Joburg is a city rich with cultural, political and economic history. However, unbeknown to the masses is Joburg’s position as a literary hub – a melting pot of great books, authors and the people who sell them.
The Johannesburg Literary District Tour is one of many initiatives that seeks to highlight the inner-city’s literary background. The tour was part of this year’s #JoziWalks programme and saw Bridge Books’ Griffin Shea take walkers on an exploration of the City’s literary district between Fox and Albertina Sisulu streets.
“We’re walking to talk about the literary district which is a new project we’re doing with the Johannesburg Development Agency to highlight all of the book activities in the City. So, what we’re doing is showing people what’s already going on and what we can do to make the neighbourhood even better,” Griffin said.
First on the tour’s itinerary was a visit to the Rand Club which houses James Findlay Collectable Books and Antique Maps. The collectables store sees James Findlay bring over 21 years of collection experience. The writer and book dealer said he specialises in manuscript letters, rare Africana, first editions, apartheid posters, banned political posters and pamphlets which make up the basement space which has been transformed into a book shop and gallery.
“I specialise in things on paper, I’ve got posters, collectable posters, engravings, lithographs and maps that are a few hundred years old. We’ve got some books as well and everything has got a story,” James said.
With other notable stops that include the Pedestrian Market on Joubert Street and the City Library, Griffin said the tour was ideal for anyone who had a burning desire to find out about the history of Joburg as it packed an insightful look at the City’s literary history – from established book dealers to informal traders and hidden gems.
