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1wcarter
I will be visiting New York in a few days and would appreciate any reccommendations for good quality and reasonably priced book stores that stock fine press and antiquarian books.
3dlphcoracl
>2 parchment.redux:
LOL. Very clever!!
In addition to the Strand Book Store (main branch is in the East Village at the corner of East 12th St. and Broadway), James Cummins Bookseller (699 Madison Ave. between 62nd and 63rd Sts) is also worth investigating. Ursus Books Ltd. is also at 699 Madison Ave. (different floor of the building) and he may have the finest book collection in NYC but I have found his prices to be higher than they should be. Nevertheless, you may still find something worthwhile at a reasonable price and it would be foolish not to stop in at Ursus while you are in the building.
DlphcOracl
LOL. Very clever!!
In addition to the Strand Book Store (main branch is in the East Village at the corner of East 12th St. and Broadway), James Cummins Bookseller (699 Madison Ave. between 62nd and 63rd Sts) is also worth investigating. Ursus Books Ltd. is also at 699 Madison Ave. (different floor of the building) and he may have the finest book collection in NYC but I have found his prices to be higher than they should be. Nevertheless, you may still find something worthwhile at a reasonable price and it would be foolish not to stop in at Ursus while you are in the building.
DlphcOracl
4dlphcoracl
>2 parchment.redux:
Incidentally, Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music) and David Byrne (Talking Heads) are twins that were separated at birth - striking similarity in both appearance and stage persona.
Incidentally, Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music) and David Byrne (Talking Heads) are twins that were separated at birth - striking similarity in both appearance and stage persona.
5wcarter
Thank you both for your suggestions. Much appreciated.
It seems I will most definitely "Do the Strand".
It seems I will most definitely "Do the Strand".
6varielle
My suggestion for the Strand is to not go on a Saturday. I was there in March and it was elbow to elbow. Didn't stop me though. ;)
7leccol
The Strand is for those who value price more than condition. That's why they are crowded, full of bargain seekers.
Of the three listed, James Cummins is probably your best antiquarian book store. Cummins has a large inventory and fair prices. I have purchased several LECs there. Be advised that the Cummins inventory is largely stored offsite. If you want to see a copy, you should browse their on-line inventory and ask to see the books on your visit.
The best deal in New York is still Jeanne Shiff's LEC. She still has many LEC's in stock. All of the LECs she has left are in as new condition. She is a gracious and fetching person. She would be happy to show you some of the many beauties she has left. Her prices can't be beat if you are prepared to pay from $1000 to $1500 for an LEC.
Of the three listed, James Cummins is probably your best antiquarian book store. Cummins has a large inventory and fair prices. I have purchased several LECs there. Be advised that the Cummins inventory is largely stored offsite. If you want to see a copy, you should browse their on-line inventory and ask to see the books on your visit.
The best deal in New York is still Jeanne Shiff's LEC. She still has many LEC's in stock. All of the LECs she has left are in as new condition. She is a gracious and fetching person. She would be happy to show you some of the many beauties she has left. Her prices can't be beat if you are prepared to pay from $1000 to $1500 for an LEC.
8dlphcoracl
>7 leccol:
Agree entirely with leccol:
1. Book condition is often compromised at the Strand Book Store although they are honest and accurate in their descriptions and assessment of book condition. Frankly, I do not find their prices to be a significant bargain when accounting for their typical book condition.
2. James Cummins is the best combination of excellent inventory in collectible condition with reasonable prices.
3. Ursus Books is the most high-end of the three in terms of rarity and range of their inventory, book condition, and
highest prices (often times, unnecessarily so). Still, an occasional book of interest will be fairly priced.
Agree entirely with leccol:
1. Book condition is often compromised at the Strand Book Store although they are honest and accurate in their descriptions and assessment of book condition. Frankly, I do not find their prices to be a significant bargain when accounting for their typical book condition.
2. James Cummins is the best combination of excellent inventory in collectible condition with reasonable prices.
3. Ursus Books is the most high-end of the three in terms of rarity and range of their inventory, book condition, and
highest prices (often times, unnecessarily so). Still, an occasional book of interest will be fairly priced.
9wcarter
Today was the day for doing the bookshops of New York. Thank you all for your advice.
Started in Madison Ave. and slowly made my way south.
First was James Cummins and Ursus. Very helpful and courteous, superb selection - but the prices - phew! Even standard FS books were $75 and up, and my particular interest (pre 1850 atlases with hand coloured maps - rare but fascinating) were double the price I would pay for similar in Europe, although they did have some beautiful examples.
I bought one nice small Golden Cockrell book from Cummins (When Thou Was't Naked by T.Powys), but resisted all other temptation from other bookshops I found in Madison Ave. and elswhere along my wandering route until I reached the Strand.
I agree with >8 dlphcoracl: that many books were in ordinary condition, but enjoyed exploring the third floor with a very helpful assistant. I found two immaculate LEC publications (Break of Day - Collete and Roxanna - Defoe) in excellent condition, and an unread FS LE Fables of la Fontaine that I purchased there. They had about a dozen Letterpress Shakespeare at $300 which I thought was reasonable, but I resisted these.
Also bought a new art book on the works of Canalleto.
Very hard to limit myself to just these as the choice was overwhelming, but there is only so much luggage one can take on intercontinental flights. As is, I will need to pretend that my carry on is as light as a feather, when in reality it will be stuffed with about 20Kg of books!
Once again, thank you all for leading me on a fascinating day of bookstore exploration and improving my health with a very long walk from Central Park to Soho with a back pack that became steadily heavier en-route!
Started in Madison Ave. and slowly made my way south.
First was James Cummins and Ursus. Very helpful and courteous, superb selection - but the prices - phew! Even standard FS books were $75 and up, and my particular interest (pre 1850 atlases with hand coloured maps - rare but fascinating) were double the price I would pay for similar in Europe, although they did have some beautiful examples.
I bought one nice small Golden Cockrell book from Cummins (When Thou Was't Naked by T.Powys), but resisted all other temptation from other bookshops I found in Madison Ave. and elswhere along my wandering route until I reached the Strand.
I agree with >8 dlphcoracl: that many books were in ordinary condition, but enjoyed exploring the third floor with a very helpful assistant. I found two immaculate LEC publications (Break of Day - Collete and Roxanna - Defoe) in excellent condition, and an unread FS LE Fables of la Fontaine that I purchased there. They had about a dozen Letterpress Shakespeare at $300 which I thought was reasonable, but I resisted these.
Also bought a new art book on the works of Canalleto.
Very hard to limit myself to just these as the choice was overwhelming, but there is only so much luggage one can take on intercontinental flights. As is, I will need to pretend that my carry on is as light as a feather, when in reality it will be stuffed with about 20Kg of books!
Once again, thank you all for leading me on a fascinating day of bookstore exploration and improving my health with a very long walk from Central Park to Soho with a back pack that became steadily heavier en-route!
