Boston Bookstores
 

What are the best/most comprehensive independent bookstores in Boston?

Are you looking for new or used books?

GMF

One of my favorites is in Cambridge: Waterstone (or something like that).

don't they have one of those at faneuil hall?

WordsWorth in Harvard Square is quite good.

The Harvard Coop is now nothing more than a Barnes and Noble in disguise.

SchoenhofÕs is worth a visit as it is unique.

And there is the famous Brattle Book Shop (in Boston, not Cambridge's Brattle Square which is near Harvard Square)

http://www.brattlebookshop.com

Here's a site with more info:

http://www.theinsider.com/Boston/attractions/2books.htm

also:

http://boston.about.com/library/weekly/aa080400a.htm

Waterstone's isn't indepedent. It's part of a large chain, which (IIRC, subject to correction) is UK-based.

If you're traveling outside Boston, consider Willow Books on 2A/119 in Acton and Baker Books on Rte. 6 in North Dartmouth (midway between New Bedford and Fall River). Baker has a nice home-grown software package for bookstores that Mac fans might find interesting. (Owner Ben Baker is religious on the subject of operating systems - I'm not justifying the attitude, just reporting it.)

Booksmith in Coolidge Corner, Brookline, is a friendly and welcoming place, and Coolidge Corner is a great place for discovering interesting shops and eating spots.

There's a fabulous independent bookstore in Newtonville (Newtonville Books, perhaps?). It's on Walnut Street opposite Austin Street.

I second the Brattle Book Shop. Great to wander around for hours.

Along with Anna's Burritos in Brookline and Charlies Sandwich Shop (South End), the Brattle is one of my "must-visits" every trip to Boston. Great store, and a great collection of $1-3 books outside (bought an early edition of the Grapes of Wrath for $1!)

Yeah, you have to love Anna's for Burritos. Remember there are two Brookline locations just outside of Coolidge Corner. The "old" one is on Beacon past Coolidge Corner away from Boston towards Washington Square / Cleveland Circle - the other - the "new" one is on Harvard Ave. towards Allston, right before the Boston border.

Long lines often at both - but they go quick. Also, the old location expanded within the last year making it easier to sit down.

Yeah, I've been to both! Just not the Porter Square one (yet).

In the back bay, there's Avenue Victor Hugo Bookshop, which has (had? haven't been to the new location) an extensive collection of old/used books and vintage magazines from over the decades.
http://www.avenuevictorhugobooks.com/home.php3