Mercer Street Books

Mercer Street Books is a classic New York used bookstore. A beautiful disaster of piles and piles of used, rare, and review books crowd nearly every bit of space in this nearly 30 year old shop, and yet those who work there seem to have a very good grasp on the inventory. Just don't hold it against them that a scene from the Drew Barrymore/Hugh Grant fiasco "Music and Lyrics" was filmed there. Plus: LP's!

Traveler's Choice Books

The offices of Turon Travel in Soho house a quite respectable travel bookshop. Not only can you find guides and maps for every corner of the Earth, you can also get the trip planned for you. Turon specializes in art fair travel, so they also carry a great back-issue selection of Art Basel Catalogues. Plus: an extensive selection travel accessories make for one stop shopping.

Street Vendors

There are street book vendors all over the city, each with a slightly different specialty. This stand is on 6th Ave. between 7th & 8th Streets and primarily carries a lot of paperback classic literature, bestsellers, and, er, adult fare. Plus: if they don't have what you want, there's a Barnes & Noble right behind them and a library a half block away. Spent all your money on books? it's also a few steps from Grey's Papaya.

Taschen

All the Taschen titles, all under one Philippe Starck designed roof. This wildy colorful store reflects the personality of German publisher Taschen's art & design book style. Big, bold, and daring. Plus: An ever-changing gallery downstairs featuring originals of photography pulished in Taschen's books. As well as peices from the publisher's personal furniture collection. (Note the well worn leather Egg chair.)

192 Books

192 BOOKS in Chelsea is a general-interest new-books bookstore featuring key works of literature and history, art and criticism, the social and natural sciences, travel and children's books, and more. Plus: you can lounge in lovely vintage Prouvé furniture.

Argosy

Argosy Book Store in Midtown has 6 levels of used and rare books and prints, as well as a great bargain table right in front of the shop. Strong on Americana, modern first editions, autographs, art, antique maps & prints, and the history of science & medicine. Plus: a fantastic wall of Selected Reading right as you walk in; a great place to find what you didn't know you were looking for.