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November 2023 by Brian L.
You might have a little reading or writing nook in your home. Maybe grandma's secretary and a few quill pens, some tchotchkes or knickknacks from the antique store on display, or maybe even a couple of those wooden shelves with the glass partition. Well, this entire place is like a showroom of that paradise. I wanted to touch and play with everything. I adore places like this! By no means am I (yet) an antiquarian book collector; I've watched some YouTube videos and have been advised that once you start collecting, there's no end. I also can't read, so that isn't very helpful. I spent a fair amount of time perusing the shelves for a book I might buy, paying closer attention to the old hardbound volumes with decorative covers. There are many of them, but not all of them desirable. Behind the counter and hidden away is the good stuff you probably can't afford. I did walk away with a few inexpensive items, positive I would come back, not least thanks to chatting with Cathy, one of the owners, at the counter. What could have been a simple 5-second exchange, turned into a glorious reverie that I would gladly make a journey for, to have the pleasure of again.
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June 2023 by Lucas Wooten
I was visiting Portland from Alabama and stopped in here one day. My expectations were exceeded when I stepped inside. I love antique books and to go into an antique only bookshop for the first time was a great experience. Although there wasn’t a great deal of Christian books, which is what I came looking for, I did manage to find a couple I couldn’t leave without. The American history and presidential section was where I spent most of my time but I could’ve stayed in there all day looking around. Prices were extremely fair, actually lower than I expected. The 4 books I bought cost $50 total, and the 1881 New Testament was $30 of it. The lady running the store was very kind and helpful. I can’t recommend this place enough. It would be a dream to have a place like this in North Alabama. Maybe I’ll get to go back someday.
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January 2023 by W. C.
I can't say enough great things about Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery, one of the greatest Antiquarian and book stores in the United States. Doing business, as a customer of Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery, is a privilege. Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery is a charming, brick and mortar bookstore, in Portland, Maine, that exudes not only an outstanding collection of superb, one of a kind books, but extraordinary kind, helpful service. In my opinion, Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery is reason to make a trip to Portland, Maine, no matter the time of year, to visit the bookstore, and to enjoy Down East Maine, and the wonderful city of Portland. I purchased a book, recently, from Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery, on-line; the book was shipped in the sturdiest box that I've ever received a book from a bookseller in (and I purchase many books that are shipped to me); the book was packaged like it was a priceless heirloom. Which, in this case, it is; the book was written by a Holocaust survivor, who I was privileged to know, and the book has a very special place in my heart. Thank you Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery for being so spectacular at what you do, and such a reputable business.
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January 2023 by W. B.
I can't say enough great things about Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery, one of the greatest Antiquarian and book stores in the United States. Doing business, as a customer of Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery, is a privilege. Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery is a charming, brick and mortar bookstore, in Portland, Maine, that exudes not only an outstanding collection of superb, one of a kind books, but extraordinary kind, helpful service.In my opinion, Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery is reason to make a trip to Portland, Maine, no matter the time of year, to visit the bookstore, and to enjoy Down East Maine, and the wonderful city of Portland.I purchased a book, recently, from Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery, on-line; the book was shipped in the sturdiest box that I've ever received a book from a bookseller in (and I purchase many books that are shipped to me); the book was packaged like it was a priceless heirloom. Which, in this case, it is; the book was written by a Holocaust survivor, who I was privileged to know, and the book has a very special place in my heart. Thank you Carlson Turner Antiquarian Books and Bookbindery for being so spectacular at what you do, and such a reputable business.
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November 2022 by Ali M
We stopped in because we enjoy looking for antique books, my husband especially. This was by far the best antique book store we have been in, the collection is amazing. They also offer book binding services. We will definitely be back! Side note-masks were not required.
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October 2022 by David Cohen
Nice selection of books. Fairly priced. Helpful staff.
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August 2022 by Christine Hopkins Connelly
A charming bookshop with well categorized shelves. Most are nonfiction but there is a great wall of hardback fiction to peruse!
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May 2022 by Mike V.
A warm and comfy place for the bibliophile in all of us. Kathy was very helpful at the charmingly old and worn checkout counter. Knowledge of many genre and titles. A good selection. Something for everyone. One of the few antiquarian shops we've been to that also knows and offers the science of bookbinding. An eclectic maps collection! Special section for first editions / first printing. Scott is very patient and generous with sharing his knowledge.
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February 2022 by Champian Fulton
Just what we were looking for. Excellent selection of unusual books, organized very neatly. Many beautiful first editions as well. Woman behind the counter (the owner?) was so helpful and nice. Just loved it and recommend. Wonderful Western section.
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February 2022 by Kiki Reno
This is the best bookstore I have ever been to! If you love old books, this is the store for you! They have so many absolutely gorgeous books. The customer service was incredible and I will definitely be coming back next time I am in Portland!
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December 2021 by Greg Anderson
Such a gem. We just moved here and bought an old 1700s house, and wanted to fill some built-in bookcases with old books. I don't think a better place exists for that because this bookstore not only has LOTS of different types and styles of old books for this specific purpose, but it seems to be their specialty. The woman working was awesome and showed me 4-5 different types of antique "shelf fillers" at varying price points throughout the store, and I plan on returning with my car to clear a couple shelves. Would definitely recommend C&T's for my need, as well as for anyone who loves old books in general, because this place has an unreal selection.
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December 2021 by Kevin Murray
The current owners (since before 1990) have a well organized neat and diverse shop, website! I've always been able to find new (used, rare) selections in great condition and price. I've been going there for years and hope to keep on for many more!
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November 2021 by jeffrey smith
The bindery is the slowest I've encountered in 30 years experience in Houston Texas. They are good at new bindings (case bindings) but for restoration they simply don't have the capability and I wouldn't recommend. They can't do simple hand tooling and the labels they use are cheaply stamped unpared skivers. I must add my final encounter with the bindery. I sent a a set to have rebound. The books were housed in a custom box made for them. After numerous months of excuses and an entire year later my books were finally finished. I paid the bill. My books arrived finished but no slipcase. I contacted the binder and he told me that he thought I didn't want the case. The books he rebound were bigger than the original slipcase. He offered nothing but he'd be happy to make me a new one for a rather large fee. I'm sorry but I find this to be very bad business. I've spent well over $1000 with Carlson and Turner and I was very disappointed. Anyway that's what happened. Details are everything in book binding and I will never use this establishment again. For museum quality restoration all my most expensive books and incunabula are sent to Abbey Bookbinders in Surrey England. They are true masters. Carlson and Turner are a sad excuse for a bindery.
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October 2021 by NerdGuy 101
Such a beautiful store with wonderful books and a very nice owner. Will definitely stop by next time I’m in Portland.
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September 2021 by Kate Zwaard
Have you ever walked into a shop and felt an immediate sense of delight? This shop was clean, stacked with interesting inventory, smelled fresh and not musty (speaks to great care of materials and in selection). Staff made me feel welcome immediately and even gave me the card of another nearby shop when we found that they didn’t have my requested item in their inventory. If old books are your thing, put this place on your “must visit” list for whenever your next in Portland
