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Carlson & Turner Antiquarian
241 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
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Carlson & Turner Antiquarian
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Ka
Review №1

Have you ever walked into a shop and felt an immediate sense of delight? This shop was clean, stacked with interesting inventory, smelled fresh and not musty (speaks to great care of materials and in selection). Staff made me feel welcome immediately and even gave me the card of another nearby shop when we found that they didn’t have my requested item in their inventory. If old books are your thing, put this place on your “must visit” list for whenever your next in Portland

Ne
Review №2

Such a beautiful store with wonderful books and a very nice owner. Will definitely stop by next time I’m in Portland.

je
Review №3

The bindery is the slowest Ive encountered in 30 years experience in Houston Texas. They are good at new bindings (case bindings) but for restoration they simply dont have the capability and I wouldnt recommend. They cant do simple hand tooling and the labels they use are cheaply stamped unpared skivers. I must add my final encounter with the bindery. I sent a a set to have rebound. The books were housed in a custom box made for them. After numerous months of excuses and an entire year later my books were finally finished. I paid the bill. My books arrived finished but no slipcase. I contacted the binder and he told me that he thought I didnt want the case. The books he rebound were bigger than the original slipcase. He offered nothing but hed be happy to make me a new one for a rather large fee. Im sorry but I find this to be very bad business. Ive spent well over $1000 with Carlson and Turner and I was very disappointed. Anyway thats what happened. Details are everything in book binding and I will never use this establishment again. For museum quality restoration all my most expensive books and incunabula are sent to Abbey Bookbinders in Surrey England. They are true masters. Carlson and Turner are a sad excuse for a bindery.

Da
Review №4

Nice book store with vintage finds scattered throughout the shelves. Super friendly owners.

Ma
Review №5

Great selection of vintage books and very friendly service.

Ju
Review №6

I had an enjoyable time here looking at some wonderful books. They have a variety of books from paperbacks to leather bound to legitimate first edition antiques. The books also are over a variety of subjects, including a number in French and Chinese but not Spanish to my knowledge.I bought a hard cover signed copy of Richard e bryds novel Alone and a book of Scottish poems for 25 dollars. Exceptionally well priced but also very nice to browse.

Na
Review №7

This bookstore is a hidden Portland gem. Absolutely phenomenal. The owners are extremely pleasant. Most of their books are old and are well curated, though the atmosphere is relaxed and one feels free to browse. Theres a rolling book ladder thats great fun to climb. There is also a small selection of antiques and ephemera- postcards and photos. If you love bookstores and like mom & pop businesses this is the place for you!

Ra
Review №8

Very cool place very cool people if you dont even like reading id still say go in and look around lots of interesting things just to see there

Lu
Review №9

What an incredible old book shop! Simply walking in and smelling the worn leather and years of worn paper was great. Browsing through the shelves was a treat! Well worth the stop!

An
Review №10

Great little shop, lots of neat old books and other antiques. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Ma
Review №11

Nice eclectic selection of older and vintage books

Al
Review №12

A very quaint and beautiful store with a variety of antique books and a few antique items

ka
Review №13

Great selection, very knowledgeable staff

Mi
Review №14

Bookbinding services as well. Quality work at fair prices for a service now hard to find

Iv
Review №15

I adore Carlson & Turner antiquarian books and book bindary. They are a small locally owned shop right on Congress Street across from East End Cemetary.Kathy, who works every day except Sundays (then its Bob, whos also a great guy), is very patient, informative, and helpful. When she doesnt know something, shes eager to research it in order to help you find the answer.The selection is a hit or a miss. I usually find a treasure or two, but its not always what I went in looking for. However, theres A LOT to take in. Youd have to be there for hours in order to really look at all of the books.**Their books are old, so its best not to go in looking for your favorite authors newest novel.**The store is well organized, and although they dont have a catalogue system in place, Kathy knows the store in and out.From what Ive seen, Scotts craftsmanship when fixing and reconstructing a books binding is exquisite. You can tell he really puts his heart into his work.Last but not least, the pricing on the books is very decent. Some of the collectable rare books have the most affordable prices youll find (even on the web).

As
Review №16

I could have spent all day looking at everything they have to offer. This bookstore is a small local jem. It is exactly where you should go if you are Interested in collectables, antiques, old and rare readings, posters, maps and nicknacks. For the most part everything is organized, labeled and easy to look through but they do have a lot. As I was leaving I knew there was still so much I was leaving undiscovered. Their book selection is exceptional.They most likely have a category of your interest. Full circle, you wont leave without finding something you cant put down. if you have an appreciation for these sorts of things, than you it is unlikely you will leaveLastly, the customer service was exemplary. After spending hours there, I had eventually made the decision to buy only one out of the many books I had my eye on. This book was $5 ( yes, some are very inexpensive), I only had a $50 dollar bill on me which she could not break. She was sweet to offer me the book anyway and to just pay during my next visit. That small act of kindness is a major part of why I took the time to write this review. It is unfortunately rare to see that type of customer courtesy, thank you!

Ja
Review №17

Did a fine job on repairs at a good price on my antique books

La
Review №18

Did an amazing job rebinding my wifes Bible.

Ja
Review №19

Vast selection of old and unusual books, plus some antique knickknacks to boot.

Ch
Review №20

One of my favorite bookstores

R
Review №21

Well curated books and ephemera

Se
Review №22

Great, authentic and gives you that old local book store feel.

Ap
Review №23

Great prices and really friendly people!

Br
Review №24

This place is amazing!!

fa
Review №25

Beware: they are slow as molasses with book binding services

Ro
Review №26

Cool

Information
32 Photos
26 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:241 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
  • Site:http://carlsonturnerbooks.com/
  • Phone:+1 207-773-4200
Categories
  • Rare book store
  • Antique store
  • Bookbinder
  • Used book store
Working hours
  • Monday:11AM–5PM
  • Tuesday:11AM–5PM
  • Wednesday:11AM–5PM
  • Thursday:11AM–5PM
  • Friday:Closed
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:Closed
Offerings
  • Buys used goods:Yes
  • Repair services:Yes
Payments
  • Checks:Yes
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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