Best Specialty Bookstores In DFW
While large-chain, big box stores seem to dominate most of the retail world; it is small enterprises like independent retailers that bring a special set of services and selection to customers. That is certainly true in the bookstore industry. Niche retail is how Dallas area booksellers are staying in business.
Rosedale Rare Books
3416 Rosedale Ave.
Snider Plaza
Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 682-0889
www.rosedalerarebooks.com
When it comes to beautiful bindings, first editions, significant historical and literary works North Texans will want to go Rosedale Rare Books. Business partners Wrenda Coughran (manager of an antiquarian bookstore) and Forrest Jackson (a collector of rare books) opened Rosedale Rare Books in 2006. Their main focus is history and important literature. This is not something that you can find in a normal used bookstore. Rosedale carries very rare books like St. Augustine's Sermons with illuminated initials throughout that was published in 1494 (see photograph), the American and British first editions of Truman Capote's "Breakfast at Tiffany's," the last edition of "Life" as a humor magazine and the first edition of "Life" as a photojournalistic magazine (1936). Complete collections like Winston S. Churchill's "Marlborough - His Life and Times" (1650-1722) are the norm for Rosedale Rare Books. Signed first editions of many books including Jack London's "The Call of the Wild" that was published in 1903 as well as limited edition private printed books i.e., "Montesquieu – Persian Letters" (1892) number five of out 520 copies and books with panoramic, vertical, fore-edged painted with gold-leaf images are just a few of the treasures you will find at Rosedale Rare Books.
Dallas Theological Seminary Book Center
4005 Swiss Ave.
Dallas, TX 75204
(800) 798-2957
bookcenter.dts.edu
The Dallas Theological Seminary Book Center (DTSBC) is an academic Christian bookstore. DTSBC carries textbooks for the Dallas Theology Seminary, Criswell College (a Baptist faith College) and Southern Bible Institute. Dallas Theological Seminary Book Center offers things that the large Christian bookstores do not, including a 50-foot section devoted to the study of theology. It has approximately 2,000 commentaries in stock. Lexicons in Greek and Hebrew to study biblical language texts and other aids to help one who wants to expand their understanding of the Bible are also part of their inventory. DTSBC routinely special order books from Israel, Germany, England, Italy and Singapore. With over 20,000 titles, the person who wants to study the Bible will find this to be a mecca of information. The staff is comprised of students working on their master's and doctorate degrees, many of whom speak the languages that the store stocks.
Titan Comics
3128 Forest Lane, Suite 212
Dallas, TX 75234
(214) 350-4420
www.titancomics.com
Jeremy and Cecilia Shorr are leaders in the comic book industry in North Texas. They opened Titan Comics in 1991. Titan doesn't get bogged down in games, toys or videos. It focuses on the art of books and has over 12,000 trade paperbacks (graphic novels) in stock. Titan also features the work of independent artists of comic books. Titan also has a wide selection of statuary and collectible Sideshow items. Pure comics make Titan a comic book lover's dream store.
Lucky Dog Books
10801 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 827-4860
www.luckydogbooks.com
John and Marquetta Tilton's love of books prompted them to open Paperbacks Plus in Mesquite in 1974. They pride themselves on carrying only used books, CDs, movies, 8-track and cassette tapes, laser disks, vinyl including 45s, 78s and LPs. Realizing that many independent authors do not to receive the marketing support they need to promote their writings, the Tilton's carry new books of local authors on consignment. They offer a cash buy or a higher amount store credit option when customers bring their items in to recycle. In a time when many consumers are moving to online books and many independent stores are closing, the Tiltons are providing customer service that many do not see in large chains. As a result of that customer service, the Tiltons opened Lucky Dog Books in Lochwood on Garland Road in January 2012 and another Oak Cliff location on West Davis in April 2012.
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her
appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-
respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and
enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
