Very unique place! The owners are very kind and foster a warm and comfortable environment. The amount of books can be overwhelming at first but once you dive in you’ll find so many unexpected treasures!

They only sell hardcover books which has its pros and cons. But this place is a wonderland of older books, incredible editions, and illustrations like you wouldn’t believe.

Super friendly and helpful owners and amazing collection of vintage books.

Dont judge a book by its cellar (where it sits);Cantankerous though He may well be, the old bumbler shant become-bum bum-bubbling up from below, so blease, dont echo invective before you leave! ;)

Strange interaction. Called to ask about a book I found. They told me immediately that it had no value because it was a second printing. Then told me that a copy at Second Story was going for 800 but was a first edition/first printing so maybe my book is worth half that. Emphasized that Second Story is an excellent barometer as they are real pros. I later looked up the Second Story copy he was talking about and the site states it is a first edition/FOURTH printing, for $800.So I assume they didn’t actually read the Second Story entry.Seemed annoyed to be talking to me.I got the sense that he thought I was a neophyte. I don’t get how a dealer with the ratings they have are this rude to and dismissive of folks who they think are new to the field. I understand that it can be frustrating to constantly field inquiries from folks who think they’ve found a gold mine in some essentially valueless old piece, but when I interact with folks I try to be encouraging and friendly while also being honest.Still not sure what my book is worth but my interaction here did nothing to clear it up.

My interactions with James and Laurie Bookseller has been over the phone and I have had wonderful conversations with Jim. He is a TRUE gentleman! It became readily apparent through the conversations that he loves to talk books and wants to make sure the customer is happy. There was one hiccup with an order but he quickly remedied the problem. Jim and Mary are ABAA booksellers and they truly exemplify the Code of Conduct and Ethics set forth by this organization. I am quite pleased that I initially called them and will never hesitate to buy books from them because I know that they truly want to make sure the customer has a good experience.

Watch out, its a gold mine. James is willing to work with you to find a book a proper home, just need to ask. Very nice people with so much inventory. Visiting this shop was like making it to stores we only thought existed in movies.I wont even pretend we saw everything. Definitely worth a return!

For what it is, its a fantastic little bookshop. I stayed mainly in the nonfiction area, and the browsing material was wonderful. All kinds of little gems, like a small but fat embroidery encyclopedia, which had DMC-patterned paper between the covers and the pages. Most of the books were first editions or vintage/collectors items. I walked out with a book from the 60s cataloguing pre-ancient Greek artifacts in black and white photography. It reminds me of something Id find in my academic grandparents house.Its a fantastic place to browse or find vintage books. The bookseller I met was curmudgeonly but also friendly, and obviously loved books. Stacks of books and art in the rows between shelves. If youre looking for a cheap used book shop, or somewhere that will have the bestsellers list in stock however, this isnt it.

Would caution BIPOC to find another spot. I was visiting the cities and my friend wanted to take me here to show me some of the first editions. We were chatting about media and how this would be a great spot to film a scene in a movie or have a photoshoot. She took out her film camera when I said that and loaded it to take a picture. It was new and she’d been practicing in different lighting and locations since we had met up that afternoon. Immediately the man popped up and started to accuse us of taking pictures as if we’d come for that sole purpose. He said if we’d wanted to take pictures we should have asked when walking in, but that wasn’t our intention. When we tried to explain this, he asked how many we took and refused to accept that we hadn’t taken any. I wanted to leave, but my friend wanted to show me paintings or something. I didn’t even get a good look because he came back and continued to condescend us and carry on about pictures we never took. I understand people might come in and take pictures all the time, but we weren’t them and it hurt to be accused and pursued so aggressively. Very uncomfortable and traumatic experience.

I loved the vast array of books that they have there. The only thing that could have been better was the people that run the place werent very enthused about helping me find anything. The one guy led me to an upstairs upper area full of books and just left me in there. Though it was cool to see all these books it was eerily quiet in there.

Great selection of old and rare books! Dont go here if youre looking for hidden gems. They know what they have and charge accordingly, but the selection is unrivaled. Its a delight to search through their stacks.

Easily makes my top three favorite bookstores in major cities list!! I was in there forever! I love all the little corners you can sit and read at. I love all the artwork, poems, and quotes on the walls. Theres three stories, be sure to check each one out. Such a humble and charming little bookstore!

Oh, HELLO!!! Can you say the best book store in the twin cities?!!! Anything you want,...they got it! Huge place!!! -And the owners are really great, beautiful people... I just love this place!!!♥️🙆

My friend and I made our way into the warehouse district and found this amazing bookshop. It is quite large with floor to ceiling shelves filled with books of all sorts. Thankfully, the owners have an organized system for their enormous collection, much like a library.You might find anything at all! Complete orchestral scores, collections of French poetry, ancient Greek tomes, or last weeks best selling mystery. Go to James and Marys either if you know exactly what you want, in which case theyll find it for you, or if you have a couple of hours to roam and peruse to your hearts content!Highly recommend!

This place is incredible. They have every book from forever (quite possibly) - some of the books are so old theyre tattered and loved and from centuries ago. Classic and first editions of Poe, Dickens, Harry Potter, LOTR, etc etc are found throughout, along with more modern novels as well. This place is a true treasure. I could spend weeks in there and find something new down every aisle. The selection changes all the time, too, because the owners are always on the lookout for more books. Check this place out!

I have been going to this bookstore for over 25 years. Jim is one of the friendliest and knowledgeable experts in the field of great books. He has taught me many things about literary autographs, first editions, and books in general. I recommend visiting his store and tapping his brain. Youll be glad you did. Sincerely, Tom Weber - satisfied customer.

I had some time to kill today and wanted to seek out a bookstore, so a quick online search showed this one within walking distance. Wasnt expecting much, but when I got there, I discovered a very unique, rare and out-of-print bookstore. Its housed in a sort of art space collective with galleries and studio spaces surrounding it. The owner was kind enough to point out his store catered to more out-of-print book buyers, not the used, Half-price books type of bookstore. Highly recommended for spending some time looking and maybe finding that long-lost book youve always wanted.

This place is a collector’s paradise. The selection is massive. You could spend hours per day for weeks, and still not properly browse the entire catalogue. The staff is very laid-back, helpful and friendly. It has the prices you would expect from a small business in the used and rare books game.

Very quiet and nice to browse at the huge selection of books. Everyone should go there at least once.

This is far and away the best bookstore in Minnesota for a true bookstore lover. Im convinced heaven looks something like this. Ive come across rare finds galore and Jim and Mary are a treasure. Warning: I am never able to leave the place empty handed. If you love books, dont leave your wallet at home........

This place is amazing! I was able to pick up 8 Horticulture books from the early 1900s for a very reasonably price. Will definitely go back! Type of place you could spend hours in.

Their new location is a really great space! This bookstore is incredible, focusing on used and rare books. They have a great selection of rare, antiquarian, 1st edition etc. books, although if youre in the market for something else, they have a great collection of used books in the $5+ price range. An amazing and large selection of history (and historical) nonfiction books. I think they also carry some sheet music?The proprietor was very friendly, even making sure to point out sections of the bookstore that I hadnt seen. Also, the ambiance is really uniquely remarkable.

Good: The book selection here is phenomenal. I looked around for close to two hours and didnt feel like I even scratched the surface. It is a simple feat to find a first edition or pre-release edition of many books, though often at a healthy markup. These editions make for very unique and thoughtful - albeit a little pricey - gifts.Bad: The store is a little cluttered. This is to be expected for a place with so much stock rotating stock, but it did make navigation a little difficult. There are piles of books in most aisles, but they were never too problematic. The owner was present when I was there, and while he was helpful I found him to be a little rough around the edges and a little suspicious of me as I was inspecting some of the more antique fare. I certainly cant hold that against him, but it did leave a poor taste in my mouth.Other: There is always a $5 book rack just outside the store. The merchandise is varied, but theres bound to be something of interest to most people in there. In addition there are lots of vinyl records and maps in the store. I havent gotten around to inspecting those, but if thats something youre interested in I have no doubt you will be satisfied with the stock.Overall, this is a must visit for any book-lover or friend of a book lover. The prices felt a little high, but not outrageous, and there were many unique books you will have trouble finding anywhere else.

This is the first place I go when searching for a perfect, unique, and meaningful gift... and usually walk away with a few items myself! And unbelievable experience, unlike any bookstore, library, or art store youve experienced before. Fantastic service. Jim always knows what hes got in stock!

Visited Minneapolis for the first time about a month ago, and made a point to check out this store, and it was incredible! An amazing selection, and not terribly disorganized, although they have recently moved so I was impressed it was in the order that it was. Had a wonderful conversation with the gentleman owner, and he told me several stories about different pieces of art that he had on the wall, including a signed print by Steadman that was just amazing. I recommend this shop to any used or rare book lover that is within a days drive of the twin cities!

It is full of old time books with a customer service that reminds me of when I was a child and the elder generation were prec8se helpful and spoke with strength that only comes from knowing their craft

A hidden gem! Such an amazing collection.

I love the store. Im not a rare book collector, but I appreciate their wonderful selection of books and music. Its a candy store for a print collector! Ive always found the owners cordial and helpful.

The motherlode of bookstores. Exhaustive inventory in breadth and depth. Not a neatniks haven but well organized and logical. Plan on lingering a while. Youll find treasure after treasure; come up for air and then dive in deep once more.

Love this place! Ive asked for some pretty obscure items and the proprietors have been marvelous about locating them! Over the past 20 years, weve both bought and sold items from James & Mary. Their knowledge, willingness-to-share and integrity is second-to-none; weve gone to them about 1st edition Mark Twains, an old book press, 1920s European prints, obscure LPs, etc. Their store is a magical place and weve lost many hours there. :) Strike up a conversation with the owners. Theyre remarkable and whimsical people who love what they do and appreciate a good yarn!

A storm hit the city around closing time and the guy working there offered to give me a drive home! Not even near where he was living also! Then after he dropped me off I noticed I accidentally left my phone in the car. Thankfully I noticed right away and called it! A minute later he has back at the house!

Okay, this is such a gem for North Loop. It honestly feels like Im stepping into a personal collection that has been organized for the past 100 years. I love it and hope it never leaves us.

Great selection of old books, lots of unique finds. Any book lover should stop by and see.

Open by appointment only right now!

Best bookseller in MSP. James is a genuine and kind soul.

Great bookstore for legit book lovers. Market prices on truly rare items.

I came in asking about Latin classics, and before I knew it the owner was showing me though a box of 15th-century hand written manuscript pages. This place is special.

Best collection in twin cities

Last book store standing in DT mpls.

Very helpful!

Always love this store.

Cool place with lots of treasures

Excellent rare bookshop

Long established rare book dealer