84, Charing Cross Road (1970)

Hanff’s requests to a London bookseller are wonderfully particular about the kinds of books she wants and the editions she can afford. The affection grows out of that practical exchange, which makes older English essays and nonfiction sound like things to enjoy rather than shelves to salute. No knowledge of Lamb or Hazlitt is needed. Keep those names handy if the letters’ appetite for a well-turned sentence catches you.