New York, NYC, Argosy Book Store
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1arkandco
Argosy Book Store -- 6 tempting floors of old and rare books, antique maps, prints and autographs -- on East 59th Street (between Lexington and Park Avenue, just half a block from Bloomingdale’s). The original store was founded by Louis Cohen downtown in 1925; it is now presided over by his three daughters, Judith Lowry, Naomi Hample and Adina Cohen.
I must confess that as I work nearby, I am a lunchtime habitué of the “arcade” (the outdoor book stalls in front of the entrance), which features a wall of $1 serendipitous bargains and a table of books whose subject matter and prices change frequently (dollar pamphlets for a few weeks, then beautiful art books for $10, followed by cookbooks for $3 a few weeks after that -- always something interesting, unusual and affordable). But go inside to main floor and ask for assistance to see what a real bookstore is all about -- friendly, knowledgeable, helpful staff (often an owner) and a remarkable stock of quality books in all areas. As your eyes adjust to the indoors, you’ll see quality paperback books on a cart for $3, rare first editions in a locked case for thousands, books on a shelf printed in the 16th century, affordable prints and autographs, leather bindings and walls of organized and attractive copies of well chosen books at fair prices.
I could go on at great length (and hope to, someday) but everything you might want to know about Argosy can be found on their website, http://www.argosybooks.com where you can take a photo tour, read samples of press clippings (I highly recommend Michael Thomas’s article in Quest Magazine from 2005 entitled “Volumes of Praise”) and search their inventory.
This is a famous bookstore frequented often by equally famous customers (and Argosy is often asked to purchase the libraries of famous people). The owners are too discreet to mention such things, but I remember well the day about two years ago when I was casually scanning the books in the arcade; having found a book I couldn’t live without (for a dollar, that is) I was about to go inside when I was politely told by a large, well groomed and extremely polite young man that I would have to wait a few minutes before I could enter. Why, I asked? Well, there was a “VIP” customer in the store at that moment and no one would be allowed in until he had finished his Christmas shopping. I was at first annoyed, until I looked in the window and saw our 42nd President looking through a pile of books that had been gathered for his consideration (apparently he is a regular holiday customer). A small crowd formed, we waited 15, 20 minutes more, happily, and then gave him a big cheer as exited the store and patiently shook hands with almost everyone there. It was a great New York moment.
I like Argosy’s tag line: “Shop at Argosy. Make everyone happy.” And, I might add, patronize and support a bookstore that is a treasure in itself and a source of endless buying and browsing pleasure for people who read and love books.
Basic facts (taken from their website):
Hours: Open year-round, Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm. From September through April, we're open on Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Address:
116 East 59th Street
(Between Park Avenue & Lexington)
New York, NY 10022
Telephone: 212-753-4455
Fax: 212-593-4784
Email: argosy@argosybooks.com
I must confess that as I work nearby, I am a lunchtime habitué of the “arcade” (the outdoor book stalls in front of the entrance), which features a wall of $1 serendipitous bargains and a table of books whose subject matter and prices change frequently (dollar pamphlets for a few weeks, then beautiful art books for $10, followed by cookbooks for $3 a few weeks after that -- always something interesting, unusual and affordable). But go inside to main floor and ask for assistance to see what a real bookstore is all about -- friendly, knowledgeable, helpful staff (often an owner) and a remarkable stock of quality books in all areas. As your eyes adjust to the indoors, you’ll see quality paperback books on a cart for $3, rare first editions in a locked case for thousands, books on a shelf printed in the 16th century, affordable prints and autographs, leather bindings and walls of organized and attractive copies of well chosen books at fair prices.
I could go on at great length (and hope to, someday) but everything you might want to know about Argosy can be found on their website, http://www.argosybooks.com where you can take a photo tour, read samples of press clippings (I highly recommend Michael Thomas’s article in Quest Magazine from 2005 entitled “Volumes of Praise”) and search their inventory.
This is a famous bookstore frequented often by equally famous customers (and Argosy is often asked to purchase the libraries of famous people). The owners are too discreet to mention such things, but I remember well the day about two years ago when I was casually scanning the books in the arcade; having found a book I couldn’t live without (for a dollar, that is) I was about to go inside when I was politely told by a large, well groomed and extremely polite young man that I would have to wait a few minutes before I could enter. Why, I asked? Well, there was a “VIP” customer in the store at that moment and no one would be allowed in until he had finished his Christmas shopping. I was at first annoyed, until I looked in the window and saw our 42nd President looking through a pile of books that had been gathered for his consideration (apparently he is a regular holiday customer). A small crowd formed, we waited 15, 20 minutes more, happily, and then gave him a big cheer as exited the store and patiently shook hands with almost everyone there. It was a great New York moment.
I like Argosy’s tag line: “Shop at Argosy. Make everyone happy.” And, I might add, patronize and support a bookstore that is a treasure in itself and a source of endless buying and browsing pleasure for people who read and love books.
Basic facts (taken from their website):
Hours: Open year-round, Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm. From September through April, we're open on Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Address:
116 East 59th Street
(Between Park Avenue & Lexington)
New York, NY 10022
Telephone: 212-753-4455
Fax: 212-593-4784
Email: argosy@argosybooks.com
2aluvalibri
arkandco, I agree with you. Argosy is wonderful, and thank you for mentioning it!
:-))
:-))
3varielle
I will be bee bopping into the big apple the week of August 2. Any book store events, signings, or other pointers tossed my way will be greatly appreciated.
