A Treasure Trove in Oakland
Rachel Ankney |
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
For those who love rare
finds and exciting collections of books and games, including comic and
magic books, there’s no better place to shop than Oakland with its
independent sellers. These smaller book stores have the benefit of
local legends, character and smells, from old books to incense, that
can’t be found at the popular chain stores. One afternoon in Oakland
will prove it so let me be your guide.
Known to natives, Pitt students, and die-hard Michael Chabon fans,
our first stop is at an unassuming storefront between Meyran and Atwood
on Fifth Avenue. A true independent bookseller, Jay’s Book Stall
carries a surprisingly wide range of titles without compromising its
independent feel. Browsing at Jay’s feels a little like browsing
through your best friend’s library (if your best friend had a lot of
extra money to spend on books and a very broad taste in reading
material.) Jay’s standout claim to fame, however, is as Pittsburgh’s
writer-central as evidenced by the many photographs of celebrity
writers pictured with the store’s owner, (a local celeb perhaps), Jay
Dantry.
In
case the photos aren’t proof enough, browse the shelves closest to the
register for a number of books stickered “signed by author.” Or stop in
for one the store’s book-signings. In both selection and service, Jay’s
lives up to every bit of its motto “a contemporary bookstore…in the
classic tradition,” and at 50 years and counting, it is a stand-out for
Pittsburgh’s bibliophiles.
Heading down Meyran, the variety of titles narrows, but the sights
and smells are without equal. Hocus Pocus, serving Pittsburgh’s magical
clientele for seven years, isn’t a ‘book shop’ in the strictest sense,
but for anyone seeking topics from wicca to yoga, this is the place.
The bookshelves, occupying the left-hand wall, are flanked by a variety
of wonders: Candles in all colors, crystals from amethyst to carnelian,
cauldrons (yes, really) and a dazzling display of herbs and
potions are just a sampling of the store’s selection. Passion flower,
copal, patchouli and cinquefoil are displayed in glass jars and an
“Apotheckary Formulas” guide is provided to detail the whole of the
selection.
I must admit, I’m enchanted with the apothecary-like atmosphere and
the tantalizing smells. The owners, Kali & Lucien, are happy to
explain the store’s supply, as I discovered when buying a bit of
Egyptian kyphi after inquiring about the amazingly calming aroma
filling the air. Admittedly, Hocus Pocus might not be for every reader,
but I say check it out: even if you aren’t in the market for tarot you
may find your own little bit of magic.
Toting my incense to the bustle of Craig Street, I climb the dark wooden steps to the gaming location of Phantom of the Attic,
a mecca for Pittsburgh’s gaming and comic fans. Here you’ll find
miniature lands and creatures, a wonder of a tiny perfectly formed
world in the center of the room surrounded by all manner of miniature
wizards, dragons, cities and nature scenes. In the games section,
you’ll find much more than the expected Dungeons and Dragons books. The
shelves and tables are stocked with a staggering array of role-playing
books, from Star Wars to Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as
collectible card games such as Magic and Pokemon, along with a
sparkling display of dice in all colors and sides. The real stand-out?
The board games, from How to Host a Mystery selections, and
history-inspired selections based on ancient worlds to images of the
future, such as Starfarers of Catan. Adults and kids alike will
thoroughly enjoy. If you’ve been wary of gaming stores in the past, you
need to check out Phantom. The friendly sales staff is happy to help,
whether you’re a seasoned D&D veteran or a first-time shopper.
A block and a half down and up the red stairs, the comic shop
location of Phantom of the Attic takes comics and color to the next
level. Ask any comic book fan; chances are you'll find them here. Check
out well-known selections such as X-Men, Batman and Daredevil, or find
a new favorite in this burst of pop color. Also, check out the graphic
novels including Ghost World and American Splendor. With the comic-book
explosion in films today, you owe it to yourself to check out Phantom
of the Attic. I promise the book is better than the movie!
Next we’re in for a treat at Caliban Book Shop,
a prominent used and rare bookstore. The gold lettering on the façade
is an indication of the charms that lie inside, a bookstore that feels
like the library of an old manse, full of surprises and that fabulous
“old book” smell. All genres are represented, as well as books from a
variety of time periods. Al Franken and Steven King find shelf mates in
Fundamental Greek Grammar and a magnificent 1878 green cloth-bound
Atlantic Monthly. Many of the rarer books are housed in glass and wood
book-cases, belying the respect shown both to the volumes themselves,
and the words they contain.
With such a varied, and largely out of print, selection, patrons
must take some time to find the treasures they seek. But with such
treasures such as 40’s and 50’s True Detective serials, first editions
of Sandburg and Huxley, and a staggering and rare selection of books on
the history and culture of Pittsburgh, the search is a large part of
the fun. The true wonder of Caliban hit me as I was making my way out
of the shop, and saw an original Burroughs Adding Machine, invented by
the grandfather and namesake of William S. Burroughs, a true sign of
the range and rarity found in this remarkable place.
Next, we head to Henry Street off Craig to Townsend Booksellers.
Although the robin’s egg blue exterior and brick red awning might
suggest a whimsical interior, Townsend is delightfully scholarly in
appearance. Almost like entering a college library, Townsend’s
selection is similarly scholarly, with a noteworthy collection of rare
and hard-to-find non-fiction selections from philosophy to physics to
religion and mathematics. Although the fiction selection is small, it
also contains treasures worth making the trip for, and the book-shaped
bookends are a delightful touch to all of the shelves. This is
certainly a must-stop for anyone seeking a unique and carefully chosen
selection of used treasures.
Armed with books and incense, I head home with a sense of
gratification knowing that the places I explored were as fun and
fascinating as the items I bought there. Can't say that about a chain
store.
Rachel Ankney is an Oakland-based freelance writer whose last
story for Pop City was about small ethnic grocery stores.
Photos:
Caliban Bookshop
Jay Dantry
Phantom of the Attic
Caliban Bookshop
Jay's Book Stall
All Photographs Copyright Tom Altany