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Printed Page Bookshop

Named one of the top three best bookstores in Denver

The hunting season that never ends

February 29, 2016 By Dan Danbom

Lots of people have lots of different reasons for visiting Printed Page Bookshop — or any other used or antiquarian bookstore, for that matter. Some are just looking for a copy of a book they want to read.  Others seek the thrill that comes with finding something they never thought they’d find, or finding something valuable for a fraction of its worth.  Truth be known, if you twisted booksellers’ arms, they’d tell you that the the most fun they have in the bookselling business is not the selling of books, but rather the excitement of the hunt in finding them.

And, like the fisherman who’s landed a lunker or the hunter who’s bagged a 10-point deer, booksellers like to brag about their triumphs.  There’s quite a bit of that in a fun new book by Rebecca Rego Barry, “Rare Books Uncovered: True Stories of Fantastic Fiends in Unlikely Places.” Barry is the editor of Fine Books and Collections magazine.

She occasionally cites the words of a character from Larry McMurtry’s novel, “Cadillac Jack,” that “anything is anywhere.”  Fantastic books can be found in the usual places — book stores, library sales, flea-markets — but they are also found in dumpsters, basements, online and in dear-departed Uncle Walter’s closet.

We asked Rebecca about how much of book-collecting is fueled by the adrenaline rush of finding something special.  She said,

“I suspect that getting a bargain of any kind gives you a zing, but I wonder if, in books, it’s more of a smoldering feeling.  Because you see the volume — at an estate sale or a thrift shop or wherever — and you pause, you consider, you wonder if it’s really the book you think it is.  Then, if you splurge on it, you take it home for a closer look.  Only then do you know if you have what you think you have!  So many of those I interviewed for my book told me it was having that happen just once in a while that kept them in the game.”

As with fishing or hunting, luck alone isn’t enough.  Success  hunting books also means knowing a little more than the next guy — and Barry’s book (and our experience) bears this out.  Knowing how to identify a first edition, knowing that the books of an obscure author (like our new favorite, Jim Tully) are highly collectible, thoroughly knowing your own specialty — those are the things that lead to great finds and great stories.  One bookseller we know referred to bookscouting as “urban fishing.”  As with fishing, you need BOTH luck and skill.

We’d love to hear your story of a great book find.  And we’re happy to tell you ours!

Share your story on our Facebook page

This post is from our February 2016 Newsletter. Find full copies of all Printed Page Bookshop newsletters here.)

Filed Under: Book-collecting

Location & Hours

1416 S Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80210

As of May 1, 2021, our hours are:
Monday-Saturday 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday Noon- 5:00 pm

Custom Directions

Contact

303-777-7653
theshop@printedpagebookshop.com

Yelp
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Andrea G. 6 months ago
This is the bookstore you've been looking for, if you are looking for a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and an ever-changing collection of old and new
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Carol H. 6 months ago
The Printed Page is more than a bookstore. It's a conversation with the wonderful owners, the colorful clientele you may find among the shelves, which are
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Susan P. 7 months ago
A great place to browse an extended range of books. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Spotlessly Clean and organized. Shop for yourself or
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Maggie M. 7 months ago
The Printed Page is the place to be for lovely books, a relaxing and cosy environment and friendly staff. All their books are in beautiful condition and
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Brian Hiebert 8 months ago
I sent them a box of books and even though Dan said not to send more, I haven't been paid. What a ripoff!
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Sage Hammer 8 months ago
Needed lots of books for a school project, and they were happy to help me out. Fantastic people and so nice!!!
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Kari Bug-Wiltse 9 months ago
Super friendly staff and so many old classics to look through. Wish I had more time!
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Patrick Barkman 9 months ago
Terrific place. Exactly what you’d imagine a bookstore to be.
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From the blog:

  • The Log of the Printed Page: A Bookseller’s Diary
  • Enjoy the Rocky Mountain Book and Paper Fair — on us
  • The Log of the Printed Page (Chapter 1)

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