Susan's Writings

Arkadia International Bookshop has been a part of Helsinki life since Ian Bourgeot opened its doors in March 2008; combining a rich variety of second-hand books with a gathering place to enjoy a show or discuss all sort of cultural topics in a friendly atmosphere.

WRITING developed between the 7th and the 4th millennium BC as the result of the desire of humans to create lasting records of the spoken word. Since then, ancient forms of books made of stone to wood, clay and wax tablets to papyrus and parchment began the book culture. It was not until the 15th century with the development of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg and his major work, the Gutenberg Bible, that the Age of the printed book started. In 1475,The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye, was the first book printed in the English language.

Arkadia’s bookshelves hold a comprehensive collection of books in English and other languages. Although most of the books are from the 20th century, the titles on the catalogue also include books dated from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Weekly free cultural evenings make of Arkadia a different and special bookshop. The events may include scholarly and book presentations, poetry and literature, plays, political debates or concerts enjoying a cup of green tea and a relaxed feeling.

The intellect and culture highly present in Helsinki, can certainly find in Arkadia the perfect place to reinforce the importance of the written word in our society. Technology and the Internet have brought to our lives e-books and audio-books which can be easily stored in our virtual library and yet, the feeling of holding a book while resting in our comfortable chair is a heart warming experience.

Arkadia Oy
International Bookshop
Pohjoinen Herperiankatu 9, Helsinki
Mon-Fri 12-20, Sat 10-18
Events : www.arkadiabookshop.fi/blog

SUSAN FOURTANÉ
HELSINKI TIMES