On Saturday (January 6), Maldon Books welcomed "The Battle of Maldon" editor, and announced news the shop will be growing. 

The visit by Peter Grybauskas was highly attended by the community, with residents queuing up inside to have their books signed.

Maldon Mayor, Cllr Andrew Lay, was also in attendance.

Peter Grybauskas edited the 2023 prose translation of "The Battle of Maldon: Together with the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth", written by J. R. R Tolkien.

 'The Battle of Maldon' dives into Maldon's Viking history, immortalising the 991 AD attack of the Vikings on the Anglo-Saxon defence force. 

Maldon Books owner Olivia Rosenthall told Maldon Nub News: "I am really excited to welcome Peter. 'The Battle of Maldon' has been our bestselling book for 2023 and I think it is a really lovely opportunity for the town. I'm pleased that so many people turned up for it.

"It is fantastic to meet the Editor of such a historical piece of work."

She adds: "We have more events coming up, but we have had a very busy Christmas so we're looking at having a busier events programme for Spring and Summer."

Maldon Books also announced on Saturday (January 6) that they will be branching into the building next door. 

In a Facebook post, the independent bookshop announced they will be expanding their offering, as well as joining forces with Blackwater Sounds to begin to offer vinyl records. 

Olivia told Nub News: "We're really pleased about the extension, and we're kind of still in shock because it's been something we've wanted to do for a long time. We love our shop so much and it's nice to be able to make it bigger and more accessible, and also incorporate vinyl into it too!

The new additional building will be accessible from both the High Street and the current shop (Photo: Maldon Books)

"It's so nice to see such support from the community and everyone who has ever come in and bought a book from us, it's always appreciated."

Renovations are set to be complete by mid-February, with a grand opening event to be announced soon after.