Secrets and Stories of Famous Bookstores in History
Welcome to a journey through time and space, where we’ll explore the secrets and stories behind some of the most famous bookstores in history. From the dusty and dimly lit corners of French literary hotspots to the bustling streets of Manhattan, we will discover the inside scoop behind some of these iconic literary institutions.
Shakespeare & Company, Paris 📚
Founded in 1919 by Sylvia Beach, Shakespeare & Company is known for being a sanctuary and gathering place for writers and artists. Many notable figures such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Ezra Pound have spent time in this store. Sylvia’s contribution to literature is significant - not only did she publish some of the most groundbreaking books of the time, but she was also a huge supporter of Joyce when no one else would touch his work.
The Strand, New York City 🚕
When you walk into The Strand, it feels like a book lover’s paradise with over 18 miles of books lining its shelves. The Strand is said to have one of the largest collections of rare and out-of-print books in the world. The store is also known for its “18 miles” slogan, which represents how much shelf space is dedicated to books in the store. Visitors can easily spend hours wandering through the endless stacks, finding everything from vintage posters to vintage comics.
Powell’s City of Books, Portland 🌲
Powell’s City of Books is not just a bookstore, it’s an empire. It’s the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world, with over 1.6 million new and used books on its shelves. The store covers an entire city block and is organized by colors - not your typical author or genre system. The store also has a rare books room, where customers can browse through some of the rarest books in the world.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires 🎭
Located in Buenos Aires, this bookstore inhabits a theater that was built in 1919. It closed as a theater in 2000, and then opened as a bookstore in 2007. The store has preserved most of the original theater decor, including the opulent stage, balconies, and lighting. El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a jaw-dropping sight to behold - with its frescoed ceiling, decorative arches, and chandeliers, it’s easy to forget that you are in a bookstore.
Atlantis Bookshop, London 🔮
Atlantis Bookshop’s origins trace back to the early 20th century and served as a meeting place for occultists and mystics. Founded by Alan Walton in 1922, the store can be found nestled on Museum Street in Bloomsbury. The shop was home to a variety of famous faces from Esotericism and Spiritualism society, including members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Visitors to Atlantis can find everything from books on astral projection to spell books of all kinds.
And there you have it - a glimpse into the secrets and stories of the most famous bookstores in history. Visit these bookstores, and you will find it’s not just books that you are looking at, but the history and culture that these places embody.
