Black Swan Books

Category:	Book Store
Address:	2601 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Phone:	+1 804-353-9476
Site:	blackswanbooks.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed Closed Closed Closed 12–5PM 12–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 13

Reviews 9

Tyler Potterfield

The Finest Book Shop Between Philadelphia and New Orleans I do honestly believe that Black Swan is the best overall bookstore in the Southeast and Mid Atlantic. I am a Richmonder and so there is a modicum of home town pride in this statement. However I have travelled widely in the area that I have described and I always wind up muttering to myself "There is no place like Black Swan." Black Swan has been a regular haunt of mine since it first opened on Meadow Street many odd years ago. Let me articulate for you why a trip to Black Swan never fails to bring a smile to my face. The first reason are the proprietors Nick and Ellen Cooke. Nick is the impresario of this wonderful operation. He loves both books and people in equal measure and would make buying books from the back of his Cherokee delightful. Ellen is typically working in the nerve center at the back of store attending to requests with dispatch and completeness, and of course making Nick toe the line. The next aspect of the store that is so spectacular is the building. The store was designed by the noted Richmond Architect Burt Pinnock, a conversion of a former wholesale meat dealer. The space has been transformed to a light and airy marvel, save the concrete vault where the rarest and choicest books are kept. It is a store where the biblophile can perambulate it ups and downs and twists without fear of falling shelves or tripping over piles of books. Its is fully and completely accessible to persons with disabilities. All visitors should be mindful of Copy the Black Swan Poodle who silently and harmlessly roams the floors of the shop. The store has comfortable seats where you are welcome to sit and test read your purchases. Black Swan is store for all manner of folks from the serious collector to the casual reader. While it has many choice and rare volumes, it is filled with high quality volumes at reasonable prices. Nick is a careful buyer, so only worthwhile bins line his shelves. The reader will find strong sections on poetry, the outdoors, reference works, travel, the Civil War, the American South, Americana, African American subjects, collectable fiction, the British Isles, Europe, art, cooking, and gardening. The area in which Black Swan simply cannot be exceeded in books on Virginia (Virginiana as it is known). Books on Virginia and Richmond are front and center. Although he is no snob and does not wear this fact on his sleeve, Nick is a direct descendant of William Byrd of Westover. Known as the Black Swan, Byrd, the founder of Richmond, possessed one of the largest libraries in Colonial Virginia. The point is that Nicks knowledge of books and particularly Virginia books is a nearly 300 year-old legacy from the first Black Swan. Go and spend an afternoon at Black Swan. You will not be disappointed. T. Tyler Potterfield A Most Satisfied Black Swan Customer. P.S. Anyone who does no not love Black Swan is either demented, feels no emotion, or has never been to to the store.

A Private User

I called this place inquiring about their location, hours, etc, when suddenly I was attacked with the Inquisition! The lady on the phone wanted to know my name, what company I was with, wouldn’t give me an updated address...just horrible customer service! After a few minutes I excused myself and said farewell, realizing that I really didn’t want to do business with this woman! Do you know that she called me right back to confirm my identity! Obviously a real crack-pot! I wouldn’t do business with this “establishment” if they paid me!

Ralph Geilker

A truly magical place, where old books lodge during their (often brief) odyssey to find new owners. If you enjoy perusing old literature, maps, or circulars, this is the place for you! Nick is very helpful, and a real gem, he loves his craft and it shows.

Austin Southern

What a wonderful book store with a huge selection of books of all kinds. A great place to find that rare book youre looking for.

Tyler Young

What an interesting place. It is really fun to browse so many old books that cant really be found at a typical book store.

Scott King

The selection of old books was quite good but the prices were unreasonable for what was there.

Jon Dubya

I love this bookstore! Best place to get amazing gift ideas, wonderful down-to-earth staff!

Joel Waxman

Extremely satisfied! This store is great for gifts, collectibles, and research.

Joseph Dobb

Incredible book selection