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List of bookstores in NYC
Archive-name: books/stores/north-american/nyc
Last change:
Wed Apr 27 14:19:36 EDT 1994
Copies of this article may be obtained by anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu
under /pub/usenet/news.answers/books/stores/north-american/nyc.Z. Or, send
email to [email protected] with "send
usenet/news.answers/books/stores/north-american/nyc" in the body of the
message.
[Note 1: Boroughs other than Manhattan are listed. Further listings
are welcome. Note that my indication of cross-streets may be off by a
street or two--some I did from maps and the numbers are hard to read.]
[Note 2: I collected these comments from a variety of people. I personally
have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you
buy a book you don't enjoy. :-) Phone numbers and precise addresses can
be gotten by calling directory assistance at 212-555-1212 for Manhattan or
718-555-1212 for Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island--assuming
anyone ever reports any bookstores in the Bronx or Staten Island (or should
it be *on* Steten Island?). Call ahead for precise hours, as even when I
list them they are subject to change.]
[Note 3: I am cross-posting this to rec.arts.sf.written, but the bookstores
listed include *all* types of bookstores, so please don't tell me that a
particular store has a limited SF section unless I have specifically claimed
otherwise. All references to science fiction are abbreviated SF for ease
in electronic searching.]
============================================================================
MANHATTAN
Working south through Manhattan:
==========UPTOWN=============
Libreria Moria (628 W 207, 212-304-2197)
Spanish-language books.
National Museum of the American Indian Shop (3753 Broadway at 156th,
212-283-2420)
Part of the Smithsonian.
Judaica Emporium (3070 Broadway at 121st, 212-662-7000)
Judaica and Jewish books.
Teachers College Bookstore (1224 Amsterdam at 120th, 212-678-3992,
212-678-3920)
Children's books (first phone number) and classroom materials
and teachers' books (second phone number).
The Last Word (118th and Amsterdam).
They buy and sell used books and have some first editions, collected
works, etc. Good place to look for out of print books and
inexpensive books on subjects that you would like to know about but
don't want to spend money on. Recently renovated and reopened under
new management.
Barnard Book Forum (2955 Broadway at 116th, 212-749-5535)
A very good bookstore with many of Barnard's textbooks, plus a
generally strong selection and helpful staff. Surprising
Russian-language section in the back. Open 7 days a week.
Ideal Book Store (1125 Amsterdam at 115th, 212-662-1909)
Almost exclusively a humanities and social sciences bookstore.
"Ideal has the best philosophy collection in New York, and that
includes the Strand. They also have a very extensive collection of
Judaica. The books are used but the proprietor is a stickler for
only shelving books in the best possible condition. I recently went
looking for a biography of and primary works by Simone Weil and
Ideal had everything I needed where most places--again, including
the Strand, which I love--had very little."
Columbia Univ. Bookstore (Barnes & Noble) (2980 Broadway at 115th,
212-866-8210)
The usual Barnes & Noble selection as well as textbooks for courses
at Columbia. Higher prices than many other stores, but a very large
selection, even for B&N. The downtown store has some textbooks used
at NYU.
Papyrus Books Inc. (2915 Broadway at 114th, 212-222-3350)
A fairly large collection of left-wing books and magazines (on film,
literature, etc., as well as politics). "Papyrus Books is
absolutely great. They specialize in political philosophy, but have
a pretty good history section downstairs and carry some computer
stuff, too. Most of all, every person who works there seems
knowledgeable about books--e.g., no one asks you for an ISBN number
instead of a title or author, as is liable to happen at B&N etc.
I've even had the desk-person at Papyrus tell me that if I didn't
have the $3.50 right at that moment, I should just drop back in and
pay it later." Another says, "I'm not sure if they're worth a
special trip, but check them out if you're in the neighborhood."
Bank Street College Bookstore (610 W 112th at Broadway, 212-678-1654, FAX
212-316-7026)
Education and academic; also children's books. They take phone
orders and ship worldwide.
Black Books Plus Inc. (702 Amsterdam Ave at 96th, 212-749-9632)
African and African-American history and literature.
Paperback Discounter--Video 83 (2517 Broadway just south of 94th,
212-662-1718)
There are lots of used and otherwise discounted paperbacks, but the
collection, which is eclectic and interesting, is--by those very
attributes--not very reliable. (They also rent videotapes, and if
you look mainly at the signs in the window you'll notice an ad for
VCR repair that might distract you from the display of paperbacks in
the window.)
International Center of Photography Bookstore (1130 5th Avenue at 94th,
212-860-1767)
Photography books.
Funny Business (656 Amsterdam at 93rd, 212-799-9477)
A comic book store of unknown quality.
The Military Bookman (29 E 93rd btwn 5th & Madison Avenues, 212-348-1280)
Specializing in used military books. Their selection is excellent,
but they are usually a bit pricey. It's the sort of place that
military buffs all know about, but call only as a last resort. They
issue a catalog (about 3 times a year), and otherwise engage in mail
order. (One poster reports that they contacted him recently about a
book he had told them he was looking for at least three years ago,
so they keep track of these things.) They just started taking
credit card orders, and presumably will now do phone orders.
Kitchen Arts & Letters, Inc. (1435 Lexington Avenue at 93rd, 212-876-5550)
Quoting from their brochure: "the country's largest store devoted
completely to books on food and wine. With well over 7000 cooking
titles and access to thousands of out-of-print titles through our
free search service..." From a reader: "While the sale prices at
Jessica's Biscuit beat these peoples' full-list prices, this
probably is a good place to keep in mind for unusual and hard to
find cookery books. Sounds like a fun place to browse, in any
case..." Does credit card and phone orders. (Mon 1-6, Tue-Fri
10-6:30, Sat 11-6. Summer hours less regular; mostly closed
Saturdays in July and open only 2-3 days per week in August.)
The Corner Bookstore (1313 Madison Avenue at 93rd, 212-831-3554)
They specialize in children's books and travel books, but they also
have a film connection: not only is this the bookstore where Nick
Nolte found the "Renata Halpern" children's book in THE PRINCE OF
TIDES, it's also just one block south of the red brick
fortress/castle facade featured in THE FISHER KING.
Murder Ink (2486 Broadway btwn 92nd & 93rd, 212-362-8905, [email protected])
As you might suspect, it specializes in mysteries and has a very
good collection (as did The Mysterious Bookstore). Founded in 1972,
they have a framed letter from "Ellery Queen" wishing them well on
their opening. The store and the stock are now arranged
alphabetically for almost all books (they used to be in
subcategories, e.g., "Mysteries with Priests"). The many shelves
are labelled at the top "Mystery A-Z." There is a section of True
Crime and an alcove with out of prints. A display of new hardback
releases and one shelf of Edgar winners rounds out the categories.
"If the person I talked to is any sample, the in-store,
meet-the-customer people know mysteries."
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Shop (1071 5th Avenue btwn 88th & 89th,
212-423-3500)
Modern art.
Barnes & Noble Books (1280 Lexington north of 86th, 212-423-9900)
New "super-store" (opened 6/26/92). "The old 86th St. Barnes &
Noble has moved around the corner and has expanded into what is
certainly one of the finest bookstores in the city. A huge
bookstore with a lovely decor, desks for reading, a knowledgeable
staff, and a well-stocked (and well-laid-out) selection, this new
store is an absolute pleasure. Kudos to B&N on this one."
East West Books (568 Columbus north of 86th, 212-787-7552)
Stocks books on Buddhism, Taoism, Sufism, Indian Religions; also New
Age, self-improvement, health and healing. Cards, jewelry, audio
tapes, incense. Good-sized stock. (Also has a downtown store.)
Burlington Bookshop (1082 Madison Avenue near 82th, 212-288-7420)
Lots of current titles, art books, as well as used books. They'll
special-order anything, and will do active searches for out-of-print
titles. They often buy out estates, so you're almost always bound
to find something new each time you go in. Just a block away from
the Metropolitan Museum. Definitely worth stopping into.
Barnes & Noble Books (2289 Broadway at 82nd, 212-362-8835)
Another B&N superstore with cafe. Some neighborhood feathers were
ruffled (Shakespeare is a block away). Sun-Thu 9AM-11PM,
Fri-Sat 9AM-12M.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum Store (5th Avenue & 82nd, 212-570-3726)
They have neat art books, posters, engagement calendars, videos,
etc.
Book Store of the New York Psychoanalytic Institute (247 E 82nd btwn 3rd &
2nd Avenues, 212-772-8282)
Shakespeare & Co. (2259 Broadway at 81st, 212-580-7800, [email protected])
A good, large selection, they're good about getting in the new stuff
quickly. It has recently (Jan 93) expanded again. Sun-Sat
10AM-12M. (Also has a downtown store.)
Endicott Books (450 Columbus Avenue at 81st, 212-787-6300)
A very good selection, with salespeople who like to read
(really--this isn't all that common). A good store. Sometimes they
sponsor readings by authors.
Gryphon Bookshop (2246 Broadway btwn 80th & 81st, 212-362-0706)
They have a nice selection of used books, and will do active
searches. Enormous literature and history sections. Has charm.
The recently expanded new store is on Broadway and is new and shiny,
but the old store is around the corner (at 246 W 80th off Broadway
away from Amsterdam, on the south side of the street, one flight up)
and is dark and twisty and has a mysterious locked closet which
contains a vast trove of old L. Frank Baum hardcovers (another
poster says these bookcases are in the new store). The Gryphon is
probably one of the world centers for Wizard of Oz books. The Annex
in/near the old store supposedly sells everything there for 50% off
the marked price. "OK, but too expensive." They also have LPs.
Sun-Sat 10AM-12M.
American Museum of Natural History Book Store (in the Museum; Central
Park West at 79th, 212-769-5531)
No guarantees, but they used to have an interesting selection of
books on nature and natural history. The Hayden Planetarium
(adjacent to the Museum) has its own bookstore, specializing in
space-type stuff.
Bryn Mawr Bookshop (502 E 79th at York Ave, 212-744-7682)
One of 10 used book shops run for the benefit of scholarships for
students at Bryn Mawr College. (The others are located in Albany
(NY), Bryn Mawr (PA), Cambridge (MA), New Haven (CT), Pittsburgh
(PA), Princeton (NJ), Rochester (NY), Washington DC and White
Plains (NY).) Great bargains in used books! Most will also do
searches. Thu 12N-7PM, Fri-Sat 10:30AM-4:30PM, Sun 12N-4:30PM.
Storyland (1369 3rd Avenue at 78th, 212-517-6951)
A comparatively well-stocked toddler's and children's bookstore.
Notable for helpful staff, good young reference, science, fiction,
and classical books. It is quite clean.
Ursus Books Ltd. (981 Madison btwn 76th & 77th, 212-772-8787)
New and out-of-print art books and catalogues. "A repository of the
truly fine and the outrageously hard-to-find in books on the work of
artists (corpus). There are some few brilliant elucidations on
approaching the materia with which art is forged. The collection on
personae and period has real depth and breadth--evermore an
accomplishment for such a select vinyard, but the champagne-like
elan everywhere dripping is as rarified in its occurance as it is in
its expense." [This apparently means their art books are book art,
and their selection is a collection.] (Also has a downtown
location.)
Whitney Museum of American Art Bookstore (945 Madison Avenue btwn 74th &
75th, 212-794-0611)
Books & Co (939 Madison Avenue at 74th, 212-737-1450)
Art, literature etc. Wonderful feeling, nice place to shop.
Another good literate person's bookstore, reminiscent of Endicott.
"I've seen celebs shopping there, too (David Byrne; Kathleen
Turner)." List-priced new books, but very eclectic with a
philosophy bent. "[It] has an extraordinary philosophy section
(about 12 feet, floor to ceiling, many hardcover titles). Probably
the only place you can get both of Acquinas' Summae off the shelf.
Excellent classic section including the complete Loeb. Great
literature section with many diffuclt to find titles. I nominate it
for best bookstore in NY." Will ship worldwide.
Paraclete Book Center (146 E 74th btwn Lexington & 3rd Avenues,
212-753-4050?)
A medium-sized religious bookstore, if one's religion coincides with
the New Testament.
Asia Society Book Shop (725 Park Avenue near 72nd, 212-348-4388)
Asian history and literature.
Courtly Music (2067 Broadway btwn 71st and 72nd, suite 27 (on the second
floor--not well-labeled on the door), 800-2-RICHIE)
"The focus is on early music, and they have books, instruments,
tapes (I don't recall if they have LPs or CDs), instruction tapes
and books, and give lessons. I saw someone behind the desk wrapping
something, so it looks like they will do mail order. The staff
seemed knowledgeable, and xeroxed off a sheet for my friend of local
branches of the American Recorder Society for him to contact. All
in all a nice shop." Tue-Sat 9:45AM-5:45PM.
Applause Books (211 W 71st west of Broadway, 212-496-7511, FAX 212-721-2856)
They specialize in film and theatre; some books that can be found
nowhere else. Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun 12N-6PM.
Ex Libris (160A E 70th btwn Lexington & 3rd Avenues, 212-249-2618)
Out of print and rare 20th Century art books. Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM,
Sat 12N-5PM.
Civilized Traveler (2003 Broadway between 68th & 69th, 212-875-0306;
1072 3rd Avenue btwn 63rd & 64th, 212-758-8305)
Opened spring of 1992, it's an up-scale travel store with guidebooks
and maps as well as suitcases and a variety of gadgets and
conveniences for travelers. "Their collection isn't vast, but I'm
hoping it will build." (Also has a WTC store.)
Mary S. Rosenberg Bookstore (1841 Broadway, really on 60th a couple of
doors west of Broadway, 212-307-7733)
Large collection of German books, most standard paperback series,
and many used and new hardcover titles in literature, philosophy.
Books stacked all over, but navigable once you figure out the basic
layout.
Les Belles Lettres (the French Institute/Alliance Francaise, 22 E 60th btwn
Madison and Park, 212-838-7365)
Relatively decent selection of French books and some periodicals;
prices more reasonable than Librairie de France. They also do
special orders.
==========MIDTOWN=============
Strand (2nd Avenue bwtn 59th & 60th at the Manhattan terminal of the aerial
tramway to Roosevelt Island)
A small, good weather outdoors stall. Strand and Albion have
similar displays at the NW corner of 5th Avenue and 60th (near
Central Park entrance).
Morton Book Parlor (989 3rd Avenue at 59th, 212-421-9025)
Large selection of books on architecture and design.
Argosy (116 E 59th btwn Park & Lexington Avenues, 212-753-4455)
They are very strong in used hardcover fiction (no SF though),
particularly older things from say circa 1920, like James Branch
Cabell. They also sell old prints, Americana, antique and used
books, maps, and prints. "Some beautiful books, but the owners are
major goniffs (thieves) so you'll have to hunt for bargains." It is
about five stories high and is one of those books-stacked-up-the-
walls-to-the-ceiling places; dim, musty, dense, mysterious. You get
the feeling that you could find anything at all there if you only
looked long enough.
Fil Caravan Inc. (301 E 57th btwn 2nd & 1st Avenues, 212-421-5972)
Books on Middle Eastern culture, philosophy, etc.
J. N. Bartfield Fine Books (30 W 57th (3rd floor) btwn 5th & 6th Avenues,
212-245-8890)
This is a gallery-like place that carries mostly bound sets of
literature. "Much of what they carry looks like old versions of the
fancy-book-of-the-month club-featuring-the-great-works-of-
literature-in-genuine-hand-tooled-leather offers that are available
these days. I am not, however, an old book expert so I am not sure
if that is a bad thing. I saw an old Vergil edition for $495; this
place ain't cheap but may be worth a visit."
Rizzoli's (31 W 57th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-759-2424)
Italian bookstore chain. Probably the premier art, design, and
architecture book store in the city. Lots of fun stuff, also
foreign books and periodicals. A classy place. New books at list
prices. If you like glossy art books at full price try Rizzoli's.
Mon-Sat 9:30AM-10PM. (Also has a downtown and a WFC store)
Doubleday (724 5th Avenue at 57th, 212-397-0550)
They have access to everything, and order what's good, not just what
sells. Good store, decent selection, often good salespeople. One
of the best mystery book selections in the city outside of the
mystery specialty stores. Book-signings. At the front of the store
is a bookcase of signed books at regular prices. Mon-Sat
9:30AM-12M.
Hacker Art Books (45 West 57th Street btwn 5th & Madison Avenues,
212-688-7600)
Huge selection.
Coliseum Books (1771 Broadway at 57th, 212-581-5352)
A good stock of new books, and open until eleven or midnight. An
independent. "Coliseum is vast and carries everything that is in
somebody's mainstream; it is the only place I know, for example, to
purchase a copy of QUOTATIONS OF CHAIRMAN MAO off the shelf." (But
see below for a bookstore in Chinatown that also has it.) "Coliseum
is large, and has a wide selection. I have not found the staff to
be very helpful. I wanted to special order a book, and was told I
could only do it Mon-Fri during daytime hours. Looking through the
literature section, I found that they had nearly every single Martin
Amis book, but none by Kingsley Amis -- not even LUCKY JIM. They
have a terrific poetry section." Mon 8AM-10PM, Tue-Thu 8AM-11PM,
Fri 8AM-11:30PM, Sat 10AM-11:30PM, Sun 12N-8PM.
Village Comics/Comic Art Gallery (940 3rd Avenue btwn 56th & 57th, 212-6255)
Comics. (Also has a downtown store.)
The Mysterious Book Shop (129 W 56th btwn 6th & 7th Avenues, 212-765-0900)
Mystery books and so on. It also has its own publishing company so
they also have the latest copies of their own line of mysteries.
Book-signings by authors. Mon-Sat 11AM-7PM.
Patelson's House of Music (160 56th & 6th Avenue, just behind Carnegie Hall,
212-582-5840)
The best place in NYC for books about music. A huge selection
covering all genres. They also are NYC's most-popular source for
classical music scores. They can special-order *anything*
music-related and will ship.
Gordon's (12 E 55th btwn 5th & Madison Avenues, 212-759-7443)
Art, fashion, and foreign magazines. Mon-Fri 9AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM.
Museum of Modern Art Bookstore (in the Museum, 11 W 53rd btwn 5th & 6th
Avenues, 212-708-9874)
Good selection of books on art, and art books; great poster section;
you *don't* have to pay admission to get in. At Christmas they
expand across the street, or used to. More neat stuff.
B. Dalton (666 5th Avenue at 53nd, 212-247-1740)
Granddaddy B. Dalton which is worth stopping into if you're in the
neighborhood. It is a lot better than the usual run-of-the-mill
mall rat B. Daltons and is well-stocked, especially if you are
looking for recent releases. Also one on 8th and 6th Avenue.
Quest Book Shop (240 E 53rd btwn 3rd & 2nd Avenues, 212-758-5521)
Theosophy, mysticism, healing, tarot, astrology, etc.
Rand McNally (150 E 52nd btwn Lexington & 3rd Avenues, 212-758-5521)
Lots of national and international maps, guide books, globes.
New York Bound Bookshop (50 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-245-8503)
New York travel and history.
The Traveller's Bookstore (75 Rockefeller Plaza, 22 W 52nd; 212-664-0995,
or 1-800-755-TRAVEL, FAX 212-397-3984, [email protected])
Guides, maps, and travel-related books--picture books, language
cassettes, airplane reading, history. Also carries a complete
line of travel products such as travel irons and money belts.
Free catalog available. Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM; Sat 11AM-5PM.
Urban Center Books (457 Madison Avenue btwn 50th & 51st, 212-935-3592)
Great place for architecture/planning/urban design books.
Discount Bookshop (897 1st Avenue btwn 50th & 51st, 212-751-3839)
General.
Sky Books International Inc (48 E 50th btwn Madison & Park Avenues,
212-688-586)
Look carefully since this is a small place on the second floor.
Their specialty is in military and aviation books and magazines of
which they have a good selection. In addition to hardcover and
paperback fiction, they have a good deal of stuff on tactics,
uniforms, history, aircraft, weapons, etc. They carry a number of
magazines which will be of interest to the plane freak and/or model
builder. Prices are reasonable but not really bargains. They have
a good bulletin board for those interested in buying and selling
military paraphernalia. Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM.
Michelin Guides & Maps (610 5th Avenue near 49th, 212-581-8810)
See Librarie De France/Liberia Hispanica.
Librarie De France/Liberia Hispanica (610 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center,
a small storefront on the Promenade, near the skating rink, opposite
the Teuscher's Chocolate shop. :-) The Promenade is located off of
5th Avenue, between 49th and 50th streets, 212-581-8810). At first,
the store appears to be very small, but there is a downstairs
section with about five or six times the space as the upstairs. I
had been in the store several times before I discovered the
downstairs section. A very large selection of French novels, short
stories, non-fiction, etc. Some newspapers, magazines, and records.
They also have a reasonably large selection of dictionaries and
instruction books for other languages. Prices tend to be high,
though there are occasional sales in their basement. Staff is
usually fluent in French. Mon-Sat 10AM-6PM.
Drama Bookshop (723 7th Avenue near 49th, 212-944-0595)
Kinokuniya Bookstore (10 W 49th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-765-1461)
Japanese books, origami paper, etc. Very large and usually very
busy. Japanese tour buses stop here because of its proximity to
Rockefeller Center. A bit expensive but much better than any other
Japanese bookstore in New York. Sun-Sat 10AM-7PM.
Brentano's (597 5th Avenue btwn 48th & 49th, 212-826-2450)
Another classic bookstore.
Drama Book Shop (723 7th Avenue at 48th, second floor, 212-944-0595)
Theater, film, and performing arts.
McGraw-Hill Book Store (1221 6th Avenue at 48th in the basement of the
McGraw-Hill building., 212-512-4100)
Some say the best bet for technical books in the city, especially
computer books. Their finance section is also good. However, an
astronomer says, "The mathematics and computer sections may be
pretty good but the astronomy/earth science section verges on
pitiful." (See also Book Scientific.) All publishers. Mon-Sat
10AM-5:45PM.
Shinbato (48th & 6th Avenue, McGraw Hill Bldg)
Specializes in Japanese books and books pertaining to the Japanese.
Gotham Book Mart (41 W 47th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-719-4448)
New and used. Excellent poetry, literature, philosophy, etc.
Practically unique in the world.
British Travel Bookshop (551 5th Avenue near 46th, 212-490-5588)
United Nations Bookshop (General Assembly Building, E 45 St & First Avenue,
212-963-7680, 800-253-9646)
Has international affairs books, and UN publications. "The most
underappreciated specialty bookstore in NYC. Perhaps it is vastly
ignored because one needs to enter into the UN to greet its bevy of
bounty. This means that one must wait, often, en queue for the same
security check that is administered to all who arrive to visit the
more politically sensitive areas of the building. Even though this
line becomes visibly long, it does go rather quickly--especially at
mid-morning and earlyish mid-afternoon. This is truly a one-of-a-
kind resource in international affairs of all sorts, not only those
that are UN-sponsored. High quality works dealing with complex
international policies, economic systems, and fine basic references
are present alongside hard-to-find reports, surveys and studies
performed by the United Nations and any of its statutory affiliates.
There are some surprises, too. "
Hagstrom Map & Travel Center (57 W 43rd btwn Madison & Park Avenues,
212-398-1222)
Travel books (of course).
Zen Oriental Bookstore (521 5th Avenue at 43rd, 212-697-0840)
Japanese books on design, architecture, and life styles. Mon-Sat
10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-6PM.
New York Public Library Bookshop (5th Avenue and 42nd, 212-930-0869)
Gift books.
OAN-Oceanie Afrique Noire Books (15 W 39th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues,
212-840-5599)
New and used books on Africa and African issues, art, etc. Also
Native American books.
New York Astrology Center (545 8th Avenue btwn 38th & 39th, 212-947-3609)
A veridical association bookstore, as it is owned and managed by the
A.F.A (American Federation of Astrologers).
Museum Books (34 W 37th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-563-2770)
New and out-of-print books on applied and decorative arts. Mon-Fri
9AM-5:30PM.
Goldberg's Marine (36th or so, just east of 5th Ave)
Boating and marine.
Morgan Library Book Shop (29 E 36th btwn Madison & Park Avenues,
212-685-0008)
Museum shop.
Complete Traveller Bookstore (199 Madison Avenue at 35th, 212-685-9007)
Important collection of maps, guides and books. Very knowledgeable
staff composed largely of travel-addicts, as opposed to the younger
Rand-McNally staff. Many more travel commentary books than strict
guide books.
Macy's (34th & 7th Avenue, 212-695-4400)
Surprisingly good!
Penn Concessions Inc. (Penn Station, 34th and 7th Avenue, L.I. Concourse,
212-868-0438)
General.
Jewish Book Center of the Workmen's Circle (45 E 33rd btwn Park & Madison
Avenues, 212-889-6800 x285 or 800-922-2558)
Judaica and Jewish books in English and Yiddish.
Jim Hanley's Universe (126 W 32nd btwn 6th & 7th Avenues, 212-268-7088)
Comics. (Also has a downtown store.)
Levine Jewish Books and Judaica (5 W 30th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues,
212-695-6888)
"World's largest Judaica selection," mail orders, etc.
(I also have a listing for 58 Eldridge Street, 212-966-4460,
for them.)
Law Books Exchange Ltd. (135 W 29th btwn 6th & 7th Avenues, 212-594-4341)
Law books, one assumes.
Russia House Ltd. (253 5th Avenue btwn 28th & 29th, 212-685-1010)
Russian books, art, etc.
Pak Books (137 E 27th btwn 3rd & Lexington Avenues, 212-213-2177)
Books on Middle Eastern culture, philosophy, etc.
Arnold Joseph (1140 Broadway btwn 26th & 27th, 212-532-0019)
Railroads.
General Medical Book Company (310 E 26th btwn 2nd & 1st Avenues,
212-532-0756)
==========DOWNTOWN/VILLAGE=============
Antiquarian Book Arcade (110 W 25th, 9th floor, 212-678-6011)
"Forthcoming home to 20,000 vintage, rare & antiquarian books.
Seminars and special events." Open Tue-Sat 11AM-6PM.
Samuel French bookstore and reading room (45 W 25th btwn Broadway & 6th
Avenue, 212-206-8990)
Their ad says "1000's of play titles; out-of-print archives for
Samuel French plays; bookstore and reading room open to the public".
"I've never been there; caveat tourist." Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM.
Samuel Weiser (132 E 24th at Lexington Avenue, 212-777-6363)
Occult, astrology, New Age, Oriental literature, taror cards, etc.
"There are three advantages to Weiser's over the Magickal Childe:
more complete stock is maintained, more areas of esoterica are
covered, the place is not laden with sulphuric subtext." "Weiser's
is a serious bookstore, the best of its kind in the city (far
superior to Esoterica [or the Magickal Childe], for example.)"
They stock used books, and they have their own imprint (original
titles as well as reprints) that may be hard to find elsewhere.
Reference Book Center (175 5th Avenue near 23rd, 212-677-2160)
Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference books.
Sign of the Times Bookstore (131 W 23rd btwn 6th & 7th Avenues,
212-645-7446)
Books about sign language, etc. I assume they have a TT number, but
they don't list it in their Yellow Pages ad. Otherwise, TT users
can call through the AT&T NJ relay service (from a TT
1-800-852-7899). (I don't know if this number is valid only in NJ
or not.)
Manhattan Comics & Cards (228 W 23rd btwn 7th & 8th Avenues, 212-243-9349)
Comics.
Architecture Books (48 W 22th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-463-0750)
Architecture, I assume.
Bob Fein Books (150 5th Avenue near 22nd, 212-807-0489)
Pre-Columbian art, Western Americana, archaeology, etc.
Victor Kamkin (149 5th Avenue south of 22nd, 212-677-0776)
Russian-language bookstore. Modest size, but a wide selection of
Russian books on all subjects (some in English, too). Very good
selection of literature and reference works. Also small selection
of Russian music, artifacts, amber, samovars, etc. Employees are
very friendly and helpful, native speakers who enjoy talking about
the meaning of life as well as selling books. This is a branch of
the *enormous* home warehouse in Rockville Maryland (outside DC)
which is the major source for Russian publications in the USA,
including newspapers, magazines, journals, etc. If it's in
Russian, chances are they can get it for you here. (It's listed--
incorrectly--as "Kamkain" in the Yellow Pages.)
Magickal Childe Bookshop (35 W 19th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-242-7187)
Occult. "<revised note> ocCULT. Satanism is their specialty.
Unpleasant rumors resurface every few years. Maybe they are just
rumors. Maybe not." Someone else says, "The Childe isn't
primarily a bookstore; they stock a few books, but they offer
little more than an oppressive atmosphere." Most posters prefer
Weiser's.
Academy Bookstore (10 W 18th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-242-4848)
Small, well-kept used book store. Has strong humanities,
photography, and social science section. Also a large supply of
used CDs, especially classical and opera! Mon-Sat 9;30AM-9PM,
Sun 11AM-7PM.
Skyline Bookstore (13 W 18th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-675-4773)
Another used book store, across the street from Academy and
apparently owned by the same person. This one has a slightly
different focus than Academy.
Book-Friends Cafe (16 W 18th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-255-7407)
The store is run by Elizabeth Cymmerman. It specializes in works
between 1890 and 1940 and, in addition, serves food and drink.
There is also a list of scheduled readings posted on the door.
The collection is small but the place seems inviting. The
concentration is on biography, hardback fiction, and gracious
living.
Barnes & Noble (105 5th Avenue at 18th, 212-675-5500)
The sales annex, which is largely remaindered, used, and
discontinued books, and so on, is big. A whole store for half-price
stuff and another whole store for textbooks. I think it is less
well laid out than Coliseum, but it is also better-stocked on some
recent things and is often cheaper. The retail store across 5th
Avenue is also huge, with a great reference section. However, the
usual Barnes & Noble discount structure doesn't apply to items
purchased at the main store (105 5th Avenue). They also have a
mail order service (1 Pond Road, Rockleigh NJ 07647,
1-800-344-2464).
Books & Binding (33 W 17th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-229-0004)
A large loft-like space with many departments, including psychology,
science, computer books, sports, novels, poetry, encyclopedias,
sculpture, and art. Mon-Thu 9AM-9PM, Fri 9AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-7PM,
Sun 11AM-5PM.
Brunner/Mazel (19 Union Square West, 8th Floor, 212-924-3344)
"This is a little known and hard to find professional bookstore. It
is in a building that is part of an enclave of potentially confusing
addresses; calling for precise landmarks and orienting cues is a
good idea (finding it the second time is easy). This small
bookstore cum office space maintains the singular best collection of
books and source materials intended for use by professional
practicing psychotherapist or the full-time academic psychologist or
the graduate student doing research in personal, developmental, or
social psychological theory. If you want what this store has to
offer, there is no good alternative to be found elsewhere in NYC. "
Lectorum (137 W 14th btwn 6th & 7th Avenues, 212-929-2833)
Spanish-language bookstore. Big selection. Staff speaks Spanish
and English. Mon-Sat 9:30AM-6:15PM.
Macondo Books, Inc. (221 W 14th, 212-741-3108)
THE Spanish-language bookstore.
Viewpoint, Inc. (111 E 14th, Suite 125, 212-242-5478).
Reliable and competent at book searching.
East West Books (78 5th Avenue btwn 13th & 14th, 212-243-5994)
Stocks books on Buddhism, Taoism, Sufism, Indian Religions also New
Age, self-improvement, health and healing. Cards, jewelry, audio
tapes, incense. Good-sized stock. (Also has an uptown store.)
Books of Wonder (132 7th Avenue at 18th, 212-989-3270)
Heavenly gift to adults who like children's books. Everything from
first editions to the latest paperbacks. They do readings
periodically. Periodic newsletter they'll send to customers
announcing new books. "On Sunday mornings at eleven-thirty, Tim
Hall, the assistant manager, reads stories to neighborhood kids.
Publications include a monthly newsletter, an Oz newsletter, and a
catalogue for collectors. Books of Wonder is a Barney-free zone,
with limited parking for strollers." [-New Yorker] Open 7 days a
week. (Their Hudson Street store has closed.)
Revolution Books (13 E 16th btwn 5th Avenue & Union Square, 212-691-3345)
Huge Marxist and otherwise left-wing inventory. Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM,
Sun 12N-5PM.
Book Scientific (18 E 16th btwn 5th Avenue & Union Square, 212-206-1310)
FAX +1 212-675-4230)
Scientific and technical books; (good) selection consists of
physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and computer texts (not
books like "DOS for Dummies," but texts). Not a large place, but
small occasional gems for those who look for them. 10% discount to
faculty or university researchers, 5% discount to students. They'll
order books, and ship them worldwide. Best stock in the city of
scientific books. (But see also McGraw-Hill Book Store.) It's hard
to find on ts own, being on the second floor with a tiny sign, but
it's directly across from the large red "Revolution Books" banner.
Different Light (548 Hudson near 11th, 212-989-4850)
Gay/lesbian/bisexual bookstore with 13,000 titles. Does mail-order.
Wendell's Books, Cards and Stationery (23 8th Avenue at 12th and 302 W 12th,
212-675-6178)
Art, architecture, design, and libertarian books. Recently (6/93)
split into three stores: a magazine store, a card store, and the
book store are now about half a block from each other in the same
general vicinity. "Wendell's is the New York outlet for Laissez
Faire books, which is a big-time libertarian publisher. This is
the only place in New York to find lots of obscure libertarian,
objectivist and related books."
Biography Bookshop (400 Bleecker at 12th, 212-807-8655)
One poster says, "Nice store, but try the Strand first -- this place
is way overpriced." (Editorial note: this probably just means that
new books are in general over-priced.)
Foul Play (13 8th Avenue & 12th, 212-517-3222)
Mysteries & horror.
S F Vanni (30 W 12th btwn 5th & 6th Avenues, 212-675-6336)
Italian books.
Strand Books (828 Broadway at 12th, 212-473-1452 or 800-366-3664)
This place is huge. They specialize in reviewers' copies for
half-price, used books, and the out of print. "The Strand is one of
the world's largest bookstores, and yet the employees there, unlike
those in many smaller bookstores, really do know what is on the
shelves and can tell you immediately whether or not they have what
you are looking for:
'Do you have "The Complete Encyclopedia of Illustration,"
by...'
'By Heck. No, sorry; we don't.'
is a much better answer than :
'Uh, gee, I dunno...look around on the shelves.'"
Mon-Sat 9:30AM-9:30PM, Sun 11AM-9:30PM. (And one more thing that
makes the Strand unique--they have restrooms!) There's a much
smaller branch at the South Street Seaport, and another on Second
Avenue between E 59 and 60 (at the Manhattan terminal of the aerial
tramway to Roosevelt Island), and I've seen a mini-branch of a few
portable bookracks on Fifth Avenue along Central Park. The Strand
has a separate store for antiquarian books next to the main store
(not at ground level), accessible by escort or appointment. This
store has a good selection of original editions and valuable books.
Forbidden Planet (821 Broadway at 12th, 212-473-1756)
"The Science Fiction and Fantasy Flea Market." Books, comic books,
posters, magazines--if you're at all into this stuff, it's worth it.
(Editorial note: I prefer the Science Fiction Shop--it has a *much*
better selection of books, while FP seems too involved in marketing
peripheral stuff.) Open 7 days a week.
Russica Book and Art Shop (799 Broadway at 11th (third floor), 212-473-7480)
Russia and Russian art (in both English and Russian).
Fred Wilson Chess Books (80 E 11th btwn University Place & Broadway,
212-533-6381)
Chess books, chess sets, etc. There are, amazingly, at least two
other stores in the area devoted to chess. One is on Thompson
Street (or perhaps Sullivan), and the other is somewhere nearby.
Three Lives Book Store (154 W 10th east of 7th Avenue, 212-741-2069)
A wide variety of subject matter, but seeming to concentrate on
women authors, reissues of 1920s and 1930s books. Very interesting
place to browse.
Judith's Room (681 Washington btwn Charles & 10th, 212-727-7330)
"I found this when I was hunting for a copy of Christine de Pisan's
'Book of the City of Women' to use in a medieval philosophy class.
Not available in any university bookstore I searched, nor in B&N or
Strand. Not only did Judith's Room have the book, but the
saleswoman had read it and could discuss it, and recommend other
books by Christine, and other women of that period." It's also the
only feminist bookstore in the city. They sponsor readings.
Oscar Wilde Bookstore (15 Christopher btwn Gay & Greenwich Avenue,
212-255-8097)
Gay/lesbian/bisexual books. This is a much older store than A
Different Light, and was probably the first such in the city. (And,
yes, it really is near Gay St!)
St. Marks Bookshop (31 3rd Avenue near 9th St, 212-260-7853)
"A GREAT bookstore. Excellent selection of books for the downtown
intellectual." Though they had some financial difficulties in the
past, they are now in the black again. Smart, sometimes helpful,
staff. Recently [7/92] moved to this new location. "The new store
is decorated in the style that used to be called 'High Tech': lots
of fixtures you would expect in a factory instead of a bookstore.
The place feels more like the hold of a spaceship in a Dr. Who
episode than a bookstore. However, the selection is as good as
ever. Large selection of fiction, philosophy, art books and
magazines, small-press literary magazines, SF, etc., and they are
open until midnight, which is always a plus."
Pageant (109 E 9th near 4th Avenue, 212-674-5296)
Woody Allen shot one of the scenes in HANNAH AND HER SISTERS here.
Offbeat -- a peculiar mishmash of unexpected gems buried in the
dreck. "I recently got an absolutely mint first edition of William
Gaddis' JR here for $5 -- not the first time I've found a terrific
book in this place for next to nothing. Probably some real finds in
the incredibly disordered upstairs -- I've never had the
patience...."
St. Marks Comics (11 St. Mark's Place (8th St) btwn 2nd & 3rd Avenues,
212-598-9439)
Comics.
Book Branch East (63 E 8th btwn Mercer & Broadway, 212-260-3999)
Recent books and wide selection of art magazines. Mon-Fri
10AM-11PM, Sat 10AM-12M, Sun 12N-9PM.
B. Dalton (396 6th Avenue at 8th, 212-674-8780)
Worth stopping into if you're in the neighborhood. Well-stocked,
especially if you are looking for recent releases. Also one on 5th
Avenue & 53nd.
Esoterica (61 4th Avenue just north of Astor Place, 212-529-9808)
Large stock of books on Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, occult and New
Age. Incense, jewelry, audio tapes. "Once a good and utilitarian
store for the philosophically exotic. Nowadays, the stock is weak
and spotty and the physical store has experienced the burning of
?three thousand? too many sticks of cheap incense. " Open 7 days a
week.
Cooper Square Books (21 Astor Place, 212-533-2595)
Very large selection, non-existent staff. Better prices at Tower
Books, slightly better staff at St. Mark's Books. Open 7 days a
week.
Carl Fisher Inc. (4th Ave btwn 7th & 8th)
Music books and sheet music. "Always a fun browse."
??? (7th btwn 1st Avenue & Avenue A)
There is a bookstore (a slight walkdown from the street) on the
south side of the street, that has some great stuff and the prices
are very good. I don't know its name, or even if it has one, but
the owner is a older woman who has been in the neighborhood a long
time. She's slightly nutty, but you can always play tourist and
avoid confrontation.
Harris's Books (2nd Ave btwn 4th & 5th; no phone)
Far and away the best book table in the East Village. Has many new
and used books at excellent discounts, and is distributor for
various small presses, notably including Loompanics. He also has a
store upstairs in the building next to the table--follow the signs.
Shakespeare & Co. (716 Broadway just north of 4th, 212-529-1330,
[email protected])
A good, large selection, they're good about getting in the new stuff
quickly. Sun-Sat 10AM-12M. (Also has an uptown store.)
Tower Books (383 4th Avenue at Lafayette, 212-228-5100)
Good selection, reasonable prices, eclectic selection of magazines
and out-of-town newspapers. 30% discount for best sellers. Sun-Sat
11AM-12PM.
Untitled II Bookstore (680 Broadway at 3rd, 212-254-1360)
An excellent art bookstore with a large selection of postcards.
Posman Books (1 University Place, NE corner of Washington Square Park,
212-533-2665)
Small bookstore near NYU with liberal arts slant. Limited
selection of sale books, quite different from Barnes & Noble's or
B. Dalton's remainders. 30% off NYT best-seller hardcovers; 10% off
selected new releases.
New York University Book Center (18 Washington Place, 212-998-4661)
General and textbooks.
New York University Medical Center Bookstore (550 First Avenue, in the
basement of the Medical Sciences Building)
Specializes in (no great surprise here) medical texbooks and
paraphenalia that med students need (stethoscopes, reflex hammers,
the little flashlight gizmos for looking in ears and noses, that
sort of stuff).
New York University Computer Store (242 Greene, 212-998-4659)
General interest and some technical books. Software and hardware
generally restricted to full-time NYU University denizens.
New York University Professional Bookstore (530 LaGuardia Pl btwn Bleeker &
W 3rd, 212-998-4680)
Law/Business/Public Administration School texts and related
paraphernalia. (Replaced Law School book store.)
New York University Law Book Center (137 Macdougal, 212-998-4680)
(Replaced by New York University Professional Bookstore, above)
Mercer Street Books (Mercer & Bleeker)
Piles of used books, and (for a change) strong sections in math and
science (although one poster says this section has diminished
lately). They also have loads of used textbooks. (They used to be
called the Art of Reading.)
Village Comics (163 Bleeker btwn Thompson & Sullivan, 212-777-2770)
It has taken over the space previously occupied by the SF Shop; good
selection. (Also has a midtown store.)
Science Fiction Shop (168 Thompson btwn Houston and Bleeker, 212-473-3010,
FAX 212-475-9727)
Just (10/93) moved from their new Bleeker Street location. This
one is below ground level and is slightly larger. The best
selection of new books in town, and they have a used/half-price
shelf. Ships worldwide.
Bilingual Publications (270 Lafayette near Houston, 212-431-3500)
Center for Book Arts (626 Broadway (fifth floor) btwn Houston & Bleeker,
212-460-9768)
Limited edition art books, fine printing, sketch books and journals,
small publishers, bookbinders, fine printers.
Kolwyck-Jones Books (588 Broadway btwn Prince & Houston, Suite 905,
212-966-8698)
Art reference, out-of-print and rare, concentrating on the 20th
Century.
Rizzoli's (454 West Broadway bwtn Prince & Houston, 212-674-1616)
Italian Bookstore chain. Excellent art, design, and architecture
sections; probably the premier art book store in the city. New
books at list prices. Lots of fun stuff, also foreign books and
periodicals. "A classy place, strong on art books." "Opulent
bookstore specializing in art/architecture/design books." Has
an espresso bar. (Also has an uptown and a WFC store.) (For
out-of-towners, note that West Broadway is an entirely separate
street from Broadway, running parallel to it and about four blocks
west.)
Solomon R. Guggenheim Soho Museum (Broadway & Prince)
A good art bookstore (big surprise, right?). There's absolutely
no reason to visit Rizzoli's and not here, or vice versa. (For
out-of-towners, note that West Broadway is an entirely separate
street from Broadway, running parallel to it and about four blocks
west.) (Not listed in the 1992-1993 phone book.)
Untitled I (159 Prince west of West Broadway, 212-982-2088)
Before art postcard shops became something to franchise, there were
cramped stores like this jammed with an exquisite selection of
cards. Another branch on West Broadway is more spacious and has an
extensive art book selection, but lacks the down-home feel of the
original.
Irish Books and Graphics (580 Broadway btwn Spring & Prince, 212-274-1913)
New and used books mostly related to Irish history and culture.
Selection of Irish language (Irish Gaelic) books and periodicals.
Very pleasant place. (Moved from 90 West Broadway.)
Photographer's Place (133 Mercer btwn Spring & Prince, 212-431-9358)
Photography and art. Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
Witkin Gallery (415 West Broadway btwn Spring & Prince, 212-925-5510)
Large selection of art and photography books. (For out-of-towners,
note that West Broadway is an entirely separate street from
Broadway, running parallel to it and about four blocks west.)
Spring Street Books (169 Spring near Thompson, 212-219-3033)
Another great collection. It is not a large place, but it is filled
with wonderful books. The poetry section is quite good, for such a
small store. They also have a nice selection of magazines. The
recent fiction section is arranged alphabetically by title, rather
than by author. Mon-Thu 10AM-11PM, Fri 10AM-12M, Sat 10AM-1AM,
Sun 11AM-9PM.
Japp Rietman Bookstore (134 Spring btwn Wooster & West Broadway,
212-966-7044)
A real treasury of art and architecture books. Browsing is a
pleasure and the staff is willing to help. Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM, Sun
10AM-6PM.
Ursus Books Ltd. (374 West Broadway below Spring, 212-226-7858)
New and out-of-print art books and catalogues. (Also has an uptown
location.)
Soho Books (351 West Broadway, 1/2 block below Broome, 212-226-3395)
Opened May '92. Good assortment of used books in a wide variety of
subject areas; biography section seemed especially diverse. Worth
dropping into on your way to buy new books at Spring St. Books and
Rizzoli.
Dover Publications (180 Varick (the extension of 7th Ave below Houston),
212-255-3755)
This is what almost amounts to a Dover Books factory outlet.
Enormous range of titles of all the Dover publications, including
some slightly damaged at half price. The shop is on the 9th floor
of this office building. Open Mon-Fri 9AM - 4:30PM.
Oriental Culture Enterprises Co, Inc (13-17 Elizabeth, second floor,
212-226-8461)
"I got my five-volume SELECTIONS FROM MAO ZEDONG there. (They
have it in English, too, by the way, along with Lenin, Marx, and
others. But finding the books in English is not easy, particularly
if you don't speak Chinese.) A great selection of books, most of
which are in Chinese. They also sell things needed for Chinese
calligraphy, Chinese musical instruments, recordings of Chinese
music, Chinese-language periodicals, and many other things Chinese.
An attached art gallery sells paintings. While browsing through the
books, sit down and enjoy a cup of tea free of charge. Well worth a
visit. Two complaints: it's more expensive than it should be, and
too many of the books are damaged (by careless customers, or by
thoughtless staff?). Unquestionably the best bookstore in all of
Chinatown." Fri-Wed 10AM-7PM.
Sufi Books (West Broadway at White)
Like it says, books on Sufism.
Jim Hanley's Universe (166 Chambers near Greenwich, 212-349-2930)
Comics. (Also has a midtown store.)
Science Fiction, Mysteries, and More (140 Chambers west of West Broadway,
212-385-8798)
Opened June '92. Conveniently placed about 50 feet from a subway
stop (1239 line). They have a used/half-price shelf with a bigger
selection than that in the SF Shop. They also have readings and
signings. Details to follow as I get them. Mon-Fri 11:30AM-7PM,
Sat-Sun 2PM-6:30PM, but call ahead to check, as it sometimes does
not open at all on weekends.
Ruby's Book Sale (119 Chambers between Church & West Broadway, 212-732-8676)
Now comprised of a single storefront. The half-price used
paperbacks remain, but the dirt-cheap remainders are largely
history. Open until 6PM Mon-Sat.
New York Nautical Instrument and Service Corporation (140 West Broadway near
Worth, 212-962-4522)
I had said "Boating and marine." Someone wrote, "The description
doesn't do it justice. It's like saying F.A.O. Schwartz is a toy
store, or that Zabar's is a deli. You go to New York Nautical when
you want serious books and publications (they also have a good
selection of popular "boating and marine" books). By serious, I
mean official government charts for the whole world, textbooks
explaining how to load a container ship to maximize stability,
almanacs, tide tables, etc, etc. Most of their trade is to the
commercial shipping industry (or what's left of it)."
Computer Book Works (25 Warren between Church & Broadway, 212-385-1616)
They also run a BBS which you can access by dialing 212-385-2891
with your modem.
Strand Books (South Street Seaport, 212-809-0875)
Nowhere near as large as the one on Broadway. Sun-Sat 10AM-10PM.
Universal Law Books (225 Broadway near Barclay, 212-227-0163)
Classic Books (World Trade Center concourse, 212-466-0668)
General interest. Mon-Fri 7:30AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM.
Benjamin Books (World Trade Center concourse, 212-432-1103)
Small. General interest.
Civilized Traveler (2 World Trade Center, 212-786-3301)
Opened spring of 1992, it's an up-scale travel store with guidebooks
and maps as well as suitcases and a variety of gadgets and
conveniences for travelers. "Their collection isn't vast, but I'm
hoping it will build." (Also has two uptown stores.)
Rizzoli's (200 Vesey, World Financial Center, 212-385-1400)
Italian Bookstore chain. Excellent art, design, and architecture
sections; probably the premier art book store in the city. New
books at list prices. Lots of fun stuff, also foreign books and
periodicals. "A classy place, strong on art books." "Opulent
bookstore specializing in art/architecture/design books." (Also has
an uptown and downtown store, and they have opened up a branch in
Bloomingdale's 59th & Lexington Avinue. They also have stores in
Boston, Chicago, Costa Mesa and Williamsburg.)
Civil Service Book Shop (89 Worth at Broadway, 212-226-9506)
Civil service test preparation.
Waldenbooks (59 Broadway south of Wall St., 212-269-1139)
Very strong on finance. Reasonably strong on everything else.
U.S. Government Bookstore (Room 110, Federal Building, 26 Federal Plaza,
(212-264-3825)
"Did you know that the U.S. Government Printing Office operates 24
bookstores across the country? ...and that they have some of the
most >ahem< unusual and interesting things you'll find anywhere?"
However, someone reports, "There is now a security check on persons
entering the building. It takes about half an hour to get through
the checkpoint." (4/93)
Also, there are lots of specialty bookstores, usually around each of
the colleges and universities in the area (Columbia, NYU, St. Johns,
CUNY, and so on).
There used to be "The Bookstore Book" (subtitled "A Guide to Manhattan
Booksellers") by Robert Egan, published by Avon. It listed over 750
bookstores, categorized by type of store and subject area, with several
useful indexes. Unfortunately it was published in 1979, and is probably
somewhat out-of-date. There are rumors that someone is working on a new
version of it, though not Avon. (This list, by the way, has 181 Manhattan
bookstores as of 1/94, including all the ones listed in the Manhattan Yellow
Pages. It's hard to credit the "750" figure, unless it counted every
newstand as well.)
============================================================================
BROOKLYN
B. Dalton (Kings Plaza Mall, upper level, northwest corner)
Typical B. Mallton store. Only things that seem to be said for it
is that it is in the outer reaches of Brooklyn and is open seven
days a week.
Bookcourt (163 Court St, 718-875-3677). Excellent selection. Quick service
with orders. Good discounts.
Here's A Book Store, Inc. (1989 Coney Island Ave btwn Quentin Rd & Ave P,
718-645-6675, D or Q train to Kings Highway; F train to Kings
Highway, bus: B5, B50, B68). A friendly, interesting, general
bookstore. Has a wide selection of new and second-hand books in all
subjects. Open Mon-Thu 11AM-6PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-4:30PM, Sun
(Oct-June) 12N-4PM.
Judaica World of Crown Heights, Inc. (329 Kingston Ave, 718-604-1020). This
place has a rather extensive Jewish book selection, including
Russian/Hebrew and Spanish/Hebrew. They ship worldwide.
Luso-Brazilian Books (P.O. Box 170286, Brooklyn, NY 11217-0007, 800-727-LUSO
or 718-642-4000, FAX 718-858-0690)
Portuguese-language mail-order only bookstore. They sell books from
Portugal and Brazil; the majority are in Portuguese, but some are in
English. Call for a catalog. You can order by phone, or by
mail/FAX (using a special order form). They ship within the United
States only. Open Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM.
Merkaz Stam (309 Kingston Ave, 800-264-7705, 718-773-1120,
FAX 718-773-0090). Judaica and Jewish religious items. They will
do mail order. "The prices seem very good, and they are located
right in Crown Heights with apparently a decent reputation around
there."
Software Etc. (Kings Plaza Mall, lower level, east side)
Another Barnes & Noble thing with a good selection of computer
books.
WaldenBooks (Kings Plaza Mall, lower level, north side)
Clone of B. Dalton with a different hair color and with freckles.
One poster writes:
"I suppose that there *are* *real* bookstores here--after all Brooklyn by
iteself is the third or so most populous city in the U.S. It is just that
I have never had the pleasure of finding one. I was spoiled many years ago
by a bookstore in Huntington, Long Island called Oscar's. This was at the
time that Oscar was still running it, and it was marked by a true love of
books for their contents and themselves. Unfortunately those are qualities
rarely still found in today's world."
============================================================================
QUEENS
Astoria:
Beatrix Books & Pix (33-18 Broadway at 34th, 718-204-5775)
(N train to Broadway (Queens) station; 3 blocks east on Broadway.
G (weekdays), R trains to Steinway station; about 1 block
north on Steinway to Broadway; 6 blocks west on Broadway.)
Finally, a book store in Astoria. New and used books.
Mon 12-9, Tue-Sat 9-9, Sun 10-9. (Replaced the one in Long Island
City.)
Bayside:
Barnes & Noble (23-80 Bell Boulevard, part of the Bay Terrace Shopping
Center). Superstore. Open 9AM-11PM.
Cambria Heights:
Haitiana Publications, Inc. (224-08 Linden Blvd, 718-978-6323)
Good selection of books in French, Creole and English with special
focus on Haiti and the Francophone Caribbean. Recently (9/93) moved
from a few doors away. Also now includes Francophone African
literature section.
Forest Hills:
Barnes & Noble (107-24 71 Avenue, a.k.a Continental Avenue)
Waldenbooks (107-19 71 Avenue, a.k.a Continental Avenue, 718-261-1973)
(E, F, G (weekdays), R trains to 71st Avenue / Continental Avenue
station.) Both stores are located 1/2 block south of Queens Blvd.
Elmhurst:
Barnes & Noble (91-20 59th Avenue, 718-1785)
(G (weekdays), R trains to Woodhaven Blvd. station. This store is
difficult to spot: it's one block north of Queens Blvd, east of
the Queens Center mall, set back from the street.)
Jackson Heights:
Butala Emporium (Indo-US-Books & Journals Inc.) (37-11 74th, 718-899-5590,
FAX 718-397 0435). Located in the Asian Indian shopping center of
Jackson Heights, this shop specializes in books, magazines,
newspapers, audio tapes and musical instruments from India.
Jackson Heights Discount Book Store (77-15 37 Ave btwn 77th & 78th,
718-426-0202) (7 (local): 74 St.-Broadway; E, F, G (weekdays), R:
Roosevelt Ave.; 37 Ave is one block north of Roosevelt Ave).
Primarily used books, particularly mass market fiction. Somewhat
difficult access: about 15' high, with doubled-up shelves.
Richmond Hill:
Ideal Foreign Books (132-10 Hillside Ave, 718-297-7477)
An excellent collection of both French and Spanish books, and
reasonable prices. Primarily a supplier to United States colleges
and universities, but also will do individual orders.
============================================================================
Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | [email protected] /
[email protected]
--
Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | [email protected]
"The Internet is already an information superhighway, except that ... it is
like
driving a car through a blizzard without windshield wipers or lights, and all
of
the road signs are written upside down and backwards."--Mike Royko (not Dave
Barry!)
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