In July it marks 30 years since Wordsworth Books was Established in the Western Cape by Andrew and Frieda Majoribanks. The Founding Booksellers of Wordsworth Books included a former Mayor of Cape Town, Richard Friedlander and together they were a Formidable Force of Experience, Literary Knowledge and Passion.

As a Concept it was a Departure from the Dominant Book Retailers of the time where Corporate and Impersonal Store Fronts were stocked with the same Generic Book Titles and Sweets, creating a less Community Orientated Atmosphere.

Three Wordsworth Books Stores were introduced in July 1993 with the Strategy of creating a Warm and Welcoming Feel, where the Booksellers hand sold Books by reading them. It was a Brave Venture, but the Founders were Passionate about Books and believed there was Gap in the Market for a different kind of Bookselling, a Personal Touch if you will which still Exists to this very day.

Each Store has its own Story including one where Michael Crudge, one of Wordsworth’s most convincing Booksellers of the time and Co-Founder would sit on the Counter rolling his Cigarettes and Chat with his Customers.

Wordsworth Books was and still is run very much as a Family Business, fond memories are often exchanged where Managers such as Alida, Mary and Shaheen recall the Parties held at Andrew and Frieda’s home where everyone would arrive in Fancy Dress and Experience the Warmth, Hospitality and Generosity of the Majoribanks.

Along with being the First Book Retailer to create a Community Orientated Bookstore, Wordsworth Books has innovated throughout the past 30 years. Being the First to have a Coffee Shop attached to its Waterfront Store, establishing a Travel Store and even doing a roaring Trade with Bibles, Sex Books and Bodice Rippers at their Grand West Casino Store.   

A Wonderful Quote from Alida the Gardens Centre Store: “We invented the wheel… we just didn’t know how to roll it.”

Although the Group changed hands to John O’Sullivan, Andrew and Frieda always kept their Finger on the Pulse and Managed the Group with their Team to ensure that the Core Values of Wordsworth Books never faltered. 

When Andrew, very sadly passed, John appointed Matthew O’ Sullivan who had been Living and Studying Business in London as the General Manager. With a Young, Dynamic and Involved Leader, Wordsworth Books finally knew how to keep the Wheel Rolling.

30 years later and they have kept the Warmth and Community involvement at Store Level which is due to the Loyal Customers and Authors Support of Wordsworth Books. They have Retained and Expanded their Footprint with Twelve Stores in the Western Cape, One in KwaZulu Natal and One in Pretoria. Their Competitive Online Store was Established by a Team, led by a Guru in the Industry, Martin Bekker in 2021.  

Wordsworth Books is 30 years young and will continue to offer the Exceptional Customer Service it is known for. We have and always will continue to sell books the old-fashioned way, we read them.