The story of the famous Berkelouw bookstores goes back to Rotterdam in 1812. Several generations continued and grew the business in the Netherlands. By WWII they had one of the most well know antiquarian book business in Europe. However, during the bombardment of Rotterdam in May 1940, the bookshop was destroyed including the valuable book collections. Two family members also didn’t survive the war.
Worried about the situation in Europe Isodoor Berkelouw – from the fourth generation of book seller – decided, in 1948, to move the business from the Netherlands to Australia. He set up shop at 38 King St, Sydney and conducted book auctions on a regular basis. In 1977 he opened a book shop in Berrima in the NSW Southern Highlands and this has grown into a local icon. We have spent many hours and bought many (history) books here in the second-hand book barn.
More shops have since been opened in Sydney and Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast.
Paul Budde
For the full historic overview click here
