Books on Bay

I was here over the weekend, and because I love books, I stopped in here for a few minutes after exploring some of the local antique stores. This place seems to specialize in early editions and children’s books, so not exactly what I was looking for. Nothing really stood out for me, and whatever did was priced considerably out of my price range. I’m more the kind of person who buy books to read and not to collect, so I don’t think I am exactly their target market. That being said, it’s a small bookstore that is also extremely tidy, so you won’t have any issue finding something you’re looking for.
The front part of the shop sells brightly colored Fiestaware, which my friend told me that the orange red glazed pieces are radioactive (uranium, FYI). I did a little research and found out that the ivory kind is, too. Not going to lie, I find that extremely intriguing to the point where I was eyeing a few pieces. And also, if you’re curious, you can experience small doses of radiation up to 6 feet away, though if you’re 1 foot away you are being hit with a higher dosage. (Read more here:
) Kind of cool, right?

«Something the heart must have to cherish/​
Must love, and joy, and sorrow learn;
Something with passion clasp, or perish,
And in itself to ashes burn.»
–Longfellow
In a world where Barnes and Noble has crumbled and electronic book sales are on the rise, it seems as though the understanding for the touch and feel of real pages dimishes every day. Being a literature major and teacher, I love all literature and find something enchanting in the beauty of antique books. The ability to hold something physical is a treasure that can be placed on the mantle like a prize: proof of accomplishment! I loved being able to share this feeling with my students and even more now with my new babies. Having an actual book is the best way to do this!
I couldn’t believe that a family run independently owned bookstore actually existed. I was astonished at how extensive the collection was ranging from children’s series to books on ancient rites.
Prior to finding this gem, the only antique books I owned were a set of encyclopedias from the 1800’s gifted to me by my father from his own private collection. (love of literature runs in the family!) I have been looking for a few items to add to this collection, but have never come across a store that contained what I was looking for.
A tiny doorway leads to a world of wonder and amazement with a beautifully decorated reading room filled with cherished books of all kinds. There was so much to choose from, I didn’t know how to decide– so I was lucky that Betsy was there! With her extensive knowledge, Betsy expertly assisted me with finding the perfect books for me: A set of Lingfellow’s works printed cir. 1867.
There is something for everyone at every price point. If you are looking for something special that isn’t available, you can have Betsy be on the look out for the book and she will contact you when she procures the item.

Cool little place!
They have ceramics in the front and books in the back. I was hoping for a wider selection of books, but the charm makes up for it. Still a little pricey, but again charm. Sometimes you want your books to come with pre-​made memories.
They also sell the Song of the South DVD — a version from the UK that works in all regions. Don’t know the quality of it — but if you have a friend/​family member who speaks of the sadness of not being able to find this gem of a (banned?) film, I would pick it up here.
A friend who collects the Wizard of Oz books said they had a great collection — just nothing she didn’t already have. Also, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys and stuff. And Babysitter’s Club.
It wouldn’t be a consistent go-​to for me if I lived in Savannah but it certainly was worth the trip!

A perfectly reasonable old bookseller with well organized stock. The Fiesta Ware store out front was fun too.

Today was a GREAT day — after getting a referral from another local business I found myself exploring this fantastic book store and chatting about everything from Hardy Boys to Bruce Catton books with Betsy. To demonstrate the range of selection, I walked out with an early copy of «Green Eggs and Ham» and «The Road to Wellville.» Fantastic!
If you’re a fan of hard-​to-​find early editions of children’s book series (such as Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, Nancy Drew, etc) this is the place for you. If not, don’t worry, they have a great selection of other varied genres in history, biography, fiction and non-​fiction, as well as local/​southern interest. There’s even a small section of paperbacks for the necessary «beach read.» Clearly this bookseller stands out in Savannah for variation and friendly staff. I’ll be a repeat customer the next time I’m in town!