10 Beautiful Bookshops That Will Stop You in Your Tracks
A bibliophile cannot walk past a bookshop without slowing their step. We will linger at the window, gazing through the glass at stacks of books we have not yet read. We hover, telling ourselves we must read the pile on the nightstand before buying another. But we can't resist the lure. Before long, we open the door, sounding the tiny bell that rouses the shop cat. We're in, and we're going to be a while.
The only thing that tops a bookshop full of amazing books, is a beautiful bookshop full of amazing books - a bookshop so charming not even a TV-addict can resist it. Many stunning bookshops list their books for sale on the AbeBooks marketplace, so we rounded up a few of the most alluring storefronts from Paris to Boston and everywhere in between. Even those immune to the magnetic pull of the smell of old books will stop dead in their tracks at the sight of these pretty AbeBooks bookstores, so before you step inside to bury your nose in a book, take a moment to enjoy the view from outside.
Brattle Book Shop
Located in Boston, MA, Brattle Book Shop first opened its doors in 1825. George Gloss took ownership in 1949 and his son Ken (pictured above) runs it today. The three-story building in downtown Boston is home to over 250,000 books, including two floors of used books and one floor of rare & antiquarian books. The books have even poured into the neighbouring outside yard, nestled under the watchful eyes of Toni Morrison, Kafka, and Yeats. Browse the books.
Eureka Books, ABAA
For most of the 20th century this charming storefront in Eureka, CA was a rough-and-tumble speakeasy called the High Lead Saloon, where in 1933 the two owners had a shootout in the back hallway. Only owner Tom Slaughter survived, and his family owned the building into the 1970s. It's also said that author Raymond Carver indulged at the High Lead, and a picture of the building can be seen in his book Carver Country. Today, the building is occupied by a slightly softer crowd. Eureka Books moved in in 1992, and all signs of scandal seem to be gone. One of the last classic antiquarian booksellers on the westcoast, Eureka Books offers first editions, ephemera, and new and used books.Browse the books.
Peter Harrington, ABA
A list of beautiful bookstores isn't complete without a proper London shop. Peter Harrington has been dealing in the rare books business since 1969 and boasts an impressive selection of exquisite modern first editions, manuscripts, and more. Browse the books.
Librairie Jousseaume, SLAM & ILAB
Paris, France might be one of the most beautful cities in the world, and Libraririe Jousseaume fits right in. Selling books since 1826, Librairie Jousseaume offers everything from history books to travel literature and poetry. There's no more romantic place to browse books than here.
Paris, France might be one of the most beautful cities in the world, and Libraririe Jousseaume fits right in. Selling books since 1826, Librairie Jousseaume offers everything from history books to travel literature and poetry. There's no more romantic place to browse books than here.
Antiquariat Michael Solder
There's something about books and bricks. Located in Münster, Germany, Antiquariat Michael Solder offers a vast catalog of out-of-print books, special editions, and antiquarian treasures. Browse the books.
Neusser Buch & Kunst Antiquariat
At first glance, this might not seem like a bookstore at all. Cornelia Storch opened the rare & antiquarian shop in this stunning 200-year-old heritage home in Neuss, Germany. In fact, the home was built over an existing cellar that dates back 300 years. What was once a dark and damp cellar is now a beautiful candle-lit nook and home to incredible leather-bound books. Watch the video below for a look inside this gorgeous bookstore. Browse the books.
More Beautiful Bookstores
Hugues de Latude
This bright bookshop in Paris, France specialises in science & medicine books, natural history, and early printed books. Hugues de Latude has been selling books since 1988. Browse the books.
Capitol Hill Books
Located on historical Capitol Hill in Washington DC, this two level bookstore is brimming with used, rare, and first edition books - it looks as though the windows can barely keep them from pouring onto the street! Browse the books.
Twice Sold Tales
Seattle, WA was made for drinking coffee and browsing books. A grinning cat invites bibliophiles into a large brick building where they can browse a huge selection of used books. Browse the books.
Hudson City Books
Located in historic Hudson, NY, Hudson City Books opened in 2006 in a building built in 1865. Their inventory includes over 12,000 used and hard-to-find books. Browse the books.
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