The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore

Historian Friss (On Bicycles) offers a delightful and comprehensive history of the American bookstore. From Benjamin Franklin’s first bookstore in Philadelphia to iconic institutions such as the Strand, Friss explores how literary spaces have influenced generations of readers and writers. Drawing from oral histories, archive collections, and bookseller interviews, Friss paints a vivid picture of the evolution of American bookstores. Jay Myers narrates with enthusiasm and a tone that conveys admiration as he takes listeners through the rise of independent shops, sidewalk vendors, and department store book departments, depicting the creative and sometimes eccentric individuals who brought these shops into existence. He also addresses the challenges bookstores face in an era dominated by digital marketplaces. Friss’s work underscores their importance as community centers, highlighting their ability to foster connections and influence cultural and political movements.