’

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Synesthesia Garage Sale – 26th Feb, Brunswick

February 16, 2011

Not your ordinary garage sale, this is being hosted by some of Melbourne’s music luminaries:

Mark Harwood of infamous experimental record store Synaesthesia,  the Laser King himself Robin Fox and many more.  Even if you’re not in the market for bits, this curious assortment can’t help but titillate the mind and the wallet.  See you there!

see FB entry for pic of the warehouse door

 

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/event.php?eid=201467413203763

Location Warehouse in the middle of the street (see photo for entrance)

Sedgman St
Brunswick, Melbourne
More Info 1 day record fair / garage sale / gathering featuring stalls from Synaesthesia, Round & Round, Sunshine and Grease, The house of Robin Fox + various books and other oddities. Free entry, there will be a bar, dj’s etc…
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Renaissance Bookbinding – St Georges Rd, Fitzroy

January 4, 2010

On my forays from old haunt Preston to the city and back, I passed Renaissance Bookbinders on a daily basis.  The handbound books in the window and intriguing contraptions within held my curious eye on each occasion until, finally, I fashioned an occasion to step inside and enquire about what on earth this cabinet of paper curiousities really is.

As it turns out, the description is helpfully literal.  This shop binds books, using traditional and very beautiful binding methods around since the Renaissance.  They promote the art of book binding in addition to making their honest living through binding books for others.   Their paper presses and other by-hand binding contraptions are fascinating to behold.

Their official spiel is as follows:

Renaissance Bookbinding  was Established in 1981 to promote and enhance his ancient craft of bookbinding and the book arts.Specialising in fine bookbinding & conservation in historical and contemporary designs. Artists’ Books bound in Unique State and Limited Editions. Renaissance Bookbinding is located in a Edwardian shopfront located at 493 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Nth. Melbourne Victoria. The shop window has a display to public of some past and current  work commisioned by artists, designers and printmakers.We have in stock quality Leather Bound Journals, Book Boxes and Albums. Renaissance Bookbinding has unique collection of historical Bookbinding Presses from 1880, Alboin Printing Press from 1858, Vandercook proofing press 1961, Marshall and MaCkay Bristol Gold stamping presses from 1900. Large collection of Gold finishing tools, handset type, brass and foundry. Renaissance Booklbinding offers consultancy for both conservation and binding, all enquiries are welcome.

At the very least, a curious peer through the window of this intriguing establishment is essential on your next Brunswick St trawl.

Their details:

RENAISSANCE BOOKBINDING

493 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy North, VIC 3068

p: (03) 9481 8402  f: (03) 9481 8402

They don’t have a website.

thanks to:

http://meliors.blogspot.com/

for the photo.

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Allsorts Bookshop: A win for electronic music g33ks

June 6, 2009

ALLSORTS BOOKS

275 HIGH ST, NORTHCOTE, VICTORIA.
Ph: 94827930
Open 7 Days a week (12 – 6pm)

Word has reached this blog that there’s a great new secondhand book shop that has been opened by long time Clan Analogue supporter & Frostwave effects innovator Paul Perry. If you are technically minded there are heaps of books on Electronics, etc. He also has lots of books on Synthesizers and other electronic music related items. The shop just opened, so get in quick.  Alot of these books you just never find in most book shops.  If you are a Sydney person feel free to call him if you are after a particular book. He has alot of those 80′s books aimed at electronic musicians covering Midi, drum machines, sequencers, etc..

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Polyester Books – 330 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

December 30, 2008

Polyester Books – “the world’s freakiest bookstore”.  

Aaah the memories of being a wee lass and seeing my first mind-boggling dose of counter culture for the first time:  realising that not only were subjects like street art, tattooing, fetishism, the occult and alternative music things that other people were interested in, but they were taken SERIOUSLY!  And people wrote BOOKS about them!  The jolly all round squee-ness of realising that there are communities open to dissenting views and that you can be educated about them… well, let’s just say it warms the cockles of this slightly more grown up and savvy heart.  

Polyester Books is indeed a paradise for the profane, a haven for the heretical, a counter cultural cornucopia.  As their website shows, the topics you can browse through at Polyester include:  Globalisation, Freaks and Tattoos, Mind Expansion, Satanic/Witchcraft/Magick, Pop culture, True Crime and ‘Weird Shit’.  Of course, this also means you can purchase from their website too, but a visit is definitely worth your while, what  with their charismatic staff, often great music selection and the ability to leaf through some of these titles to read and see with your own eyes what in fact they’re about before shelling out your hard earned or pressuring your open minded friends for a book on the UFOs that Ate Elvis. 

The best thing about Polyester Books – they’re totally dedicated to supporting counterculture: so much so that they’ve worn 2 brushes with the law and seizures of property because the books they import are sometimes considered rather.naughty.indeed.  And that from Norwegian Black Metal to Zombie Skinheads:  they’ve really got books on absolutely everything kinda kooky at Polyester.  Including some great local and import Zines. 

The worst thing about Polyester Books:  they should be open later – I guess there’s always the interwebs, but if this were Greenwich Village they’d be open until 4am: sometimes you don’t really want to read about satanic bondage in the whitehouse until after 1am, y’know.  seriously. 

Details in their sig above. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-8pm.  

Subscribe to their mailing list through the website.

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Esoteric Bookshop – 471 Neerim Rd, Murrumbeena VIC

March 19, 2008

 

 Murrumbeena hardly counts as Melbourne: closer to outer suburbs bordering country Victoria! Nevertheless, the longstanding Esoteric Bookshop definitely rates a big Underground Melbourne mention.  Formerly housed in a tucked-away arcade in Camberwell, a couple of years ago the Esoteric Bookshop picked up its’ bedknobs and broomsticks and relocated out in Murumbeena.  A veritable stalwart of the Melbourne pagan/alternative communities, David and the Esoteric Bookshop crew have been providing everything a seeker of underground ideas could want from tarot to talismans, books of shadows to black robes, altars to agates and everything in between for at least the last ten years, perhaps longer.  

 Pagan centric, but generally encouragers of anyone with an open and seeking mind, the good people at the Esoteric Bookshop are always generous with their advice, and also offer the services of a tarot reader for the confused destiny seeker.  They also hold classes and meets in their wild and fertile back garden, offering a meeting place and the chance to learn some skills for the wanna blessed-be to the gently curious and even the coven-converts. They have an online site where one can browse the extensive book and accessory catalogues, or find out about the latest meets.

The best thing about the Esoteric Bookshop: the eclectic range of books, collectables, charms, intriguing objects and of course the bright and eclectic staff and customers one can meet in there.  

The downside: could it be any FURTHER from the city>>>>>????

Details:
The Esoteric Bookshop
471 Neerim RoadMurrumbeena  Victoria, Australia  3163Telephone : +61 3 9530 4843Email info@esotericbookshop.com.au 

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Goods sale/ good sales!

January 26, 2008

Two of Underground Melbourne’s much loved emporia are on sale! 

 This coming Monday only, Circa Vintage Clothing will be having a warehouse sale!  It lasts a very short time (3 hours) so be prompt.  The early bird catches the 40′s chiffon shirt. Or somesuch. 

 Details:

Where: upstairs, 102 Gertrude Street Fitzroy.
How to get there: enter off Young street, there’s a car park behind Circa and there you will see the door going upstairs.
When: Australia Day holiday, Monday January 28th, from 12pm to 3pm only.

What: vintage clothing from the ’20s to the ’90s – items from only $1!
Payment accepted: preferably cash, EFTPOS available for amounts over $20, Credit cards for amounts over $50.

Metropolis Bookstore, upstairs in Curtin House in the city is also on sale! I’m not sure how long for so go upstairs and grab yourself a bargain while you can!  Apparently books are up to 75% off!

 Damn January and all its enticing bargains!!! 

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Barricade Books – watch this space

January 5, 2008

 

Word on the street – and on their online site – is that beauteous bastion of regional radicalism Barricade Bookshop (website)  is soon about to open up again.

  Having spent a action packed few years upsetting enemies-of-thought in Sydney Road, Brunswick and then a stint at the fabulous Irene Warehouse, Barricade went underground, and possibly under, for over a year in 2006.   Therefore, for lovers of political books  it is quite something to rejoice that Barricade will be back, as there is no Melbourne bookshop better stocked with political philosophy and the occasional odd radical extremist pamphlet or two.  Barricade specialisies in less-covered political theories (including numerous strands of anarchism) and political zines, badges and tshirts  and is a discounter for local radio station 3cr.   

It’s a fine cause, freedom of thought, and Barricade has braved all criticism and the ravages of commercial rentals to keep bringing us their haven of multi stranded manifestos.  There’s no information so far as to exactly when, but they will certainly advertise on their website when they are about to reopen.   In the meantime, something you might not know: they’ve got an online shop  for anyone who just MUST read about politics right. now.   You can also join a politics discussion group or two through the website.

 The best thing about Barricade: well, considering the new shop hasn’t opened, it’s difficult to judge.  But, frankly, one of the best things about Barricade as an entity is its’ tenacity and continued belief in providing radical philosophies and supporting freedom of thought. 

The downside: well, they’re not open again yet, so it’s difficult to know, really!    

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Metropolis Books and Music – Swanston Street, Melbourne

January 5, 2008


Metropolis Books and Music (website here) is tucked away in Curtin House on Swanston Street in the city.  It’s just a couple of doors up from record store Collectors Corner, and is above beloved watering hole Cookie by a couple of floors.  Curtin House is becoming quite the culture-consumption nexus, what with food and drink (Cookie), burlesque and performance (The Toff in Town) and clothing, jewellery, books and music on level 3, including Metropolis. 
 
Some people might remember the days when Metropolis was in St Kilda, and for those who do the city store will need little introduction as the basic ideas behind the curation of materials on offer are the same.  For those who don’t:  Metropolis is divided into two parts: part one is a bookshop centred broadly around The Arts:  film, graphic design, music, photography, visual art, music and cult crafts.   From small colourful gifty-books about pretty nonsense  (most book shops have these, but Metropolis’ selection are prettier, odder and often locally produced) to impressive hardbacks on architecture, film directors eg Tim Burton, David Lynch, typography, photography and much more.   If you’re after a present or are a little light on the pocket, they also stock fantastic cards and postcards – eg ‘hard boiled’ crime covers on postcards, local artists work, indian kitsch and many more.  
 
In the other part of the store is Metropolis music, sourcing some truly obscure sounds.  A large experimental section includes an admirably large amount of vinyl LPs, featuring much Sun O))), industrial artists, breakcore, some field recordings and more.  New York No Wave rereleases, ambient, psychedelia and indie classics are also on offer – again many on cd – plus the occasional tshirt or other paraphernalia.  
 
Both sections sell gig tickets for numerous events, many at The Toff In Town one floor below.
 
The best thing about Metropolis:  many, many pretty things.  I particularly like the cult film section, but am impressed by the solid selection in visual art, photography, textiles… also the experimental music section which, since the closure of synaesthesia records, may be the most contemporary experimental available over the counter (new, particularly).
 
The downside: can there be a down side to great books and music?  It would be fantastic if it were open the same hours as Cookie and Toff – late night book and music browsing would be ideal.  
 
Details:
 
Metropolis Bookshop
Level 3 Curtin House
252 Swanston Street
Melbourne 3000
Australia

ph: 03 9663 2015
fax: 03 9639 0024

books@metropolisbookshop.com.au
music@metropolisbookshop.com.au

Opening hours:
Mon – Thurs: 10 – 6
Fri: 10 – 7
Sat: 10 – 6
Sun: 12 – 5
 
 
 
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The Haunted Bookshop – Mc Killop Street, Melbourne

January 3, 2008

 The Haunted Bookshop website  says “Dark and Brooding” “Occult books and Tarot since 1997″: meaning that this shop has only been around for about ten years.  Not that you’d know it when you walk inside.  The decor is every fantasy/occult/gothic lover’s dream – somewhere between a Victorian Cabinet of Curiousities,  a New Orleans Juju shop, Buffy’s ‘The Magic Box’ and Harry Potter’s ‘Flourish and Blotts’ – this place looks like your legit spooky haven of all things supernatural.  Which is spot on, really, as Drew Sinton’s bookshop definitely is a haven for all things supernatural – or at least books on them plus it’s the hub of his quite famous Melbourne Ghost Tour.  

Drew Sinton – you may have spotted him as a kookster-for-comment in Melbourne Weekly, The Age or have even seen his Ghostbusting TV series on Channel 31 ‘ Haunted Australia’. As far as odd and fascinating characters go – not to mention actual dabblers with the Forces of Darkness – he is the real deal.   He runs the Haunted Bookshop as well as all the other bits and pieces above, and has stocked it wall to musty wall with books on ghosts, witches, ufos, druids, devils and the vast parade of Creatures of the Night – vampires, werewolves, etc etc.  He also sells tarot decks and juju trinkets for those who feel like a little voodoo magic (or have read too many Anne Rice books).

  The Haunted Bookshop is pretty unique – set out in a way which plays into the romantic ideas and fancies (or, possibly, unacknowledged truths, whichever perspective you have) of a Victorian period Clairvoyant’s Den or Curioe Shoppe  you really do feel as though you’ve entered more than a retail shop but a forgotten era where mysticism and magic were the talk of the town and any moment you’d be invited to a seance or Spiritualist meet.   As for the books on display – well, if you’re after the lastest Stephen King perhaps don’t bother.  But if you’re interested in reading about the veiled world of hauntings, ufo’s, the supernatural or witches – this shop has everything including rare editions of new and antique tomes.  There are books for the casually curious which will assist you to take a quick dip into this world, plus specialist and detailed books for those who know what they’re looking for.  

The best thing about the Haunted Bookshop: atmosphere plus the Haunted Melbourne ghost tour.  Plus they have both a working website and even a Myspace!!! Wonders will never cease!
 http://www.myspace.com/drewsinton 

The downside:  it has odd opening hours, especially the early closes and limited weekend openings. Details: 15 McKILLOP STREET  MELBOURNE  AUSTRALIA 03 9670 2585    

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