Chartwell Booksellers: The Home For All Things Churchill

Chartwell Booksellers isn't exactly a hidden gem here in New York City, but its certainly a unique little shop. Currently celebrating its 30th year, the shop bills itself as the only bookshop in the world devoted to the writings of Winston Churchill.

The proprietor of the shop, Barry Singer, is also the author of Churchill Style: The Art of Being Winston Churchill. I dropped by the shop, which is only a few blocks away from my office, to pick up a signed copy. I haven't had a chance to delve too deeply into the book (although I hope to write a brief review shortly), but its worth the purchase price just to get an up close look at Churchill's monogrammed velvet slippers, made by the legendary N. Tuczek.

If you happen to be in midtown, I highly recommend visiting the shop. The atmosphere is downright cozy and offers a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan, with classical music playing softly while you peruse what must be the world's foremost collection of rare, signed editions of various works by Churchill.