The King’s English: Adventures of an Independent Bookseller Hardcover – 1 Jun. 2005 by Betsy Burton (Author)

Excellent Condiition. Betsy Burton opened The King’s English Bookstore in 1977 with then-partner Ann Berman. When Berman left in 1981, Burton ran the store alone (with the help of many excellent booksellers) until 1987 when Barbara Hoagland became a partner. In operation for twenty-seven years, The King’s English is well-known and respected in the local community as well as the community of independent bookstores nationwide. Actively involved in the community, Betsy has served on various literacy, academic, and community boards. Her store helped found the poetry series that ultimately became “The Westminster Poetry Series,” which brought many internationally known poets to Utah, and was a founding board member of “Booked: Books Behind Bars,” a program to develop literacy in the city jail. As a parent of a child with multiple disabilities, she has also spent many years serving on boards dealing with disabilities.Betsy regularly writes Book Sense blurbs; does weekly radio reviews on Utah’s local NPR station, KUER; and gives book talks and presentations for various professional and community groups. She is also the co-author and co-editor of the Inkslinger, a newsletter now nationally known in the book business. She presently serves on the American Booksellers Association Advisory Council and was awarded Bookseller of the Year by the Mountains and Plains Booksellers Association in 2001.The story of The King’s English is, on its surface, the history of a small, independent bookstore. But it is much more than that. The story is interwoven with charming anecdotes of author visits, from the inspiring to the hilarious. Among the dozens of stories, the author recounts her almost-disastrous dinner party given for Isabel Allende, the delightful visit of Sir John Mortimer, and the gossip-inducing reading by John Irving. She also offers insight into the complexities of customer relations and the trials of making it as an independent in the world of chains and superstores. And she talks frankly on subjects from the intrinsic value of poetry in society to the threat of censorship.A highlight of the book is the numerous recommended reading lists, on topics from mystery to self-help to poetry, from fiction to westerns to business to children’s. The book also includes recommended reading lists from other well-loved independent bookstores across the country.Filled with wit, passion, a lively voice, and strong opinions, The King’s English: Adventures of a Passionate Bookseller is the ultimate book lover’s book and a refreshing tale of standing up for what you believe in.

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