Gotham Book Mart--CLOSED
New York, NY 10017-2404
Phone: (212) 719-4448
- Directions:
- N, R at 49th St.
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 9:30am-6:30pm, Sat 9:30am-6pm
Editorial Review for Gotham Book Mart--CLOSED – by Darren D'Addario
The Scene
Gotham is often frequented by literary heavyweights like Arthur Miller and John Irving, because for over 100 years, the shop has lived up to the proud sign hanging outside its door: "Wise Men Fish Here." The salespeople, looking like devout anarchists, are very knowledgeable. "Do Not Enter" signs are posted on several doors as if the owners were trying to hide an evil used-book cabal.
The Goods
Tons of new and used books are everywhere and no more than semi-organized; black-and-white photos of distinguished writers are displayed on the walls. Sure, it's not a comfortable place to shop, but there's so much to recommend it anyway: an intelligent selection of new and used books (especially in the areas of poetry and philosophy), a photo of Hart Crane in Brooklyn and a sense of history accompanying the dust in the air.
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User Reviews for Gotham Book Mart--CLOSED
11/08/2005 Posted by kem31753
I've been coming to Gotham since I was a teenager. It's a pleasure to roam the dusty bookshelves. I remember one rainy afternoon sitting on the floor hunting for an out of print book, and finding it. The staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They answer your questions sans snotty attitude of another bookstore I can think of on downtown Broadway. This is what reading is all about. It's all about the books - not the coffee, the greeting cards, the superstore. Just about the books and what's inside them.
Pros: History, Staff, Selection
Cons: a little bit of dust
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