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The Strand Bookstore is a New York Institution. Opened in 1927 and still operated by the same family, the store has withstood the Great Depression, The Second World War and, perhaps most impressively, the watershed changes from text to digital literacy practices and the onslaught of the corporate bookseller. Despite a massive Barnes and Noble bookstore just a few blocks away, The Strand is the preferred bookshop for any New Yorker in the know. But more than just a bookstore, The Strand is an essential stop for any visiting bibliophile looking to be overwhelmed or traveller in search of yet another example of this city’s gigantesque.
The Strand Bookstore New York City
The Strand’s name is fondly followed by “18 Miles of Books.” This bold phrase describes the length and depth of the bookstores crammed shelves. It’s really that big. The phrase was first coined in the 1970’s as “8 miles of books” by the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist George F. Will. The store has grown some “10 miles” since then. The iconic store caters to just about every literary interest, from readers looking for the latest on the best seller’s list to students in search of the classics at cheap prices, to people interested in the occult, sciences and just about every other type of book in print. And for all of the tourists packing Strand isles there is a large section on travel books, which could come in handy should you find yourself in the big city without a clue. Bibliophile or not, the Strand is a must-see simply for what it means to New York and the Union Square section of Manhattan as much for the books contained within its creaky space.
New York accommodation 1-bedroom in the Lower East Side (NY-11706)
New York Habitat has apartments all around the island of Manhattan that are within a short jaunt of the fabled bookstore. Here are a few to get your search started:
-This studio apartment rental in Upper West Side (NY-7620) offers hardwood florrs, lots of direct sunlight and a classic New York feel.
-This 1-bedroom accommodation rental in Upper East Side (NY-14325) features parquet wood floors and is on the 1st floor of a pre-war building.
-This 1-bedroom rental apartment in East Village-Lower East Side (NY-11706) is bathed in direct sunlight and features a balcony with skyline views.
Ever been to the Strand Bookstore? If so, what section did you gravitate to the most? Foreign languages? Literary Classics? The Occult?
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
October 5th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I love Strand. I wish that all the little bookstores weren’t being put out of business by the large chains. Long live strand!
October 6th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I nver been to Store I am indeed a big fan of books. So I will make sure that next time I go to Manhattan I will visit The Strand Bookstore!!
October 6th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
To me The Strand is just another great land mark and the best place to find any book that you need. I can’t see New York City without Strand, it’s been around that long.
October 7th, 2009 at 11:51 am
18 miles of Books and they’re price very reasonable, no wonder The Strand is still standing!
October 7th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
The Strand is one of my favorite places in all of New York City. I wish I could have even 1% of the books there in my apartment.
October 8th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
BY FAR my favorite place in New York City!
October 8th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
You know I really think the Strand is overrated. But you know its sort of a New York landmark. And I wouldn’t mind staying in an apartment in Union Square, either.
October 14th, 2009 at 11:29 am
What a great way to make use of a rainy Sunday in New York City by losing oneself in The Strand surrening by scores of books and more books.
October 15th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Shakespeare and Co. is better!