Printers Row Fine & Rare Books

How funny that the only two negative comments came from people who stated that they had no interest whatsoever in buying a book. This was a wonderful shop with a national reputation and it is missed. more

Eclectic owner /collector who is a first rate & articulate scholar . Excellent displays; fun to browse about. A modicum of knowledge & style helps to get the attention of the staff which is very professional and to the point (and may stand a bit on ceremony). Thus polite preambles for starters are advised. This is a worthwhile adventure. more

I'd walked past this shop, whose windows are enticing, for years. Tonight I decided to venture in despite the fact that a friend had told us he had gone in once to ask if they had any books by a poet he loved, only to be spoken to in a curt and condescending manner. The doors were locked so my husband and I rang the bell. A middle-aged man in glasses (owner we assumed) came to the door and let us in. We explained that we were interested in selling a rare book collection, and inquired if the store did appraisals, and if they had any interest in purchasing books. What happened next was hard to believe. We were bombarded with questions about the books, and he was not satisfied with any answers we offered, even when we explained type of book, author, first editions, author autographed, from the early 20th century, etc. -- none of this was good enough for him to stop interrogating us. His tone was extremely rude and condescending. I must have looked alarmed as he explained, ""Well, you have NO idea how many people come in here asking to sell books - I must get asked 50-60 times a day."" (Interesting, as I walk past the shop 4-5 times per day and have only rarely ever seen a single person in there.) Once the man learned that the books came from a family member who passed away, he actually became even more rude and offensive. He started to interrogate us as if we were potential thieves, that we had to show him proof that we owned the books, and even when we explained that we had full ownership from a death of over a decade earlier, he kept hammering at us. We finally couldn't take it anymore (I'm surprised we lasted as long as we did) and left the store. I will inform everyone I know to avoid this bookstore and the rude and condescending and pretentious man who works there (or owns it). Will never set foot in that shop again and will spread the word. There is no need to treat anybody the way this little book owner thinks he has the right to treat people. more

I have just come from this shop where my wife and I and were treated like scum. We went in to find out about selling a collection of rare and first edition books but left having had our evening completely ruined by a rude and obnoxious gentleman - presumably the shops owner. I would not recommend this shop to anyone unless you want to be put into a bad mood, treated rudely, and insulted. I suggest avoiding this shop at all costs. more

I am German and I come to Chicago frequently. Whenever I stay in this beautiful city I go to ""Printers Row Fine & Rare Books"". The atmosphere in this cozy bookstore, the helpful and friendly staff and John LaPine's passion and expertise always give me the feeling that I discovered an oasis. Here I find the love for specialties, for historical details and biographies, for individual creativity, for excellent bookbinding and for an elegant interior which mirrors my own passion for books perfectly. I don't find that unique mixture in any chain bookstore. I admire entrepreneurs who go an independent way. As a customer I give them my constant support and sympathy. If more customers favor quality and uniqueness over cold uniformity we can help such stores to survive and to be strong. ""Printers Row Fine & Rare Books"" is a jewel in Chicago. more

I went here to pick up a hard to find book for my Father. The service was very helpful and it was convient to get to. I much prefer to support the little people over Boarders! Pros: Great variety of hard to find books Cons: parking, kind of pricey. more