 Welcome To:
The Lexicon BookshopSpecialists in Manx Books, Souvenirs & Gifts.
Founded in 1936, the Lexicon is the Isle of Man's longest established bookseller and we hold out the promise to customers who visit our shop of extraordinary discoveries within the friendly and relaxed surroundings of a traditional family owned shop.
We specialise in books, gifts and souvenirs with a local interest. Currently there are an unprecedented number of books being published covering all aspects of life past and present in the Isle of Man. In addtion, there are a wide range of DVDs, CDs, calendars, models, gifts and souvenirs.
We hope that you enjoy browsing our website and all of the items featured can be purchased online using our secure shopping cart system.
You can also follow us on Twitter @lexiconbookshop
Gura mie eu / Thankyou
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Best Selling ItemsOfficial Isle of Man TT Programme 2013 £15.00 Full colour programme of all the events that are to be held over this year's TT Festival as well as all the usual features and interviews (also includes Race Guide and Spectator Course Guide)
find out more | | Snowfall 2013 £12.00 Seven hundred homes without power. Numerous roads closed. Ferry services cancelled. Food supplies airlifted in. Gale-force easterly winds gusting up to 60mph. And then there was the snow - the worst fall for 50 years.
This was the scene on the Isle of Man in the third week of March 2013 - just a week before the start of British Summer Time.
Those hit hardest were farmers and their livestock in the west and north of the Island. For days, entire flocks of hill sheep were buried under snow drifts up to 16 feet deep. Cattle too were stranded without food and water. Thousands of animals died and with no hope of a quick thaw, livelihoods were increasingly under threat.
Yet, as this book describes and so vividly illustrates, in the face of this disaster Manx community spirit shone through.
Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Trust.
find out more | | The Isle of Man Railway Colour Photographs 1963 - 1971  £14.95 This remarkable collection of colour photographs from the 1960s spans the critical period which bridges the end of the old Isle of Man Railway Company and the new hope represented by the management of Lord Ailsa and his associates. This collection of photographs is particularly interesting and unusual because it is a surprising collection made by a young local enthusiast. Almost 50 years ago, Eric Bird, then a student resident on the Isle of Man, was actively photographing the 3' gauge system in its declining years. The image quality is very good, allowing for the age of the originals and the basic camera used initially, not least because the photographer was quite rigourous in discarding poor exposures.
He compiled a collection which is not only visually attractive but also forms a remarkable record of the IoMR at a crucial stage in its history. The collection shows all the companies then operable locomotives at work. It is especially valuable in recalling parts of the Peel and Ramsey lines, which did not survive, while the views of the south line, both under the old company and the Ailsa regime, make interesting comparisions with the railway as it can be enjoyed today.
find out more | | Isle of Man Outdoor Map £7.00 Printed on two sheets split into the North and South of the Island, this 1:25,000 (two and a half inches to one mile) map is an essential reference for walkers and mountain bikers. It shows footpaths, cycle routes and places open for public ramblage and other places of scenic interest. Well known walking routes such as Raad Ny Follan , the Millennium Way and Steam Heritage trail are all marked.
The maps are provided in a clear plastic wallet
find out more | | Three Legs Whisky Glass Set | | Archibald Knox Clock AK10 £45.00 This reproduction Archibald Knox clock is made from polished pewter with an enamelled face, has a quartz movement and runs on an AA battery (included)
find out more | | Three Legs Whisky Decanter Set | | Visions of Mann Manx Diary 2014 £12.99 This week to view diary has a full page colour photograph for each week of the year. The days of the week and months of the year are written in both English and Manx. There is also a 2013 and a 2015 year planner included.
find out more | | Steam Packet In Camera £18.00 This mostly full colour pictorial book is a compilation of photographs taken over the past 80 years and supplied by both enthusiasts and established photographers. The photographs predominantly consist of material not previously seen and each image is annotated with a caption.
find out more | | That Near Death Thing: Inside the TT: The World's Most Dangerous Race. £16.99 The Isle of Man TT is commonly seen as the world's most dangerous motorcycle race, Rick Broadbent gets behind the scenes and into the helmets of four leading racers over the course of the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He follows the riders through the numerous vicissitudes of an average season. Ian Hutchinson is as high as they come following his clean-up at the 2010 TT, a fortnight later his leg is being rebuilt after a fellow rider rode over it and Hutchinson has to plead the case for not amputating. Conor Cummins is back after battling depression following a serious injury. Guy Martin was on the same hospital ward after breaking his back, but is now a BBC TV presenter. Bridgit Dobbs is the widow of Paul, who died in the 2010 race, and talks movingly on revisiting the race for the first time since her husband's death. This book is the final word on the Isle of Man TT
find out more | | Three Legs Tankard | | Grand Prix Racer - The Manx Grand Prix  £14.99 This DVD is a warm and personal tribute to the ordinary men and women who compete on the extraordinary Isle of Man TT mountain circuit. Held annually over two weeks in late August, the Manx Grand Prix is motorcycle racing in its purest form, an event that allows racers of all ages and aspirations to face their ultimate challenge. Just taking part is a personal victory - compete here you are a Grand Prix Racer, and that can never be taken away from you.
From the arrival of the racers to the final chequered flag of the fortnight, we hear from organisers, officials, marshals, fans and , essentially, the racers to discover what the MGP is all about. Further insight is offered by mountain course specialists such as Michael Rutter, Mick Grant, Phillip McCallen, Michael Dunlop and Maria Costello.
Share the highs and lows of the "Manx" with a colourful cast of newcomers, from the disaster of failing to qualify to the triumph of completing the race, or even winning.
find out more | |
New ProductsSnowfall 2013 £12.00 Seven hundred homes without power. Numerous roads closed. Ferry services cancelled. Food supplies airlifted in. Gale-force easterly winds gusting up to 60mph. And then there was the snow - the worst fall for 50 years.
This was the scene on the Isle of Man in the third week of March 2013 - just a week before the start of British Summer Time.
Those hit hardest were farmers and their livestock in the west and north of the Island. For days, entire flocks of hill sheep were buried under snow drifts up to 16 feet deep. Cattle too were stranded without food and water. Thousands of animals died and with no hope of a quick thaw, livelihoods were increasingly under threat.
Yet, as this book describes and so vividly illustrates, in the face of this disaster Manx community spirit shone through.
Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Trust.
find out more | | Three Legs of Man Pewter Pocket Watch £25.00 This quartz movement pewter pocket displaying a Celtic surround and the Three Legs of Man has been designed especially for Lexicon Bookshop. The watch is supplied in a presentation box.
find out more | | Claasagh Volume 1 - Manx Music For Celtic Harp £12.00 Although the Isle of Man shares a Gaelic language and many other cultural influences with Scotland and Ireland, it has never had a tradition of harping. In recent year though, Manx music has been gaining a wider audience across the world and the initiative of the Manx Heritage Foundation to provide harp lessons for Manx pupils has met with enormous success.
The author has been sharing her musical talent and special teaching skills with islanders and as a result many pupils are now learning the harp. The book will provide a much needed repetoire of Manx tunes for them to play, as well as making Manx Harp Music avaialble to a wider audience.
find out more | | Three Legs of Man Stainless Steel Hip Flask £20.00 This stainless steel hip flask contains a Three Legs pewter motif on the front face and has been designed especially for Lexicon Bookshop. This item is supplied with a presentation box.
find out more | | British Airways Saab 2000 G-CDEB £148.00 This model has been handcrafted from kiln dried mahogony and handpainted by artists especially for Lexicon Bookshop. Included in the price is a solid wood and polished chrome stand.
G-CDEB is the Isle of Man based Eastern Airways Saab 2000 which is operated on behalf of British Airways between the island and London City.
find out more | | Grand Prix Racer - The Manx Grand Prix £14.99 This DVD is a warm and personal tribute to the ordinary men and women who compete on the extraordinary Isle of Man TT mountain circuit. Held annually over two weeks in late August, the Manx Grand Prix is motorcycle racing in its purest form, an event that allows racers of all ages and aspirations to face their ultimate challenge. Just taking part is a personal victory - compete here you are a Grand Prix Racer, and that can never be taken away from you.
From the arrival of the racers to the final chequered flag of the fortnight, we hear from organisers, officials, marshals, fans and , essentially, the racers to discover what the MGP is all about. Further insight is offered by mountain course specialists such as Michael Rutter, Mick Grant, Phillip McCallen, Michael Dunlop and Maria Costello.
Share the highs and lows of the "Manx" with a colourful cast of newcomers, from the disaster of failing to qualify to the triumph of completing the race, or even winning.
find out more | | Travel Lens Photographic - Return Ticket £12.00 Historic cine film from the Travel Lens Photographic Library looking back at the Isle of Man's transport heritage during the period of the 1960s and 1970s. The full colour footage is taken from 8mm standard and Super 8 format cine and includes the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Ramsey Pier, Horse Trams and Marine Drive as well as the Manx Electric, Steam and Snaefell Mountain Railways.
find out more | | A Journey on the Snaefell Mountain Railway  £14.99 A Journey on The Snaefell Mountain Railway takes you up and down the mountain in an hour. This fabulous DVD gives a glimpse of the Victorian fascination with rail systems, which expanded the tourist industry and carried millions at their peak. With five cameras mounted on board our single car tram, the journey gives a glimpse of the industrial past of the valley of the river Laxey as you make your ascent. The Laxey Wheel can be glimpsed across the valley and used to drain water from the mines which extend for some distance, and supplied lead and zinc for export. Around half way is Bungalow Station, set beside the world-famous TT motor-cycle racing course, and marks the beginning of spectacular views of the west side of the island and the Irish Sea.
A Journey on the Snaefell Mountain Railway DVD carries an interesting and informative commentary, pointing out areas of interest seen from the tram whilst explaining the history of the line. If you'd prefer to hear just the sound of the tram, the narration can be switched off. A Journey on the Snaefell Mountain Railway is a fascinating trip to the top of the Isle of Man, and is a must for any railway enthusiast.
find out more | | A Journey on the Isle of Man Steam Railway  £14.99 This DVD takes you on board engine number 4, Loch for the 56 minute journey from Douglas to Port Erin and no fewer than five cameras record all the action. From the footplate to the smoke stack view you'll see the whole trip from a better vantage point than even the driver enjoys!
The Isle of Man Steam Railway is a beautifully preserved narrow-gauge Victorian Heritage railway set in the spectacular scenery of the Manx countryside. It runs for nearly 16 miles from Douglas, the Island's capital, to Port Erin on the west coast. The line dates from 1874, and it still boasts the original engines and rolling stock which make this railway so special.
With 5 cameras to show five different angles you'll see more of what's going on, both on and off the train. It's a spectacular ride which puts you at the very heart of the action.
A Journey on The Isle of Man Steam Railway offers two soundtracks to choose from. The commentary track gives you everything - the wonderful sound of the locomotive accompanied by informative, knowledgable commentary to explain what you're seeing -and provides the historical background of the Isle of Man Steam Railway. But if you'd rather just immerse yourself in the enthralling pictures and the sound of a steam engine, turn off the commentary and you're good to go.
find out more | | A Journey on the Manx Electric Railway  £14.99 Travel on board Car 20 for a trip from Douglas to Ramsey with the Manx Electric Railway. This Victorian tram system runs through some of the most spectacular scenery on the Isle of Man, beginning at sea level on the in Douglas, and rising to 600 feet above the waves, and clinging to the edge of the cliffs at Bulgham. The entire journey takes an hour and eighteen minutes and with five cameras to capture everything that goes on, you'll get to enjoy the journey like never before.
The Manx Electric Railway was completed in 1899, and the cars and trailers that run on it are all original. The MER boasts the oldest tram car in the world still running on its original line, and over the years tens of millions have thrilled to the views it offers. There's a special feature on the trip - because of single line operation south of Ramsey, you'll see the process involved in reversing from the northbound to the southbound track to complete the last couple of miles to Ramsey.
Five High Definition cameras show five different angles, and you'll get to see more of what's going on, both on and off the tram. It's a spectacular ride which puts you at the very heart of the action. But that's not all!
A Journey on the Manx Electric Railway offers two soundtracks to choose from. The commentary track gives you everything - the wonderful sound of the tram accompanied by informative, knowledgable commentary to explain what you're seeing - and provides the historical background of the Manx Electric Railway. But if you'd rather just immerse yourself in the enthralling pictures and the sound of the tram's electric motors, turn off the commentary and you're good to go.
find out more | | Friends and Heroes £20.00 Friends and Heroes is an award winning Children's TV series that has been translated into Manx Gaelic, making it the first animated Manx programme.
It follows the adventures of two children as they fight for justice across the Roman World. As they engage in countless escapades they share the timeless stories of the Bible and learn lessons that will help them through many trials and tribulations. Each episode uses a combination of traditional hand-drawn and stunning computer generated animation to bring the stories to life.
This is a wonderful aid for children to learn the Manx language.
find out more | | Three Legs Dram Glass | | The Isle of Man Railway - 1950s Photographs £9.95 This collection of inspiring pictures from the 1950s was taken by David Odabashian during annual holiday visits.
He took photographs in a simple style and paid attention to detail, apparently aiming to document as much of the railway as he could while it was still possible, probably with modelling in mind. His interest in rolling stock, infrastructure, and details in addition to the locomotives was ahead of its time and the resulting coverage is remarkably thorough.
The pictures were taken between 1953 and 1960, and provide views that the modeller would require to build a layout with authentic featues or a particular item of rolling stock.
find out more | | Those Were The Days - Collected Images From The Isle of Man's Past £16.95 Until the 1960s, the Isle of Man, and its towns saw a relatively slow pace of change. For some, many of the pictures in this book need no introduction. Others may be surprised at how much the island has subsequently changed and how quickly. Today some of the scenes depicted are rendered unrecognizable by later re-modelling and redevelopment, indeed it is diffciult to even identify some of the locations.
This collection of photographs comes from a collection of sources including the author, Stan Basnett, Tony Wilson, the Manx Heritage Foundation and the fabulous Keig Collection
find out more | | A Detailed Account of Manx Cats £4.95 The Isle of Man's tailless cats are famous across the world, but the reason why they differ in this respect from almost all other cats is still subject to misunderstanding, coment and speculation. Did a TT motorcyclist run over a cat's tail or did Mannanan, Celtic God of the Sea and the island's traditional protector, create cats withoout tails? Or, more prosaically, is tailless the result of their heredity?
This book goes some way towards explaining the origin and folklore of these intelligent and freindly animals.
find out more | |
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