Mary James worked for 15 years for Bernard Quaritch as an antiquarian bookseller specializing in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century English literature.  With her husband she now runs the Aldeburgh Bookshop, twice shortlisted for the Best Independent Bookshop.  She is the founder and director of the Aldeburgh Literary Festival. 
Favourite books: Mrs Jordan''s Profession by Claire Tomalin.  Favourite authors include nineteenth-century novelists, particularly Jane Austen and Anthony Trollope.