A trip down memory lane: Find out the story that inspired The Grandest Bookshop in the World by Amelia Mellor

Bookstores have always been a magical place filled with stories for everyone to enjoy. Edward William Cole knew that better than anyone. Cole’s Book Arcade was opened on 27 January 1883 by Edward, and became a haven for readers of all ages. Authors from all over the world came to visit it and it housed one of the biggest book collections in the world at the time.

And of course Edward William Cole wasn’t finished there. He went on to write the famous series of books, Coles Funny Picture Books, which contained many jokes, riddles, stories and poems. An instant classic.

This riddle is actually from Coles Funniest Picture Book

Without a bridle or a saddle

Across a bridge I ride a-straddle

And those I ride, by help of me,

Though almost blind are made to see.

We’ve added the answer at the bottom so check to see if your guess was correct!

Amelia Mellor was so inspired by the story of Cole, that she decided to write her very own book based on his life and his Book Arcade. The Grandest Bookshop in the World is the product of this inspiration and is everything that we could have expected. Whimsical, magical and almost nostalgic. Everyone who reads this book can find something to love and only makes going to our favourite bookstore even more of a treat.

In The Grandest Bookshop in the World, the characters have to solve various riddles. To solve this riddle below, you’ll need a copy of The Grandest Bookshop in the World, so make sure to grab the novel to get a taste of the magic!

Beginning in anguish, surrounded by care. 

You’ll find I reside in the midst of despair. 

I dwell in the mountains, the plains and the waves;

Seen never in birth, yet always in graves. 

I appear in the banquet, each party and game:

The middle of war, yet in peace just the same. 

I am found in the darkness, but not in the light;

In pairs or alone: but in crowds, out of sight. 

I’m silent in Heaven, unseen within Hell. 

Though absent in greeting, I’ll join your farewell. 

Answer to the first riddle: Glasses!