New York: Where to Shop: Books & Paper: Argosy Bookstore

Argosy Bookstore

Argosy is one of those, now rare, quirky little bookstores that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Signature items here are rare and out-of-print books—the beautiful leather-bound ones that some use purely for aesthetic purposes—and historical maps and autographs. The interior, which many say resembles an old library has a dark, dusty feel that hard-core booklovers (many of whom are initially drawn to the heavily-discounted offerings on the tables outside) will surely find cool. To view the rarer collections located on the upper floors, you must make an appointment with the knowledgeable (and often, rather appropriately, bespectled) staff.