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October 2023 by T Z
This place is literally not about the books.Sit on Loco Patron's patio during the books store's operating hours, order a Margarita, and watch the tacky drama unfold as the owner and staff of the store camp out and aggressively defend the parking lot from everyone - even the plaza's own customers.If you want to up the ante even more, actually try and attempt to park there and get treated to your own personal inquisition - why read about it in a book, when you can experience it yourself!
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October 2023 by Alex Bastoky
One of the best bookstores, if not the very best, I’ve ever been to in my entire life.
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September 2023 by Frank Bunevich
Excellent hole in the wall book store with many collector books and first editions. Loved the old world atmosphere and the staff was friendly, helpful and excelled in customer service. Ideal stop for any book lover.
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September 2023 by Linda Moore
It's strange but no one seems to know how to read. There are 4 foot wide signs posted. No Bar Parking! Lot is for those shopping at the plaza's shops only. People are asked to park in the huge garage in back but become extremely filthy mouth and rude! These stores need their parking spaces.
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June 2023 by Ashley G.
don't come here if you are in your 20s, came here to shop and a man sprinted out of the store to tell us we couldn't park - argued with us that we were going to the restaurant next door and we immediately left
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May 2023 by Alejandro Alejandro
Completely rude ! I parked my car got out to check out the book store and the female owner came storming saying she’d have my car towed if I didn’t go to the shops in the parking lot. I explained I was actually going to go to her store she called me a liar and said she’d be calling tow truck immediately.
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May 2023 by T.A.B.
Got 3 great books. A rare antique bookstore hidden in plain sight.
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May 2023 by Mr W.
I parked In front of this store to buy a sport flag from the store next to it (the parking lot is for all the shops nearby) the female owner of the bookstore came darting out immediately threatening to have my car towed if I didn't go to the stores nearby. I explained I was going to the store next door and she called me a liar and said she was going inside to call tow company. I left and did not buy the flag I Intended to. This lady cost her neighbors a sale and I'm sure I'm not the only one
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January 2023 by Ryan B
I have been to many used bookstores across the country. My primary interest is history (others in my party have a greater interest in philosophy and law, and they were also impressed with Alcuin). This is the best-organized bookstore I have been to which actually has rare books for sale at good prices. Most other bookstores I have been to are either overpriced or unorganized (or don't have much in the way of truly rare books). This is a smaller bookstore with a very good selection and a friendly owner. There is a good mix of cheaper books (most of the ones I bought were under $20) and expensive ones (above $1k), and plenty in between. I don't live in Arizona, but I hope I can make it back one day.
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November 2022 by Christopher Well
One of the best shops I’ve been to. Well stocked with unique and out of print books in a variety of genres. Especially southwestern history and regional titles. The books are in excellent condition and fairly priced. Clean, inviting atmosphere as you browse. Well worth the trip to their shop in Scottsdale.
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August 2022 by Sari Zagorski
Yesterday my husband took me to a popular bookstore in Scottsdale (not this one.) Upon exiting that bookstore with no book for the first time in my life, I said "They were missing a nonfiction section." He quickly took me a few blocks down but didn't tell me our destination. I saw a bland sign. Black Times New Roman font told the name of the store on a background the color of old book pages that have just begun to yellow. "Alcuin Scholarly and Rare Books." My heart leapt while also experiencing the sort of calm one feels when holding a book whose pages have just begun to yellow. The sort of book you've read more than once because you learn something different from it each time. We opened the dusty strip mall door. I knew exactly how Lucy felt when she opened the door to her wardrobe to find the world of Narnia on the other side. It became a universal truth that magic is real, and can be found in the most unassuming places. Rows upon rows of (as my husband pointed out with accuracy) many leather bound books and the smell of rich Mohagany stood before me. No more than 48 seconds after my arrival, I saw Jean-Paul Sartre's name on a weathered spine that had long lost its dustcover. Surely I had read all of Sartre's works, I thought. Yet here it was. A collection of thoughts from this man whose mind I revere that I had never known existed. I opened the cover to see the price. It was signed by a person who had given it as a gift. Based on the handwriting and hesitation in the spelling of July, this book was given to a scholar by someone who was not so fortunate in their education. Someone who admired the scholar they gave it to. Someone who loved the scholar and who I am certain the scholar loved in return. Anyone so brazen to give a Sartre book of essays as a gift has spent the time required to truly know the person receiving it. They included the city and state they were in. Columbia, MO. A place I will soon travel to with my husband's while he learns about his late father's family and history. A place deeply rooted in my heart because it is part of my husband's story. Therefore, part of my own. People ask me why I go into used bookstores in every town I visit. Magic. That's why. This store is for genuine lovers of books. Those who understand the power of words and knowledge. The man up front asked me if I'd read Nausea. He's the first person I've met who even knows this book exists. He has also read it and understood it. Based on our conversation he recommended "The Sound and the Fury" as my next read. I can't wait to go back. If you're looking for the latest Clancy novel this is not your place. If you're looking to walk in and allow the universe to supply you with the book you didn't know you needed, this is it.
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August 2022 by Jim Crocker
Unbelievably well stocked used bookstore.
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July 2022 by Kelly B.
Beautiful books packed in stacks. Loved it. The gentleman there were friendly and willing to help.
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June 2022 by Taylor Mcquaid
Brought some old books here to get looked at and appraised. Just walked in, waited while the owner finished up with someone else. Got to look at some really amazing books while I waited and then got some great info. Would recommend bring any books you have questions about here
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April 2022 by Rob F.
Great selection. Classics, historic collectables, Easton Press, Folio Society, and more. Don't expect bargain bin paperbacks or sales, but instead rares and limited editions.