Archive-name: books/stores/north-american/bay-area Last change: Wed Apr 27 14:25:02 EDT 1994 Changes: Berkeley (Other Change of Hobbit) Deletions: San Francisco (Valencia Books) Copies of this article may be obtained by anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu under /pub/usenet/news.answers/books/stores/north-american/bay-area.Z. Or, send email to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with "send usenet/news.answers/books/stores/north-american/bay-area" in the body of the message. [Note 1: I collected these comments from a variety of people. I personally have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you buy a book you don't enjoy. :-) Phone numbers and precise addresses can be gotten by calling directory assistance for the appropriate city. Call ahead for precise hours, as even when I list them they are subject to change.] [Note 2: I am cross-posting this to rec.arts.sf.written, but the bookstores listed include *all* types of bookstores, so please don't tell me that a particular store has a limited SF--science fiction--section unless I have specifically claimed otherwise. All references to science fiction are abbreviated SF for ease in electronic searching.] SAN FRANCISCO: (Thanks to Joseph Brenner, this is arranged geographically, roughly east to west, or starting "Downtown" and moving outwards. If something is grossly misplaced, please let me know, but it's difficult to order linearly a two-dimensional map! The streets in the downtown area, running east to west are Sansome, Montgomery, Kearney, Grant, Stockton, Powell, Mason, Taylor, Jones, Leavenworth, Hyde, Larkin, Polk, and Van Ness. Running south to north are Market, Turk, Eddy, Ellis, O'Farrell, Geary, Post, Sutter, Bush, Pine, and California.) Chinatown: Louie Bros Book Store (754 Washington near Grant). Chinese language. Noted a Lotus 1-2-3 manual in the window. Downtown: William K. Stout Architectural Books (804 Montgomery, 415-391-6757). This is a beautiful bookstore on all facets of architecture, including furniture. The books are stored in a seemingly chaotic fashion, but the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Closed Sunday, open late Thursday. City Lights (261 Broadway and Columbus, 415-362-8193). The best place for general literature. Famous beat era shop. Go downstairs. Alexander Book Co. (south of Market on Second Street downtown, 415-495-2992). Pleasant to hang out in, and carries a more interesting selection of everything than many larger places. It's hidden away behind Stacey's. (Stacey's is valuable but really just a giant Waldenbooks in spirit. Alexander is not--they will order *anything* from anyone if even just suspected to be in print.) Mon-Fri 8:30AM-6PM, Sat 10AM-5PM. Rand McNally (595 Market near 2nd, 415-777-3131). Huge selection of maps and travel books. Stacey's (581 Market near 2nd, 415-421-4687). It is remarkable for technical books. Another branch at 383 Sacramento between Front and Battery. Mon-Fri 8:30AM-6:30PM, Sat 9AM-5:30PM. Audio Books (7 3rd south of Market, 415-905-0200). Books and other stuff on tape for sale and rent. I wasn't able to visit it because I was busy during the daytime when it was open, but it seemed to have an impressive selection. Bassett Book Shop (865 Market in the San Francisco Shopping Centre, 415-543-0933). This used to be Brentano's. It has recently opened on two floors of the "Nordstrom Mall." The store itself has three floors of new books; it's spacious, and looks inviting. The selection is reasonable. There are chairs that are not very comfortable. The staff is not up to speed yet, but that will probably change. Tillman Place Bookshop (8 Tillman Place off Grant between Post and Sutter, 415-392-4668). Was previously called Charlotte Newbegin's Bookshop. Contrary to previous reports, they do *not* specialize in Russian books (can someone help me out on what bookstore the person might have been thinking of?) and does not carry used books. Argonaut Books (786 Sutter at the corner of Taylor, 415-474-6353). Used. Hunter's Books (151 Powell, 415-397-5955). A super-discounted branch of Books Inc. Remainders and such. International Corner (500 Sutter at Powell, 415-362-4812). Foreign- Language vooks, mostly European languages. The Bookstall (570 Sutter btwn Powell and Mason 415-362-6353). Used. It has a general selection of books. Albatross (166 Eddy btwn Mason and Taylor, 415-885-6501). Used. Much more upscale than McDonalds, excellent selection. In a very seedy area, but you are probably safe during the day. Also a branch at 143 Clement at 3rd Avenue, 415-752-8611. McDonalds (48 Turk, 415-673-2235). Used. You gotta see this place: rickety shelves stacked to the rafters with old books and magazines. The next quake is going to wipe this place out. In a very seedy area, but you are probably safe during the day. "Heavily advertised, but greatly overated. I do not see how they could possibly have over one million books/magazines/records, as they claim, and their material seemed badly disorganized. In addition, Turk St. is an alarming place to someone not familiar with that area (not someplace to go after dark)." Mon, Tue, Thu 10AM-6PM, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:30 AM-6:45PM. Civic Center: European Books (925 Larkin a couple of blocks uphill/north of Fantasy Etc., 415-474-0626). THE place to go for European-language books. Mostly French, German, and Spanish, but other languages as well. Mon-Fri 9:30AM-6PM, Sat 9:30AM-5PM. Fantasy Etc. (808 Larkin between Geary and O'Farrell, 415-441-7617). SF and mysteries. A Clean Well-Lighted Place For Books at Opera Plaza (610 Van Ness Ave between Golden Gate and Turk, 415-441-6670). A good general selection of books, and a helpful staff. "Only in San Francisco will you find a bookstore where the children's section is next to the lesbian and gay section." Sun-Thu 10AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-12M. San Francisco Opera Shop (2nd floor of the War Memorial Opera House, Van Ness at Grove, 415-565-6414). Open every night an opera is given; features opera-related items which are sometimes hard to find elsewhere. Acorn Books (740 Polk between Eddy and Ellis next-door to Sierra Club HQ, 415-563-1736). Used. Everything over $15 is on the computer. They also have printouts by topic. "Very large collection of SF paperbacks. Some hardcover. Some highly priced collectibles. A good selection of pulps in average condition (AMAZING, ASTOUNDING, ANALOG, etc.). There are a few other used book stores in the immediate area, which I would recommend staying away from." "This has one of the best selctions of out-of-print material I have seen in SF/fantasy." Mon-Sat 10:30AM-8PM, Sun 12N-7PM. Books & Company (1323 Polk near Bush, 415-441-2929). "This is a cramped, low-ceilinged place, painted blood-red throughout, with books overflowing every imaginable horizontal surface. Classical music wafts through the air, as does the faintest aroma of the Bookstore Cat's ... uh ... facilities. There are oriental rugs on the floor, the better to cushion the fall of all those precariously-perched books, and a rather curmudgeonly appearing proprietor, who becomes an absolute sweetheart with the slightest provocation. If you peek behind the piles of current titles, you'll find all kinds of used treasures on the shelves. And new titles are *heavily* discounted--at least 40% off the list price! Its hours are rather eccentric--something like Wednesday thru Saturday, afternoons only, but don't quote me. [Sorry, too late!] Anyway, the place is a bibliophile's (and ailurophile's too--the Cat is perfect) paradise.... Around the World Books (1346 Polk, 415-474-5568). *Not* a travel bookstore, but art and children's books, used. (May be some new books as well; I'm working from the phone book listing.) San Francisco Museum of Modern Art bookstore (Van Ness and McAllister, near the Opera House, 415-863-2890). A great selection of art and art-related books; also some interesting children's books. Richard Hilkert, Bookseller (333 Hayes, near the Performing Arts Center, 415-863-3339). Has a large number of books on architecture, as well as a large collection of books, new and used, on design, the arts, collecting, gardening, cooking, travel.... Carries new and used books, and has book signings from time to time. Drama Books (134 Ninth St, San Francisco CA 94103, two or three blocks off Market, 415-255-0604). U. S. Government Bookstore (Room 1023, Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, 415-252-5334). "Did you know that the U.S. Government Printing Office operates 24 bookstores across the country? ...and that they have some of the most >ahem< unusual and interesting things you'll find anywhere?" Super Crown (1700 Van Ness). Standard discount superstore. Marina: Charlotte's Web (2278 Union, 415-441-4700). Children's bookstore. Excellent selection of children's books along with tapes, cards, art supplies and other good stuffcards, that children and parents will enjoy. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Will do special orders for items not in stock. Special features: monthly talks and presentations by local authors and illustrators, story hours, newsletter, and Joe the Dog. Russian Hill Bookstore (2234 Polk, 415-929-0997). New (Spring '93) used bookstore, specializing in religion, philosophy, history, art and sports; also general subjects. Next door to the Gateau Boutique which, though little-known, has some of the best fancy pastries in San Francisco. Blue Sky (down the street from Russian Hill). "I think [this] is much better [than Russian Hill]." Aaben (1546 California). Specializing in fiction, mystery, film, SF, and counterculture. Writer's Bookstore (2848 Webster, between Green & Union, 415-921-2620). A tiny store with new and used books. Classical music on the radio, sports on TV! *All* new books discounted up to 40-50% off cover-price! Maritime Book Store (Hyde Street Pier near Fisherman's Wharf). A very good selection of new maritime books. While there, must visit the Balclutha, one of the few remaining square-rigged Cape Horn sailing ships. Mission (and Noe Valley): Dog Eared Books (1173 Valencia, 415-282-1901). Medium-sized, general-purpose used bookstore; mostly paperbacks. Open Mon-Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun 12N-6PM. Laissez-Faire Books (Howard Street, 415-541-9780). Some general philosophy, but strong classical liberal flavor. Freedom Forum's Books (1800 Market Street, 415-864-0952). Capitalist. "Most bookstores carry plenty of socialist books; how many carry the works of the Austrian economists such as Ludwig Von Mises and F.A. Hayek? ... Anyone wanting a balanced view of both socialism and capitalism should patronize this store frequently." (Someone else called this "Free Forum Bookstore.") Limelight Film & Theatre Bookstore (1803 Market, San Francisco CA 94103, 415-864-2265). The Limelight has more scripts, but Drama Books also stocks used books, and more about the history/techniques of theater. Aardvark (237 Church at Market, 415-552-6733). Used to have separate new and used stores; now the Church Street location carries both new and used books. Ant Hill Books (237 Church Street, next door to Aadvark, 415-626-BOOK). A small, but promising place. General- purpose collection, with some unusual titles and a growing selection of first editions. Maelstrom Books (572 Valencia near 17th St, 415-863-9933). Medium-sized place. "Looks good." "[Does] not look very good. In fact, it looks dilapidated. It's dark, and the books do not look in good condition. The selection is not up to par with other stores in the neighborhood." Forest Books (3080 16th St at Valencia, 415-863-2755). Largely used books. Spacious, fluorescently lit place with subdued classical music. Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM. Abandoned Planet Bookstore (518 Valencia, next door to Valencia Books, 415-626-2924). Medium-sized selection of used books, mostly paperbacks. Specializing in arts and literature. They don't have a large selection yet, but they have obviously spent some money to make it look nice. Great cushions to sit in the window corners. This may become a nice place. (Was previously The Book Center.) Very low prices. "Excellent steak burritos across the street, at La Cumbre." Adobe Book Shop (3166 16th west of Valencia, 415-864-3936). A used-book store. "It doesn't look as nice as some of the other stores, but it has a reasonable selection." Old Wives' Tales (1009 Valencia, 415-821-4675). Feminist. Modern Times Bookstore (888 Valencia near 20th Street, 415-282-9246; next door to Cafe Beano at 878 Valencia). A good selection of books along the lines of contemporary urban/liberal thought; lots of political stuff. "I gather from the name they think of themselves as an alternative to the more backward-looking City Lights bookstore." "Finally a bookstore that doesn't just have the tracts on Central- American politics, but also books in Spanish." Manzanita Used Books & Records (3686 20th St at Guerrero, 415-648-0957). Incredible, random cluttered collection of books, comic books, records, whatever. Incense, light jazz music, and many rooms which definitely exhibit a Tardis effect. Almost a must-see. "Manzanita is, indeed, a treat." Carroll's Books (Church and 24th--Noe Valley, 415-647-3020). Used. Jim Carroll was a buyer at Green Apple (see below) and has excellent taste in used books. A large used bookstore with a good selection, but most impressive for its funky living room area with cool bird cages. "Small, but a great atmosphere and selection.... I found a near-perfect Riverside Shakespeare for $25." If you're in the area, check out the Mission: Valencia Books, Maelstrom, etc. Phoenix Books & Records (3850 24th at Vicksburg--Noe Valley, 415-821-3477). Good general used books store. Has some nifty chairs. Cover to Cover Booksellers. (24th at Sanchez--Noe Valley, 415-282-8080). Smallish general bookstore. A neighborhood place. Lots of kids books. Small Press Traffic Literary Arts Center (3599 24th Street at Guerrero, 415-285-8354). "SPT is a non-profit literary arts center. The bookstore carries an extensive stock of contemporary poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and literary quarterlies. Many of these items are difficult to find elsewhere. It sponsors reading series of new and experimental writers, a multicultural reading series, and writing workshops in poetry and prose. It's a gathering place for poets and writers. SPT accepts mail orders and credit cards. Hours are Noon to 6PM, Tuesday through Saturday." La Latina (2548 Mission between 21st and 22nd, 415-824-0327). Spanish-language books. La Moderna Poesia (2122 Mission, 415-861-6775). Spanish-language books. Castro: A Different Light (489 Castro Street between 17th & 18th, 415-431-0891 or 800-343-4002). This is a branch of the company that also has bookstores in West Hollywood and New York City. They have a very large selection of titles of interest to lesbians, bisexuals and gay men, and occasionally carry a few used books. They also have a large L/G/B newspaper and magazine section, and sell videos, cards, T-shirts, buttons and other good stuff, and also regularly schedule authors' receptions and readings. Sun-Thu 10AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-12M. Crown Books (518 Castro near 18th Street, 415-552-5213). A typical Crown bookstore, though with a fairly large "Gay Interest" section in the back. Books Etc. (538 Castro near 18th Street, 415-621-8631). A good selection of (mostly) used books, notable for having a fairly large "Gay Interest" section. Lower Haight: Diluvian (518 Haight near Filmore, 415-558-9035). Largely a used bookstore, with a wide assortment oriented toward hardcovers. Atmosphere is relaxed, spacious with a number of easy chairs scattered around. They play classical music in the background. Naked Eye (533 Haight St near Filmore, 415-864-2985). Newstand and video rental place. A weird magazine selection, with some nice touches like "The Skeptical Inquirer" on display next to the UFO magazines. Comix Experience (305 Divisidero, 415-863-9258). A basic comic book store, with a bit more open space than usual, for live appearences by authors and artists. Kinokuniya (shopping center at 1581 Webster, 415-567-7625). The largest Japanese-language bookstore in San Francisco. They also have books in English on Japan, translations into English, Japanese language textbooks, many periodicals, etc. They have a branch in San Jose (408-252-1300) and perhaps elsewhere. Sun-Sat 10:30AM-7PM. Buddhist Bookstore (1710 Octavia, 415-776-7877). Buddhist books, one assumes. Upper Haight: Saint Adrian Company (1334 Haight, near Central, 415-255-1490). Small, but classy used bookstore. Atmosphere: has a small leather couch on a Chinese carpet, with jazz music in the background. Bound Together, the Anarchist Collective Bookstore (1369 Haight near Masonic, 415-431-8355). An odd collection of new and used books, plus small press stuff. It has some strange left-wing anarchist literature, but it also carries quite a bit of other material, which might loosely be classified as "weird": lesbian poets, Tesla Coils, early issues of "REsearch," and so on. One poster wrote at length of his dissatisfaction, especially concerning the staff, and summarized as, "Rude staff possibly inclined toward petty, knee-jerk self-gratification." Forever After Books (1475 Haight near Ashbury, 415-431-8299). Small, but with every available space packed with used books. The staff is very agressively helpful, probably because they know how hard it could be to find something here. They carry all of the usual stuff, though in particular I thought they had impressive collections of old DIY/Engineering books and children's books. Great Expectations (1520 Haight near Ashbury, 415-863-5515). Very small place, but a surprisingly good collection of general literature. Lots of T-shirts and things, largely on 60s nostalgia themes, but there are also hints of the newer, punkier Haight. Comic Relief (1597 Haight near Clayton). Mostly comics. Carries some other random things like THE ANARCHIST COOKBOOK. The Booksmith (1644 Haight near Belvedere, 415-863-8688). Has a table up front with a collection of excellent, quirky, discount hardcovers and trade paperbacks. Recently (6/93) started producing a set of "author trading cards" with a photo on one side and information about his or her current release and Booksmith appearances on the other; the first group includes Jon Carroll, William Wegman, Terence McKenna, Jullie Smith, Mary Bowen Hall, Susan Dunlap, and Linda Grant. Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-6PM. Richmond: Green Apple Books (506 Clement, 415-387-2272). New and used. "Remotely situated in the Richmond district under perpetual fog and surrounded by a maelstrom of Russian tearooms, Vietnamese restaurants and greengrocers, the Holy City Zoo, Tevye's, and the greatest Armenian delicatessen--Haig's-- I've ever smelled." Go upstairs for used books. There are a few other used bookstores within a block or two of there. Albatross III (143 Clement near Second Avenue, 415-752-8611). Used. This is the neighborhood of Green Apple and many restaurants. Canterbury Books (5301 Geary near 17th Avenue, 415-751-7770). Very knowledgeable staff. Just one block from a 38 Geary bus stop. "Highly recommended." Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 12N-7PM. Znanije (5237 Geary, 415-752-7555). A Russian bookstore. ("It's down towards Golden Gate park, not towards downtown. I think the cross street is 16th.") Sunset: Ninth Avenue Books (1348 9th Ave between Irving and Judah, 415-665-2938). Beard's Books (637 Kirkham near 8th Ave, 415-566-0507). Mostly used books. A little bit of everything, but not a lot of anything. High prices. A hard place to be enthusiastic about, but it is open late (after midnight), and it's got a cafe next door. Comics & Comix (650 Irving, 415-665-5888, and 700 Lombard, 415-982-3511). More entries in the chain (smaller than Palo Alto's). Books New & Used (345 Judah at 9th Ave). "Discount Medical, Technical & Professional." Hours around 9 AM-6 PM, closed Sunday. In and Out of Print books (401-A Judah and 9th Ave, 415-665-1116). Another great used book store. Its awning says OPEN TILL MIDNITE. "They have a fairly typical assortment of the sort of stuff which people like used bookstores for, including some older paperback first editions as suitably outrageous prices." (The 443 Clement branch has apparently closed as of 1/93.) Elsewhere (260 Judah and 8th Avenue, 415-661-2535). SF and mysteries. "An excellent collection of collectibles. A less than average selection of regular, used SF. Prices are fairly high, but I always have been able to find a rare book, in fine condition, that I haven't been to find elsewhere." One person said it seems to be open only about 10 hours a week; another said it is open until 8 on Wednesdays; yet another says Wednesday through Sunday 12-4. BERKELEY/OAKLAND: Afikomen (3042 Claremont, Berkeley, 510-655-1977). Judaica. Probably closed Saturday. Avenue Books (2904 College Ave, Berkeley, 510-549-3532). Small but *very* well-stocked. Offers many services including gift-wrapping, UPS shipping (no service charge) and special orders (including ones directly from the publisher--again no service charge). Lots of friendly, knowledgeable staff. A good old-fashioned neighborhood bookstore. Their SF section is mostly a token one--but with Dark Carnival and Other Change of Hobbit so close by, there's no need to have an extensive one; excellent mystery section, though! Open Mon-Sat 9:30AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-6PM. Barnes & Noble (on Shattuck in Berkeley). "The Berkeley store is quite large without the crowding which often occurs between rows of bookcases. They even put out some benches around a fountain in the center of the store. The magazine selection is huge. I found "Car Design and Technology," a British magazine. It was the latest issue (flown in, according to the sticker), and still only cost a few dollars." The one in Jack London Square (see below) is supposedly twice the size. Barnes & Noble (Jack London Square, Oakland). About twice the size of the one in downtown Berkeley. One poster writes, "But seriously, why would you go to B&N when you have Cody's right there?" Another replies, "Well, let's see ... Barnes & Nobles prices are better, for one thing, since they discount everything. Also, their selection is better. I suppose it's more romantic to support Cody's, but some of us can't afford to be that romantic." Bibliomania (San Pablo between 15th and 16th, 510-835-5733). A very nice used bookstore, among the Bay Area's finest. Very attractive--varnished pine shelves, books arranged alphabetically by author within each section, dustjackets protected with mylar sleeves. Fiction, poetry, Californiana, general titles. Big Bad Book Sale (2349 Shattuck Ave). New books greatly reduced, with very little order to the chaos. Black Oak Books (1491 Shattuck Ave, 510-486-0698). I think you either love it or hate it. One poster says, "They have a good mix of new and used and their used selection includes particularly good mythology/folklore and cookbook sections. Their women's section is quite good and they have one of the better humor sections I've run across (e.g., that's where I picked up Sally Swain's GREAT HOUSEWIFES OF ART)." But another claims, "Black Oak Books is all shuck and jive. Lots of new Politically Correct stuff up front, but slim pickins for used goods in the back." "Good selection, but very pricey." Sun-Sat 10AM-10PM. Cartesian (2445 Dwight Way). Small, good quality, scholarly. Cody's (2454 Telegraph at Haste, 510-845-7852). "One of the two stores in the Bay area I hold up as the definition of the term 'bookstore.' (The other is Kepler's in Menlo Park.)" A very large selection of just about everything (foreign-language books on Dwight just west of Telegraph). "Cody's is the only book store in the Bay Area with a significant selection of books on various subjects that interest me (including Judaica, system dynamics and whitewater maps). It is true that it isn't as good as it was when Fred Cody was alive ... but it's still a damn good store." Re the Judaica, Cody's claims it carries "the world's largest selected of Passover books and related items, including 200 Haggadahs, many of them rare and out-of-print" [PW, 8/16/93]. The cafe that had been added was replaced by a magazine/journal/newspaper area. ("This part of Cody's now sells the usual range of foreign and domestic magazines, art journals, literary rags, newspapers, etc.--the sort of stuff that Dave's (also in Berkeley) was once so good at.") There is even a book about Cody's: CODY'S BOOKS: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A BERKELEY BOOKSTORE, 1956-1977, by Pat and Fred Cody (released Oct 1992 and still on display at Cody's; it was described in an article in the 8/3/92 issue of PW). Will ship worldwide. Sun-Thu 9:15AM-9:45PM, Fri-Sat 9:15AM-10:45PM. Dark Carnival (Ashby/Adeline, across the street from the Ashby BART, about two blocks north of the Adeline and Shattuck intersection, 510-845-7757). (The address is 2978 Adeline, but some people think it's on Shattuck.) "An unbelievably fantastic book store. Simply the best. Nirvana. The volume, quality, thoughtfulness and variety are overwhelming. Tucked away in every nook are displays of sub-genres which are impossible to pass by. Their table and bookcase of signed books beats many stores entire selections of SF. I've even had recognizable authors serve me from behind the counter. The store is too large to browse fully in one visit. Large collection of hardcovers, including some limited editions. Large non-fiction section. Frequent signings, readings and parties. Many imports. And much, much more!" Dave's Smoke Shop (2444 Durant). In the indoor shopping passage between Durant and Channing Way just west of Telegraph; same mini-mall as Revolution Books). The periodical selection in there used to be amazing. They even had Pravda (untranslated). However, they have recently changed ownership and the selection has become somewhat smaller. Whether this is a permanent change is anyone's guess. De Lauers (1310 Broadway, Oakland, about 3 blocks away from Holmes Bookstore, 510-451-6157). "This place is open 24 hours a day, and has the widest selection of newspapers and magazines that I've *ever* seen in one place." Gaia (1400 Shattuck Ave, 510-548-4172). "Ecological and Spiritual Resources for an Awakening World." A primary resource for the East Bay women's spirituality community. Books, music, sacred arts." Wonderful atmosphere. Gull Book and Print Gallery (1551 San Pablo, 510-836-9142). A consortium of a dozen or so used booksellers. Well worth a visit, although the place has seen better days. Eclectic collections of uneven quality. Strong on fishing titles and 1940s porno paperbacks. Half-Price Books (2525 Telegraph between Dwight and Parker). "This bookstore is abominably organized. The only time I ever go in is when I'm waiting for a table at the Ethiopian restaurant next door." Open Sun-Sat 10AM-10PM. Holmes (274 14th St, Oakland, 510-893-6860). Excellent selection, *excellent* prices. You might have trouble getting there, because the freeway collapsed. (Others claim this isn't a problem, and there is pretty good parking.) It's also on the border of a major crack-dealing district, so you should only go there in the middle of the day, not at night. (As someone else points out, it also closes at 5, so the former seems redundant.) Lots of Californiana upstairs. New and used books. Todd Nemet writes that on 23 Jan 94 the KPIX 10 o'clock news that the Holmes bookstore is haunted. "They interviewed a worker who said that she has heard books fall out of their shelves behind her, creaking on the steps, and mysterious knockings on the door. The owners think that the ghost is of the founder of the bookstore. Although the news story was pretty long, there wasn't too much more information in it. The reporter also dared anyone to spend the night in the basement of the bookstore without any lights on. Don't you think that having the lights out defeats the purpose of spending the night in a bookstore? But I thought I should alert you of a chance to spend the night in a bookstore anyway." Liberty Tree (134 98th Ave in Oakland). Not just libertarian but also general civil liberties and` history books. Mama Bear's (6536 Telegraph, Oakland). Feminist bookstore/coffeehouse. Limited selection. There's a better feminist bookstore in San Francisco called Old Wives' Tales. Marcus Books (Fillmore near Sutter, Oakland). African and Black history and issues. Also supposedly has a branch in San Francisco. Mr. Mopps' Children's Bookshop (1405 Martin Luther King Jr. Way) Moe's (2476 Telegraph between Haste and Dwight, 510-849-2087; MOESBOOKS@delphi.com). Five floors of mostly used books. Around for over 25 years, they are one of the largest bookstores of their kind. Their old store can be seen briefly in THE GRADUATE). Has a variety of services. Will do book searches through their email address. More Moe's, located on the fourth floor, is an art and antiquarian shop. One poster writes, "My favorite bookstore and probably the best bookstore on the face of this earth. Okay, okay, that may be an exaggeration (especially since I haven't been to New York). However, how many used bookstores do you know that charge 1/2 of the cover price for *all* paperbacks-- including the old 25- or 35 -cent paperbacks!" (Although another poster calls them "very pricey" on hardbacks.) Will ship worldwide. O'Neil Book Co. (1150 Sixth Street, one block north of Gilman, 510-527-9855). Great selection of remaindered books. "I was told about this by one of the proprietors of The Other Change Of Hobbit, who thinks most highly of it." Other Change of Hobbit (2020 Shattuck Avenue at University Avenue, 510-848-0413; danee@backdoor.com). "An excellent selection of new SF, paperback and hardcover. Plus, there's a decent selection of used SF, some used pulps, with an occasional outstanding collectible under the glass case in the back. Occasional signings." You can send them your want list and they will get back to you as things come in. They ship worldwide. **MOVED FROM ITS OLD LOCATION 3/93** Pegasus Books (1855 Solano, 510-525-6888). Pendragon Books (5560 College Avenue, Oakland, 510-652-6259). Pegasus and Pendragon are owned by the same management. Both of them stock primarily used books, remaindered books and recent releases. Revolution Bookstore (2425 Channing Way). In a mini-mall between Durant and Channing Way off Telegraph; underneath building on west side of Telegraph--the same mall as Dave's Smoke Shop. Serendipity (1201 University Ave one block east of San Pablo, 510-841-7455). A warehouse full of first editions and rare books. Used books. "One of the Bay Area's finest, but they know books and there are few bargains there. Also worth a visit just to admire some very fine woodworking in their bookcases and cabinets." "I have yet to find anything of any interest to me in Serendipity Books." Shakespeare and Company (2499 Telegraph). Diverse store. Open Shambhala (2482 Telegraph next to Moe's). Excellent source for books on Eastern religion and other forms of mysticism. New books. University Press Bookstore (across from the intermural athletic center, 2430 Bancroft). Walden Pond (3316 Grand Avenue between Lake Park and Mandana, Oakland. Distinct from Waldenbooks, a used and new bookstore. They have a particularly good selection of international writers (in translation) and radical literature and magazines. OTHER: Corte Madera: Book Passage (51 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415-927-0960). Written up in the 9/21/92 issue of PUBLISHERS WEEKLY. Over 9000 sq. ft. of books, including a 3200-sq.ft. section devoted to mystery and SF and a rare and used book department. "Book Passage's great strength is its travel section. It was the only place in the Bay Area where I was able to locate a guide to freighter travel." The store also carries titles in French, Spanish, and German, and has a cafe in the back. In an attempt to fill the gap left by cutbacks in the California library system, they have recently (6/93) started a (pay) lending library of books, audiocassettes, and travel videocassettes. (Corte Madera is in Marin County, across the Golden Gate Bridge.) Dan F. Webb Books (1535 San Pablo, 510-444-4572). Mostly military and aviation titles, some general stock. Be sure to haggle over the prices. Tue, Thu, Sat 11AM-4PM. Larkspur: A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books (2417 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 415-461-0171). "It's in Marin County, across the "street" from the Larkspur Ferry terminal. It's a popular, comfortable place. My favorite in Marin county!" Belmont: Full Circle Books (1148B El Camino Real). Specializes in New Age books. They have both new and used books. Menlo Park: East West Books (1170 El Camino, 415-325-5709). "A complete New Age book shop, with sections on herbalism, metaphysics, aromatherapy, shamanism, inner healing.... Also cards, incense, crystals, gongs, and other Aquarian doodads. This is the sort of thing that people who like this sort of thing will like." Mon-Thu, Sat 10AM-9PM, Fri 10AM-5:30PM, Sun 1PM-5:30PM. Kepler's (1010 El Camino Real, 415-324-4321). "One of the two stores in the Bay area I hold up as the definition of the term 'bookstore.'" Special emphasis on alternative and progressive titles. Has regular in-person programs, often featuring important authors. "They recently opened a separate discount book section, big, but not as good as Books Inc. (in my opinion)." Sun-Sat 11AM-7PM. Wessex (558 Santa Cruz half-block off El Camino, 415-321-1333). A truly delightful place. They have a large selection of used books in wonderful condition and at good prices. They seem to have a little bit of everything although the SF and mystery sections are somewhat limited. The best used bookstore on the peninsula. Their other claim to fame: Classical, Jazz and Blues used records. Wonderful place! Across the street from Kepler's. Open Friday and Saturday until 9PM, and Sunday afternoons. Palo Alto: Bell's (536 Emerson, 415-323-7822). Used. In terms of selection good. Great for book collectors. "Unfortunately much of their stock is out of reach on high shelves, which can be frustrating. They also shelve their fiction books in three layers, so you have to create little temporary piles on the floor as you mine for books. Great place!" People used to complain that they often changed the price on the book when you bring it up to the register (so that for a book marked $3 they might say, "Sorry, that's $7.50 now"), but someone recently reported that they had stopped doing this because it pissed off too many customers. Closed Sundays. Bob and Bob (151 Forest Ave, 415-329-9050). Judaica. Closed Saturdays. Books Inc. (Stanford Shopping Center, 415-321-0600). New books. Has a good paperback selection. As of 7/93, had moved to smaller quarters, reportedly due to rent hikes by the mall. New location has much less of everything; the big tables of deep discount hardcovers are essentially gone. Basically indistinguishable from Waldenbooks now. One poster's feeling is that within a year, this mall will have no bookstores in continuous operation (see comments on Phileas Fogg and Sports Central). Open 7 days a week. Chimaera (University near High, 415-327-1122). Excellent mostly used bookstore specializing in well-selected literary and humanities titles. Also good selection of used records, cassettes, and CDs, especially for classical, jazz, and progressive rock. Comics & Comix (403 California Ave, 415-855-8100). Good new and used comics collection, some Frazetta-style "art" books, small humor and gaming sections. Future Fantasy (3705 El Camino, 415-855-9771; futfan@netcom.com). An excellent selection of new SF, fantasy, and mystery. "Far and away my favorite bookstore for SF." Frequent signings. New, larger location with parking lot. If you have access to a WWW client, Future Fantasy in Palo Alto is accessible at http://www.commerce.digital.com./palo-alto/FutureFantasy/. "They have a great interface, including their complete catalog, newsletter, some cover shots, and forms to actually order stuff." Will ship worldwide. Open Monday through Saturday. Know Knew Books (415 California, 415-326-9355). A good spot for used paperbacks, SF and general. A good selection of hard-cover fiction and non-fiction as well. "My vote for the best Bay Area used bookstore. Although Recycle Books in San Jose, or Acorn Books in San Francisco may have larger overall volumes, the SF selection in this store is unbeatable. There is also a large, reasonably priced, collectible section." "My vote for best, too. Not only is the SF collection great, but the SF and fantasy first editions collection is good; excellent collection of series-format paperbacks. Reliable rumor: they're going to open a branch, probably in the South Bay, in the near future." Open 7 days a week. Megabooks (444 University Avenue near Waverly, 415-326-4730). Good general used bookstore which often has real bargains on recent cook books. Minerva Books (1027 Alma, 415-326-2006). Wide collection of books dealing with the occult, astrology, Eastern religion, etc. Phileas Fogg (Stanford Shopping Center, 415-327-1754). As of 7/1/93, this travel store has merged with Sports Central at this location. They did not expand their shelf space, however, so both collections have been cut. Local and West Coast travel is still fairly good (but cut down from before the merger); the folding map collection is still good, but all of the non-travelogue, non-folding map stuff (on the right-side shelves as one enters) is gone, replaced by sports books. The staff was noticeably less friendly; there was a television and VCR running some sports tape. "My gut-level impression: will be out of business within one year if the current format is retained." Printers Inc. (310 California, 415-327-6500). Smaller than Kepler's, but more personal, with a cafe in the bookstore (a recent trend in bookstores). Though they have recently expanded, the bookshop itself is as friendly and personal as ever. The cafe is also larger but (as one poster says) "I'm afraid, much less cosy and intimate than before. One positive result of the expansion is that the cafe section no longer closes during readings by authors and poets." Good selection of foreign papers. The same poster writes, "My favourite weekly ritual is to cycle from work to Printer's Inc., pick up my reserved copy of the [Toronto] "Globe and Mail," and peruse it over a cup of dark French roast coffee with the buzz of conversation in the background. A very pleasant and civilized way to spend an otherwise dull Tuesday evening." Sun-Sat 10AM-11PM, though the newspaper section may open earlier. Renaissance Books (230 Hamilton near Emerson, 415-321-2846). Another used bookstore, specially good for its huge collection of very cheap popular fiction -- mysteries, gothic, SF, etc. (Used to be Recycle Books.) "An above-average, well-established store which has recently been eclipsed by Book Buyers, one block away (see entry.) Open 7 days. Sports Central: The Ultimate Sports Bookstore (157 Stanford Shopping Center, 415-327-7707). 7000 titles, as well as audio and video tapes, and a few accessories, but no memorabilia or used books. Thursday night lecture series. (Written up in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, 10/5/92). (As of 7/1/93, merged with Phileas Fogg (above) in the Phileas Fogg location. See that entry for full details.) Stacey's (291 University, 415-226-0681). Technical books. Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 12N-5PM. Stanford University Bookstore (on the Stanford Campus, 415-329-1217). The largest bookstore in the Bay Area. It's the most likely place to find a new book. Their inventory is available on the network for people who have the right accounts. There's also a branch at 135 University Avenue (415-327-3680) in Palo Alto which specializes in technical books and is open Mon-Fri 9:30AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PM. Szwede Slavic Books (2233 El Camino, 415-327-5590). Good selection of Polish books, among others. Los Altos: The Antiquarian Archive (379 State Street, 415-949-1593). Used books. "The yuppie nightmare of downtown Los Altos is redeemed only by the presence of the Antiquarian Archive, a serious used book store." Fine Californiana, military, nautical selections. Decent prices. The Book Nest (366 Second Street, 415-948-4724). It takes up several rooms in a regular house, but the selection is second-rate. Heintzelman's Bookstore (205 State Street, 415-941-1842). Packed to the roof with a large selection of books. The owners were friendly, helpful, and well-read. Mountain View: Tower Books (630 San Antonio at El Camino, 415-941-7300). Open until midnight. Book Barterers Exchange (2025 El Camino, 415-3747). Used books, half price. San Antonio Hobby Shop (San Antonio Shopping Center, 415-941-1278). Amazing selection of new books on aircraft, trains and ships (warships, mostly). They have many hard-to-find and imported titles. "Note to those concerned: this store (and other parts of S.A.S.S.) have been bought out by the same people who own the gospel bookstore in the Mall. It used to be a good general gaming bookstore; all of the non-military gaming was purged after the buyout." Closed Sunday; short hours the rest of the week. Printers Inc. (301 Castro Street, 415-941-8500). Newly expanded, but now more of a meat market in the evenings than the Palo Alto store. The cafe is better run (than Palo Alto) for the morning, on-the-way-to-work espresso, etc. Mon-Sat 8AM-11PM, Sun 9AM-11PM. The Book Buyers (315 Castro). A good general used book store. It has a good SF section. (This used to be on Emerson in Palo Alto, but the building was damaged by the '89 earthquake.) Collected Works (223 Castro, next to La Poblanta). Used. Large general fiction section, fair sized mystery and SF sections. Large collection of general fiction firsts and signed firsts in locked glass cases. Lots of open floor space; very quiet, like a library. Clean to the point of feeling antiseptic; not friendly or inviting, and the size of the clientele shows it. But has Hemingway first editions on the shelf, if that's what one's in to. Sunnyvale: Books Inc. (Town and Country Center--next to Sunnyvale Town Center). Computer Literacy Bookshops, Inc. (520 Lawrency Expwy 1/2 mile north of 101. The original site of this mini-chain. See main listing in San Jose section. Los Gatos: Curious Book Shoppe (198 W Main at N Santa Cruz, 408-354-5560). Used. Campbell: Barnes & Noble (Hamilton and Bascom). Not as big as their superstore in Santa Clara but definitely the best thing open for miles, especially at night. Next to a Starbucks if you need espresso with your reading. Books (116 San Tomas Aquino Road, 408-374-0933). Quality used books--hardback only. Poor Pat's (1800 South Bascom Ave, 408-369-1800). Used. Milpitas: A Book Garden (1281 East Calaveras Boulevard, 408-262-9003). This is a fine independent bookstore, with a knowledgeable and helpful staff. It has recently expanded, and added a cafe, featuring various coffees, espresso, and pastries, croissants, and similar food. Open Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM; Sat-Sun 10AM-6PM. San Jose: Barnes & Noble (Steven's Creek and San Tomas Expressways). Fourth-largest bookstore in the United States. "64,000 square feet of pure sensory overload." "About the best selection of new books around these parts, a cafe, very helpful staff, but a bit of a chain-store feel. They claim to be the fourth largest bookstore in the country, but based on what?" Books Inc. (420 Town & Country Village, 408-243-6262). New books. A pretty good selection of SF. Better selection by far than the Palo Alto branch, even before the move. No periodicals. Computer Literacy Bookshops, Inc. (PO Box 641897, San Jose CA 95164; 2590 N 1st at Trimble, 408-435-5017, fax 408-435-1823; e-mail orders@clbooks.com, service@clbooks.com, info@clbooks.com). A very large selection of technically oriented computer books and related technical books (electrical engineering, mathematics). Emphasis is definitely on books for computer-related professionals--but a reasonable selection of user-oriented tutorials also. A lot of invited guests; you can also get announcements of those events via e-mail or reading ba.seminars. Yesterday's Paperbacks (Union Avenue near South Bascom Avenue, 408-559-6006). As the name implies, this is a used paperback store. "Its most noteworthy aspect is the large number of out-of-town (even foreign) newspapers and, to a lesser extent, other periodicals they carry. I'd estimate at least thirty different papers, usually only Sunday editions for the more distant locations." Recycle Books (138 East Santa Clara, 408-286-6275). They have a pretty decent general selection. SF books are a strong point, but philosophy books are a weak spot. "This is a very large used book store. They have the best Bay Area collection of used SF hardcovers. Very few collectibles, though." Open 7 days. Capitola: Book-Cafe (41st Ave, next to the movie theater, 408-462-4415). New books only. Good selection of magazines. Probably has the best selection of audio books and literary magazines in the Santa Cruz area. Also has a small coffee-shop inside. Half Moon Bay: Ocean Books (500C Purissima, one block west of Kelly and Main). Used. "A very literate selection, and the store has oriental rugs, hardwood floors, a wood stove ... it's quite cozy." Santa Cruz: Book Loft (Soquel Drive at Seabright, 408-429-1812). Used books only. Bookshop Santa Cruz (in the old St. George Hotel on the Pacific Avenue [previously Pacific Garden Mall], 408-423-0900). A Santa Cruz tradition. Very large magazine selection and indoor/outdoor cafe. Chimney Sweep Books (across from Caffe Pergolesi on Center Street). A used bookshop, great for philosophy, religion, some rare stuff too, but small. Gateways (a block from Logos/Plaza in the old Great Outdoors Outlet). A venerable Santa Cruz institution, with twice the space of its old location and a small cafe. It is primarily known for new-age, metaphysics, self-help, etc. The Literary Guillotine (Union St, downtown). Recently opened (6/93). Used books. They seem to tend more in the direction of the scholarly than the popular, but they have a pretty interesting selection of things. Logos (has re-opened in a new building at its *old* location at 1117 Pacific Avenue [previously Pacific Garden Mall], 408-426-2106). Two full floors of books, used records, and used CDs. Can be thought of as Santa Cruz's answer to Moe's in Berkeley. "It is this bibliophile's opinion that Logos has *the* best used book selection (in Santa Cruz, the center of the Universe). You can get the same book (used) here you can get in Capitola for 1/2 price (new)." Plaza Books (on Pacific Ave. roughly across from the Palomar). New books only. Plaza Books has the best tee-shirts, post-card books, and greeting cards, by far beating out any of the more "touristy" places. Cupertino: Booksmart (7287 Coronado Drive, 408-996-1525). "A good selection of used SF. This store is memorable in that its entire stock is in a data base, tagged by bar codes or title. If you're uncertain about a title, their data base will tell you right away if they have it. No collectibles." A Clean Well-Lighted Place For Books (The Oaks Shopping Center, across Steven's Creek Boulevard from de Anza College and the Flint Centre, 408-255-7600). Recently moved within the shopping center. The new shop, though much bigger, is not visible from the street. Sun-Thu 10AM-11PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-12M. Computer Literacy Bookshops, Inc. (in the Apple R&D campus off of 280 & De Anza). Open to the public, better selection of Apple-related books, smallest of the mini-chain. See the main listing in the San Jose section. Yesterday's Paperbacks (Union Avenue near South Bascom Avenue, A Wrinkle in Time (19970 Homestead Road, 408-255-9406). New and used SF, comics, videos, games, and collectibles. San Leandro: Roskie and Wallace Bookstore (14595 E 14th, 510-483-4163). "This is a rather unique used book store. The prices are quite cheap by Bay Area standards, the collection is huge, though not as organized as some stores. In fact, it's kind of like a cross between a bookstore and a rummage sale. It's not usually a place to go looking for something specific, but it's a browser's heaven--you're guaranteed to find something unique, something you'd never even think of, let alone find in another bookstore." Open Wed-Sat 10 AM to 4 PM. Livermore: Book Oasis (160 South K St, Livermore, 510-606-7876). "1,000 square feet of used paperbacks and hardbacks at 1/2 to 2/3 of original price, respectively. Owner is a tall man with friendly eyes and a non-stop ranconteur. Classical music plays non-stop at a volume low enough not to be obtrusive to the browser. General subjects covered as well as the south wall of the shop given over entirely to the romance genre. Book searches offered, and free cookies available to all. An unusual SF painting adorns the SF section and adds to the friendly atmosphere." [I think this description is from the owner.] Concord: Barnes & Noble (near where Willow Pass intersects I-680). Formerly Bookstar, it has a noteworthy selection of new books. San Rafael: Books Revisited (C Street). A sizeable new and used bookstore. Next door to Open Secrets. Lifeways Books & Gifts (Lootens Place). New Age and occult. Mandrake Bookshop (910 Lincoln Ave., 415-453-3484). *The* used bookstore in Marin County. A large selection of quality books. The owner, Hal Bertram, is worth chatting up--has some additional goodies in the back room. Excellent prices. Just two blocks from the bus plaza. Open Secrets (C Street). Mainly eastern religion. West Wind Books (1006 Tamalpais Ave., 415-456-6322). Used books. A wonderful little bookshop with an excellent general-purpose stock. Fine nautical section. Charming proprietress. Good prices. San Anselmo: Heldford Book Gallery (310 San Anselmo Avenue, 415-456-8194) Mostly out-of-print and rare. "Delightful little pillowed alcove at the narrow end for perusing (building narrows between two converging streets). I only looked at the one case of children's books, which were high-priced collectibles." Michael Good (35 San Anselmo Avenue, 415-459-6092). Second floor over doctor's office. Out-of-print and rare. "This place resembles what I supposed rare bookstores would be like, before I had ever visited any. Creaky floors, a feeling of time and of Rembrandtian brownness, and a proprietor frequently engrossed in his merchandise." Oliver's (645 San Anselmo Ave, 415-454-4421). Largest of the three places. "I wasn't there long enough to get the flavor of it. I know they carry used and rare, but didn't even bother to notice if they carry new." (All three of these places are on the same street. By bus, take Golden Gate Transit route 20 or 23 to San Anselmo. At the bus stop, go down the little stairway between the two bus shelters, and you are on the high-numbered end of the street.) Pacifica: Florey's. Forey's stocks a good supply of books, and Mrs. Florey is very accomodating. As for truly NORTHERN California, there is once again an excellent used book store on the main drag in Ferndale (Ferndale Books?), which had been closed because of damage from the 4/25/92 quakes. They also have branches in Eureka (which has an excellent music selection) and in Arcata. Eureka has another good store, located on the square with the ugly modern fountain in the historic part of town. Arcata also has the Tincan Mailman (at 10th and H, a couple of short blocks north of the town square), a very pleasant used book store with a large selection and skylights. There is also Cooperfields, a local chain in Cotati, Santa Rosa, Sebastapol (good selection with no particular focus; the Santa Rosa store includes a cafe and sells used books). Santa Rosa also has Clair Light Books (women's books) amd Treehorn (used books with a good history selection). Willits has The Book Juggler (a used bookstore with an excellent SF collection). Someone else notes in Sacramento (definitely out of the Bay Area, but what the heck) is The Book Mine (916-441-4609), which specializes in old and rare books and will do book searches. ============================================================================ Sonia Sachs (ssachs@moonlight.berkeley.edu) reports on the availability of BROWSING THE BEST WEST COAST USED BOOK STORES: A SELECT GUIDE: I have discovered a new and very thoughtful California travel guide called BROWSING THE BEST WEST COAST USED BOOK STORES, [subtitled A Series of Guides to The Foremost General Stock Used and Out-of-Print Establishments in Los Angeles, Berkeley, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Sacramento & Orange County]. This terrific little guide -- which is actually a series of eight separate folio guides -- was probably intended for visiting scholars and other bibliophiles, but it will likely appeal to local residents as well because it offers fresh views of well-known places. Four cities are featured in the first series of guides -- Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Seattle. A second series of four guides -- due out later this year -- tours San Diego, Orange County, Sacramento, and Portland, Oregon. Each guide begins with introductory essays that expound, quite eloquently and at some length, on the value of out-of-print bookstore browsing. Readers are then offered tips on how to browse out-of-print bookstores and simultaneously avoid big price tags. Would-be hobbyists are shown how to develop and advance book collections. Novice bibliophiles are given a glossary of terms to explain different classifications of books -- rare, used, out-of-print, first edition, etc. This is not just an ode to bookstores. It is an ode to books. The travel aspect is the guides' most exciting feature. Each guide contains an insightful city essay and ten descriptive bookstore narratives that go a long way toward situating the reader in the town he or she is visiting. And who hasn't been looking for a new way to explore a faraway city? Individually, these guides form a strong argument that bookstore touring is the best way to learn the physical and intellectual contours of any town. Taken together, the guides are nothing less than a grand tour of literary landmarks all along America's Pacific Coast. Maps, of course, are included. The author of these guides is a West Coast native and long-time bibliophile who is not affiliated with any bookstore or bookstore association. Consequently, and happily so, the narrative point-of-view is that of a bookbuyer rather than a bookseller. In terms of style, each guide is often as humorous as it is telling, and the author does not shy away from pointed comments. "The Los Angeles metropolitan area is surprisingly good used book store territory," begins the city essay for the Los Angeles guide. "Admittedly, there is a glut of shops that tend to feature first editions of Eddie Fisher's autobiography, but sequestered between all these hackneyed enterprises are some very reputable bookstores." The guides, which read like booklets with a map as centerpiece, sell for $6.00 each. For more information, write Browsing The Best Publications, Box 7263, Berkeley, California 94707-0263, USA. There is also a book, THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BOOK FINDER, which sells for $5.95 at the check-out registers of many of the stores. It covers more geographic territory than this list, but doesn't have a whole lot more information--it's basically a "Yellow Pages" sort of listing in which I'm sure the bookstores buy space. Anecedote from a reader: "Had an interesting experience last night: I was having dinner at a friend's house when he asked me if I had access to internet. This was curious, indeed, as he is probably the most neo-Luddite younger person I know, resistant to computer technology to the point of keeping business records on scraps of paper beneath found paperweights and doing business correspondence via penciled letters. It turns out that the reason for this sudden interest is that someone came into his store [which shall remain nameless here] in San Francisco, and made a stunning $50.00 purchase on the basis of some recommended bookstore list that you produced and posted on rec.arts.books. A captain of industry he's not, so fifty big ones made about as big an impression on him as a major bus wreck ("Don't mention the money," he says of this message, "it sounds so crass."). Suddenly, this computer thing had reality to him. He produced a scrap of paper with your net address on it and requested that I thank you. I just thought you might get as big a giggle out of this as I did." ============================================================================ Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | ecl@mtgpfs1.att.com / Evelyn.Leeper@att.com -- Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | Evelyn.Leeper@att.com "The Internet is already an information superhighway, except that ... it is like driving a car through a blizzard without windshield wipers or lights, and all of the road signs are written upside down and backwards."--Mike Royko (not Dave Barry!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------