I just love the smell of a real bookstore. Hey don't get me wrong, I love the convenience of technology on the move but something about a bricks and mortar place with paper is just aawwhhh. The crisp smell of paper. The bright colors. The organized chaos. It starts off with books but as your eye moves down the cash register line you can easily get caught up in the variety of different flavors and types of chocolate. Taz and more. Then onto the book lights and bookmarks. It was late and we were hungry and Mr. G is a very smart guy. Get the girl out before the dining ends and the clock strikes 12 cuz he will turn into a pumpkin way before I get done perusing the aisles. Please excuse the fingernail markings I left along the door. I tried to hang on. Really I did. read more

Place is just massive and had a great selection at a variety of price points. I love this place, I will definitely be back.

a legendary mainstay of Hahvahd Square, the Harvard Bookstore has been doing business in approximately the same spot for forty plus years. They were there before Borders & B & N & Tower, and they'll be there long after. Because these guys know and love books, authors stop by to read, and they have a great location. In fact, the Harv Coop, which used to be indy, subcontracted its book ops to Barnes & Nobles sometime ago, so Harv Book Stote is in many ways the best book indy book store in the Square (still Schoenhoef's for foreign). a must stop for locals & tourists. read more

This place reminds me of City Lights in San Francisco: locally beloved, but, by my impression, perplexingly overrated and irritatingly snotty. It's a largish bookstore with most of the bells and whistles that you would expect, but why would I shop here at list price when I can buy from Amazon for cheaper? Or at Barnes and Noble and save 10-40% with my membership card? I suppose you could argue in favor of the independent versus the corporate, but since I'm not local that doesn't hold water. The store also has no restroom, which surprises me for their amount of square footage and number of customers that were here on a Sunday afternoon. What saves this place from a two-star review is the basement full of used books and remainders. The used selection is extensive, but the books are in various conditions and the prices seem high. The remainders are cheaper (most around 60% off list) but there are fewer of them. However, like another recent reviewer noted, there were several titles in the remainders section that I actually would have purchased. In my case, I had already spent my allotment of extra luggage space in one fell swoop at Raven Used Books. read more

The store has so many amazing books and a great staff as well. If you're shopping at home, they're extremely responsive over email. There was a signed book that I wanted and was able to reserve it over email. The Harvard Book Store sells books at the listed price, which is oftentimes more expensive than online or with discounts, so I usually only go and browse books (I like their wall of recommended books at the front!), but once in a while, I'll splurge and buy something to support a great local business. read more

This is my favorite bookstore! Staff is very friendly. Nice selection of books. The used books are downstairs, and is large.

I can't even tell you how much I love Harvard Book Store. But I'll try. They have a choice selection of the best books! The good ones are not hidden amongst the mediocre/bad ones, they ARE the books there. As a result, it's sometimes hard to get out of there without making multiple purchases... The staff do their own recommendations, and tell you a little about the books, which is nice when you're just browsing for something good to read. They actually do an exceptional job of making displays there, really picking out some exciting new books, making it a great shopping experience. And then there's the downstairs... Used books and the sort of surplus books discounted from publishers. They have a fair selection of foreign books, but not great. The used books are very well organized, and they are super picky about buying, so the selection is great. They're not inundated with low quality books (in fact, they have none!). So if you're coming to sell your books, be aware that they'll probably not buy many because they only buy the few they need. Also know that the buying hours are limited, so you may want to check before you head in unsuccessfully. They also have a great selection of art books, social commentary, etc. A really diverse collection, and of the best quality. Check it out for yourself and enjoy! read more

I was super excited to visit Harvard book store on our visit to the campus. Numerous online reviewers and bloggers have raved about the used book section downstairs, and I love a good book "find", especially if it's a new addition to my cookbook collection. There is a decent selection of cookbooks downstairs but honestly, there was nothing terribly amazing to be found. How could there be? The place was absolutely packed with people. It was hard to get at the books, or stay near them long enough to get a sense of any one thing. I can't fault the bookstore for that, but the downstairs was also terribly overheated on our visit, to the point that it was uncomfortable to be in. I perused the books for a short bit, then left quickly and without a purchase. I wanted to like it and judging by the crowds, a lot of people do - but this is not how this particular book lover likes to spend a Sunday afternoon. read more

Harvard Book Store - Basement - Bookstores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Authentic, independent bookstore, which we need more than ever in the digital age. The smell of paper and ink, the feel of a real book. Electronics can never replace that, my literary friends. Where else can you find old pulp noir book covers taped to the walls (downstairs) and a signed copy of a book about a cat that murders its owner with an antique, dueling pistol? PS: All this summer, get 15% off on fiction!! read more

Harvard Book Store - Harvard Bookstore, where you can find signed books on the topic of cats murdering their owners with antique pistols!! - Bookstores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

My partner and I stopped here near the end of a Sunday evening. There was an unexpectedly large crowd shuffling among the shelves because of a store-wide sale for member cardholders (unfortunately you had to sign up before the day of :p). As a result, the first floor was cramped and the employees understandably a bit cranky. Visiting bookstores is one of my favorite things to do while traveling and the Harvard Book Store stands out as one of the best I have been to, as one might expect. There are a ton of books between the top and bottom floors, so the selection is extensive but not curated. I would say that this store's main highlight is the great availability of discounted books. Unlike other bookstores I have been to, Harvard Book Store cuts the price not only on books in less-than-ideal condition, but also on titles that they have overstocked. If I find my way to Boston or Cambridge again, I'll be sure to sign up for their membership and visit! read more

Excellent bookstore. 1) The bookstore is very cozy. It is nice to walk around and pick a book out. 2) This bookstore is almost as good as the one at Montclair, NJ. However, the Montclair bookstore is much better. I recommend a visit to that one. 3) Overall, nice spot. read more

Love this store and have since 1970. Books and more books. Books for people who love books. Run by people who love books. Visit and buy books. You will feel great. read more

If you're sick of the mainstream bookstores like Barnes and Nobles, this is definitely the place to be! I came across Harvard Book Store after eating at Santouka. I have a thing for cute little bookstores so I decided to stop in for a quick look. However, it didn't turn out to be a quick look because I think a spent more time here than I should've. The store isn't too big, but there are definitely A LOT of things to look at! I love how organized the store was - it's separated into genres (like any other bookstore) and it wasn't too crammed. I ended up buying postcards and two books - both biographies of Coco Chanel and Whitey Bulger. They have a great selection of postcards! There are scenic ones and silly ones. I am a sucker for postcards so I ended up buying [only] seven. I wanted to buy every single one on the shelf. On top of everything else, the staff is SUPER friendly too! They are so cute and funny :) I felt so welcomed and that makes me want to go back again. They also have a rewards program that you can sign up for free - you spend $100 and get 20% off your next purchase. Considering the fact that I ended up spending $50 in one visit, I decided to sign up for it. The books are kind of on the pricier side, but you leave the store end up feeling satisfied and excited to indulge in your new purchases. I can't wait to be back!!!!!!!! read more

Harvard Book Store - Cool postcards - Bookstores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

I have been shopping here when I am in town for the past 20 years. It is somewhat closed up with all the books, but as soon as you enter, life is good, it has a comforting feel. You will find every genre there and can easily be lost in your reading while it will take you back in time, the present or the future. Urban studies, western philosophy, stage and theatre, food and everything in between. I love finding an obscure book like the pictures below that I didn't know I wanted. The Harvard Book Store has prominent authors discussing their books at different venues in the area throughout every month. This indy store has been there since 1932. A reviewer was upset that it was pretending to be affiliated with Harvard and not the real deal. It is not pretending to be affiliated with Harvard the school, it is across the street from Harvard Yard. That would be the Coop that sells text books etc. Yes they don't offer a discount like Amazon, but they do have a rewards program. Amazon does not give you the experience you will get here. Oh by the way I almost forgot, the lower level has remainders and used books if you have an interest. A tip, it is a large space down there but somewhat cramped. Can be crowed on the weekends. read more

See all

Definitely the best bookstore in New England, and one of the best independents in the country period. The store has a slight academic feel (which I like), with exceptional social science and non-fiction selections. Also a good selection of art and photography books. Good to excellent speaking and book signing events, featuring a variety of well-known (and not so well-known but highly regarded) authors...the staff really run the events professionally. If you decide to become a regular here, their membership program is good and the email response to online orders is solid as well. Staff is generally helpful, though expect the occasional awkward or grumpy interaction, because, hey, it's a bookstore. (I say this with great affection) Best of all, this bookstore stays open late! Independent bookstores are enjoying a renaissance these days, but bookstores that stay open past 8pm still aren't as common as this book nerd would like. So celebrate this place, stay late browsing, and enjoy a midnight snack in Harvard Square after they close. read more

Bought a signed book. Got an unsigned book. There is no way to get a replacement for that.

Ah, Harvard Book Store! Always glad to stop by even just to check out what's new. A pretty comprehensive collection, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as social and natural sciences. Occasional discount as a bonus! They also have a membership program, which you can earn points for every purchase and those points can be redeemed for a reward. Be sure to check out the ground floor where they store all the used books at a fraction of a price! read more

This is my favorite bookstore in the Boston area. They always have interesting author events, a great selection of books, journals, Boston-themed gifts and more. If they don't have an item in stock, they can order it for you and often it comes in just 2 days...same amount of time as Amazon Prime, but you are supporting your local economy and an amazing small business. They also will gift wrap your purchase for you for no additional cost. You have no idea how helpful this is for people like me who wrap presents that look like a two year old did it. Join their frequent buyer program to get discounts and early bird opportunities for events. Their warehouse sale is amazing. You can get so many wonderful bargains. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The Harvard Book Store never disappoints. read more

When I need to indulge in some me time, little is as fulfilling as getting lost in these stacks. Late hours offer prime browsing time for the restless. And the staff are used to amblers, always happy to make suggestions or order if you're looking for a particular title. Palming spines here makes me long for the days of college when our sole function was pour over words. Now I find myself reading for an escape, relishing the stories of others; member card adding up with fiction from the used bins in the basement. So exciting that when $100 hits, the next gem will be 20% off! Independent and progressive, the ethos is sound. Stocking an impressive selection of academic books and offering talks by prominent writers from many disciplines (Dan Ariely & Neil Stephenson got me excited), you're certain to emerge with inspiration and a head full of ideas. read more

I'm compelled to write a review because of the continued support Harvard Book Store has given to the Cambridge community. I am the librarian at a K-8 public school in Cambridge, a school that receives Title I funding because we have a significant number of low income families. In many cases, my wee library is the only place where kids get books. Kari Patch, the children's buyer at Harvard Book Store, is an angel for the kids of Cambridge. She has donated HUNDREDS of books to our library. They are Advance Reader Copies that the store can't sell or finished books that were gifted to the store. There are promotional posters of beautiful illustrations and all the Diary of a Wimpy Kid schwag you could ask for. Many book shops chuck these in the recycling bin, but Kari carefully boxes them up and sets them aside, calls me, and arranges a van to deliver them - and then she schleps them all into my library for me! I imagine her wiling away the days in a cramped office among towers of boxes, carefully selecting books for the store from a desk cluttered with future donations. As a result of these donations, I have been able to offer fresh new fiction to my students and use the taxpayers' money to purchase even more books related to curriculum and student interests. I was already a loyal customer of this independent shop for the staff picks, author visits, and careful selection based on local interests (cognitive science? where but Harvard Square would I find this beloved subject in a trade book store?) Their community-mindedness clinched it for me. read more

I fucking love the Harvard Book Store. If you find yourself within a 50 mile radius, please, buy some books here. read more

You know how sometimes bookstores and video stores have a wall that's like 'Recommended," or "Staff Favorites," or (in Harvard's case) "Book Club"? Those walls suck, and here's why: because if the book you're looking for is on that wall, then it's not wherever it ought to be. And it's not like it occurs to you to go check that wall because really, what are the odds? So you think the bookstore doesn't have that book, and you're all pissed off because you checked the bookstore's site and it said it had that book and now here you are and here it isn't. And what if two out of three of the books you're looking for turn out to be on that wall? First off, that's a really weird coincidence especially because the books have nothing in common with each other other than they're about people who are dead, and second, now you feel like you're some kind of follower who just reads whatever the Harvard Bookstore tells you to read, like they're your own personal Oprah, and I'll tell you if there's one thing I don't need it's zebra-skin pants, but if there's two things then the fourth one is my own personal Oprah. That said, they did have all three of the somewhat obscure books I wanted to buy, which makes the score Harvard Bookstore 3; Borders sucks. I bought: Blue Latitudes, about a guy who retraces Captain Cook's voyages because that's fucking awesome; American Sphinx, a bio of Jefferson, no it sounds really lame to me too, it's for my wife; A Pirate of Exquisite Mind, a bio of the explorer William Dampier. I'm in an explorer phase with the reading. read more

My favorite bookstore in the Boston area, hands down. Upstairs you'll find a large selection of new books in both fiction and non-fiction. This area also features the store's best sellers and staff picks. Journals, stationery, and the like also live on the main level. Downstairs is a treasure trove of remainders and used books. I could spend hours there. Onward to where I literally do spend hours - the semi-annual warehouse sale. Twice a year, HBS opens up their Somerville warehouse to the public for a weekend. It tends to be packed, for good reason. Thousands of remainders and used books at super low prices. The best part about this place is that the staff is always super friendly, even at the crazy intense warehouse sale. read more

With over 100 reviews, I figure it's anecdote time. My friend Era bought me Billy Corgan's book of poetry (yeahIknow) and it just so happened that same week Mr. Corgan was signing copies at the Harvard Book Store. So of course we skedaddled to the store where there was a HUGE line that night. While the cattle were being ushered into the store, we were told to keep our contact short and that he would only be signing the book. Sure. Lalala. ME: Hi! Mr. BC: Hello. ::takes book:: ME: I went to your Zwan concert a couple years ago. It was amazing. Mr. BC: Uh..... ME: It was at the Orpheum. Mr. BC: Muhhhhhh..... ME: In downtown Boston. Mr. BC: Whaaaa..... ME: Looks like a fancy theater/opera house... Mr. BC: Was Coldplay there? ME: No. HBS Employee: Um.. there's a line.. Mr. BC: ::wiggles porn-stached mouth:: Errrrr..... **3 minutes go by** ME: There was a chick with a harp there. Mr. BC: Children's Hour? ME: I think so. Mr. BC: Yeah I don't remember that concert. ME: Kthxbye. Not terribly exciting.. but pretty awkward. And Billy's teeth scare me. read more

Excellent bookstore, wide range of books (not just educational)....for its size it really did have a varied and stimulating selection of books of all genres....yes of course they're are lots of course work type books there (of course), but for the non students amongst us it was a pleasant and varied surprise. I like book shops. I liked this one. A lot. read more

Phenomenal book store. Just the normal part of the store itself is great. Any well organized, clean bookstore with helpful staff will get four stars from me. But as you continue wandering through the store, don't neglect the tables along the side to the right. The conversation in my head went something along the lines of: "What are those? An entire collection of discounted books? Are they really in that great of condition? Ohhhhh no... now I'm going to have to buy something. Does it really continue down stairs?! Alright... I'm going to have to stay up here and limit myself to one book. Juuuuust one. Damn you hard cover books for being my temptress". The print press in the back corner is also pretty cool. They can print books on demand for you!! I did not partake in this experience, but I'm kind of tempted to just to say I did. Their website talks about the titles that are available and references these three: "Lewis Carroll's original manuscript for Alice in Wonderland, Alice's Adventures Under Ground (1886) An Historical Sketch of Groton, Massachusetts, 1655-1890 (1894) The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing (1906), lectures that forever changed the British hat manufacturing industry" Thank goodness for technology; I don't know how else I could ever have access to The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing from 1906. Please tell me who wants to go on a field trip. I have no qualms about asking them to custom print me a copy of some hat manufacturing changing lectures (and I want to see the print press in action). Side note: they sell Taza Chocolate at the register. Please, for the sake of all things native to Cambridge/Somerville, go to the Harvard Bookstore for a wander and some Chocolate. You won't regret it. read more

I own too many books. I have so many, in fact, that I've run out of places to keep them. They're in boxes piled in the back of my closet, stuffed two-deep in the bookshelves, stacked on the coffee table, the kitchen table, the bedside tables, and on every other flat surface. I'm going to have to move because I need a room specifically for books. (I'm not pretentious enough or rich enough to say I need a library.) Some books I collect. Who doesn't need multiple copies of Baedekers from the eighteen-nineties and the nineteen-aughts, a complete set of autographed true first editions of Robert B. Parker's Spenser series, or anything published prior to 1920 by the Paul Elder Press? Some books are for reference. Dictionaries of course, come to mind, and encyclopaediae, and reference materials specific to my profession and avocations. Other books are the types of things that make me who I am. I will always buy antique travel books for Boston and Southern California, my two homes. I like American cultural histories and biographies, the occasional collection of poetry, and books on scientific topics I barely comprehend, although I keep trying. I have an almost palpable need for lurid science fiction paperbacks from the 1950s and 1960s. Junk novels, I mostly read once and pass along to friends or family. They are few, however, compared with the books I keep because I admire the author's writing or talent for telling a story--Updike or Lovecraft, for example. I have no business buying any more books. There are times when I resolve not to buy so much as a magazine until I empty my bookshelves or move to a larger place but I cannot resist the siren call of Harvard Book Store. Interestingly, as long as I'm safely on the Boston side of the river, it holds no sway over me, but maybe once a month I'm in Harvard Square and no matter how I try to stay away, the Harvard Book Store beckons. I'm no different from the junkie who repeatedly forswears the needle or the pipe: In the face of temptation my resolve falters. My immediate gratification will lead ultimately to self-destruction. I don't care that Harvard Book Store is independent. I go there because they have what I want--what I need--even though I'm frequently unsure of either until I see it. I ignore most of the first floor, except for the corner near the staircase. The first floor is mostly new releases and standard bookstore fare, the stuff you could get more cheaply at Border's or Barnes & Noble. Independence be damned! The money you save at the chains will allow you to stock up on discounted remainders at Harvard Book Store. At Harvard Book Store, the crowds are fierce. It's not possible to keep out of one another's space nor should you try. Just push your way through, using elbows if necessary, mutter "excuse me" and don't make eye contact. Everyone else will do the same and they won't think less of you for your rudeness. You may glare scornfully at those who think the downstairs is for curling up in a corner and reading or for looking at pictures in the big coffee table books. The space is narrow and there's no room for lollygagging. Let those poseurs take up space in Starbucks at the Harvard Coop. The coffee table books are priced low enough to buy and take home. Let them do so and get out. If not used wisely, Harvard Book Store will kill you but you will die sated. read more

I'm often torn about how I feel about the Harvard Book Store. On the one hand, it feels like home. When I lived in Boston, I would come here at least weekly, and now that I've moved away, I always make a point to return when I'm home. The staff is friendly, the used section has a solid selection of lit crit and other obscure "because we're a used book store next to Harvard, we get a lot of professors selling books" books. On the other, their poetry selection is always kind of surprisingly slim (I realize, though, that this is probably not a major problem for most people) and their prices are always a little bit high. However, the real gem of Harvard Book Store is the remaindered section--here, they have new books drastically reduced in price (usually actually lower than the equivalent used prices). The selection is eclectic, as you might expect, but there's always something that at least tickles my fancy. It's also particularly fabulous for buying children's books for cousins/nephews/daughters--I always feel a little bit silly dropping new-book-price money on presents for kids who will just outgrow them, so cheapo remaindered books have been my hero. This is all, of course, just about Harvard Book Store's store aspect, but it's also a real hub of literary events. For that reason alone, it's great to see that it remains a center-piece of Harvard. In the end, whatever my niggling qualms, every time I walk down the steps to the basement into the rat-tunnel of shelves filled with lovingly worn books, I feel like I'm lying down on the bed I grew up with. Maybe it has some lumps; maybe it's a little bit too small; but it's familiar, and it's warm, and it's yours, and sometimes that's exactly what you want. read more

Amazing selection of books. I am a teacher and was able to find lots of great picture book, middle grade, and YA choices. Love that they have tons of new books and an entire section (floor) of used/discounted books as well. You could spend hours browsing in here! read more

Harvard Book Store - Children's picture books - Bookstores Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

There is something to be said for those independent booksellers...the soul of a place, the look and feel of the shelves, stacks of books, and those beloved characters who work there all make a place come alive. While I certainly am a fan of any bookstore, it's places like the Harvard Book Store that make me love the Little Guy more than the soulless warehouses with a more ample selection. BTW hotter clientel than Coop. Knock your socks off, kids. read more

The Hatfields and McCoys of Harvard Square, I assume that the Harvard Book Store and the COOP have been locked in mortal combat since Harvard Book Store's founding in 1932. If you love bookstores (and man, do I love bookstores) and you live in the area (and I live in the area), this is an important question. I argue Harvard Book Store wins on several counts. (1) It is fundamentally a pleasant experience to be inside Harvard Book Store. The room is well lit and cozy and even when it's crowded it's easy to find your way to the well-managed displays of new paperback, new hardcover, fiction, non-fiction etc. Even when I don't buy anything, I'm still ALWAYS happy I went inside. (2) They have awesome sales for remaindered books. One of the craziest non-fiction books I ever read, The Outlaw Sea, I bought cause I saw it for $2 on a stack at Harvard Book Store. In terms of dollars-for-entertainment-and-education, maybe the best purchase I've ever made. (3) Harvard Book Store is still independent. That's pretty cool and I would imagine not particularly easy. (4) They have had a display copy of the New Yorker's cartoon anthology available up front for years. So even if you don't particularly feel like browsing books, you can always check out New Yorker cartoons from the early 90s instead. On the internet, nobody knows you're a dog. (5) Awesome author readings. Every time I come here I see that I've just missed someone really cool who read, like, the night before. Also the readings take place pretty much in the middle of the store, which means occasionally members of the general public who don't know anything about the author get drawn in. This both makes for a feistier and larger crowd, and also introduces some pretty fantastic heckling and counter-heckling. If you want to see your favorite author just dress someone down, look no further. (6) No creepy annex location. Sorry, Harvard COOP, but that second building is so weird that it prejudices my view of the first. (7) The people who work and run the store really love books. Even the paraphernalia they sell is all literary oriented. The author buttons are particularly sweet. So yeah, Harvard Book Store all the way. I love this place. read more

Harvard Book Store is, without a doubt, the best bookstore in Harvard Square. Their selection is vast, and the staff picks and 'featured' books always assure something new to be discovered. I also once met Robert Plant in here. read more

Here is what happened to me once in this bookstore. I want to get a gift for my friend, but I'm in too much hurry to try to find it myself. I run into the store and ask a guy behind the counter: "Do you have Gombrowicz's 'Pornografia'"? It's by all means an obscure title. Gombrowicz is a Polish author of surreal novels that Polish people themselves hardly ever read; 'Pornografia' is only his third best. The guy doesn't ask me to spell it, or to repeat the title. He doesn't say anything; gives me a "follow me" gesture and starts walking through the store, very quickly, to some dark corner. Without even looking at the shelf he reaches up and pulls out two books. "Which translation?" Seriously, the best bookstore ever. read more

I love books, particularly used books because I dislike paying retail for anything. Thus I love this store. The downstairs selection of used and remainder books is great. You can find a little bit of everything and oftentimes exactly what you're looking for down there. The history section alone is amazing but add to that the great biography/literary criticism section, great selection of fiction and so on and this is a great place to spend a few hours. It's also nice to go in to a bookstore that is just that. They're not hawking DVDs and CDs and coffee in a lame attempt to remain relevant they just ARE relevant. Being a part of your community goes a long way in getting people in to your business to part with their money. They do their best to be involved and draw their crowds from this. Awesome. They recently started a Twitter feed as well: http://twitter.com/harvardbooks which is a great resource to keep up on events and speakers in the store. It's nice to see a place harnessing new technology and using it to their advantage rather than ignoring it and hoping it will go away. I hope they are around for years to come since there are ridiculous amounts of books that I still need to buy from them. read more

Yes, I love amazon.com just as much as the next bookworm but Harvard Book Store offers an experience you can't get online. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They offer a great selection of new and used books at reasonable prices. I'm a used book enthusiast and they have a nice and well organized section of used books and remainders downstairs which are worth browsing. They also have great events in the bookstore. Recently I attended a talk with author/chef Gabrielle Hamilton (Blood, Bones, and Butter) which was given by Barbara Lynch...a great (and free) event that wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for the bookstore. Overall, a great local bookstore that's worth stopping into if you're in the area. read more

Hmm, I don't know what to make of this place. As one of the last surviving independent bookstores in the area, I'm quick to support this place. They'll have my allegiance, even though their selection can be somewhat meager, especially in the science section. Also, I'm never quite comfortable here - there's always someone hovering nearby, which, like the selection issue, is a direct result of small quarters. Still, the staff is friendly and well versed, and the bargain bin never disappoints. I'll be back. read more

The used and remainder section downstairs is the main draw of this book shop, but the prices were way better a few years back when it was half of original cover (meaning that Sherlock Holmes paperback from 1935 with a 10 cent cover price was a nickel!). Still good prices, and some nice finds, since all the brainy Harvard kids sell their unwanted books here at the end of the semester... read more

My favorite book store on earth. Harvard Book Store feels like an art museum dedicated to books rather than a book store. The selection of new books upstairs is neatly and intuitively organized; no messy stacks of wayward books here. There's something about the polished wooden shelves and the yards of gleaming crisp book covers that's just beautiful. But really what makes me love Harvard Book Store . . .the remainder tables along the edge of the room upstairs as well as downstairs where the used books live. The remainders have yielded me many well-priced treasures over the years, as well as some fantastic gag gifts (a $1.99 biography of Reagan for my ultra-liberal friend? Yes please!). And the used books fueled my personal library from the mid-90s onward. They used to be priced at 1/2 the list price on the cover, leading to some awesome deals on older books. Now the price is scrawled inside the cover and is usually higher--but still a steal compared to new. And Harvard Book Store is very picky about the quality of the used books, so you know it will be a good copy. Trust me, I've tried to resell them books I bought there and been refused, even though I am so anal about the condition of my books it borders on a disorder. In the past few years, I've scaled back on book buying and become more of a library girl for the simple reason that I can't physically store and move more books. But when it comes time to select gifts for other people (or, happy day, treat myself), you'll find me browsing here for just the right thing. read more

I can't remember why, but I wasn't that keen on this place initially for some arcane reason. It's won me over totally though; I love the late hours - you can browse long after the tourists have gone off to see Cheers etc. Their non-fiction section is particularly strong; lots of thought-provoking stuff. I impulse buy here a lot cos I'll see a book I've read a review on. Also, when buying a recent 2nd-hand paperbook, the guy at the desk took the trouble to look up the fact that they had it cheaper in hardback - nice touch. read more

One of a kind bookstore. I can't walk into here without walking out with a bag full of books I hadn't planned on buying. The staff picks are worth looking at. The bookstore also has great literary events so keep an eye on the schedule. The reason this place gets 5 stars is the used books section in the basement. This is a hidden wonderland of bargain books. I've found obscure novels here. It's like a professional yard sale by a cabal of out of work literature professors. read more