Antiquarian Book Mart

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MoaOsen

Joined 2 years ago

Why the ABM Matters. I've never heard it called this, but I have always lovingly referred to Broadway as 'Reading Row'-- It houses five bookstores, all of different qualities and selection. Out of the five, and all bookstores in San Antonio, as well as in Texas, I must declare the Antiquarian Book Mart to be my absolute favorite. It is located next door to Half Priced Books and shares a parking lot with them. Don't bother with half price. Park, and walk up the alley to the front door. Enter a world of absolute wonder: the walls are lined with books from the floorboards to the rafters. The air is filled with the smell of books and dust. Little things peep out around corners (like sculptures and photographs)-- its a maze of books. The selection at the ABM is absolutely killer. The gentleman who owns this place is one of the nicest people in town. I adore his shop and I think that he is a fantastic business owner. If you want a book that he doesn't have he will find it for you. The ABM isn't just my favorite book shop in town, its also an experience. I always feel a rush when I go there, and for the next few days I always feel good.

I cannot recommend the Antiquarian Book Mart more highly to anyone-- this is by far my favorite store in San Antonio, and one of my favorite bookstores in the world.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

The book lover's version of an out-of-the-way antique store.. Bibliophiles Unite
You know who you are. You get a slight, pleasant high from the smell of old books. You handle each volume with tender reverence. You can imagine no greater thrill then discovering an antique edition of a book by your favorite poet. You're a bibliophile--at Book Mart, you can admit it.

Back in Time
No genre is ignored at the Book Mart, though the American and Texas History sections are particularly well-appointed. Like many San Antonio bookstores, the Book Mart has a comprehensive military history section.

The Annex
Located behind Half Price Books, the Annex is where the store stocks very rare (and often extremely interesting) books. It's only open eight hours a week (and "by appointment"), which means the books are out of the price range of, say, a freelance journalist.