Opposite the rotunda where degrees are awarded at Oxford University in the UK, there is an inconspicuous bookstore: Black-well. In fact, Blackwell Books Group is one of the largest book groups in the world, and its position in academic books is even more of a leader in the industry. This century-old store in Oxford is arguably the best academic bookstore in the world. In June 1994, when US President Bill Clinton returned to his alma mater, Oxford University, he even went to this bookstore to buy books. Although the Blackwell Bookstore is small, the store is unique, with several floors above and below ground. Above the stairs, there is a simple, old banner that reads: "Best Bookshop in England". The bookshelves in the store are not high, and the number and types of books are so large that you must use signboards to find books. Take a look at the book, there are legends about dragons from all over the world, and the colorful illustrations are very attractive. In the bookstore, there is an elegant small cafe and a small corner dedicated to reading. It's only when you see the checkout counter that you realize it's a bookstore.
The Blackwell store was established in 1879. Back then, Britain was self-taught. The owner, Benjamin Blackwell, was self-taught. His main business was second-hand textbooks and other reference books. Small bookstores were popular and quickly developed. Bashir, the eldest son of Mr Blackwell, returned home to inherit the family business after graduating from Oxford University. In 1915, Bashir opened a publishing company, and he inherited his father's idea that all people should read noble books, publishing cheap and elegant books such as "Shakespeare's Tales" in single copies.
Shortly after the death of Blackwell Sr., Bashir's Science Books Department opened, and the Blackwell Company began to provide professional books to all universities and research institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States. At the same time, the company has also set up the business of finding books. Anyone who wants to find any book can check with the company. The company sends a special person to inquire about the world's major academic institutions and publishing companies, and the same manager is responsible for a customer's inquiry to the end, and the entire sales process is full of humanistic care. By the 1960s, the Blackwell Book Group had become famous in more than 100 countries and regions, supplying books to 3,500 large libraries.
Today's Blackwell Books Group has book sales, online bookstores and book publishing companies, with annual revenue of £150 million from book sales alone. Blackwell's book website is also 10 years old and is also known for professional books. Once, a German friend of mine wanted to buy a relatively rare textbook on economics, but he went to many places and couldn't find it. He checked the Blackwell website and found that there are various versions of the book in different periods, as well as related materials80 multiple.
Given the group's heritage, Blackwell's chain of bookstores is still open near universities in various cities, quiet, low-key and unassuming. Even the flagship store in Oxford maintains a small face.
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