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Argosy Book Store
Argosy Book Store: A timeless, multi-floor treasure trove of books, maps, and art.
4.8(5 reviews)
Retail Store
$$$
Argosy Book Store: A timeless, multi-floor treasure trove of books, maps, and art.
Argosy Book Store in New York blends vintage books with an art-gallery atmosphere and historic maps and posters. Reviewers praise warm wood interiors and a timeless vibe, staff who are quietly professional, and a multi-floor layout—from a second-floor gallery to a basement with philosophy, drama, and literature shelves, plus a ground-floor paperback area. Located at 116 E 59th St, it’s a welcoming haven for bibliophiles.
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Browse and purchase first editions, leather-bound volumes, and historical books from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Discover a curated selection of antique maps, ornithological prints, portraits, and vintage posters at reasonable prices.
Explore organized shelves in the basement and upper floors for philosophy, drama, Americana, science fiction, and more.
Visit the second-floor gallery showcasing tapestries, canvases, and fine art prints in a dedicated exhibition space.
Engage with knowledgeable staff for insights on art, history, and rare book acquisitions in a quiet, professional setting.
This place is packed with so many old books and vintage posters that you can easily spend hours just browsing. The space itself feels very classic, with warm wooden interiors that give off a timeless, vintage vibe. What I really loved was the poster collection—prices are quite reasonable, and with the right framing, they could easily turn into stunning art pieces. A great spot to slow down and really enjoy the atmosphere.
Have old and original maps and artwork for sale in the gallery on 2nd floor. I took a look into the flowers book for around 30 minutes. Many old 19th and 18th works, most of them were paper without any lamination/plastic cover which you should handle with care. Took a look on the 5th floor - Americana. Had sections for American history by states, era. Also shelves for different countries. 3rd and 4th floor were not open to public when I went. The ground floor had paperbacks on sale in the front. Fiction in the basement. I had a good 1.5 hrs at the store. Their collection mostly leans old, so don't expect to see books published in the past 10-20 years to be available.
Great book place where you can talk to the staff about art and history. Went to level 2 where the tapestries and canvases are kept. Will definitely be back.
it is a pretty and cozy library. If you enjoy old and classic books, I recommend stopping by. They also have very interesting maps!
Walking into Argosy Book Store in New York City on a quiet humid Monday afternoon in June 2025 felt like stumbling into a time capsule—one that smells faintly of old paper and whispers the wisdom of centuries past. The exterior alone hints at the treasures within. Ornithological prints, antique maps, and portraits adorn the entryway gallery, setting the tone for the meticulously curated literary sanctuary that follows. Once inside, the space unfolds like a story in itself—each room, each shelf a new chapter. From $3 paperbacks at the entrance to leather-bound volumes behind glass, Argosy strikes a rare balance: it’s as welcoming to the casual browser as it is thrilling for the rare book collector. Vintage atlases, fine art prints, and philosophical first editions line the walls under warm wood paneling and soft green banker’s lamps. A life-size Pinocchio stands guard near the rare books, adding a charming quirk to the otherwise reverent hush of the space. But the real secret? The basement. Down a narrow staircase lies a warren of shelves labeled by genre—philosophy, drama, science fiction, French literature, biography, and more—each aisle bursting with thousands of volumes. The red-painted concrete floor, creaky stools, and hand-labeled yellow placards evoke a sense of archival adventure. It’s delightfully unpolished, almost underground in spirit, and makes you feel like you’re part of a scholarly treasure hunt. The staff, while quietly professional, let the books do the talking. The posted hours (Monday–Friday, 11am to 6pm) might feel old-fashioned, but they suit a place so steeped in the past—open only when the city’s hustle makes room for a slower pace. Whether you’re hunting for a first edition, marveling at early 17th-century bindings, or just savoring the feel of a real bookstore in a digital age, Argosy is a must-visit. A bibliophile’s dream, an art lover’s nook, and an explorer’s haven—all in
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