116 E 59th Street, New York, NY
Argosy is one of the small handful of bookshops I’ve visited over the years that I would call a cultural destination. One of the oldest still-running bookstores in America, having opened in 1925 by the same family that runs it today, Argosy is as much a beautiful destination experience as it is a place to buy a book. Tucked between skyscrapers in upper midtown east near the southeast corner of Central Park and Bloomingdales, this bookstore is a must-visit for any bookworm.
Now, I’ve visited and reviewed this bookstore for this blog in the past and I was woefully inadequate in my assessment. When I first came here in 2018, I had a 20-minute window before I had to get myself to a medical appointment and then jump back on a train out of town, so I darted in and out, only really exploring the first floor. But what a gorgeous first floor. Wall-to-wall books, display cases of prints and antique editions, framed artworks on the walls overhead, stenciled ceilings, carts of discount books, green-glass lamps, desks where booksellers and assessors work and assist browsers, stairs leading to a raised landing overlooking it all. It feels more like a library in an ivy league university than a bookshop, but one bustling with life and activity and book lovers and curious tourists alike passing through the aisles.
Now, aside from exploring this space, as well as the displays outside in front of the store full of discounted paperbacks and art books, my original review ended there. I missed so, so much.
For starters, the basement level is a must, accessed by a semi-hidden stairwell in the very back of the ground floor room. I was alone down there, a cool windowless room (a nice break from the hot streets outside) organized into three long rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves absolutely stuffed with volumes of biographies, fiction, language, travel, essays, and much more. Each aisle also had boxes of unpacked books, table displays, and loaded carts. I found a great little volume on the fading existence of local newspapers in the 21st century in the back of this room, a real gem.
And then there’s all the floors above, accessible through a small manually operated elevator. You push a button, the door opens, and an operator slides a gate to allow you access into the snug elevator. Tell him the floor you want and up you go. I visited only a couple of the floors above. One was primarily art and prints, where I found staff helping patrons researching various topics at tables set aside for just that activity, but there were also fantastic maps and art on the walls, and wide windows overlooking the street below.
Going even higher were floors honeycombed with tall shelves, all the little nooks stuffed with books about each state, many countries and regions of the world, about true crime, NYC, trains, boats, travel, language, art, politics, on and on. Most were older and very hard to find editions, beautiful to look at with little information slips in each giving publication details and prices.
The bookstore was a marvel to explore, both for the book-browsing experience and for stepping into a space that had served as a cultural and informational oasis in a sea of continually overturning consumerism just outside its doors. The city has changed so much in the last 100 years, but Argosy has maintained a wonderful literary tradition in its lifetime. So if you’re looking for a classic book, a gorgeous old map, or if you just want to experience a bit of old New York in a peaceful and beautiful environment, then Argosy is for you.
Atmosphere – A refined book-browsing experience that is also cozy, relaxed, and welcoming. With walls of art, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, creaky wooden floors, the smell of old books, the manually operated elevator, it all adds up to a supremely unique and adventurous visit. There are few places like it in America, and it’s a wonderous experience to seek out.
Quality – Many of the books are older, vintage editions. Many are cloth- or leather-bound, many hard to find and out of print, and some are a bit worn through use, but all are in fine shape. Even the older paperbacks escape that wrinkled, spine-snapped appearance you might find in a library book sale. These are curated and cared for, and you’ll still find newer or unused recent editions of bestsellers.
Affordability – This depends on what you’re looking for. They have an abundance of discounted books, paperbacks and hardcovers, some just a few dollars each. There are plenty of deals. But if you want something harder to find or one of a kind, then yeah, you’re going to pay more.
Amenities – There are a few chairs and tables but also some chairs you cannot sit in due to age. You’re mostly there to browse for books or conduct research.
Customer Service – They had plentiful staff on hand helping patrons, and all seemed quick and friendly.
Location – On 59th street halfway between Park and Lex, south side of the block. Not far from Central Park and Bloomingdales.
Overall – This bookshop belongs on the Mount Rushmore of great NYC bookstores, and for good reason. The atmosphere of dark woods and green lampshades, towering bookshelves overflowing with literary treasure, the numerous floors to explore, and the helpful staff, not to mention plentiful discounts. Argosy offers a beautiful book-browsing experience that retains the charm and history of old New York. It is destinations every book lover must put on their list.
