84 Charing Cross Road (German) Paperback – January 1, 1980

Since I started our book discussion group in September 2010, I've been responsible for choosing the books. The upcoming season, I'm trying something new; I am pairing 84 Charing Cross Road with The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society. Although 84 is non-fiction & Guernsey is fiction, they have in common that each tells its story through a series of letters. I found 84 Charing Cross Road to be charming and its author, Helene Hanff, to be witty, with a quirky sense of humor. I recommend 84 not only for the qualities I mentioned, but also because it focuses on a period (immediately after the Second World War), that often is overlooked.

The book is in Japanese (I think), although the title and author are printed in English on the dust cover. There are Kanji characters on the cover, but they were not obvious in the picture displayed in the ad. I looked again, but could find nothing in the description to indicate this was not an English language version. And to run salt on the wound, I have to pay return shipping.

Excellent book - enjoyed the fact the publisher put both of the short books (84 Charing Cross Road & the Duchess...) together in one book - it was like a continuation of the story - with a short break - perfect! The used bookseller provided a good product, as he/she described it and it came very quickly. Definitely enjoyed it - shared it with a friend - what a good deal for less than $5.

I ordered this book assuming it was written in English since the other 2 editions of this book were written in Spanish and French. I would love to take this review down if only the seller would replace the book with the English version.

I was very happy my new copy of 84 Charing Cross Road which replaced a copy I had gifted. It is a lovely classic for those of us who love a.) books, and b.) London.

Charming and unique. This provides an intimate look at several personalities by way of letters.

Great book with good an understanding of other countries after the war

I loved this book and the movie too. This is my favorite of Helene Hanff's books.

I bought the 1981 edition of the book which contains both 84 Charing Cross Road and The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street. The second book is very much a follow up to the first and they are both quick reads. I would recommend you read them together.The short collection of letters in 84 Charing Cross Road span the Atlantic and 1949 to 1969. And yet in a few words they convey so much about the characters behind the correspondence, the conditions in London and New York in the period, and the events of the day. The devil is in the detail: for example, when you realize that Frank Doel has finally started to sign off his letters with "love" rather than "yours sincerely" and only after 12 years!Hanff comes across as someone you'd love to have in your circle of friends. She's funny, warm, generous and holds nothing back. She also uses ALLCAPS brilliantly and makes the only use of the word "varlet" I've seen outside Shakespeare. However the real joy comes from the contrast between her brash, outrageous and honest writing, and Frank's reserved, measured responses which only wink with subtle humour.Although this is non-fiction, fans of historical fiction will enjoy the details the letters reveal. I learned there used to be such a thing as "Book Post" - a mail service which was cheaper if you were posting books, originally introduced to encourage self-education. Do you think we could bring this back?! I also discovered that after WWII rationing in the UK went on for far longer than I had thought, making the gift of fresh eggs or ham a cause for great celebration.If I haven't convinced you to read this yet, there are BOOKS. Beautiful, hard-to-find, second-hand books. Rare, exotic birds you've never heard of, but which Hanff makes alluring.And If you enjoy 84 Charing Cross Road you should read The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street. Another short book which is Helene Hanff's memoir of her trip to London. I love her sense of humour and observations. A couple of exemplary gems:While describing how London ambulances are quieter than those in New York she comes up with one of the best similes I have ever read:"The ambulance sirens go BlooOOP, blooOOP, like a walrus weeping under water."And I agree with this comment 100%:"Nothing infuriates me like those friendly, folksy bank ads in magazines and on TV. Every bank I ever walked into was about as folksy as a cobra."Overall: I highly recommend this book for book lovers and those who like historical writing of all kinds.

An exchange of letters between an broke American journalist, Helene Hanff, and the bookshop in London which supplies her needs. She loves classic English literature, and is thrilled to find a shop which will source and supply her 'list' of books, second hand and therefore affordable.The book is set after the Second World War, so rationing is in force. Helene sends food parcels and lively letters when she orders her books, and becomes a close and valued friend to all the staff in the shop- and their families.This is not a sentimental book, although touching at times.I have read it endless times, borrowed from libraries, and have finally bought my own copy.I will not lend it out, because I have lost previous copies this way.Read it. You will love it!

16th Oct order. I ordered this book and a dvd of 84 Charring Cross Road. Towards the end of the dvd and at a highlight of the film, the screen broke up, the sound cracked and was intermittent. I wrote a complaint about this at the time and returned the dvd and have since heard nothing. It is on my credit card a/c today as £7.99. I also do not recall asking for Amazon Prime or ticking whatever boxes that may request it. I have never used it before and ask you to please cancel it. I do not want to pay this charge on my credit card for the faulty dvd which has been returned. If I do not hear in time, I will have to pay or be charged interest. In which case I expect a refund.

Love this book and like the author love Pre-loved books, was extremely happy to add this to my collection. Service was awesome and it arrived before it's expected delivery date and was as described

Love Helene Hanff’s humour - witty and often outrageous. So glad the book also has the follow-up to the correspondence, when she actually gets to visit London. A satisfying read.