At the far end, a shop called the Boscombe Antique Market had a big sign in the window that said 'We Buy Anything!', which seemed an unusually generous offer, so I went inside, gobbed on the counter and barked, 'How much for that then?' I didn't, of course – it was shut – but I'd have liked to. It
In Bill Bryson's "Notes from a Small Island," the author encounters an antique shop named Boscombe Antique Market, which boasts an eyebrow-raising sign claiming, "We Buy Anything!" This bold assertion piques his interest and invites curiosity. Bryson humorously imagines himself barging in, spitting on the counter, and playfully inquiring about the price of an item, though he quickly acknowledges that the shop is actually closed at the time.
The scene captures Bryson's witty and whimsical perspective as he explores the quirks of British culture. His narrative blends humor and observation, showcasing his desire to engage with the local character and his light-hearted appreciation for the eccentricities he finds in his surroundings, all contributing to the book's charm and engaging tone.