In keeping with my growing passion for collecting 19th-century books, I recently found myself wandering the shelves at The Book ReViews Used Books in Ohio—a place that feels less like a store and more like a refuge for readers.
The shop offers an inviting mix of sheet music, music CDs, and books on nearly every subject imaginable, including a wonderful selection of vintage volumes. One of the things I appreciate most is that they provide seating. I always seem to find a quiet, comfortable spot where I can settle in and read, losing track of time among the shelves.
As I’ve mentioned before, I have a deep affection for old hardcovered books, and my first selection reflected that love: Twenty Years of Hus’ling by James Perry (J. P.) Johnston, illustrated by Denslow and published in 1887. I had read a review describing it as an engaging and humorous glimpse into its era, and while seated there, I skimmed through its pages, smiling at the wit of the day.
My second choice was First Steps with American and British Authors by Albert Franklin Blaisdell. This 1899 volume is filled with creative writing and poetry and is beautifully bound—a black-spined hardcover with elegant gold lettering. It felt wonderful in my hands, the way only an old book can.
Another selection, Young Lives by Richard Le Gallienne (1899), caught my attention when I recognized the author’s name. I’d previously read some of his work on Project Gutenberg and enjoyed it immensely. Le Gallienne, an English author and poet, was also the father of American actress Eva Le Gallienne. I spent some time reading through this book as well, savoring the familiarity of his voice on the page.
My final selection was The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, featuring a biographical introduction by Henry Glassford Bell. This edition is especially striking, illustrated with over sixty photo engravings and twenty colored images of histrionic artists, all bound in a lovely antique leather cover. It truly felt like a treasure.
I spent a considerable amount of time in the bookstore and was pleased to discover that I could still access a cell signal in the back of the shop. This allowed me to check in on the latest updates and discussions in my online book club—blending my love of old books with modern connection.
The clerk working that day was absolutely delightful and remarkably knowledgeable about the store’s collection. Noticing her German accent, I showed her an image of a book I own whose text I had been unable to decipher. She graciously read it aloud in German and then explained its contents so I could understand. It was such a thoughtful and generous moment, one that added even more warmth to the experience.
It truly is impossible to purchase just one book here—and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
123 S Main St,
Bluffton, OH 45817