About Us

Beyond Words is a specialist retailer of photographic books.  After 12 years trading as a shop on Edinburgh’s Cockburn Street, Beyond Words now operates as a mail order/online business.

We scour the planet looking for the finest photographic titles from a wide range of publishers.  Many of our most popular books come from Nazraeli Press, Steidl, Hatje Cantz and from small publishers across the globe, especially Japan.  We have a reputation as a source for limited editions and signed copies.  We also sell a range of the best photographic remainder titles at about a third of their published price.

We offer you:

• at least 10% discount off the recommended prices of almost all titles
• a constantly updated website with the latest information on new and forthcoming titles
• a regular email newsletter.  If you would like to be added to our emailing list, please click here
• expert knowledge of photographic books and their availability
• personal customer service – you are always welcome to contact us by phone or email and we are willing to take time to help you identify the books you want or sort out any problems
• a determination to track down hard-to-find titles – if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the website, phone or email and we will do everything we can to help you find what you’re looking for
• careful inspection, handling and packing to ensure the books you buy are in the best possible condition
• cheap delivery – see Shipping for details

Please not that the website includes titles that we hold in stock and titles that we believe we can supply within a reasonable period of time.  If immediate availability is essential, please check with us before ordering. 

Beyond Words Proprietor: Neil McIlwraith