An Expedition into the Stacks at Gould's

Bookshops come and go, but Gould's has stood its ground in Newtown since 1988. That's possibly because shifting the titles anywhere else would require the Army, Navy and Air Force. But the more likely key to its longevity is its second-hand book collection being not only the biggest in Australia, but also one of the most extraordinary anywhere. Forget everything primary school taught you about alphabetical order and the Dewey Decimal system. The whole point of the Gould's experience is to get lost. Whether you're looking for a specific book or simply browsing, you'll be wandering down book-lined alleys, picking your way through stacks and coming across rarities and out-of-print editions. Expect to bump shoulders with at least a few frazzled uni students.

Image: Jesse Jaco.