Welcome to Intelligentsia, a literary sanctuary weaving together the realms of Andrew Barnes Books, Military Melbourne, and Mother Russia. Our journey commenced in July 1984 on Izett Street in Prahran, as Andrew Barnes Booksellers opened its doors. Over the years, we’ve evolved, adapting to the changing landscape of bookselling.

In 2009, recognizing the transformative power of the internet in the world of books and considering space constraints, we transitioned into a catalog and web-based business. In collaboration with Military Melbourne and Mother Russia, our comprehensive stock has grown exponentially, now exceeding 100,000 general books, 150,000 military titles, and 10,000 volumes dedicated to the rich literary history of Russia.

Our commitment transcends borders and languages. Books in French, German, and Russian are not just listed but actively sought after. Whether you’re in search of rare gems or hard-to-find titles, we’re dedicated to scouring Australia and beyond to uncover uncommon literary treasures.

Intelligentsia is more than a bookstore; it’s a curator of unique stories waiting to be discovered. With a wealth of experience since 1984, Andrew Barnes himself, along with Ludmila Barnes, brings a depth of knowledge and expertise to our collection.

As we continue to grow and adapt, we invite you to explore our site regularly. We take pride in constantly updating our listings, showcasing newly acquired titles, and revealing intriguing items from our vaults. Join us in this literary journey where every book tells a story, and every page turns into a new adventure.

And when it comes to military history, don’t miss out on Military Melbourne, an integral part of our legacy since 1985. Specializing in military, aviation, naval, and related books, Military Melbourne stands as the largest repository of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Beyond being a bookstore, Military Melbourne has played a pivotal role in the writing, production, and publishing of books detailing the Australian military experience, notably battalion histories from the two World Wars. We extend our dedication to searching for scarce and hard-to-find titles, spanning Australia and international borders.

Our strong connections with other military-oriented internet booksellers ensure that we can fulfill most requests from our valued customers. Visit our site regularly, where we consistently list and showcase newly acquired titles, along with fascinating items from the vaults.

At Intelligentsia, we invite you to be part of our literary exploration, where each book is a gateway to a world of knowledge and adventure. Thank you for being a part of our story.

– Andrew Barnes