Book Stores for Book Lovers Guide
New York's 50 Best
A trip to Argosy is a voyage of discovery. This used-book store in midtown occupies six floors in a labyrinthine, turn-of-the-century building. For those who appreciate the pleasures of the chase when book shopping, the store is a delight. Take a rickety elevator to each of the departments to find specialized sections you never dreamed existed - one for every river and state in America, one for practically every animal that stepped on the ark. Argosy also has a huge collection of prints, maps and fine art, as well as rare books, autographs and letters. Prices range from one dollar to many thousands.
Founded in 1925 by Louis Cohen, the business is now run by his three daughters: Naomi, Judith and Adina. The trio grew up in and around the bookstore, and although many children might never want to see another book again, all three have inherited their father's passion. "He just adored books and bought them in huge quantities," explains Naomi. Little has changed at Argosy in recent times - the daughters maintain one of the largest collections of quality used and rare books in town.
Argosy is like the Metropolitan Museum in that it's possible to end up somewhere new on each visit. If you don't have time to roam for hours, however, make straight for the first floor and the shelf on the left side marked SELECT READING. Here lies a thoughtful selection of poetry, books, novels and anthologies - a kind of "best of" the main literature selections.
-- Eve Claxton
A trip to Argosy is a voyage of discovery. This used-book store in midtown occupies six floors in a labyrinthine, turn-of-the-century building. For those who appreciate the pleasures of the chase when book shopping, the store is a delight. Take a rickety elevator to each of the departments to find specialized sections you never dreamed existed - one for every river and state in America, one for practically every animal that stepped on the ark. Argosy also has a huge collection of prints, maps and fine art, as well as rare books, autographs and letters. Prices range from one dollar to many thousands.
Founded in 1925 by Louis Cohen, the business is now run by his three daughters: Naomi, Judith and Adina. The trio grew up in and around the bookstore, and although many children might never want to see another book again, all three have inherited their father's passion. "He just adored books and bought them in huge quantities," explains Naomi. Little has changed at Argosy in recent times - the daughters maintain one of the largest collections of quality used and rare books in town.
Argosy is like the Metropolitan Museum in that it's possible to end up somewhere new on each visit. If you don't have time to roam for hours, however, make straight for the first floor and the shelf on the left side marked SELECT READING. Here lies a thoughtful selection of poetry, books, novels and anthologies - a kind of "best of" the main literature selections.
-- Eve Claxton
