I purchased the book, "Ballet" by Cecil Beaton and it just arrived (extremely quickly I must add - and FREE shipping) and I have to say that it is in even better condition than listed. Though no picture was included with the ad the book and jacket were both listed as "Very Good" (though I think "Excellent" for both would be more accurate) so I took a chance and purchased it and I must say I am more than pleased. I have been searching for this book as a gift for a friend's birthday and most of the copies for sale either on ebay or at other booksellers were in much worse condition and the prices were exorbitant and much more than I was willing to spend. This copy is BEAUTIFUL and near pristine and the price was extremely fair and reasonable. I would recommend anyone looking for a new or especially an out of print book to first check with MANCHESTER BY THE BOOK because if they have what you are looking for you will not be disappointed. I am only sorry I am not closer to their store so that I can spend time browsing their aisles/shelves, but I will be sure to follow them on Facebook and whenever I need an out of print book in the future they will be the first store/website that I will check out. read more

Never coming back to this place again. My husband and I purchased six books totaling over $100. While checking out, my husband politely asked the owner if he would consider selling one extremely worn, old book for $5 instead of $15. To our surprise, the owner refused to lower the price at all. What made this especially frustrating was that the book looked like it had been sitting in a pile near the bathroom, wasn't a classic, bestseller, or even a well-known title, and appeared to be something that may have originally come from a free library box. Meanwhile, we overheard the owner complaining to another customer that he has too many books and not enough space, even saying he had donated many books to clear room. The whole interaction felt hypocritical and left a very bad impression. We are passionate book buyers and regularly spend a lot on books, but after this experience, this is a store we will never return to. read more

It's definitely a unique bookstore that has many used books and tons of classics. It is a bit overwhelming, but there are definitely many options for books from the past. There were not many "recent" books or many mystery books. It is certainly worth checking out if you are in the area! read more

I love visiting used bookstores when I travel. This bookstore is one of my favorites. I have a small collection of photography books and each of my visits resulted in some great finds that were affordable. read more

Has a very large collection of all types of books! Definitely worth the visit if you're in the area. As a bonus, the books are also very cheap. I picked up a classic for $6! read more

Manchester by the Book - Bookstores Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

Really cute bookstore with mostly used books but a good selection of new books too. You could find some unique books on several things from seafaring to the Russian Revolution. My favorite section is their big collection of cat books. I thought I found a cute one to buy but somehow the author managed to be blatantly racist in a children's book about cats lmao read more

Manchester by the Book - Was about to buy this cute cat book from 1901 but the author turned out to be racist - Bookstores Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

This stands out as one of the top three favorite bookstores I've ever entered. I recently became obsessed with the jugendstil movement, and there were countless used books covering all aspects of jugendstil design/architecture/art/history. Something that was also pretty cool was the huge stack of signed Updike books... My visit to the store and conversation with the owner inspired me to revisit my copy of Knausgaard's book on Munch, which I decided to teach alongside Munch's art and Nietzsche in one of my courses this semester. Annnnd, the owner's avowed love of K's _My Struggle_ motivated me to read Book 2, which changed my life... This is the kind of bookstore that has the power to draw someone to live in the area just to be near its beautiful books. read more

Manchester By the Book is a booklover's dream. It's exactly the kind of book store you hope you'll find some day: stacks and stacks of new and used books to browse, an adorable and well-stocked children's room and an always-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're interested in a rare first-edition, or just a fun read, this is the place to find it. I live locally, and for years have made this a stop whenever I take a walk downtown, sometimes just to say hello to the friendly staff. Mark, the owner, gives excellent recommendations - especially perfect when you're looking for a book to give as a gift. I'm on the board of a small, local nonprofit, and Mark has been a consistent donor to our online auction. During these challenging times for small businesses, I'm hopeful that we all can act together to support these businesses that make our community so incredible. read more

Found this spot walking around town while staying with a friend. They have a very interesting and well-curated selection of used books, mostly high quality or collectible. I got an antique copy of Rebecca, one of my favorites, a hardcover biography of Salinger in perfect condition and a very rare art book about Andrew Wyeth, all for $45. (My dad later usurped the Wyeth from me. I live in Philadelphia and my parents are in the suburbs, and my dad gives tours at the Brandywine River Museum, so he's a big Wyeth fan. I let him keep it.) These books became wonderful souvenirs of that trip. The owner was helpful but not at all pushy and we had a nice talk about the books. Definitely not a spot I would think of for $1 used paperbacks but a lovely and memorable bookstore experience. read more

I emailed photos to the store to sell my books per the website instructions. I had all kinds of books- popular non-fiction, older books, new fiction, classics, children's books etc. Authors such as Doris Kearns Goodwin, David McCullough, Bill Bryson, David Foster Wallace, Paul Theroux , Erik Larsen, Kristin Hannah, Lauren Hillenbrand, Beryl Markham, Osamu Duzai, Emily Brontë, Zadie Smith, Fredrick Backman, Harper Lee, David Sedaris, Nora Ephron, etc. I work at a library that has an ongoing used book sale so I do know what is junk. These were from my own book collection and I am moving so I wanted to sell them. I sent one email with about 100 books and then another with about 20 I had forgotten to include. When the owner replied to the second email that he didn't think he could use any of my books, I was surprised and was afraid he hadn't seen my first email with the majority of the photos of my books and replied asking if he had. He never replied which I think is very rude. It would be common courtesy to reply. read more

This is my favorite bookshop! I have been shopping here for over 15 years. The owner is one of the nicest, most gracious human beings ever. The staff is equally kind. They ALWAYS have amazing stock--impossible to leave empty handed. They always offer fair prices when buying and ask fair prices when selling. They have comfortable seating throughout the store. They also have a really nice, unique children's room, which most used bookstores do not have. I simply cannot speak highly enough about this place. I hope he's in business for the rest of his life. Like most used bookstores, the place takes on the aura of the proprietor, and Manchester-by-the-Book is as as good as a used bookstore will get!!! read more

This bookstore is the number one reason I visit Manchester, even above Singing or any of the other beaches. If that doesn't say something, I don't know what does. As another reviewer wrote, I can easily pass an hour or two here unless another party is nudging me toward the door.... The juxtaposition of an Andrew Wyeth book with a book on Greek death rituals on a shelf nearby is why I come here -- to learn more about things I know and love and to learn about things I didn't know about but may come to love. The employees are fantastic -- friendly but totally hands-off unless you ask them something, and then they're happy to converse with you until the day is long. And Mark, the owner, gets a special sixth star for his enthusiasm of reading and books. Stop in -- you will be the happier for it! read more

went here about 3 years ago and i still remember all the little cozy nooks and the kids section in the back. thinking about the air in that place makes me sneeze, but in the most delightful way! a lot of really good american history finds here from what i remember. super helpful staff too. hope to visit again! read more

Well curated used bookstore with great prices. Well organized, areas to sit and read/peruse the books. Staff friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful! I could spend days in this place! read more

If you care at all about books--writing, perhaps, but certainly BOOKS--you need to stop by when you're going through Manchester. They have an incredible selection of books, new and old. We found a couple first editions of books that are special to us, at very reasonable prices. I'm sure we'll be back soon. read more

Great selection and very reasonably priced!! Tons of great editions.

This is my favorite bookstore. Its impossible to go in there and not spend at least 30 mins browsing. They packed the books in every space available. You have to dig around but the selection of books is great. It's not one of those used book stores where people dump there unwanteds. read more

I love used bookstores. Turns out this one might be the best I have ever been in. Amazingly curated, reasonably priced and, as a bonus, the owner(?) was also very friendly. read more

Normal itinerary- drift over to the right wall for fiction, lounge in tucked-away leather recliners, give my hellos to autographed and rare stuff I will only ever be allowed to handle here, get sucked into the enchanting childrens/YA room, back to fiction shelves again... And look, an hour has passed just like that?! Any time management skills I've got absolutely desert me in this place. If you read ANYTHING- you must stop in- and they are open EVERYDAY until 8 pm!! read more

I read an amazing piece of elegant noire naked mystery at this port and I can't deny that it has influenced my movement ever since. The bathroom ought to harbor a towel. read more

This is my favourite used book store EVER. I drift into Manchester several times a year and my trip is not complete without stopping here. They carry new books here also but that's not why I keep returning. The best gems in my library are from Manchester-by-the-Book. Bonus: once the owner gets to know you he is very good at suggesting new authors and titles you will be sorry you were not familiar with before. read more