How Christopher Moss Transformed His Passion for Books into Moss Books
Some bookstores are just shops, but others become living stories—places where books find new homes and readers discover unexpected treasures. Moss Books is one of those places.
A Passion That Became a Legacy
Before opening his bookstore, Christopher Moss spent several years working in London. But deep down, he knew his heart belonged somewhere else. Cheltenham, the place where he was born, was calling him home. During that time, he devoted himself to researching everything related to bookselling, from sourcing second-hand books to understanding the art of curation.
The idea of opening a bookshop was always in the back of his mind, but it was a conversation with his parents that gave him the final push. As Christopher recalls:
"My parents suggested, 'Why don't you do something involving books?' since they knew I liked books."
With their encouragement, his lifelong love of literature transformed into something bigger—a place where books could find new owners and where readers could experience the joy of discovery. And so, in 1992, Moss Books was born.
From Small Beginnings to a Book Haven
The store started as a small second-hand bookshop, just a few doors away from its current location. But books have a way of bringing people together, and as more and more readers walked through the doors, the shop quickly outgrew its space.
By 1997, Moss Books moved into a larger location, and in 2000, it expanded again—this time adding The Loft Cyber Café above the store, a cozy retreat where book lovers could sip coffee while flipping through their latest finds.
The café later made way for even more books, allowing Moss Books to grow into a true book lover’s haven, filled with rare finds, bestsellers, classics, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
A Treasure Trove of Books – Curated Over Decades
Christopher never wanted Moss Books to be just another bookshop. He wanted it to be a place of discovery, a space where readers could stumble upon something new every time they visited.
For over 30 years, he has carefully curated an incredible collection that reflects the vast, eclectic interests of book lovers. Whether it’s first editions, timeless literary works, or books on specialist subjects, Moss Books has always been more than just shelves lined with titles—it’s been a carefully assembled library of passions.
Among the many collections, some standouts include:
🚂 Transport – Railways, motoring, and aviation for enthusiasts
📜 History – Russian, German, British history, archaeology, and ancient civilizations
📚 World Literature – Stories from China, Japan, Italy, Spain, and beyond
📖 Fiction – Classic and modern literature, poetry, and plays
🔬 Science Fiction & Fantasy – From golden-age classics to cult favorites
🎭 Crime & Mystery – Vintage detective novels to contemporary thrillers
🎨 Art & Music – Books that celebrate creativity across centuries
🧠 Philosophy & Psychology – Deep thoughts and big ideas
And then there’s the unexpected—books on wildlife, cookery, architecture, languages, sports, politics, exploration, and everything in between.
Moss Books has always been about more than just selling books—it’s about keeping knowledge, stories, and ideas alive, waiting for the right reader to come along.
A New Home, But the Same Heart
Even the best stories have twists, and in late 2023, Moss Books faced a major change. The property it had called home for decades was reclaimed by the landlord for sale.
With little time to relocate, Christopher had to make a choice: close the doors or turn the page to something new.
And so, just a minute’s walk away, Moss Books found its new home. It’s a bit cozier, but with thoughtful reorganization, it remains just as rich in character and packed with literary gems as ever.
For longtime customers, it might feel like stepping into a familiar book with a different cover—the same warmth, the same stories, just in a fresh new space.
The Man Behind the Shelves
For those who have met Christopher Moss in person, he is not just a bookseller, but a storyteller—someone who remembers the books he’s sold, the customers who’ve walked through the doors, and the recommendations he’s made over the years.
His journey from working in London, to researching everything about bookselling, to finally opening Moss Books is a testament to his lifelong passion.
He has built Moss Books with care, dedication, and a deep love for literature, ensuring that every book that passes through his hands has a chance to find its perfect reader.
If you’ve ever had a great experience at Moss Books—whether you discovered a rare find, got a great recommendation, or simply enjoyed browsing its shelves—you’re part of the story, too.
💬 Do you have a favorite memory of Moss Books? We’d love to hear it! Share in the comments below.
#MeetTheFounder #MossBooks #BookstoreStory #SecondHandBooks #BookshopMemories
