Do you like books? Of course you do. Go to Daedalus. Do you like unique spaces with lots of character? Obviously. Go to Daedalus. Spend an afternoon getting lost in the stacks. Find something old but new to read. Just vibe. You won't regret it. read more

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What a gem! We spent nearly two hours here and it could have been longer if not for dinner plans. Don't miss any of it -- from the attic down to the basement, if you really love books, you'll find volumes everywhere that catch your eye. Like any good bookstore, this place is longest on literary fiction, both paperback and hard cover. There are also some fun author deep-dives near the register (Bruce Chatwin, John McPhee, etc). Make sure you read the shelf notes, too, for the occasional joke like "fire-creating" (volcanoes) right above "fire extinguishing" (firefighting, etc). We filled our entire shopping basket and really should have just gone for another. read more

Yes, it really is that amazing. There are three floors, don't forget to see the top floor! Selection was a wide range of oldies & more recent releases. Prices were excellent, especially compared to the other secondhand bookstore a block away. Bonus points for plenty of stools & seating amongst the stack. Also the labels were funny read more

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Smart, friendly, and well-versed staff makes finding anything here a pleasure! The bookstore rewards time spend wandering inside, with such a selection of fiction it consumes the entire basement! Don't miss the upstairs though, as you'll find a whole room devoted to poetry--a rare thing these days. And don't miss the fun stuff for younger readers right inside the main entrance. All in all, I never miss stopping here during visits to Charlottesville. read more

Definitely a good used bookshop lots of interesting finds. Large selection of fiction including science fiction and horror. Prices are reasonable. Worth a visit! read more

The variety/selection and service was great! We really got a lot of value and were happy we stopped here. I highly recommend this bookstore. read more

Daedalus has so many book options and a wonderful multi-story setup where you feel like you can get lost for hours. We came here on my friends birthday to explore and the owner was so nice. The prices for all the books are very fair and cheap. I loved it here. read more

Daedalus Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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It has been a long time since I've visited a bookstore like Daedalus. And, I miss these types of shops. Nothing replaces a good ol' fashioned book. This shop had multiple levels, and a huge variety of books. The charm oozed around every corner. Like others have mentioned, it has that nostalgic old book smell that relaxes you from the time you step through the door. It's a place you can get lost in for awhile. A cozy store where you can browse around and won't feel pressured to buy or rushed out. There are stools in some areas to assist with reaching books on higher shelves. There are very old books (antiques) and collector's books and cheaper soft cover books. If you're not from the area, a few tips. Free parking is not easy to come by. I came on a weekday and grabbed a spot around the corner but I'd imagine during evenings and weekends a paid spot in an area lot is the best bet. They accept cash and credit. read more

Daedalus Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

This is a fun and unique bookstore in Charlottesville. As a book lover it was one of my first stops when I visited the area. The staff were very helpful. I was lucky to find a couple gems. If you love bookstores and browsing through collections, this is the place to visit! read more

Amazing selection of used books, great customer service and ended up getting a few books at reasonable prices considering one of them I had been waiting on for forever at my local library. This place is a classic used bookstore, accessible at the entrance level, labyrinthine for questing at other levels. They are also friendly with nearby/walking-distance independent book shops which you don't always see. I will be back the next time I am local. read more

This bookstore feels like something out of a movie. For such a small spot, they have really got a huge selection of books.

It has the smell. That perfect smell of used books. I knew when I came in that they would have at least something here for me and after being led to the SciFi section, I found something that I've not read in many years. They have an absolutely massive selection of used books. Mostly paperbacks but there's more. The shop is on three levels and it's very crowded and tight with loaded shelves. This is not the place to shop if you have claustrophobia. read more

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A labyrinth of books. For me, Daedalus is not the best bookshop, because as a librarian, I crave strict organization and storage, especially when it comes to print materials. However, Daedalus is definitely an experience, a paradigm of a bookshop that you can get lost in. If you're willing to take the time and rake the shelves, I'm sure you can come away with many great finds and interesting editions. Personally, the twists and caverns of books stacked from floor to ceiling, and overflowing, does not appeal to me for browsing. However, I definitely give Daedalus a shout when I'm looking for something specific; I ask the owner to point me in the direction of the desired content and then I can focus on a narrow search. Located conveniently across from the Market St Market, you should definitely stop in if you haven't yet. Some people don't mind the unwieldy set up, and they've definitely got books (and books and books!) Have fun! read more

Great book store. Huge selection. So much crammed into a small area but the hunt is the best part

Unbelievable bookstore. Sure I maybe thought once or twice I'd fall down the stairs or something but this place has character, much like books that line the walls. There are so many nooks and crannies that you really could stay here for hours just browsing. Sandy knew the location of every book that I inquired about. Even one that was like downstairs, make a right, bottom shelf from the left -- how specific is that? The kicker was that he gave my friend a vintage dictionary, and I got a travel novel. Wish I could come back here! read more

Great used book shop - just how used book shops should be: crowded with books floor to ceiling, three floors worth. Tons of titles in every category. Had to get out before I spent the kids' college money! Sandy McAdams is super helpful and gave us tips not only on books but also on local places to eat. Says they depend on out-of-towners for much of their business so if you're visiting Charlottesville definitely stop in. read more

Musty Books? Check Basement where the undead live? Check Unkept Store Keeper? Check Shelves of First Editions and Old Books to Puruse? Check Check. Finding a new-old read for a few bucks? Well, thats the point isn't it? read more

Among the best used bookstores I've encountered as a lover and purchaser of books. However, for selling and trading used books, it's among the worst. On numerous occasions I've been offered cents, i.e., less than $1.00, for a new release hard cover that I've subsequently sold for dollars at other used bookstores in Cville. read more

While visiting, I had a brief conversation with the owner, Sandy, about a book he'd read that related to one I was buying. They didn't have a copy in stock, which was fine, and that was that. A few weeks later, I unexpectedly received the book in the mail, free of charge. A touching experience and a wonderful store. read more

Loved this place! A great selection of anthropology, philosophy and poetry. I made a quick stop in Charlottesville for the weekend and they had exactly what I needed to get through my trip! read more

I was afraid to pull out any book for fear of toppling over the entire building! If bookstores are measured by the sheer density of books per square foot, and by the precariousness of the pathways through them, then store is by far the best one that I've ever visited. Some of the hallways require turning sideways, or bending yourself like a pretzel. A very nice man was there to help me with anything I needed. So much to look at, I was in a room for a good 15 minutes before realizing it was 'employees only'. Watch your step down those stairs!! read more

If you are in this area, I highly recommend stopping here. Every wall that can be covered with books, is covered with books from floor to ceiling. It's wonderful. There are books upstairs and downstairs, as well. The books are reasonably priced and the guy working at the time (owner possibly?) was very helpful. The only thing I wish for was more time to browse. Would stop here again. read more

Daedalus Bookshop - Bookstores Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Such a cute little used bookstore. It's by no means on Powell's level but it awesome on its on. Three levels of books organized in cool way. If your looking for travel books there's a section for that, poetry that's there and then an endless amount of fiction. The guy checking me out, was so sweet and gave me an extra book for free that I might like based on my current purchase. Would highly recommend this place if your in the area and want some books to read. read more

Daedalus is amazing! A three story meander of quality used and antiquarian books, artwork and memorabilia. Just a few steps from the mall! read more

Daedalus Bookshop - Hand painted tiles done by a friend of Daedalus - Bookstores Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

This store has literally every format, every genre, every topic of book imaginable. It has all these nooks and crannies hidden everywhere (which I love but if you are claustrophobic you may not like it). Honestly I could spend days in here just exploring all the rooms full of books! read more

This is a glorious mainstay of the Downtown Mall...Its three stories are PACKED...every wall surface is either a shelf or a book, with the rare exception being a light switch or sign.The bookstore owners are wise enough to let the shelves speak for themselves, and other than a friendly greeting leave you to yourself during your visit. Daedalus has an organization, but its one that defies easy explanation. When one enters this grand store, its proprietors greet customers who look new with a polite question, "Do you need a map?" These xeroxes are relatively helpful (if somewhat cryptic), and do help. Even so, it will take several visits before you can honestly say you've got a pretty good idea of what this bookstore's got to offer. They have such a rich array of books that a real book lover can easily spend hours here. While certain sections of it are not as rich as others -- I'm a science fiction fan and there is a small room dedicated to it, which equals at least what a lot of book stores sell (only one other mall bookstore beats it). But not only is its fiction offering unmatched, but its TOTALITY of books is unparalleled. This is the real thing -- a bookstore crowded to the bursting point with literally millions of pages of WORDS! read more

Truly a gem of Charlottesville! Has been in business for 46 years with the original owner still selling books. Thousands of books on 3 floors wall to wall and a maze of wooden book shelves filled with endless books! This is a must try for EVERYONE. read more

This is truly a memorable bookstore, both for its voluminous holdings and also because of the owner, the talkative, clever Sandy MacAdams. Sandy's a bit of a storyteller, and he has a narrative gift of his own, so it's a shame he never had the notion to set pen to paper as a writer. Now sixty-ish, he has led an interesting life and has met many fascinating people, so, although not in the best health, he soldiers ahead and makes new friends who chance upon his shop and entertains old friends who drop by to visit. The store itself is a wonder: it's my favorite small to mid-sized bookstore in the U.S., next to the now defunct Wahrenbrock's Book House in San Diego, California. That store was really a marvel, but it expired after suffering badly from many of the same market forces that are attacking scores of small booksellers. However, thankfully, Daedalus is still going strong. Many different sorts of publications enter Daedalus, and they are priced very fairly and put out on the shelves. As I know the owner and have been coming for years, I often get a first look at the incoming books and have found some very interesting items over time. The "catacombs" in the basement are both gloriously creepy but also a real atmospheric treasure hunt for those who love fiction, classics and the paranormal (all of which are down there). I carried off several Arthur Machen (celebrated early 20th century Welsh horror writer) books, first or 2nd printings, from there one gloomy day, which was both quite a find and also very fitting. But, lest you think it's all gothic, dark material in the shop, that's hardly the case but just how my tastes run on occasion. There's plenty of, well, everything: science fiction, history, law, westerns, mysteries (an entire room in the attic), Civil War books, social sciences, etc. So, really, why are you sitting here reading this, when you could be there? read more

I don't understand the point of having a shop in this condition. I couldn't buy anything from a shop that is this filthy. I would be too worried about silver fish, mange, and black mold. read more

Fun place to browse, but profoundly overpriced. The owner was very nice but unfortunately his prices are hard to stomach. Make sure you check Amazon before you buy anything. I'm all for supporting local businesses but when you're charging more for a used book than it could be bought for new, you have to rethink your prices. There are lots of things to see though, so its fun to browse. read more

I have been going to bookstores across the world for as long as I can remember and I invariably find myself comparing them back to Daedalus. It's a chaotic, haphazardly stacked, and shockingly well organized bookshop that leads every customer on something of a journey each time you go in. The owner Sandy is a wonderful guy and will always make you feel welcome, whether it's your first time or you're a regular. I make it a point to come here when I come to Charlottesville, and you should too. read more

Any bookstore where they hand you a map as you walk in the door is going to be good! I spent hours wandering around the three overflowing floors - it's basically as if a house were flooded with books instead of water. The prices are reasonable, and many of the paperbacks are half of the cover price. Definitely worth a look! read more

This incrediable bookstore holds many childhood memories for me. Its been 45 years since I played there and I can still smell the books and see Sandy's smile. I have been in many, many bookstores since and I can never find one that compares. The treasures that I found, the bits of myself hidden in the aisles and secret messages I stowed on some of the shelves. Sandy provokes imigination, instills knowledge and brightens every dark corner of his store. If you are in Charlottesville,VA... stop in and tell him Jessica Valentine says hello. He will squint his brow and think a moment. I can only hope, the sparkle comes into his eyes as he remembers me as the little girl who loved/loves him very much. read more

I love just sitting in a musty corner and soaking up all the incredible energy produced by books that have been loved and set free again.Don't miss the pulp science fiction books right inside the door, and try to get yourself as lost as possible in the basement. I think I always bug people by hanging out too long checking out the titles in the stairwell. No matter what, I always leave feeling like I've had an adventure. read more

Love this place. Great selection of Fiction both in paperback and hardcover. Don't buy on Amazon to save a dollar, it isn't worth it. Great customer service, real people work here and you can actually have a conversation with them, it's pretty novel ;) read more

I've lived in Virginia for almost 3 years and the biggest complaint I've had is that I can never find a good used book store. Then I went to Daedalus. The only other used book store I've liked this much is in my hometown & sets the standard in my mind for what a used book store should be in its prices and range of books available. This store is as if my fave used book store cloned itself and added a few thousand books to its stacks. I loved it. I could spend hours in this store, probably find thousands of books I've been meaning to read, and be able to buy more than a few of them because the prices are pretty reasonable. read more

What everyone else said. It's a great place if you like books or being mildly scared in basements.

great selection. very kind salesman. budget some time and get digging! :) read more

I love spending a lunch break in here, looking for things to bring home and read, upstairs and down. The always friendly conversations happening in the front room make this place feel like the curious, hidden heart of the city. read more

Had exactly what I was looking for and suggested other titles that I might like. Over all good experience and will be returning soon.