Seattle Bookstore – Left Bank Books

Browsing Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, you will inevitably walk right past the little gem of an independent bookstore, Left Bank Books. The name of the store is a nod to the Parisian Left Bank where writers and artists have gathered for decades to create great works of art for the rest of the world to admire.

As you walk inside its doors, you are surrounded by bookshelves full of interesting and novel books you may never have seen or heard of, much less read and admired. They carry over 10,000 new and used books, and have close to 70 sections. There are shelves of new and used books, creative journals and political pamphlets on every cause you never realized existed. They specialize in anti-authoritarian, anarchist, independent, radical and small-press titles, but don’t let that put you off because they also have mainstream books and titles that you know and love.

I think even George Bernard Shaw would approve of their 3rd floor reading room. Bookshelves are teeming with information and ideas. And the cozy alcove at the end of the wood walkway invites you to sit and look out on the world below as you partake of the abundant information inside.

Have you been to this bookstore? Do you have a favorite of your own? Perhaps Shakespeare & Co. in Paris?

Better keep yourself clean and bright;
you are the window through which you must see the world.
– George Bernard Shaw –