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Books of Wonder

From Alfawiki
Books of Wonder
Company typeIndependent bookstore and publisher
IndustryRetail, Publishing
Founded1980; 46 years ago (1980)
FounderPeter Glassman, James Carey
Headquarters
Manhattan, New York City
,
United States
ProductsChildren's literature (antique, classic, contemporary)
Websitebooksofwonder.com


This article is about the bookstore and publisher. For the Persian manuscript, see Book of Wonders.
File:Books of wonder NYC facade.jpg
Exterior view of the Books of Wonder bookstore

Books of Wonder is a Manhattan-located independent bookstore and publisher. Founded in 1980 by Peter Glassman and James Carey, the shop specializes in offering antique, classic, and contemporary children's literature.[1] It holds the distinction of being recognized as "New York City's longest-standing children's-exclusive bookstore" still operating.[2]

History

The original Books of Wonder location opened its doors in 1980 on Hudson Street within Greenwich Village.[3] Peter Glassman, who had recently left Brown University,[4] sought a venue to market his collection of vintage children's books to enthusiasts.[1] After arranging the shelves and displaying their inventory, Glassman and Carey noticed unused space remained, prompting them to expand their offerings to include both classic and contemporary children's titles alongside Glassman's collection. In its inaugural year, the store generated approximately US$78,000 in revenue, prompting a relocation in 1982 from its initial 150-square-foot setting to a larger site.[5] The Hudson Street location contributed significantly to early prosperity due to its proximity to numerous schools and accessibility for commuters from New Jersey.[6]

Book publishing

In 1984, during an American Bookseller Association gathering, Glassman and Carey connected with David Reuther, then serving as editor-in-chief at Morrow Junior Books.[7][5] Glassman proposed reissuing the entire collection of Oz books authored by L. Frank Baum, featuring the original full-color illustrations. This concept aligned with Reuther's initiative to revive classic children's literature, and with copyrights having expired, costs were minimized,[5] leading to collaboration on an imprint launched under William Morrow and Company the following year.[4]

Initially named Books of Wonder Classics,[7] this imprint expanded as artists were commissioned to create illustrations and colorize classic children's works that previously lacked artwork, including A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.[5] By 1988, Books of Wonder had also inaugurated a small press called Emerald City Press, enabling them to publish books independently at their store and through mail-order services.[8][9]

Additional locations

Books of Wonder took a significant step in 1986 by launching a larger outlet on Seventh Avenue within the Chelsea neighborhood.[10][11] In 1991, the company further expanded by opening a branch in Beverly Hills, California,[8] with partial financial backing from Cheers co-creators Les Charles and James Burrows.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name This Beverly Hills site featured an art gallery overseen by Michael Cart, offering patrons the opportunity to purchase original artwork by illustrators of children's literature.[12]

By the year 1993, both the Hudson Street and Beverly Hills stores faced operational difficulties. The Hudson Street location experienced a decline in customer visits due to road construction in Greenwich Village,[11] while the California branch was adversely impacted by the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, alongside flooding and seismic activity.[8]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Consequently, the Hudson Street store ceased operations in 1993,[10] followed by the closure of the Beverly Hills outlet in 1994.[8]

In June 2017, Glassman revealed plans to inaugurate a new Books of Wonder store on the Upper West Side, citing the advantage of having an additional location should the lease for the Chelsea store—soon to expire—not be renewed. This new venue, occupying 2,600 square feet, was previously a Gymboree, which influenced Glassman's choice because it provided "a doorway wide enough to accommodate double strollers".Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name He also highlighted the area's demographics, describing it as "the most family friendly neighborhood in the city".Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

The Upper West Side bookstore officially opened its doors in September 2017,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name but had to temporarily suspend operations from March to July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name It resumed business in August of that year; however, it was forced to close again in 2021 after a change in ownership of the building housing the store.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Distinguished Staff

Several authors and illustrators of children's literature began their careers as sales associates at Books of Wonder prior to publishing their own works. This group includes Nick Bruel, Jason Chin, Julie Fogliano, Jenny Han, and George O'Connor. Editor Neal Porter has referred to these individuals collectively as the "Books of Wonder mafia."

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  2. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  3. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Shachtman 1997, p. 197
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pw1997
  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named otd2019
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Shachtman 1997 198
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named latimes1991

External links

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