Parker's is one of those stores you will remember and treasure. For me, visiting the store back in the 1980's and 90's was a totally unique experience. Stepping thru the old fashioned storefront, past huge window displays of books, the cool air and sometimes hot jazz playing on the (what would now be considered vintage vinyl) stereo told you that you had entered another dimension, apart from plain buying and selling. At Parker's money served ideas and the owner must surely have been independently wealthy because there was never even a hint of commercialism. Shoppers were explorers, and were invited on a treasure hunt, a book expedition where 'the sands' could surrender books that you could never find anywhere else. In a mass market world, Parker's staff, sometimes students at the local honors college New College, were always interesting in their own right and I stood wide eyed at the counter many times listening to their academic accomplishments and research projects. I never met 'Parker" but his presence haunted the store. Looking into the glass doors of the rare book room, you could easily imagine peeking into the library of a European nobleman. When you go to this store, you literally are seeing an artifact that should be preserved. I am very fond of those memories and am going to have to return, soon. A special place in a special city. I just called the store to confirm their hours. I told the clerk that I loved visiting the store in the 1980's and am looking forward to returning. What she said - and the lovely and sincere way she said it - told me that Parker's has not changed.. She paused and took a breath, and with a welcoming pride, said, "Well, we are waiting (for you)." Kindness, and class ...that is Parkers!
The owner is nasty. I have brought him books to consider buying, in particular one time a first edition of Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five, and he very nastily said, "I wouldn't have it in my store." Some of the employees are nice. The store itself is wonderful but they stay in business by selling online, this from the lips of an employee.
Wonderful, I found amazing books that I may never see again here. Highly recommended for the collectors. It's worth a travel.
Great place, a really rare treasure.
Not for regular folk, in my opinion. Was really dissapointed to see way more collectibles than books made for readin and lovin by the average Joe. Their "normal" (non collectible) books are very overpriced for used books. Icing on the cake is they aren't very friendly. I would only recommend this place to a collector. If I was to describe this store in one word it would be "expensive." If you are looking for reasonably priced used books, I recommend Shelf Indulgence on N Tamiami. It is also a coffee shop and the owner is lovely, store's pretty small though. If anyone knows a place to get used books in SRQ please tell me
A Parker S Books is a US Book Store based in Sarasota, Florida. A Parker S Books is located at 1488 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
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