Argosy Book Store

Walking into Argosy Book Store in New York City on a quiet humid Monday afternoon in June 2025 felt like stumbling into a time capsule—one that smells faintly of old paper and whispers the wisdom of centuries past. The exterior alone hints at the treasures within. Ornithological prints, antique maps, and portraits adorn the entryway gallery, setting the tone for the meticulously curated literary sanctuary that follows. Once inside, the space unfolds like a story in itself—each room, each shelf a new chapter. From $3 paperbacks at the entrance to leather-bound volumes behind glass, Argosy strikes a rare balance: it’s as welcoming to the casual browser as it is thrilling for the rare book collector. Vintage atlases, fine art prints, and philosophical first editions line the walls under warm wood paneling and soft green banker’s lamps. A life-size Pinocchio stands guard near the rare books, adding a charming quirk to the otherwise reverent hush of the space. But the real secret? The basement. Down a narrow staircase lies a warren of shelves labeled by genre—philosophy, drama, science fiction, French literature, biography, and more—each aisle bursting with thousands of volumes. The red-painted concrete floor, creaky stools, and hand-labeled yellow placards evoke a sense of archival adventure. It’s delightfully unpolished, almost underground in spirit, and makes you feel like you’re part of a scholarly treasure hunt. The staff, while quietly professional, let the books do the talking. The posted hours (Monday–Friday, 11am to 6pm) might feel old-fashioned, but they suit a place so steeped in the past—open only when the city’s hustle makes room for a slower pace. Whether you’re hunting for a first edition, marveling at early 17th-century bindings, or just savoring the feel of a real bookstore in a digital age, Argosy is a must-visit. A bibliophile’s dream, an art lover’s nook, and an explorer’s haven—all in

Great bookstore, a good variety of books. The store and building look really nice too. Check out the second floor too by using the elevator by the entrance. So many maps and other artifacts. Would recommend!

This is a beautiful bookstore that houses rare copies and a great collection of secondhand books. However, it’s worth noting that they are closed on weekends and close by 6 p.m. on weekdays, making it not very easy to drop by.

A must visit if you have a few hours all six floors have something interesting to browse. Lots of wood and ‘book’ smell.

Came across this place on the way to the park and just had to walk in. The academia vibes are immaculate even having the old book smell - because there are a lot of old books inside as well as art work and records. There's space to sit and read at a table like a library, but it is a book shop.

If you are a book lover, this is a place you must visit. A place that has all the beautiful things a book can offer. If you open the door here, you will become a time traveler beyond time. Homer, Shakespeare, and America's beloved writers and stories have stayed with time. A beautiful history created by three generations. Thank you so much. I salute them. Also, the friendly staff.

10/10 would recommend their book restoration services! I’m very impressed with their skills and dedication to excellence. And very reasonably priced, too.

One of the last great independent bookstores left in midtown . A well chosen range of books, an emphasis on fiction , art and fine editions, bargain basement , prints and much more. Realistic prices.

I love this little shop! There is so much, you could spend hours here and still not see everything. I'm shocked it has three dollar signs! As a Texan in New York one of my saddest goodbyes was Half Priced Books. This place honestly had a decent selection of used books to lessen that pain a little! There are plenty of cheap items along with the more antique, collectors items. I got a book for $3! There were lots of prints for $3, $10, and $25 as well. This is a gem in Manhattan! I will be returning.

Argosy Book Store is historic! The Argosy Book Store is New York City's oldest independent bookstore. It's located at 116 East 59th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues in Midtown Manhattan. The store occupies an entire six-story townhouse with various sales floors specializing in first editions, Americana, leather bindings, antique maps and prints, and autographs. The store is also noted for a wide selection of bargain books I found them out front. Argosy also has its own framing and shipping departments and owns a large warehouse in Brooklyn. For a book lover this is paradise. I find it's a great place to buy gifts too. I'm highly recommending!

This bookstore really has the spirit of New York. I happened upon it while I was waiting for a friend that lives in the city to be finished with some errands, and this store has a very old-world feel to it, despite the fact that it is in the middle of downtown Manhattan. I bought a used copy of "My Sister's Keeper" that has some wear/age on it, but felt quirky to me -- it cost $3. They had lots of other old books as well but I didn't look around much since I didn't want to find lots of things I liked that I had to travel back to Ohio with in a backpack... There was only one staff lady that I recall who was helpful, knowledgeable and overall just fit in with the vibe of the store. Would recommend this to any reading/book fanatic wandering around the city!

If you want to visit an original place, this is it. It's like a scene out of an old movie about New York. Dimly lit, gorgeous bookstore with everything from first editions to original prints to signed autographs. One can't help but to browse around, looking at beautifully bound books and gorgeous collection series. Whether you like to read or not, this is not Barnes and Noble. This is art.

My girlfriend and I went here about a week ago. We didn't really go with the intention of buying anything specific, just browsing. It was worth it for the ambiance. It's very cool. She found a bunch of really old flower art pieces that looked like they were originally in a vintage sketch book. We bought 3 of them, $10 each. They're going to look great in frames on the wall. At checkout, we were asked "how much were these labeled upstairs?" We both chuckled when we walked out because we could've easily said less than the asking price.

Blast from the past! Very resourceful establishment. A relic in a shiny new midtown. Vast selection of books. The staff are very friendly from the clerks to the elevator operator. You can even use this as a date spot to laugh at the old page smells and decor. It's really fun. Prices are decent.

I love old books. I've enjoyed reading since I was a child and my grandmother brought me to the library. Something so magical about the smell of an old book. This is a NY institution we are lucky to have. Extremely interesting selection. Also great bargains.

Time stands still whenever I'm inside Argosy Book Store. Six-stories of treasures to be discovered. Fascinated I am with their collections of first editions, maps, old magazines, and, leather bound classics. Most helpful and knowledgeable is their staff. Stunning is their elegant interior. I can hardly wait for my next time back! CHEERS!

What a great place to visit and spend time exploring. A very unique selection, across a number of floors. Don't miss or neglect the fifth floor for a number of interest-based and geographic-based sections. There are NYC-based sections on both the first and fifth floors. There is a lot of history to the building and it's generational ownership. The staff are very kind and gracious, simply working away but approachable. They assisted and answered questions with friendly patience. Would certainly come here if I was looking for something very specific. In the meantime, I'll return to continue my head-at-a-ninety-degree-angle survey of the shelves again.

The Argosy Bookstore is one of the finest in New York. It is well organized, filled with treasures and staffed with book experts! What is not to like? Not only is the book selection impressive, but they also have an extraordinary selection of prints and autographs. Six floors filled with good things! One could spend a week in the Argosy Bookstore and never grow tired or bored. This store has been in business for almost a hundred years and it is easy to see why ... they love books, they know books and they provide world class service. Visiting this bookstore was a highlight of my recent trip to New York City.

Delving into an archaic book at Argosy makes me feel as if I am in the past, not only because of the rarity of books, but also because of the antiquarian atmosphere. It's a lovely place to escape from the hectic life of the city and learn something new from the best of minds. I particularly enjoyed some of the Freudian literature that was available there. There are also nice prints and old book covers that I love to look at as well. The staff were all friendly and helped me find exactly what I was looking for. There is no other antiquarian book store in the city that I would recommend besides Argosy!

I asked if they'd like to buy two old books, and they emailed me back with a no. So I was satisfied that they responded.

I would recommend this store for anyone who is interested in antique books, or maps. The history behind these books is astonishing. The condition of the books and the store is also very helpful. Everything is maintained in order and clean. The staff also know their stuff. It's so aesthetically pleasing, I could stay here all day! Obviously because of the age and what it has most likely taken to maintain it all, the prices were somewhat high. But to be honest, I would buy them all, if I could. If you want to explore books, and be amazed at its history, come to Argosy!

Okay selection, surly employees. Only way to access upper floors is by taking a janky old elevator that someone has to operate. Not in a hurry to go back. Edit: And, I'll add, an owner who gets defensive and sarcastic instead of taking criticism to heart or, you know, simply not replying to negative reviews. Enjoy that if you choose to patronize them.

I am so excited to have found a first edition, signed by both authors, Blue Dog book from Argosy. This was not easy to find. It'll make the PERFECT Christmas gift for my Louisiana boss. It's very hard to find something special for the person who literally has everything, including several Rodrigue originals! Blue Dog obviously has a very special meaning to him ,and his wife. Finding this unique & perfect gift is so awesome. Thank you Argosy for the very speedy delivery and the incredible packaging (insuring no damage during transit). I found this gem on Biblio

No place like it. A New York institution. Old books, maps and art and an incredibly talented book restoration artist! So impressive.

This place is the crème de la crème of vintage/used bookstores in the city. It's been in the same family for generations, never is overcrowded, and they have extremely hard-to-find books in almost every subject. Also check out their vintage book illustrations and maps! Tip: Do not overlook the basement floor (when you walk to the back of the first floor, go down the stairs by the office). There are so many more discounted books down there. I have spent many hours perusing those stacks and have walked away with some personal gems. I am also convinced that the basement floor is haunted (something about the air conditioning down there just makes it feel ghostly), but that is also part of the fun for me. The only downside is that they are only open weekdays during the summer, so you should sneak away during lunch or a summer Friday. The weekday open times add to the quiet, non-touristy feeling, which is hard to find in this city.

One of the great treasures here in New York City. I have been going here for many ages. It is a great place to visit and look at books and reading collections. I have bought items I have been looking for. Especially unique books that are hard to find. They do offer enough to consider. Even outside there are books that might only be $1 to start with (I both several of those). Then you can go inside and consider various options. Even as you go upstairs there are more items to consider. Including first editions of special work. Other items include old maps (I bought one from the 1700's), art work and prints. It is all here. Go inside and learn what is available today or in the future. I am already on the email address to receive new updates and information. I do want to go back, when the time allows us, to consider new work to read, explore, and keep.

I agree with all of the one stars reviews. Not respectful. Will not waste my time again. Walked away from me to help someone else. Glad I didn't buy anything.

In our first trip to New York City in the 1970s, we visited two major bookstores. The first was Gotham Book Mart, where we loaded up on Edward Gorey items. The second was Argosy. We were young at the time, and maybe not dressed to Midtown standards. The store clerk there walked three feet behind us every minute. After we walked out the clerk probably thought, "Well, we really showed them." In 1990 we moved to New York and, in the ensuing years, have never gone back. Sometimes people need to think about the impression they have made.

This is a gem of a bookstore. If you are interested in a wide and diverse array of old books, autographed photographs, maps, there is no better place to go. The store is nearly 100 years old and has been in the same family for three generations. The owners are extremely knowledgeable and can help people make particular selections. We explored the entire bookstore and were so impressed. Great for collectors as well as interesting gifts for special people. One of a kind!!

This bookstore has some real gems! I try to go for the less accessible stuff that ya cant get from the library or on Amazon. I search for the books you'd browse and hope to get lucky on eBay for. I asked the librarian if they had any 'salacious books on courtesans,' and she said there was no section for that. (understandably so, because who has that specific a section?) Anyways, I browsed for an hour. And even my friend who was dragging her feet to do stuff with me today, perked up a bit and found herself lost in all the options. I came up on some rare finds here- a version of the kama sutra that really explains the cultural relevance/thinking behind many poses, a book that supposedly portrayed the lives of 8 difference ostentatious people from the Middle Ages, and a book on some famous French lovers in history, and a salacious book on what royalty & nobility [throughout the age of European grandeur] was really like in bed (from written accounts and testaments from their lovers). I'll be honest- expect to pay around $20 a book, because that's the price one pays for such rarities. Definitely a $$ or $$$ store.

I love books and Argosy Book Store has a lot of old books. The ambience is amazing! From the staff to the elevator attendant, browsing at the Argosy is an experience.

Argosy is a Book Lovers Paradise !!! I started my shopping by checking out the books in the front store book bins . I picked up few hardcovers Bio,'s. Then I entered the store and immediately I knew I was going to find a few gems. Argosy has Books, Prints and Rare books. The Staff is extremely helpful the store is very clean and organized. The kind of Bookstore,that makes you love books. I spent a little over $125. Dollars. But bought books I've been looking for so the prices are Great. The entire store has a Style of its own. A very Tranquil browsing atmosphere,just right for book buying. The store is Unbelievable. I'll be going back in a few weeks. In Argosy I have found my Shangri La.... Definitely recommend this Bookstore. The owners truly love what they do because the bookstore reflects it....Totally Sterling ...

One of my favorite places in New York City, I used to visit monthly when I worked a few blocks away and plan a stop whenever I'm in the city now. I've purchased a number of antiquarian books, autographs, and a map or two during my visits. Getting to the upper floors can require some patience until someone is available but it's worthwhile to see some of the finds up there. I treasure an original Bill Gallo sketch I purchased from the autograph collection. The only challenge will be deciding how big a bag of book purchases you want to drag on the subway.

I used to past Argosy all the time because they had no technology books. But I also like looking at old maps and I saw a few on a discount table in front so I went in to see more. They specialize in old and rare books, including maps and lithographs and a selection of old autographs books and prints. They have art, religion, philosophy, psychology, occult and more at reasonable prices since many of the books are used so you could find a few gems you never know. But keep in mind that the collectables and rare books or autograph books are at higher prices depending on market value.

Today this happened... A friend asked me to go with her to visit this bookstore. I think she thought that bribing me with Bruch was the draw but I love used books and frequently browse thrifts stores, libraries, and people's book collections. My thought was that this would probably be a nice place to find "a" book to add to my stack of future reads. After more than three hours of browsing the first floor, basement, and fifth floor, I left with 8 books, with a chance of returning for a three volume set I fell in love with but was a little pricey. After a very late brunch, we, of course, returned so I could purchase the set. Thankfully, my friend, who had restrained herself from buying every book she opened, help me carry what felt like a bag of bricks back to the Subway. The staff did not hover and did not even ask if we were looking for anything when we walked in. However, when approached, they were so friendly and helpful. Being able to just browse for as long as you want without anyone bothering you but also knowing there are people who are willing to help if asked makes Argosy a very pleasant place to search for the perfect book. My favorite floor was the fifth floor with all of the historical and what I would put in the historical adventure books (not sure if that's a real category but if not, it should be). Three hours is definitely not enough time to fully take in everything this store has to offer. Will definitely be going back!

If I ever come into a lot of money, Argosy Book Store would definitely be on my list of places to visit. I've walked by here many times and noticed the used books in front. I've browsed in front, but never went in. CBS News recently did a story about Argosy and I thought I'd check it out. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the aroma of old books. The smell brought back a memory of a used bookstore I visited in Maine oh so many years ago. It was wonderful to browse and pick up the books. On the second floor there is a gallery of prints and maps. To get to the second floor, you have to ring for an elevator, which has an operator. I asked him if I could visit the other floors, and he said that, for now, customers only have access to first two floors. In addition to prints (posters, of paintings, photos, etc.) and maps, there were also a number of antique globes. The woman working on that floor was helping out some customers. She was very informative, friendly and helpful. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, the gallery is a wonderful place to just wander around. One of their specialties are autographs. The CBS story mentioned that they have an autograph from Thomas Jefferson. Yes, that would probably be the first thing I would go for, if I had the money. So, if you are a book collector and want something to add to your library, or would love to put an old map of NYC on your wall, you should definitely check out Argosy.

This is my favorite bookstore in the city with a diverse and wide selection of rare manuscripts, autographs, used books, photographs, and maps. It is much more than a bookstore! The owners and staff are quite knowledgeable and it's a great place to find a unique gift. Definitely stop by!

The Argosy bookshop is one of the last remaining old line Manhattan bookstores that employ a cadre of booksellers whose shared knowledge of the world of books and the stores in which those books reside is unparalleled. They have been waiting confidently for you to show up and make a match. You are then privileged to transfer your often arcane but essential list to your own diverse book cases and shelves and silent, private reading rooms anywhere from the East Village to New Haven, or Paris and Berlin if need be. Once the match is made there's no looking back and only the book dealer's sense of professional ethics insulates from awkward exposure the view that one might have been better off reading The Sun Also Rises or The Talented Mr. Ripley first. I have found books I thought I would never see in a jacket as well as books I had never heard of (or their author) thanks to someone at the Argosy - books which turned out to be life-changing. Surely God will eventually collect these literary emporia and place them side by side in heaven, like they do already in Mexico City.

Nice things but I was treated horribly in this business today. My husband and I buy and sell vintage historical documents and baseball antiquities. The lady with the glasses 1st told me they didn't have anything I would be intrested in then when I asked for prices on Christy Mathewson and Thomas Jefferson she behaved as though she were in a hurry and told me I should have made an appointment. She was very rude and made it clear she did not want my business. When she let me up on the floor with the historical autographs she took a phone call and said, in my hearing that she was "babysitting a customer." Told me at least twice she was busy and I should not have come on a Saturday or I should have made an appointment. I felt awful for taking up her time and humiliated.

Wonderful ambience. I hope this place never closes. It is a bit musty. Someone was carefully taking a sticker off of what must have been a new acquisition, so you know they really care about what they're selling.

This is a beautiful bookstore. I would come here not so much to peruse (though the ambient is nice if you chose to do so) but to look for a specific and hard to find book. This place is known for that. I love the decore, thick luscious shelves, gorgeous low hanging green glowing lamps and the wall and ceiling eye candy. If you don't see a book you're looking for on the stacks, be sure to ask, much of their inventory is not on display

Absolutely beautiful book store with a first editions section. I have only been in here once and was rushed off because my kids were hungry. I have been meaning to come back and dive into the shelves. Soon, very soon!

I love this print I picked up on a recent trip to New York from your great shop. Nice reminder of a great trip.

Very neat place to check out. You could spend hours here. Relatively organized and friendly, helpful staff. Will definitely go back!

I am still in shock by the experience I had today in this wonderful historic book store I have always admired and counted on for its integrity. Today I picked up a small handbook style book that was clearly brand new sitting on top of a pile of books on one of the tables (The Constitution and Amendments in a consolidated contemporary format). I saw on the back a small sticker with a US price of 9.95 and a Canada price as well. All of a sudden an employee came up, she took the book from me stating she had noticed others looking at it today and that it wasn't priced. Before I could speak she went to her computer, came back to me with the book stating it was $45. Noting I never asked for her help or inquired about a price, I turned the book over and showed her the sticker. She stated that she "hadn't seen that," then took the book, took the sticker off and stated "well maybe at one time it was that price".. and walked away. I was in shock with how she handled what apparently was some sort of misunderstanding on the their part. This was not an antique book with a questionable historical price tag. It was a current price tag! I was even surprised to see it myself. My husband and I left immediately, strictly based on the employee's handling of what seemed to be a credibility issue. So mismanaged and shocking.

I will always be a book nerd at heart. Some say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but for this gal, books are my best friend. Books fill you with excitement, wonder and knowledge. You can also escape into a book. I love touching a book, feeling the pages on my finger tips and smelling the book. And nothing is better than the smell of an old book. They specialize in old and rare books, including maps and prints. I wandered in here one afternoon while looking at all the sale books on the outside. Oh my, religion and philosophy and tons of psychology and the occult and very hard to find old soft covers. I was in Heaven and I probably milled around here for about an hour. Downstairs, they also have an amazing selection of fiction, science, cooking, etc. And all the books are deeply discounted. I walked out with 2 fabulous books for only $2! Barnes and Noble would be very jealous at the attention I am giving Argosy! I love you Argosy!

A wonderful used bookstore with incredible depth of subjects and selections. Plan for a longer visit, you will want to spend time enjoying this multiple floor shop.

I love this place. I love this place. I love this place. Stopped by during an hour break between meetings. I collect old Econ, finance, and business books and found a reasonable selection here. Ended up buying a first printing of Thorsten Veblen's Absentee Ownership (1923) book for like 10 bucks! (Along w two other little gems and even lower prices.) In any case, regardless of your topic of choice, check this place out if you collect old books. You are very unlikely to be disappointed. The people working here are very pleasant and knowledgeable. Not into old books? This place may still offer little treasures to you... they sell old prints, maps, etc. You can even buy prints on pages from old books that have been chopped out. I will definitely look more carefully at their selection of those next time I visit NYC. Honestly, this place is really great. Did I mention I love this place? So good...

I can't say enough about this amazing bookstore. My dad is an architect and I was looking for a vintage book he'd been talking about for years. Not only was Argosy able to help me track down the architecture book, but they were so nice about it. The price was not cheap, but very reasonable for the value of the book. They were helpful and pleasant the entire process. They also have baseball memorabilia and historical books and documents. It's like a museum in there. Super awesome. Recommended!!!

This is such a wonderful and unassuming place in the middle of Midtown. The beautiful antique prints and maps provide a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the present.

Staff is following all safety procedures in COVID-19 era. Bookstore felt more like these books were meant for decoration than use. Not my style, but staff were pleasant.

Very disappointing! I went to Argosy to have a couple older books repaired. Given the amount they charge for repairs, you would think they should be better organized. They literally used a ripped sheet of paper to write down my name and phone number and then said they would call me in a week. The books weren't properly catalogued and there was no input into a computer system or other system. These are valuable books so I was shocked by the disorganization. A week passed and no one called to follow up. I called them and could hear them shuffling in the background, clearly having misplaced my books. Fortunately they were able to locate them and said they would call me a few days later. It came across as very unprofessional. I am not comfortable with this experience and wouldn't trust leaving a valuable book with them again in the future.

Contrary to what you might have heard, Argosy isn't a bookstore. It's not even a place. It's an experience; an extraordinary, beautiful, fulfilling experience; the kind you half-wish you could keep to yourself and half-wish you could share with everyone you know. Argosy is a way to travel back in time by looking at well-preserved maps that are centuries old, and were once in the hands of people who lived in New York when Manhattan was a village. It's an opportunity to touch elegant engravings the likes of which you see in museums (only you can take these home). If you ever wished you could have shared a moment with Franklin Roosevelt, Lord Byron, Frank Sinatra, Albert Einstein or Humphrey Bogart, you can see (and buy) their authentic autographs. If seeing a first edition of Huckleberry Finn or a leather bound two-hundred-year-old poetry book transports you to a different era, this is going to be a real thrill. And if you're a book lover who can't afford rare treasures but you still relish looking through a vast, eclectic selection of books, you're still at exactly the right place! Argosy, you see, is a treasure in itself. It's not pretentious, it's charming, it's magical, and it's been family-owned for generations. If you run across the remarkable Naomi Hample, whose knowledge is only exceeded by the love she has for the items she sells, you'll see why Argosy has been around for so very long and why it richly deserves a visit. Go fall in love with books, maps, art, and historic figures all over again. Argosy is where it all begins. I loved it, and I'll be back.

This is one of those rare NYC places that you come across. They have a selection of antique maps and books larger and better preserved than anywhere else I have ever seen. Their staff is very helpful, and if they are not busy they will spend the time to find the most obscure item you are looking for (for example: a map of the Persian Empire including illustrations of the Pamir mountains). They will also most likely have it. A really special place!

I've been to many libraries and seen countless collections. Some are amazing in the sheer volume of their literary hoards. Some are beautifully housed within gorgeous architecture. Some have intriguing and long histories filled with big names and defining works. And there are some, while not being any of those, are even more magical because of their intimacy. You can't explain it, but it feels as though somehow every book on the shelves have been placed for you to reach over to grasp; it's absurd, but it feels like it was designed for you. Argosy is that place for me in New York. ** I found the place by pure fortune; I was hurrying across midtown, but stopped after seeing a copy of Susan Sontag's book of essays for a dollar amongst the shelves of book outside. I stepped inside to pay only a dollar for a cheap paperback. I left almost an hour later with that paperback, an antique French map of Belgium, and a first edition print of Aldous Huxley's "Eyeless in Gaza." The store is not terribly impressive, but absolutely charming in its humble appearance. It looks a bit like a college library in the movies with creaky old furniture, musky old books, green lamps, and staff wearing tweed jackets and glasses. The varied and very impressive collection is much more organized (and reachable!) than in Westsider Books, though it doesn't have the same "from floor to ceiling" feel. The little quirk is the old ship model hanging from the ceiling near the middle of the store-- one that looks exactly like the logo. They also have some gorgeous prints for sale. I knew I was overpaying for my map of Belgium ($10) with no date or mention from where its from, but I was so impressed at how the lady explained how the font and the coloring of the paper would suggest it being from the early 1900s and no later than 1915, that I bought it with no complaints. I left the store incredibly happy just knowing that I just bought a beautiful and well preserved first edition print of Huxley (one of my favorite authors)'s "Eyeless in Gaza" (printed 1936) for a bargain. I can't really explain what appeals to me so much about the store, other than that unlike any other bookstore, I don't want to find that one treasure, but I'm convinced that everything in the store is perfect as is and waiting for me. I can't wait to go back. There's still so many more books left.

First... this is what a New York Bookstore should look like. It should NOT look like a Borders or Barnes and Noble. It should smell like old books when you walk through the door. The shelves should run floor to ceiling with books on wooden bookshelves. They should have a basement full of books with books crammed in every conceivable cranny. They should have a secret floor (5th floor) of all first edition and rare antiquarian books. You could spend hours perusing all the books that you will not find elsewhere. Now the con... okay the first floor has a collection of 15-17th century leather books that are not stored properly. I pulled one of the books down and found insects crawling up my arm. NOT GOOD. Secondly they should be stored in a cooler, less dusty environment to protect them from deterioration. The 5th floor for their rare First Editions collection is not air conditioned and the only air was an open window. The temperature and humidity were quite high for books that run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars each. This is not ideal conditions to be storing valuable first edition collections. By the way, you have to ask to get to the 5th floor and you will have an escort. Overall a wonderful store that has an obvious passion for books.

In addition to rare and used books and modern first editions, this family-owned store, with an atmosphere that calls to mind 19th Century London, specializes in antique prints and maps and autographs. There's also a custom framing department and a selection of impressive Early American paintings for sale.