From krshnbtt@acf2.NYU.EDU Tue Sep 19 10:36:28 1995 Date: Mon, 18 Sep 95 12:22:00 -0400 From: krshnbtt To: krshnbtt@acf2.NYU.EDU Subject: books.stores.north-american.nyc.html Oxford University Libraries Automation Service WWW Server _________________________________________________________________ Subject: Bookstores in New York City (NYC) List (rec.arts.books) (FAQ) Newsgroups: [1]rec.arts.books , [2]rec.arts.sf.written , [3]ny.general , [4]nyc.general , [5]nj.general , [6]rec.answers , [7]news.answers Archive-name: books/stores/north-american/nyc Date last changed: Thu May 4 17:19:29 EDT 1995 Additions: The Judaica Experience (208-10 W 72nd, phone/FAX 212-724-2424) Chelsea Books and Records (111 W 17 at 6th, 212-645-4340) Lorraine Wilbur's Gramercy Book Shop (22 E 17th, Room 1625) Richard Stoddard (18 E 16th at 5th Ave, 212-645-9576.) Reborn Books (238 E 14 at 2nd, 212-529-7370) University Place Bookshop (821 Broadway, 9th Floor, 212-254-5998) Bookleaves (304 W 4th at Bank, 212-924-5638) Avery Book Stores (308 Livingstone, 718-858-3606) Binkin's Book Center (54 Willoughby, 718-855-7813) Comic Plus (326 Seventh Ave, Brooklyn) Community Book Store of Park Slope (143 7th Ave, Brooklyn) The Scouting Party (349 Seventh Ave, Brooklyn) Changes: Mary S. Rosenberg Bookstore (1841 Broadway, 212-307-7733) Coliseum Books (1771 Broadway at 57th, 212-581-5352) Brentano's (597 5th Ave btwn 48th & 49th, 212-826-2450) Macy's (34th & 7th Ave, 212-695-4400) Tompkins Square Books (111 E 7th at Avenue A, 212-979-8958) Esoterica (61 4th Ave just north of Astor Place, 212-529-9808) Deletions: Untitled II Bookstore (680 Broadway at 3rd, 212-254-1360) Book Branch East (63 E 8th btwn Mercer & Broadway, 212-260-3999) 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 mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu 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 and the Bronx or 718-555-1212 for Queens, Brooklyn, 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. 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, 212-864-0013) 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. "Strong to very strong literature/fiction and literary criticism section. Strong in philosophy, religion, and international history. Significant African-American, women, and Judaica studies sections along with poetry and plays. Small, but select, children's books. Okay in foreign language, film/theatre, art, psychology, music, and reference (though they have several good encyclopedia sets). Weak in business & economics, computers, cookbooks, sports, U.S. history, political science, biography, and photography. Almost no genre fiction." Credit cards: AE, MC, V. Open Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-5PM. 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. Mon-Thu 9AM-11PM, Fri 9AM-10PM, Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-7PM. 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." Open Mon-Sat 11AM-5PM. 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. Mon-Thu 9AM-6:45PM, Fri 9AM-4:45PM, Sat 11AM-4:45PM, Sun 12N-4:45PM (hours change due to school being in/out of session) 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." Mon-Thu 9:30AM-11:30PM, Fri-Sat 9:30AM-12M, Sun 10AM-11PM. 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. "Equal to the West Side Barnes & Noble on hardcover picture books, better on softcover; probably smaller stock on chapter books, almost no series." Credit cards: AE, MC, V. Open Mon-Thu 10AM-8PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM. Black Books Plus Inc. (702 Amsterdam Ave at 94th, 212-749-9632) African and African-American history and literature. Credit cards: AE. Tue, Wed, Fri11AM-6PM, Thu 11AM-7PM, Sat 11AM-5PM. 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.) Open seven days 11AM-11PM. International Center of Photography Bookstore (1130 5th Ave at 94th, 212-860-1767) Photography books. Funny Business (656 Amsterdam btwn 92nd & 93rd, 212-799-9477) Comic books. Smallish. Mon-Fri 1PM-6PM< Sat-Sun 12N-5PM. The Military Bookman (29 E 93rd btwn 5th & Madison Aves, 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 Ave 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 Ave 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, bill@panix.com) 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." Mon-Sat 10AM-7:30PM, Sun 11AM-7PM. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Shop (1071 5th Ave btwn 88th & 89th, 212-423-3500) Modern art. West Side Judaica (2412 Broadway btwn 88th & 89th, 212-362-7846) From a quick perusal, a store of substance, but also one with a sense of humor as their seasonal menorah display in the window includes one that has Claymation-like dreidels playing jazz. Mon-Thu 10:30AM-7:30PM, Fri 10:30AM-2PM, Sun 10:30AM-6PM. 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." New discount structure: NYT best sellers: paperback--20%; hardcover--30%. Other hardcover (except bargain books, textbooks, special orders)--20%. Other paperbacks--no discount. 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 Ave 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), but with their new discount structure, who knows? (See the entry for Shakespeare for details.). Sun-Thu 9AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 9AM-12M. New discount structure: NYT best sellers: paperback--20%; hardcover--30%. Other hardcover (except bargain books, textbooks, special orders)--20%. Other paperbacks--no discount. Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum Store (5th Ave & 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 Ave, 212-772-8282) Shakespeare & Co. (2259 Broadway at 81st, 212-580-7800, bill@panix.com) A good, large selection, they're good about getting in the new stuff quickly. It has recently (Jan 93) expanded again. In light of Barnes & Noble's new discount policy, they currently (7/94) have a window devoted to paperbacks each with an attached label: "Our price $B Their price: $C" where B and C are identical! Sun-Sat 10AM-12M. (Also has a downtown store.) Endicott Books (450 Columbus Ave 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; the old store used to be around the corner (at 246 W 80th off Broadway) but is apparently closed now. The Gryphon is probably one of the world centers for Wizard of Oz books. "This place was crammed with books, but there were so many people crammed in there too (not to mention the German shepherd tied to the staircase) that I didn't feel encouraged to stick around and browse." 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. One person reports that the NYC store is disappointing compared to the New Haven one. Thu 12N-7PM, Fri-Sat 10:30AM-4:30PM, Sun 12N-4:30PM. Storyland (1369 3rd Ave 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 Ave btwn 74th & 75th, 212-794-0611) Books & Co (939 Madison Ave 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 Aves, 212-753-4050?) A medium-sized religious bookstore, if one's religion coincides with the New Testament. The Judaica Experience (208-10 W 72nd, phone/FAX 212-724-2424) A very good collection of Judaica and good children's books and tapes. They sell primarily gifts, books, and tapes. The owners are very helpful and attentive. Their prices seemed to match or was cheaper (for gifts) than West Side Judaica, and they will wrap and ship via UPS. Weird hours (in one person's opinion) so call ahead. Asia Society Book Shop (725 Park Ave 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 Aves, 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 Ave btwn 63rd & 64th, 212-758-8305) An up-scale travel store with guidebooks and maps as well as suitcases and a variety of gadgets and conveniences for travelers. Not nearly as complete as the Complete Traveller Bookstore. (Also has a WTC store.) The Ballet Shop (1887 Broadway between 63rd & 64th, 212-581-7990.) "Books, records, magazines, a few cards, various memorabilia. Lots of books, many of them used, many of them (in my opinion) overpriced, but sometimes worth it if you can find them nowhere else. Books are sorted roughly by category, but largely jumbled up within category. Opinions on the staff vary; I've always found them friendly and helpful." The Magazine Store (Broadway & 63rd, 212-247-4766) Carries foreign-language periodicals. Mary S. Rosenberg Bookstore (1841 Broadway, room 907, really on 60th a couple of doors west of Broadway, 212-307-7733) German-language books. Many used and new hardcover titles in literature, philosophy. Books stacked all over, but navigable once you figure out the basic layout. "They have recently [9/94] undergone some changes; the wonderful heaps of dusty old German books which they used to have and which were wonderful for browsing--you could always find some weird out-of-print book--are gone. Mary S. Rosenberg, the owner and a strange old woman, died and the place was taken over by her second in command, a rather caustic man with a Scottish accent. He apparently keeps a huge menagerie out in the countryside and likes to do as much as he can there without leaving home, and so he has moved almost all of the old stuff out there to his warehouse, which ostensibly he will search if you are interested in something, which is all right if you know what you want, but which completely eliminates any possibility of browsing, which was one of the great pleasures of Rosenberg's place. The old store is still in the same place, though it is smaller, and there is talk that it will eventually move. Notwithstanding they have an excellent collection and will order anything over from Germany. Getting orders sometimes takes a while...." A recent visit indicates not much stock on hand. 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 Ave 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 Ave and 60th (near Central Park entrance). Morton Book Parlor (989 3rd Ave at 59th, 212-421-9025) Large selection of books on architecture and design. Argosy (116 E 59th btwn Park & Lexington Aves, 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. Someone reports this was closed mid-afternoon one Saturday, so call ahead for hours. Fil Caravan Inc. (301 E 57th btwn 2nd & 1st Aves, 212-421-5972) Books on Middle Eastern culture, philosophy, etc. J. N. Bartfield Fine Books (30 W 57th (3rd floor) btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 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 Aves, 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 Ave 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 Aves, 212-688-7600, FAX 212-754-2554) Huge selection. "They do regular specialist catalogues (at least for the criticism and art history I said I was interested in), and their remainders and sales are also available by mail. A letter to them gets you on their mailing list." They ship worldwide. Coliseum Books (1771 Broadway at 57th, 212-581-5352) A good stock of new books. 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." There are remainders downstairs. The basement is also where the posters and sports and arts etc. books are. 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 Ave btwn 56th & 57th, 212-6255) Comics. (Also has a downtown store.) The Mysterious Book Shop (129 W 56th btwn 6th & 7th Aves, 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 Ave, 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 Aves, 212-759-7443) Art, fashion, and foreign magazines. Mon-Fri 9AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM. Frank Music Co. (250 W 54th, 212-582-1999) "Very well stocked, but not a place to browse. There's a counter and storage behind the counter, and you must go there knowing what you want. They will usually have it. (There is also a Frank Music Corp at 39 West 54th; I don't know whether this is the same company, but my guess is that it isn't.)" Museum of Modern Art Bookstore (in the Museum, 11 W 53rd btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 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 Ave 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 Ave. Quest Book Shop (240 E 53rd btwn 3rd & 2nd Aves, 212-758-5521) Theosophy, mysticism, healing, tarot, astrology, etc. Rand McNally (150 E 52nd btwn Lexington & 3rd Aves, 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, bill@panix.com) 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 Ave btwn 50th & 51st, 212-935-3592) Great place for architecture/planning/urban design books. Discount Bookshop (897 1st Ave btwn 50th & 51st, 212-751-3839) General. Sky Books International Inc (48 E 50th btwn Madison & Park Aves, 212-688-5086) 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. "Gone downhill somewhat in recent years, alas. Their shelves are quite disorganized: it's now impossible to search quickly for specific books, or browse through a specific category." Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM. Michelin Guides & Maps (610 5th Ave near 49th, 212-581-8810) See Librarie De France/Liberia Hispanica. Librarie De France/Liberia Hispanica (610 5th Ave, 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 Ave, 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 Ave near 49th, 212-944-0595) Kinokuniya Bookstore (10 W 49th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 212-765-7766) 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-7:30PM. Brentano's (597 5th Ave btwn 48th & 49th, 212-826-2450) Another classic bookstore, but "not for the computer geek; I went in early 1994 to realize that they pared down their computer selection so significantly that they send you across the street at B & N if you come looking for a Paradox database." Drama Book Shop (723 7th Ave at 48th, second floor, 212-944-0595) Theater, film, and performing arts. McGraw-Hill Book Store (1221 6th Ave 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. Gotham Book Mart (41 W 47th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 212-719-4448) New and used. Excellent poetry, literature, philosophy, etc. Over a hundred years old. Practically unique in the world. Arthur Miller once said, "The Gotham Book Mart & Gallery is invaluable as a source of books for research of all kinds, and perhaps above all for literature that is more than a few months old. It is impossible to imagine New York City without it." The major drawback is that it is closed on Sundays, which is when I'm usually in the area. British Travel Bookshop (551 5th Ave near 46th, 212-490-5588) Asahiya (45th and Vanderbilt) Japanese books. United Nations Bookshop (General Assembly Building, E 45 & First Ave, 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 Aves, 212-398-1222) Travel books (of course). Zen Oriental Bookstore (521 5th Ave at 43rd, 212-697-0840) Japanese books on design, architecture, and life styles. Mon-Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat 11AM-7PM. New York Public Library Bookshop (5th Ave and 42nd, 212-930-0869) Gift books. Hotalings News Agency (142 W 42 btwn 6th & Broadway, 212-840-1868) Carries foreign-language periodicals and some books. OAN-Oceanie Afrique Noire Books (15 W 39th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 212-840-5599) New and used books on Africa and African issues, art, etc. Also Native American books and French-language books. New York Astrology Center (545 8th Ave 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 Aves, 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. Pierpont Morgan Library Book Shop (Madison at 37th, 212-685-0008) The Library is actually at 29 E 36th btwn Madison & Park Aves. Museum shop. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-?PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12N-5PM. Complete Traveller Bookstore (199 Madison Ave at 35th, 212-685-9007, FAX 212-982-7628) Important collection of maps, guides and books. Very knowledgeable staff composed largely of travel-addicts, as opposed to the younger Rand-McNally staff. A lot of travel commentary books as well as strict guide books. There also have a large room of old (and expensive) travel and history books. Open Mon-Fri 9AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun 12N-5PM. Macy's (34th & 7th Ave, 212-695-4400) "Surprisingly good!" "Not very well stocked, but if the store has post-holiday sales (such as 20% off) then the books are also covered by the store-wide sale!" Penn Concessions Inc. (Penn Station, 34th and 7th Ave, L.I. Concourse, 212-868-0438) General. Jewish Book Center of the Workmen's Circle (45 E 33rd btwn Park & Madison Aves, 212-889-6800 x285 or 800-922-2558) Judaica and Jewish books in English and Yiddish. Potala Publications (241 E 32nd, 212-213-5011) In Tibet House. Has a large selection of books on Buddhism and Tibet. Open Mon-Fri. Jim Hanley's Universe (126 W 32nd btwn 6th & 7th Aves, 212-268-7088) Comics. (Also has a downtown store.) J. Levine Jewish Books and Judaica (5 W 30th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 212-695-6888, FAX 212-643-1044) "World's largest Judaica selection," mail orders, etc. Over a hundred years old, making it one of the oldest bookstores in New York. Open Sun 10AM-5PM (except July), Mon-Wed 9AM-6PM, Thu 9AM-7PM, Fri 9AM-2PM, closed Sat. Law Books Exchange Ltd. (135 W 29th btwn 6th & 7th Aves, 212-594-4341) Law books, one assumes. Russia House Ltd. (253 5th Ave btwn 28th & 29th, 212-685-1010) Russian books, art, etc., though one poster says, "Buying *anything* at Russia House is the height of idiocy. The same exact books are sold by street vendors on Brighton Beach Ave at a fraction of the price. Even if you take a yellow cab there, you'll save $$$. That's where you should go if you want to shop for Russian books in NYC. R. H. is a direct descendant of another such store/publisher called "Russica" who went out of business owing a lot of money to everybody. Like Russica, they don't have prices marked (you're expected to ask about the prices of books you're interested in and haggle) and the proprietor and his girlfriend are extermely obnoxious and rude to browsers (and sometimes to buyers)." Pak Books (137 E 27th btwn 3rd & Lexington Aves, 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 Aves, 212-532-0756) ==========DOWNTOWN/VILLAGE============= Antiquarian Book Arcade (110 W 25th, 9th floor, 212-678-6011) "Home to 20,000 vintage, rare & antiquarian books. Seminars and special events." More than 64 dealers. Open Tue-Sat 11AM-6PM. Samuel French bookstore and reading room (45 W 25th btwn Broadway & 6th Ave, 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 Ave, 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. [Scheduled to close 1 Apr 95 unless something amazing happens.] Lushena Books (15 W 24th, 212-989-0080) African-American, Caribbean, and African books, audiocassettes and videotapes. Reference Book Center (175 5th Ave near 23rd, 212-677-2160) Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference books. Sign of the Times Bookstore (131 W 23rd btwn 6th & 7th Aves, 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 Aves, 212-243-9349) Comics. Architecture Books (48 W 22th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 212-463-0750) Architecture, I assume. Bob Fein Books (150 5th Ave near 22nd, 212-807-0489) Pre-Columbian art, Western Americana, archaeology, etc. Victor Kamkin (149 5th Ave 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. "Kamkin is a good source of weird Soviet stuff (e.g., I bought there a portrait of Dzerzhinsky, yet to be framed). They also have fairly recent newspapers (but again, Brighton has better newspapers). Kamkin is the only place that carries teaching materials for students of Russian, a good collection of dictionaries, science books, etc." (It's listed--incorrectly--as "Kamkain" in the Yellow Pages.) Barnes & Noble (6th Ave at W 21) Another Barnes & Noble "superstore" with Barnes & Noble Jr. (children's books), cafe, music section. General selection of music, primarily CDs, priced $1 - $2 more than Tower Records. New discount structure: NYT best sellers: paperback--20%; hardcover--30%. Other hardcover (except bargain books, textbooks, special orders)--20%. Other paperbacks--no discount. Different Light (151 W 19th at 7th Ave, 212-989-4850) Gay/lesbian/bisexual bookstore with 13,000 titles. Does mail-order. Recently (7/94) moved to this location. Open Sun-Sat 10AM-12M. Magickal Childe Bookshop (35 W 19th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 212-242-7187) Occult. " 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. Books of Wonder (132 7th Ave 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.) Academy Bookstore (10 W 18th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 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 Aves, 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 Aves, 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 Ave at 18th, 212-675-5500) After 1994 renovation, the sales annex (west side of Fifth) now occupies the small corner storefront and a large basement beneath much of the entire former store. Stock limited to remainders (broader than usual B&N selection) and half-price reviewers' copies and used books. Additional separate sections facilitate book searches. With a couple of superstores nearby, there is no longer a current releases sections. The sales annex, which was largely remaindered, used, and discontinued books, and so on, was big, but is now (7/93) currently being renovated. The retail store across 5th Ave is also huge, with a great reference section, and the new discount structure applies here as well now. New discount structure: NYT best sellers: paperback--20%; hardcover--30%. Other hardcover (except bargain books, textbooks, special orders)--20%. Other paperbacks--no discount. (Barnes & Noble also has a mail order service (1 Pond Road, Rockleigh NJ 07647, 1-800-344-2464).) Barnes & Noble (E 17th) Hard to believe, but *another* B&N has been announced for this location! Lorraine Wilbur's Gramercy Book Shop (22 E 17th, Room 1625, Union Sq, 212-255-5568) Literature. Open Mon-Fri 11AM-4PM. Books & Binding (33 W 17th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 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. Chelsea Books and Records (111 W 17 at 6th Ave, 212-645-4340) Used books and records. Open seven days a week 11AM-7PM. Brunner/Mazel (19 Union Square West, 8th Floor, 212-924-3344) Psychology. "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 Aves, 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. Reborn Books (238 E 14 at 2nd Ave, 212-529-7370) Inexpensive used books, mainly paperback. Open seven days a week 11AM-11PM. Pathfinder Bookstore (214 Ave A at 13th, 212-388-9346) "Features book on the Cuban revolution, South Africa, union struggles, Black history, women's liberation, Russia and Eastern Europe. Books by Marx & Engels, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Che Guevara, Rosa Luxemberg, Mother Jones, Lenin, Castro and many others." They also send out catalogs. East West Books (78 5th Ave 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.) Verso Books (128 8th Ave at 16th, 212-620-3141) Reasonably varied blend of books. Quite strong in gay-oriented literature and non-fiction, good in fiction, arts, and political themes, okay in other areas. Many unusual magazines. Attractive, well laid-out, with reading and signings, and they promise to open a coffee bar soon. Open until 12M Friday and Saturday. Opened 5/94. Richard Stoddard (18 E 16th at 5th Ave, 212-645-9576.) Rare books in the field of drama. Open Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat 11AM-6PM. Revolution Books (13 E 16th btwn 5th Ave & 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 Ave & 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 its own, being on the second floor with a tiny sign, but it's directly across from the large red "Revolution Books" banner. Foul Play and Wendell's Books, Cards and Stationery (302 W 12th, 212-675-6178) Mysteries & horror from the old Foul Play store, and art, architecture, design, and libertarian books from Wendell's. (Don't ask me to explain it; I just report what people tell me.) "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." Drougas Books (34 Carmine btwn Bleecker & Bedford, 212-229-0078) "Non-imperialist unoppressive bargain books." Remaindered books, good selection. Open Mon-Sat 12N-8PM. All Comics (44 Carmine btwn Bleecker & Bedford, 212-924-4905) A nice small comics shop. 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.) S F Vanni (30 W 12th btwn 5th & 6th Aves, 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 Ave 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 Ave 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. University Place Bookshop (821 Broadway, 9th Floor, at 12th, 212-254-5998) Open Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 11AM-1PM. 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 Ave, 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. Creative Visions (548 Hudson, 212-645-7573) Gay/lesbian/bisexual bookstore and coffeebar. Mail order available on any G/L/B-themed book or movie currently in print. Discounts for members/contributors to G/L/B, women's, or AIDS organizations. Also has performances, readings, and art showings. Open 11AM-11PM seven days a week. 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. Partners & Crime (44 Greenwich Ave near W 10th, 212-243-0440) Mysteries. Much larger selection than Foul Play. Oscar Wilde Bookstore (15 Christopher btwn Gay & Greenwich Ave, 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 Ave near 9th, 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. Moved to this new location July 1992. "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." An aricle in the April 18, 1994 PUBLISHERS WEEKLY described their award-winning design. St. Marks Comics (11 St. Mark's Place (8th) btwn 2nd & 3rd Aves, 212-598-9439) Comics. East Village Books & Records (101 St. Mark's btwn 1st and A, 212-477-8647) Used. Hudson News (753 Broadway south of 8th, 212-674-6655) Carries foreeign-language periodicals. B. Dalton (396 6th Ave 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 Ave & 53nd. Esoterica (61 4th Ave 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. [Moving to SoHo, probably on Green Street, sometime in the spring of 1995.] Barnes & Noble (4 Astor Place, 212-420-1322) "Usual B&N superstore including large children's B&N Jr. section and cafe. Though located near Shakespeare & Co. (a B&N habit?) and St. Marks Bookshop, its opening hasn't engendered the hostile reaction that greeted the Upper West Side superstore last year." (Though it did result in the closing of Cooper Square Books which had been right across the street.) Carl Fisher Inc. (4th Ave btwn 7th & 8th) Music books and sheet music. "Always a fun browse." Tompkins Square Books (111 E 7th at Avenue A, 212-979-8958) Used books and records. "A slight walkdown from the street on the south side of the street. Has some great stuff and the prices are very good. 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." Open seven days a week 12N-11PM. Harris Books (2nd Ave btwn 4th & 5th; 212-353-1119) 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. Open Sun, Tue-Thu 2PM-10PM, Fri-Sat 2PM-12M. Bookleaves (304 W 4th at Bank, 212-924-5638) Small store, used books. Open Tue-Fri 12N-9PM, Sat-Sun 11AM-8PM. Shakespeare & Co. (716 Broadway just north of 4th, 212-529-1330, bill@panix.com) A good, large selection, they're good about getting in the new stuff quickly. Sun-Thu 10AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-12M. (Also has an uptown store.) Tower Books (383 4th Ave 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. 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 Ave, 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.) Mon-Thu 10Am-10PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-12M, Sun 11AM-10PM. 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, [8]http://www.tagsys.com/Ads/SciFiShop) 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. Mon 11AM-7PM, Tue-Wed 11AM-8PM, Thu-Sat 11AM-9PM, Sun 12N-6PM. Pageant (114 W Houston btwn Sullivan & Thompson, 212-674-5296) Pageant moved to this new location 9/94. There used to be a "peculiar mishmash of unexpected gems buried in the dreck." But since they have less floor space in this location than in the old one on 9th Street, they have switched almost entirely over to prints rather than books. Now only a pale shadow of its former self, it's hardly worth a visit. 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. "Most books are FULL PRICE, but it is worthwhile as they have most of Dover's 5600 titles on the shelf and also catalogs of the collection." 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.) Manhattan Books (150 Chambers, 212-385-7395) New and used NYU texts. 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 section with a much bigger selection than that in the SF Shop. The main SF section seemed smaller than that of the SF Shop, but my friend found four books he was looking for that he didn't find at the SF Shop earlier that afternoon. They also have readings and signings. 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 Financial Center, 212-786-3301) 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 (GPO) 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 is a book from Columbia Univ Press entitled THE BOOKWORM'S BIG APPLE: A GUIDE TO MANHATTAN'S BOOKSELLERS by Susan Paula Barile. Someone reports, "I bought a copy of Barile's BOOKWORM'S BIG APPLE (Sidney Kramer in DC is charging $14.95 while Borders is charging $15.95--there is no price marked on the cover). It's very cutesy, emphasizing the positive and ignoring the negative but has detailed info on the stores it covers (phone, hours, stock, services, even photos of the store in some cases). It does not have many of the stores [listed here] but then has some [that are not]. It is also out of date already (e.g., the old address for Pageant)." There is also "Marden's Guide to Manhattan Booksellers," which claims to have "complete info on 527 dealers," along with indices by specialty and neighborhood. The ISBN is 0-9636646-0-3 and it's $12.95. (I haven't seen it, just a description from the publisher. (This list, by the way, has 192 Manhattan bookstores as of 9/94, including all the ones listed in the Manhattan Yellow Pages.) ============================================================================ BROOKLYN Avery Book Stores (308 Livingstone, 718-858-3606) A medium-sized used bookstore covering all subjects including SF. Both hardcover and paperbacks. The SF selection tends toward cheap reading copies of books about ten years old, and a small selection of used F&SF and ANALOGS. Overall, this is a somewhat dank and dirty store with a mildewy stock. 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. Bensonhurst Discount Book Store (1908 86 at 19th Ave., 718-232-7233, B train to 20th Ave) Mostly new and used paperbacks, some hardcover and comics. Adventure, mystery, SF, western, romance, textbooks. Used paperbacks literally stacked on shelves up to the ceiling. Open Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 10AM-4:30PM, Wed & Sat 10AM-3:30PM. Binkin's Book Center (54 Willoughby, 718-855-7813) A small used/antiquarian bookstore, almost all hardcovers, all topics including a small selection of SF (mostly SFBCs). The stock is small but the books are in nice condition and there are a few first editions and autographed books--not in the SF section, though. This store is only a few blocks from the Borough Hall subway stop. Bookcourt (163 Court, 718-875-3677) Excellent selection. Quick service with orders. Good discounts. Comic Plus (326 Seventh Ave, next to the 7th Ave stop on the F train, 718-768-5681) A comic book store with a fairly large selection. Community Book Store of Cobble Hill (212 Court, 718-834-9494) "The Community Book Store of Cobble Hill is an old-fashioned bookstore where you can get the kind of personal service that has gone out of fashion in most other stores. The proprietor and founder of the store is there himself seven days a week. He will order books for you, root around in his stacks if he thinks he might have a copy (he has a lot of stock that is too old for other stores to bother holding onto), and do whatever else he can to find the book you want. Last spring I asked him to order a book for me. In the course of doing so he discovered that a new edition of the book was soon to be issued. He informed me and asked if I would like to wait a couple more weeks for the new edition. I did. That's what I mean by personal service." Mon-Sat 11AM-10:30PM, Sun 12N-8:30PM. Community Book Store of Park Slope (143 7th Ave, between the 7th Ave F stop and the 7th Ave stop on the D and Q lines, 718-783-3075) A small independent new book shop with a focus on new hardcover fiction, tastefully selected. A tidy little shop geared toward the upscale Park Slope trade. 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. Kehot Books (291 Kingston Ave, 718-778-0226) They distribute books published by Lubavitch but may have a few others. Nkiru Books (near the corner of 6th Ave and Flatbush) Very pleasant and well-stocked store dealing with books on African-American culture. They also have occasional readings by prominent authors. 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." Pathfinder Bookstore (59 4th Ave at Bergen, 718-399-7257) "Features book on the Cuban revolution, South Africa, union struggles, Black history, women's liberation, Russia and Eastern Europe. Books by Marx & Engels, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Che Guevara, Rosa Luxemberg, Mother Jones, Lenin, Castro and many others." They also send out catalogs. The Scouting Party (349 Seventh Ave, near the F train stop at 7th Ave and Ninth, 718-768-3037) This is a combination used bookshop and junk/rummage store, with about half the store given over to books. The book stock is mixed hardcovers and paperbacks, with a largeish selection of SF paperbacks. Occasionally one makes finds here, but normally the stock tends to be rather lackluster. 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. Two cats. Mon 12-8, Tue-Sat 9-8, Sun 10-8. (Replaced the one in Long Island City.) Bayside: Barnes & Noble (23-80 Bell Boulevard, part of the Bay Terrace Shopping Center). Superstore. New discount structure: NYT best sellers: paperback--20%; hardcover--30%. Other hardcover (except bargain books, textbooks, special orders)--20%. Other paperbacks--no discount. 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 Ave, a.k.a Continental Ave) New discount structure: NYT best sellers: paperback--20%; hardcover--30%. Other hardcover (except bargain books, textbooks, special orders)--20%. Other paperbacks--no discount. Waldenbooks (107-19 71 Ave, a.k.a Continental Ave, 718-261-1973) (E, F, G (weekdays), R trains to 71st Ave / Continental Ave station.) Both stores are located 1/2 block south of Queens Blvd. Elmhurst: Barnes & Noble (91-20 59th Ave, 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.) New discount structure: NYT best sellers: paperback--20%; hardcover--30%. Other hardcover (except bargain books, textbooks, special orders)--20%. Other paperbacks--no discount. 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. Sun 11:30AM-6:30PM, Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM. 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. ============================================================================ Copyright Notice This FAQ is not to be reproduced for commercial use unless the party reproducing the FAQ agrees to the following: 1) They will contact the FAQ maintainer to obtain the latest version for their collection. 2) They will provide the FAQ maintainer with information on what collection the copy of the FAQ is in, and how that collection may be obtained. 3) They will agree, in writing, that the FAQ will be included in the collection without modification, and that acknowledgements of contributors (if any) to the FAQ remain in the FAQ. 4) They will agree, in writing, that the collection including the FAQ will be distributed on either a non-profit basis, or have some percentage of profit donated to a non-profit literacy program. Project Gutenberg counts. To support this, this FAQ is Compilation Copyright 1995 by Evelyn C. Leeper (the FAQ maintainer). ============================================================================ Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | Evelyn.Leeper@att.com -- Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | Evelyn.Leeper@att.com "I don't care what may be his politics. I don't care what may be his religion. I don't care what may be his color. I don't care who he is. So long as he is honest, he shall be served by me." --Theodore Roosevelt _________________________________________________________________ [ [9]LAS home page | [10]UNIS | [11]NewsPages ]