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TV presenter and author Michael Palin has come out in support of independent bookshops, saying that they are “a way of bringing people together” and represent “the heart of community life”.
This week, the Monty Python star announced the latest volume of his diaries, Travelling to Work: Diaries 1988–1998 (Weidenfeld & Nicolson), would be promoted with his first one-man tour across the country.
At each of the 21 venues of the tour, a local bookshop will be selling signed copies of Palin’s books in the foyer of the theatre.
Palin said: “The link up is to give them [local bookshops] a little more coverage and visibility.
I think there is something that the bookshop represents which is the heart of community life,” he continued.
“Bookshops are a way of bringing people together. There is a feeling when you go into one, an idea that this is a good place to be. People talk to each other more. They take their time.
“I love bookshops because they allow you to browse much more easily than online. I love physical books, the look, the colour,” he added.
Travelling to Work will cover the period when Palin first ventured into travel presenting with “Around the World in 80 Days”. It will be released on 11th September as a £25 hardback and £12.99 e-book.