The one true bookstore in nyc is Book Thug Nation in Williamsburg. The best curated selection of used literature I’ve ever come across and a smattering of other stuff too.
That place is fantastic as well, and just so tiny, barely like a big bedroom! It’s also amazing how zany it’s name is, but it really does have a serious collection of used books. I found some film books that studied directors with depth, but had to restrain myself !
Yeah it’s dangerous going in there if you want to leave with any money in your pocket
I agree on Westsider. However, I always liked the Strand for its collection of history, science, and math books. While Strand can be crowded and touristy, it still has a good collection of books.
The Strand is one of the places/attractions/etc. that it's easy for locals to dump on a bit because it's something popular with tourists. But the reality is that they can be a lot of fun.
The last time I was in NYC, I was really hurting because of not one but two bad hamstrings cause by hockey. I could barely walk--which is not a great combination with NYC. I had some time and took a Circle Line cruise. It was delightful and I hadn't done it since I was a child!
They have the books, but be prepared for life on a ladder if you really want to dig in.
My favorite is East Village Books. I've had luck finding interesting books there.
Agree with all of the above recommendations, and want to add Aeon Bookstore as a relative newcomer that has a great selection.
+1 for Codex, always enjoy perusing through there. McNally Jackson also hosts authors semi-frequently which is nice
The Center for Fiction in downtown BK is also a great spot for author events!
Re:What We Gain from a Good Bookstore
by thundergolfer on Sunday August 07, 2022 @03:48AM
(#32374714)
Thanks for the recommendations. Unnameable Books looks nearby where I'd like to live.
In NY, I’d say take a look at Left Bank books (rare, old literature, photography, art books - some are even early editions of classics), Codex (little used shop with a fantastic selection), Mercer St Books and Records (basement hole in the wall), Westsider Rare and Used books (an UWS classic), Unnameable Books (good events and a literary selection).
For new books, McNally Jackson is the preferred one for the reading public. Their staff selections are useful and they have a dedicated poetry and chapbook section.