This is everything a used book store should be: thronged, eccentric, with the occasional treasure mis-shelved. I found an autographed Christoper Morley in the regular fiction section. Alas, it was a novel--I'd've bought it if had been essays. But I always find something I hadn't known I needed. Several somethings, in fact. read more

on valentine's day, my boyfriend and i decided to do a trip to cambridge/easton. i used to go fishing at the piers nearby with my brother and parents and wanted to show him a piece of my childhood :) we noticed a cool book store down the road and wanted to check it out! we got to the shop at closing and we were so bummed! but a few seconds later the owner came out and said "hello! did you guys still want to come inside?" my boyfriend and i were so surprised! i'll tell you now that i am not a huge reader. i DO love anything that has history attached though; antiques, museums, clothes and in this situation books! warning: this place is like a maze. my boyfriend and i got lost a couple times. my boyfriend purchased a book on japanese art styles ($7) and i got myself "the dreamers dictionary", published in the early 70's ($7). PLEASE, if you ever come across this store check it out! book stores like this one are a dying breed :/ it was definitely worth the drive and i know i'll be back! read more

Unicorn Book Shop - upstairs leads to a room full of maps - Bookstores Near Me - Trappe, Maryland

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This place is mind blowing! Ceiling to floor books everywhere, as far as the eye can see and then some. They have some how managed to categorize every room and isle. They have many first editions and original books dating back as early as the 1800's. It's truly an amazing sight to behold. You most definitely can't get through all the books in one visit and I would not recommend anyone try too. If you ever think about a book that you once read many years ago and you wish you knew where it was, you can probably find it here! There is a single bathroom here that anyone can use and there is an upstairs level that I was too scared to check out. I didn't want to get lost... The guy that was here has organized a lot of these books and you can tell that he has worked here for many many years. He is sooo extremely nice and tries to offer help in the navigation of this quite overwhelming book collection. I would definitely go back to visit. read more

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Look, I'm going to level with you. I have serious book problem. I tried to get help for it, but nothing has worked yet. And my friends are enablers. Take this one time, my friend is all "Let's go to this little bookstore down the way, secondhand books. What's the worse that could happen?" Alright, let's do this. And then I walk in to the Unicorn. Outside it looks small and tidy, but inside? It has portals to dimensions, dimensions that hold more books. There are hallways and a upstairs, and nook and crannies, and shelves that reach the ceiling. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I didn't have enough time to go through each little hidden space in this establishment, mainly because I feared I would never return from whatever dimension held 'Mythology' and "Maps'. So now I have to go back. Many times. *sigh* I volunteered just to give the owner all the money I had if he would let me live there, but he declined. Apparently, he gets those sort of offers all the time. Well, I gathered up my books and was about to head out the door and when, what's this? A whole room of signed and early edition works? And then's that when I collapsed in happiness. It's on 50 headed towards the ocean. But if you never make it to the shore because of all the awesomeness oozing from this little store? Don't blame me. I warned you. read more

Unicorn Book Shop - Look at all these fine books. - Bookstores Near Me - Trappe, Maryland

We were looking for a book my mother had illustrated several years ago. We did not find it, but this place has so many books that I would not be surprised that it was hidden away somewhere in the stacks. The place is pretty small overall, but it is jammed from floor to rafters, wall to wall, with books. We were a little annoyed when, after traveling for more than an hour, we arrived to find the place closed, even though it was supposed to be open. The owner was away, buying more books. He did arrive, however, at the time promised. I don't have any reference for buying old books, but I think the prices were a little high. I'll be coming back when I have more time to casually browse around. read more

Cute small used book shop, moderately unicorn themed. On the highway about 90 mins before Ocean City if you're on your way to the beach. $1 paperbacks, lots of vintage, first editions, leather bounds, etc. Nice man behind the register :) read more

Unicorn Book Shop - Bookstores Near Me - Trappe, Maryland

Charming mom and pop style establishment. Don't let the outside fool you as there are labyrinths of all kinds of books to peruse. You may think their prices are on the high side, but remember, brick and mortar stores of this kind are fading into oblivion. Overhead is high as are local licenses, permits, etc. Plus, the average consumer of today prefers electronic media over hard and soft back. Included in their prices is the opportunity to browse and receive the assistance of a kind and knowledgeable owner who will guide you through the maze to what you are seeking. read more

A superb "old school" bookstore with many rooms filled with books that span all interests. It's out of the way for anyone in DC but if you like books and you prefer used bookstores run by someone who loves books then this is a store worth your time. I only had 20 minutes but left with a dozen books and a strong desire to return soon. Books are reasonably priced. read more

Read Amy P.'s review, she said it best. If you are a book lover this little treasure should not be missed. Too many books Too little time.

I was quite surprised by the April 4 negative review of this shop. It runs dramatically counter to our experience over the last 30 years! The shop is great, the owner Jim Dawson is the most knowledgeable book guy we know (and we know a few), and, perhaps more importantly, he is helpful to and caring of his clients. I can't help but wonder if Mjr W had some sort of misunderstanding - to say the least - or perhaps it was not Jim with whom he spoke. One thing is for sure: Mjr W should give it another try. read more

The books are a treasure in the Unicorn Book Shop! Am newly a local resident in the area. After years of passing the Shop on route 50-treated myself to a pause and stopped in. I so wanted to love this experience. I love books, book shops, anything to do with books, authors... Because I am the author and co-photographer of two photo essay books on the Chesapeake Bay region, I inquired of the man behind the counter on this day about the Maryland Chesapeake Bay region book area. He walked me over to the section. I told him the title-he looked with me-then I saw the book spine - he pulled it off the shelf-handed it to me - then walked away.~ I'm not a braggart. Not a snob. I was so happy to see my work in this wonderful shop! I even said - "O, I hope you sell it and can make some money on it....! Thought maybe his disinterest was due an interruption in his staring at his computer. So, I asked about my second book - on decoys. He got up from behind the counter-showed me the decoy book section-I saw my book! Took it off the shelf - and he walked back to his computer behind the counter......nothing...no comment... disinterested is a mild word to use. I was the only person in the shop. I didn't expect a parade-bells to go off...I am sure many authors have stopped in over the years. But - really- a smile? Welcome to the area?.. Nice to meet you...? Thanks for stopping.....? Please stop in again now that you're on the Shore......? I hope this wasn't James Dawson, owner. I'd never return to the Unicorn Book Shop and never recommend it. I may stop again - give this a second chance...for the books....if the same man is behind the counter I'll ask his name....and let him know how he made me feel beyond this review. read more

As I live in the DC area, I don't get to Unicorn as much as I'd like to; however, whenever we're heading to Ocean City, we always, always stop off at Unicorn. A nice variety of books, an especially good section of older childrens books (think Bobsy Twins, etc), and books about the DelmarVa area. A separate room with the "collectibles," many of which are very reasonably priced. The owner is very nice, and willing to talk books, local history, etc. Definitely worth stopping by, esp. if you're a book fanatic like I am. Sad to say, you don't find many book stores like this, anymore. read more

A good many books if you don't mind stepping over the mess. Prices range from GOOD to FAIR to REALLY? I buy a lot of books and I mean A LOT. I collect leather bound editions mostly from the 1800's, so when I found a room with a few of these I thought, "I'm not getting out of here for less than a thousand dollars." Most of the editions I looked at were at the top of the price range that I expected. But that's ok because I normally pick several and make an offer of about 20% less and end up settling for a 10% discount. But then I met the gray bearded man behind the counter. He seemed to fancy himself a bit of an expert, however, I believe this perceived expertise also gave him an over inflated sense of book values. As my offers increased his praise of one particular volume also increased. I actually thought he was going to raise the price by the time he was done. I finally realized the man just would not negotiate and in fact was just saying "no" without really hearing (much less considering) my offers. To test my theory my final offer was actually higher than the asking price. An offer he declined. Asking top dollar for a rare book is one's prerogative as is declining a lower offer. My prerogative was to take my money and leave. If you're looking for an affordable reading copy this is a good place to check. However, if you're a collector of rare titles, you'll do better pricewise on eBay. read more

If you love books, you'll love this shop. Oh, yes. BUT DON'T SIT IN THE CHAIR IN THE AMERICAN HISTORY ROOM. IT'S FULL OF FLEAS. Other than the fleas, by all means, go. There aren't many places left like this, and it's terrific. Lots of bird books, local history, a VERY knowledgable owner. read more