<P> While working in the bookshop, Orwell was working on the novel Keep the Aspidistra Flying (1936) and was able to draw on his experiences . Many commentators have pointed out that the bookshop in the novel bears little relationship to Booklover's Corner . </P> <P> The essay first appeared in the November 1936 issue of Fortnightly . </P> <P> Orwell describes the irritating behaviour of bookshop customers - first edition snobs, oriental students, vague minded women and "the kind of people who would be a nuisance anywhere but have special opportunities in a bookshop". The shop had various sidelines including typewriters, stamps for collectors, horoscopes and Christmas novelties (Orwell was particularly amused by an invoice for these that included the phrase "2 doz . Infant Jesus with rabbits"). However, the main sideline was the lending library, which to Orwell shed a new light on readers: "In a lending library you see people's real tastes, not their pretended ones ." </P> <P> In conclusion, Orwell says that he would not wish to be a bookseller full - time, mainly because it is a job that tends to give one a distaste for books . </P>

Summary and critical analysis of george orwell bookshop memories