McNally Jackson

New York booklovers tend to prefer their bookstores messy, with overflowing stacks that reach improbable, unreachable, utterly impractical heights; asked which are their favorites, responses will most likely be those two bastions of uncompromising literary and intellectual integrity: The Strand Bookstore and Book Culture (formerly Labyrinth Bookstore), both of which no doubt earned their pedigree in part due to their phenomenal selection and in part to their seeming unconcern for aesthetics. Messiness suggests a no-nonsense approach to literature, where thought reigns and attention to interior design is indicative of intellectual flightiness.... [more]

New York booklovers tend to prefer their bookstores messy, with overflowing stacks that reach improbable, unreachable, utterly impractical heights; asked which are their favorites, responses will most likely be those two bastions of uncompromising literary and intellectual integrity: The Strand Bookstore and Book Culture (formerly Labyrinth Bookstore), both of which no doubt earned their pedigree in part due to their phenomenal selection and in part to their seeming unconcern for aesthetics. Messiness suggests a no-nonsense approach to literature, where thought reigns and attention to interior design is indicative of intellectual flightiness. It is important to not let such myopic sentimentality guide your first impressions of the marvelous bookstore McNally Jackson. Quite chic, even gorgeous, this bookstore is unsurpassed in its coziness; it is cool and inviting, and the selection - particularly for a store of its size - is quite wonderful and unpredictable; their African and Asian literature in translation sections are particularly fine, and it would certainly give those wild-haired giants a run for their money. This is one of the loveliest bookstores in New York, with regular readings and panels by tremendous writers and a host of worthwhile weekly and monthly book clubs. Don't let the big bad boys of the New York bookstore scene scare you away from this one. [show less]