“The bookshop opened in 1903 and is one of the world’s leading specialist oriental and African booksellers,” says owner Lesley Sheringham. “It’s a family business, and until recently three generations of the family worked here. We focus on art, architecture, travel, literature and poetry, and we get visiting scholars and students from all over the world.”

Top five sellers

• Orientalism Edward Said

• Roots of Yoga James Mallinson

• Whispers of the Beloved Rumi

• The Qur’an MAS Abdel Haleem

• Development as Freedom Amartya Sen

Five recommendations

• Robo Sapiens Japanicus Jennifer Robertson
“An interesting study of how robots influence Japanese society.”

• The Horn of Africa Christopher Clapham
“A history of why this particular region is so important and the effect it has had on the surrounding states.”

• Life Along the Silk Road Susan Whitfield
“An insightful study of the history and vast array of differing people and cultures from this ancient route.”

• Encountering China Michael Sandel
“A comparative philosophy of Chinese and western thinkers.”

• Syria Dawn Chatty
“A history and current analysis of refugees in Syria.”

Arthur Probsthain, 41 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3PE; teaandtattle.com