Music, Poetry & Plays Book Gifts

Every book here celebrates song, verse or the stage, chosen for the poetry lover, the music lover or the theatre-goer in your life. Long before poetry was something read silently to yourself, it was written to be spoken aloud or sung, and that shared root still shows here: song lyrics collected as poetry, verse written for the stage rather than the page. If you already know exactly which you're after, browse our full Music or Poetry & Plays collections for the complete range.

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A gift for the lover of song and story: poetry, music and the stage

“Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter.”

— John Keats, Ode on a Grecian Urn (1819)

A novel is usually read once and set aside. A favourite poem or song gets returned to and learned by heart, sometimes recited or sung from memory years after the book itself is closed.

Poetry runs deep here, from named poets like Burns, Tennyson, Keats and Longfellow to anthologies of ballads and Scottish verse. Music takes in composer biographies, opera guides and a genuine pocket of jazz history, alongside a strong run of Scottish and Highland song. Plays are here too, mostly Bernard Shaw's own work and writing about Shakespeare rather than full scripts for the stage.

Condition varies from a well-thumbed songbook to a barely-touched first edition, and each listing says which before you buy. New stock arrives in waves as we take on other people's collections, so a second look next month often turns up something that wasn't here today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of music, poetry and play books do you have as gifts?

Mostly poetry, from named poets to anthologies and ballads, alongside a strong run of music books including jazz history and Scottish song, plus a smaller selection of plays. Exactly what's in stock changes as new titles come in.

What if I don't know whether they'd prefer music, poetry or a play?

This collection pulls from across all three, not one fixed shortlist, so there's a genuine spread either way. If you'd rather they choose for themselves, a J.W.B Books gift card lets them pick their own book.

What condition are the books in?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and any wear before you buy. Condition varies from book to book, and anything worth knowing is noted in the listing.

What if they love a particular poet, composer or playwright?

If it's a name we cover in depth, start with our dedicated collections: Robert Burns Books, William Shakespeare Books or Alfred Tennyson Books. For anything more specific, try searching the subject directly using the search bar above.

Are these books meant to be read, or are some more for display?

Both. Most are genuinely good reading, but an antique bound set of "Poetical Works" or an illustrated songbook can be just as at home on a shelf as in someone's hands.

Could a music, poetry or play book gift tie into a birthday or special year?

It can, especially with something published within living memory, though matching the book to their taste usually matters more than matching the year exactly. Either way, our Book Gifts by Year page is worth a look.

Do you stock full play scripts, or mostly writing about theatre?

A mix, though writing about theatre and playwrights is more common here than full scripts for the stage. When we do have scripts, Bernard Shaw is the strongest name in stock.

Do you ship these book gifts worldwide?

Yes, worldwide, with free UK shipping on orders over £50. Older or more fragile volumes, like antique sheet music, get extra padding so they travel safely.

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