Bill Samuel is the grandson of the founder of Foyles bookstore and was long-time Vice-Chairman of the company. Samantha J Rayner captures the spirit of the enterprise when she writes “[Foyles] emphasised that trial and error was an integral part of learning what makes for success. Foyles is not just a bookshop – they have tried all sorts of enterprises to generate more revenue: sheet music, musical instruments, literary lunches, book clubs, film production and even aeroplanes!”

I met with Bill in his office at Foyles on Charing Cross Road in London some years ago to talk about the history of his family’s company. 

Update: Foyles was bought by Waterstones on September 6, 2018