What listings and notices fail to mention is that Amaranth's selection of rare/used books is inexpensive, in some cases surprisingly so. Thumbing through some mid-19th century curiosity it comes as a shock to discover such a seeming rarity priced at under $5! read more

I love this little gem! Very clean, organized and amazing prices on books! I had somw great finds!!

There are not enough good things to be said about this store or the gentleman who runs it. Chock-full of treasures at more than fair prices, with a welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere that actively encourages extended time browsing. This is easily one of the Chicago book community's last great hidden gems. read more

This is the best bookstore in Evanston. There's a good selection of books at a reasonable price. I only wish they had more hours.

This is a great used and out of print bookstore! like all of the good ones, you never know what you may find. I cannot recommend this store enough. The gentleman who runs the store is a class act. read more

I used to think that this was a specialty bookstore--fantasy, science fiction--but apparently either I was wrong, or they reconcepted or maybe closed and reopened under new ownership at some point? Anyway, this is actually a pretty solemn, old-school version of a smallish used bookstore. I overheard the owner telling a prospective book seller, "We tend to skew more academic than popular." After perusing the shelves, I would judge that to be a fair assessment. There are a lot of older non-fiction works, some of which do range into the realm of the academic or even downright obscure. However, I also found a sprinkling of more contemporary popular non-fiction (e.g. history, biography, social sciences), as well as so-called classics and recognized literature. But no trade paperbacks or genre fiction, confirming the other half of the owner's pronouncement. So it may not skew popular, but it is not stuffy or inaccessible. I say "smallish," but the shelves are as densely packed with books as the space is with shelves, so the selection is deeper and wider than the square footage implies. I was looking for specific titles but slipped into a very pleasant half-hour's browsing. The mainstay categories of literature and history are generously represented, as well as art, film, religion, psychology, and all that jazz. I noticed in particular very robust poetry and travel sections. Frustratingly, many sections do not seem to be alphabetized, but some are. Prices are quite fair, more so than I expected for Evanston based on the appearance of the shop. I bought a Hemingway novel for three dollars and a 1980s survey of Icelandic ecology for four. I am sorry that it took me so long to visit; I will definitely include Amaranth in my Evanston used-bookstore circuit from now on. read more

The best type of used bookstore: all high-quality, clean and tight bindings, most surely with but one owner; and prices that are not just fair but compelling. A smaller shop but with a large literature section in proportion to its size, and a great selection of art books. Its proximity to a great international university helps. I've spent a lifetime visiting bookshops from Boston and the Village to Berkeley and Oakland to here in Chicago, to London and La Cienaga in Los Angeles. The heyday of great used bookshops is over but some fine examples with dedicated owners endure. This is one. Treat yourself. You won't be disappointed. read more

Quietly Chicagoland's best bookstore. The selection here is incredible - with a constantly rotating selection of books, I am amazed at the stuff I continue to find here. The prices are unbeatable. In particular, the philosophy and poetry selection is surprising - I'm guessing the proximity to Northwestern supplements this well. I will forever regret not copping Heidegger's four volumes on Nietzsche when I had the chance, at that price. It is worth your time to go out of your way to check this place out if you have even the slightest passion for books. read more

Amaranth is pleasant; the owner not so much, but and at least he won't get in the way when you browse. The stock is pretty good (very university town), and there are a couple of chairs scattered through the store, which make it unusually convenient to browse books before you decide to buy. read more

A solid collection of carefully curated books: world lit, poetry, history, sci-fi & fantasy, religion, etc. The three bookshelves immediately inside the doorway contain great bargains: oftentimes (condition: very good to fine) hardcovers priced to move at $1-$3. Hidden treasures: shrinkwrapped graphic novels + DVDs and blu-rays. Joe prices his stock to move; ALWAYS check out the dozen or so books he places in his front window. This is a book-browser's happy hunting ground: quality, not quantity. NOTE: You MUST be masked to enter, due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. A wise and prudent precaution no decent, thinking customer could object to. read more

Amaranth Books is a beautifully maintained bookstore, not a speck of dust in the place. The used books are in excellent condition. I'm always amazed by the cleanliness and organization, the interesting selection that never disappoints, and the expertise of the quiet but pleasant owner, whose discerning eye for quality is apparent every time I visit. I highly recommend this shop. read more

I always find something to buy here. Very nice variety and I think very good prices. Have been doing more and more often.

I've been to Amaranth a few times now, and each time I have been pleasantly surprised. I always see an old book and a new book I want within ten minutes of walking in the door, but to avoid blowing all my money on books and forcing myself onto a diet of instant ramen and kool-aid, that's my limit per trip--one old book, and one new book. By "old," I mean one of many, many genuinely old books Amaranth has, in good conditions and for scandalous prices. I purchased a book of poetry published in 1920 for...drumroll...ten dollars. Not a torn page, not a dent in the cover, not a food spill to be found. I wouldn't call it mint condition, but it was in really great shape. On another visit, I found a book that was a little older, even, about the lyrebird. It just so happens that books about the lyrebird are not easy to come by, and I happen to love them. This book had photographs (black and white, but still), only one loose page, an embossed cover with no damage or flaking in the design, at a low, low price of $8. Regarding new books, I picked up a Sherman Alexie novel for $8 and a mid-90's edition of Anais Nin's "Little Birds" for $4. Again, there are no tears or stains in these books. I have my eye on a Diane Arbus biography that was published a couple of years ago for my next visit, and maybe an old-style illuminated prayer book that looks very pre-Renaissance but is actually from the early '70's and comes in its own slide-out box. You can't beat Amaranth for variety. They have books in several languages, a healthy little section of local history, books on travel, psychology, film, history, biography, and all manner of things, and mixed in with the old books are sometimes really unusual finds (like my book on the lyrebird). I was recently in with somebody who excitedly pulled something off a shelf, held it aloft, and exclaimed, "Ooh, Star Wars!" On another visit, I was all alone in the shop until a mother came in and found her favorite childhood book so that her little girl could enjoy it too. They might not have as many literary journals or last month's best-sellers like Myopic, but here's something that makes up that difference for me: as far as I can tell, if a book is damaged, it goes on the $1 shelf. I don't mean damaged as in, the binding is coming undone and ten pages are missing, because Amaranth doesn't sell books like that. I mean damaged as in, this is a somewhat new book that already looks a little old because of a scuffed cover or something like that. Other book stores will sell multiple copies of the same book, in varying conditions, at the same price. You won't be charged $18 for something that's in bad shape here. Instead, anything that's not in pretty good shape costs one measly dollar. Nice! Of course, this policy means the owner has to be a little discriminating. He can't pay you top dollar for everything you bring in; the store would close if it became one big dollar shelf. Some people can't understand that and get irritated because they want to fund production of a motion picture from the sale of some old Steven King novels or something nutty like that. Don't worry about those people. If you're a customer and actually need help finding something, the owner is wonderful. For example, I asked him if he knew what Sherman Alexie books were in the store, because Alexie writes novels, short stories, drama, poetry, autobiography, and probably something else besides that I haven't discovered yet. If the man also wrote travelogues and horticultural guides, I wouldn't be surprised to find out about it. Anyhow, rather than letting me comb the whole store, the owner said, "I know for a fact we have one of his novels, right...HERE." He pulled it off the shelf for me and the way I was smiling, you could probably see every tooth in my mouth. In addition to being helpful, the owner has also been nothing but friendly to me. I'd like to see a few more newer books, as in, from the past five years, but I'm happy going to Myopic for those, for now. I know I can always come to Amaranth and find a wonderful antique book, possibly on an esoteric subject, in great shape for a great price. Since I can go to Border's and pay only $2-$5 more for a new book than Myopic charges, the premium is really on good old books for me. I'm not trying to put Myopic down; I only want to distinguish between the various qualities and features of the different options available to book buyers. Also, if there's a heaven and I go to it when I die, I hope it smells like Amaranth. read more

If you want to spend some time browsing in a quaint, charming store oozing with ambience, go to Bookman's Alley or Myopic (if you're a bit more of a hipster). If you're looking for the store that actually has the best selection (pound for pound) of used books in the Chicago area, this is undoubtedly it. I love Bookman's and Myopic, but they always have the same books every time I go. Myopic's books are always in crap condition and Bookman's books are overpriced. Amaranth only sells quality used books in good condition, and at a price that ensures a healthy turnover of stock. I collect old books (mainly first edition fiction and early 20th Century illustrated books) and have been to every used book store in the Chicago area on numerous occasions. Amaranth is the only store where I always find something that I can't leave behind. The atmosphere may be a little antiseptic but the selection is worth it. read more

Serious shit. Joe will find you what it is you seek, art, history, travel. The necessities of life. Amazing second hand in excellent condition at dirty prices (really Joe, I feel like I've cheated you sometimes when I leave having paid $2 for a gorgeous libro). Come hither smarties. I'm due for a visit as I'm dreaming of a luscious copy of le Decameron. read more

Having been a patron for over twenty years, I have been consistently impressed by the range of interesting and often unusual books and CDs this compact bookstore offers at affordable prices. Of particular note is the selection of art and photography books, some rare and priced accordingly but most eminently affordable and attractive. The $1-3 shelves offer many treasures for limited budgets. The books are unusually pristine, and the service is courteous and efficient. Before going online, bibliophiles should check out Amaranth, one of Evanston's under-sung treasures. read more

I didn't realize Vintage Vinyl was closed on Sundays(sadly, and it remains one of the rare music stores I haven't made it to yet), so I used that as an excuse to come here instead, just before catching a Metra train while having a weekend pass. Wish I had checked this place out sooner, but I can't be too upset about that since they often close by 5 to 5:30pm. Selection is more limited than than Howard's Books(now my #1 Evanston bookstore since Bookman's Alley closed. still haven't made it to its successor store yet...), Armadillow's Pillow, and probably Uncharted Books, but I still found some interesting books. I appreciate it seems from looking at enough books before catching that Metra train, that they have fairer prices on used books than Myopic, and reminds me of how fair the prices are at Armadillow's Pillow, and for the most part Uncharted Books. Also thought it was interesting that the background music seemed to be older 20s and 30s tunes(didn't bother me at all), and that they even had a binder of mostly black and white pics of what I suspect are classic movie stars. No bookstore dog or cat here, but the owner seemed friendly enough. Nice enough store, and I'll definitely be back if I'm out here during its open hours. read more

Cheapest bookstore I have ever seen. But also with the worst customer service.

Best used bookstore in the Chicagoland area! Powell's on 57th is a close second. The store itself is small but the stock is expertly selected and has books in all genres and topics. I have been going to this bookstore for years and every single time I have gone in I have been overwhelmed by the unique, hard to find, out of print books. You cannot walk in without buying 3-4 books. Pricing is cheap and the books are OCD clean. read more

I'm always drawn in by the interesting book selections in the window. They have a lot of historical books at great prices. It's a small store with a good selection and fun to browse. This is the perfect place to go if you are waiting for a train at the Davis stop and have some time to kill. read more

A great used bookstore. I had passed by this store many times, but it looked kind of small and I was afraid that it was more of a "rare book" store (i.e. out of my price range), but when I finally decided to check it out, I was pleasantly surprised; they've got a fantastic selection here. This is one bookstore that I can never go in without leaving with at least one book. For being a rather small store, they have an excellent, varied selection. The books are all in perfect or near perfect condition and very reasonably priced. I've picked up paperback books that were 50 years old but looked like they were new. They have older, more collectible titles, as well as newer paperbacks. There's also a great selection of books for under three dollars on the shelves by the door. read more

I've browsed at Amaranth now and then, made some purchases over the past couple years. I love used bookstores. The owner of this place seemed a little gruff, but nothing offensive. Until today. I brought some books I had for sale, hoping to trim my bookshelves and instill some discipline so as to not buy every lovely little book that comes my way. The owner looked over my books, which included schlocky stuff like Bill Clinton's autobiography, saleable but not impressive paperbacks and dvds. I came back to my books and there were a dozen books and dvds set aside he intended to purchase. He shook his head at me, "This is pretty low grade stuff, I'll give you $15." I was astonished. Is attempting to ridicule your customer a good idea? Or even, just as a human being, a decent thing to do? Suffice to say, I declined his measly offer and I will not visit again. read more

Each time I visited Amaranth, I left with at least a few great finds. This place has a great philosophy and social science selection, which is rare to find in used bookstores. The books are so affordable, and the owner is a book lover. read more

I was walking in Evanston while waiting for a friend to finish their appointment. I thought I'd go to Borders, but only generally knew where it was. I was near the YMCA and turned east on Davis, a block north of the Y. When I saw this bookstore, I decided to take a look. I spend about 2 1/2 hours there and ended up with 3 books. All the books I looked at were just about in pristine condition (they can't all be pristine, because they are "used). For sure their insides were. There were some quite unusual Bibles, evidently not RARE, but unusual, such as beautiful Revised Standard Version in a handy size with black bonded leather and gilt edges, and a wonderful New Jerusalem Bible in a size that opens great for reading as it was wider than it was high. And so on. And the store is clean, orderly, quiet, peaceful. I was left alone to browse, so I had time to carefully pick my books. If you are looking for something on a used book website, you might also contact this bookstore to see if they have it first. If they do have it, you would get a book in great condition. read more

The first thing you need to know about Amaranth Books is that the owner, Joe, knows his business. He stocks the shelves with quality books in every category at fair prices. (Most $10 and under). Therefore he doesn't WANT your water-logged best-sellers pulled out of the basement or your groovy 70s casette and VCR tapes, see? Nor does he wish to stand there at the front counter and bloviate with every hyper-manic customer that blasts through the door with diarrhea of the mouth and the expectancy that the owner will buy your damaged books at full retail price and then sell them at a loss; that's not how it works! Joe offers you a fair price and then marks the book up accordingly; usually double what he's offered you. Eminently fair and transparent. The bookstore is clean, well-laid out and packed with discriminating titles for discriminating readers. You won't find 20 copies of Stephen King's or Dean Koontz's latest best-seller in here but you most certainly might find Cervantes, Kurt Vonnegut or Richard Dawkins in leather-bound, Folio Press or hardcover mass-market editions. This is a bookstore for book people. The owner culls the crap and stocks the shelves with the very best of what's currently circulating on the used book market. Expect the best books, written by the greatest authors, stocked in excellent condition at under market-share prices. But no, Joe won't stand at the front counter jaw-jacking with you on every topic under the sun. He's too busy working! Be polite, focused and fair and you'll discover that Joe is a great bookseller to do business with. read more

Excellent used bookstore. The best I've ever seen at its small size. History and literature are major strengths of the store. Never a huge number of books in Classics (i.e. Greek and Roman), but with patience, I've gotten many first-rate, hard-to-find books in that area. The owner is quiet and reserved--a fact some reviewers seem to have taken as meaning he's unfriendly; he is NOT. And he's quite helpful. Others have mentioned the excellent condition of most of the books. They're right. I get very tired of stores whose stock looks as if it's done time as family-pet chew-toys. Moreover, these attractive volumes tend to be CHEAPER than you'll find elsewhere. So, it's great and it's relatively cheap. So go there now. read more

Amaranth is, to my knowledge, the single best used bookstore in the Chicago area for readers interested in literature, history, and the arts. It's much smaller than Powell's in Hyde Park, but the quality of the stock is higher, with no unsaleable remainders, etc. and correspondingly better than Powell's on Lincoln Ave. Closest comparison would probably be Bookworks on Clark St around 3400 in Chi. Also, the owner prices to move; I've never found a used bookstore that sells books of such quality in content & condition for such prices. Armaranth is the very best in this regard. I've been visiting this shop for twenty years, and have probably bought more books here than at any other used bookstore in Chi & environs. Book for book it's at least as good as any bookstore I've visited in Boston, Ann Arbor or New York. read more

The owner is not unpleasant, he's just shy! He's a lovely man, in fact, and gets happy when his customers are happy. He will buy only good books in good shape; the nice thing about that is that you _get_ good books in good shape at his shop, and for remarkably, I mean remarkably, good prices. The place itself is a little oasis of sanity. I'm a fan. read more

I absolutely love this bookstore! They have great, somewhat obscure books for really cheap. Some of the favorites I stumbled upon: an autographed Charlton Heston biography, a day-by-day account of the Texas Revolution, and a multi-volume biography of Jefferson Davis. Fantastic store; highly recommended!! read more

For my taste (history, literature, nature, religion), Amaranth has the best selection of books in the Chicago area, with the best prices. Two sales tables offer books for one and two dollars, good books you rarely see, not rubbish. This is the only store I *usually* find something worth buying at a price I'm willing to pay. All books are in very good to excellent condition. read more