Alcuin Books

Sari Zagorski

Yesterday my husband took me to a popular bookstore in Scottsdale (not this one.) Upon exiting that bookstore with no book for the first time in my life, I said "They were missing a nonfiction section." He quickly took me a few blocks down but didn't tell me our destination. I saw a bland sign. Black Times New Roman font told the name of the store on a background the color of old book pages that have just begun to yellow. "Alcuin Scholarly and Rare Books." My heart leapt while also experiencing the sort of calm one feels when holding a book whose pages have just begun to yellow. The sort of book you've read more than once because you learn something different from it each time. We opened the dusty strip mall door. I knew exactly how Lucy felt when she opened the door to her wardrobe to find the world of Narnia on the other side. It became a universal truth that magic is real, and can be found in the most unassuming places. Rows upon rows of (as my husband pointed out with accuracy) many leather bound books and the smell of rich Mohagany stood before me. No more than 48 seconds after my arrival, I saw Jean-Paul Sartre's name on a weathered spine that had long lost its dustcover. Surely I had read all of Sartre's works, I thought. Yet here it was. A collection of thoughts from this man whose mind I revere that I had never known existed. I opened the cover to see the price. It was signed by a person who had given it as a gift. Based on the handwriting and hesitation in the spelling of July, this book was given to a scholar by someone who was not so fortunate in their education. Someone who admired the scholar they gave it to. Someone who loved the scholar and who I am certain the scholar loved in return. Anyone so brazen to give a Sartre book of essays as a gift has spent the time required to truly know the person receiving it. They included the city and state they were in. Columbia, MO. A place I will soon travel to with my husband's while he learns about his late father's family and history. A place deeply rooted in my heart because it is part of my husband's story. Therefore, part of my own. People ask me why I go into used bookstores in every town I visit. Magic. That's why. This store is for genuine lovers of books. Those who understand the power of words and knowledge. The man up front asked me if I'd read Nausea. He's the first person I've met who even knows this book exists. He has also read it and understood it. Based on our conversation he recommended "The Sound and the Fury" as my next read. I can't wait to go back. If you're looking for the latest Clancy novel this is not your place. If you're looking to walk in and allow the universe to supply you with the book you didn't know you needed, this is it.

Jim Crocker

Unbelievably well stocked used bookstore.

Taylor Mcquaid

Brought some old books here to get looked at and appraised. Just walked in, waited while the owner finished up with someone else. Got to look at some really amazing books while I waited and then got some great info. Would recommend bring any books you have questions about here

Anthony Scott

Great place...if ever in Scottsdale be sure to visit