Planning a literary tour doesn’t have to mean long distance travel. Elizabeth Marshall took a short trip to Charleston to a small independent bookstore.
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I have always been drawn to Charleston. The culture and history are palpable, like the thick humid air that distinguishes the South. Known for its mannerly people, well-celebrated restaurants, architecture and churches, every corner offers up a piece of her to visitors. And like other cities with a soul, there are hidden places to be discovered. Charleston, the oldest city in South Carolina, was recently named both the Top U.S. City and Top Destination in the World by Conde Nast Traveler 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Today, I am headed for a little bookstore in the heart of King Street. Founded in 1995, it was renamed Blue Bicycle Books in 2007 when local writer Jonathan Sanchez bought the store. Says the store’s website:
We have about 10 feet of storefront on King Street, belying a much longer (and a little wider) space…
In the narrow paths of a 10-foot-wide store I discover humor, wit and a mirror image of what Charleston represents. There are grander and more notable stops you can make in The Holy City. But if you love bookstores, don’t miss this one.
Before I set out to pine among the titles, I do a little research online. This independent bookseller carries used, rare and local books. I believe their collection of rare books may hold my attention the longest. Their rare offerings include a signed copy of Gone With The Wind priced at $19, 000 and a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird signed by Harper Lee for $2, 000. I find instead it’s the spines of ordinary books that intrigue me. The noise on the street blows in when the door is open, but otherwise this quiet place is a sanctuary in a bustling city.
Sarah, the shopkeeper, shows me the poetry room. Black shelves house a nice collection. The white board on the wall has these words in blue marker, written for an earlier workshop on writing:
It all began with a laugh, a cry and a thud.
I take a visual inventory, finding The Bourgeois Poet, The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson and The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrapped in a blue leather binding. This room is a poet’s haven but I have places to go outside these walls. I move into the other small spaces to scavenge and explore.
Favorite son Pat Conroy’s books are displayed, stacked and stately in their own small corner. I count eight and am impressed by his life’s work. Blue Bicycle Books represents local authors well with works by Southern writers such as Conroy, the Lee Brothers and Sue Monk Kidd prominently displayed in the regional section. I sit to study the titles when I see Purdy, the 17-year-old female cat sleeping on top of a book entitled Fried Chicken and Champagne. This winsome and aloof store staple ignores me as I gaze through titles such as When Fred The Snake Got Squished And Mended. A colorful city begets colorful authors.
Outside the bathroom is the writing style and usage section. I try not to take offense and make unfair assumptions about the placement. I settle on the floor to browse and read. In gold lettering on a Georgia red clay cover is the book Fondling Your Muse: Infallible Advice From a Published Author to the Writerly Aspirant by John Warner.
I ask Sarah which book holds the distinction of oldest and she pulls a fragile 1730 copy of Milton’s Paradise Regained. Its leather cover is the perfect blend of every shade of brown on the Pantone color wheel. Classic and beautiful.
A customer, one of just a handful while I am here, requests a copy of Gone With The Wind. She says her mother, even at her age, is requiring her to re-read it. I spy an unauthorized parody, The Wind Done Gone by Alice Randall. And I wonder why Sarah didn’t mention it to her.
I wish I had stayed longer among the Caldecott award-winning titles in the children’s room; these were the books my mom brought home to me and my sisters. I watch as a father brings his young son in to browse and build book memories.
The bookstore has sheltered me from a torrential summer rainstorm. The rain lets up and I decide to leave, knowing I will be back. With 50, 000 volumes I have only scratched the surface. At the exit, I discover an easel chalk board sign meant to appeal to the children out of school for the summer months. It also captures the tone of my playful “adult” time here.
“And now, ” cried Max, “let the wild rumpus start!”
I thank Sarah and before saying my goodbyes I ask if that is in fact a picture on the bathroom wall of the store’s owner with Alex Trebek . That is another story involving Shakespeare, Jeopardy and some more humor.
Purdy, the ever-present cat is not saying a word.
Cover photo by rennes.i. Creative Commons license via Flickr. Blue Bicycle photo courtesy of Blue Bicycle Books. Post by Elizabeth Marshall.
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- Literary Tour: Blue Bicycle Books (Charleston, SC) - August 7, 2013
- Brooklyn Subway: The Poetry of Crossword Puzzles - January 11, 2013
Nancy Franson says
One of our favorite things to do, when my best friend Ethel and I run away together, is to ramble around in used bookstores.
I’ve been thinking about going on a New England literary pilgrimage–visiting authors’ homes and museums here. We have several lovely ones. And I think I’d like to head over to the Hudson Valley to visit Washington Irving (and perhaps catch a glimpse of the headless horseman) sometime around Halloween.
But now I’d sort of like to wander down to Charleston and have a wild rumpus with you 🙂
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
Nancy I am counting the days until you wander my way and have a wild rumpus with me in my little neck of the woods. We need to make that happen my friend. I am going to go to Carl Sandburg’s house in a matter of days to explore. And to a wonderful bookstore in Asheville called Malprops. I think when we have the mind of an explorer we can find wonder anywhere, But it is so much more fun with a friend. thank you for wanting to go exploring with me.
Shelly Miller says
This makes me want to jump in the car and meet you there for a rumpus. Charleston is full of treasure you have to excavate by knowing someone who knows someone who knows. Thank you for bringing life to such a winsome place and giving it the color of vibrant life.
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
Well then let’s do just that. 🙂 Your comment humbles me so because if what I wrote causes you to want to go there….well I am pleased as punch. Let’s go excavating together soon. It is so much more delightful in tandem. And I could never begin to give it the colors it wears, but thank you my friend Shelly. Thank you. Let’s have an adult playdate soon. 🙂
Maureen Doallas says
Somehow I missed seeing this book store the last time I was in Charleston, a city I very much enjoy. Instead, found an artist there whose home is her studio and gallery (I came back with a few wonderful pieces). Books and art are my two weaknesses.
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
Maureen, I am trying to guess whose home/gallery/studio you found filled with treasures you couldn’t leave behind. Next time you visit, carve out time for this little jewel. I believe you will feel quite at home. Something to look forward to perhaps.
Megan Willome says
We have one used bookstore in town (actually, just one bookstore), and it has some neat first editions of Texana. Of course, it moves every other year, so that’s always part of the adventure. It’s a place I go to look for gifts for my dad.
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
I want a guided tour of your part of the world. You free? I think Texas and I would get along swimmingly. Been to some parts…..quail hunting and such but not your little neck of the underbrush with the portable bookstore. Maybe they should go the route of the book mobile ( remember those) and make it easy on them selves. Glad you and I are neighbors here today. its like I can look up and wave and say hey Megan. Enjoying your poetry dare. Covet covet. I want a poetry buddy now 🙁
Hope @ The Flourishing Tree says
Ah, there’s nothing better than browsing a beloved bookstore, unless it’s browsing while the rain pours down outside. Thanks for the tour of a store I hope someday to visit. I’m lucky — my husband enjoys browsing great bookstores when we travel as much as I do.
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
Hope, yes a combination that is hard to duplicate, rain in the summertime and a good book — or a whole store of them ( and lots and lots of time to LINGER) 🙂 Hope your summer involves lingering. Thanks for taking the tour with me.
Jody Collins says
Elizabeth, I felt as if I was a mouse tucked into your pocket. Thank you for taking us along….lovely ‘tour.’
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
Thank you for climbing in my pocket. I thought I felt a little tickle while I was browsing those aisles. It was you all along 🙂
Dana Lindquist says
I so enjoyed this little tour! The rare books sound wonderful, and I can just imagine their rich scent. I’m longing now for a Charleston trip complete with several hours of exploration in Blue Bicycle Books.
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
Ah yes there is so much to the scent of a book, and an old one especially. Thanks for coming along, it was fun having you there.
Tresta says
My perfect day would be spent in a bookstore. I may not even read a book, but just admire their spines and covers and smells – especially the 1730 copy of Paradise Regained! Such words.
Thank you for taking me there, albeit vicariously. I hope we go again.
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
Yes yes me too. The covers are an art form aren’t they 🙂 and the smells just make me feel so filled up with memories and anticipation. I think I could spend hours in a bookstore. They, and this one especially, give a sense of calm. Thanks for coming along Tresta. Let’s do it again.!!!!
Ashley Larkin @ Draw Near says
Oh, Elizabeth. How I want to go! I do love bookstores — especially local and used ones. We’ve got Powell’s City of Books here in Portland which is certainly something to experience. But Blue Bicycle Books has got it beat in charm and quirk for sure. I’ve always wanted to visit Charleston, friend. Thank you for taking me there on this joyous journey…I would love to join you sometime!
Elizabeth W. Marshall says
If you visit Charleston I will meet you there 🙂 Thank you for finding joy in this journey. That means a lot. Let’s go traveling somewhere quirky again soon. 🙂