His collection was mediocre at best and my wife was struck by falling books and cut by their nimble pages.
Wow! Please read the other comments! This place is crazy. I could write a page or two long, but just don't currently have the time. When we visited we were told that we were drunk, should go back to the bar to find free books because the owner doesn't give away books. We were told that we would end up on YouTube and be seen for the fools we were. When we pulled out and about to snap a photo of the picture on the dirt saying you have to pay $5 to look at the books, the owner met us with binoculars (which is creepy) saying that we would be arrested because NH law prohibits taking photos on private property.
1/5 Overall as the owner tried to show us his talking gnome that he said was behind the 3rd row of books. I know a con man when I see one and my library is much larger!
1 for the assistance in locating tolkein books. -5 for everything else including not having change or being able to shop. Precariously stocked merchandise everywhere. First and last time.
I totally want to go back with a hidden camera for the world to see just how angry this man is, I won't though.
I scoffed at the misguided owner when he charged me 5 dollars to view his collection. I just handed him one of the 100 dollar bills I had roaming around.
I was greeted at the door by a portly unkempt man wearing a winter coat mended with black tape. The heat was barely discernable. Nonetheless I paid the man $5 for the opportunity to make a purchase. Books are stacked and 2 deep on the shelves. It takes some time to look through. After checking out the religion section, I asked for the art section. I was told it was unavailable. I stated that I should have mention that I wanted to see the art section before giving him $5. His response was "you probably should have". I asked "really?". Then he reminded me that I got to look at religious books for 30 minutes for my $5. Just shook my head and left.
I would recommend a visit, just for the experience, but don't expect to get a free book, for that you'll have to go to the bar!
- Doc Gumby
Definitely worth a look if you're in the area. I've never seen so many books in one place. The owner is super friendly and is very helpful in navigating the store.
Antiquarian Bookstore is a US Book Store based in Portsmouth, Maine. Antiquarian Bookstore is located at 1070 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA.
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