Paramount Books

Often open besides the listed hours, and given the location, easy to check. Cash only. No photos inside (see the website). Yes, it’s a bookshop. In a broken part of the city, down the side of the Arndale centre, behind the bus and tram station in the area still known as Shudehll. Shudehill looks interesting, with it’s mix of ancient pubs, security and trophy retailers, but dingy and hardly a likely or safe destination. The shop is about halfway up, end of the last block before the bus station, bus station side. Paramount is a special bookshop, I defy anyone to disagree. It’s a premier secondhand book retailer (and I’ve seen a few). Amazing stock range will redefine your idea of books to include maps, a basement full of records, old comics, James Bond annuals and more. Elegantly sorted into a shop a little narrow in places crammed with furnishings like the cabin in an ancient ship. Almost always blasting out Art music onto the street. Long as she sails.