Grolier Poetry Bookshop
| Industry | Specialty retail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1927 |
| Founder | Adrian Gambet and Gordon Cairnie |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Number of locations | 1 store |
Area served | Boston metropolitan area |
| Products | Poetry books |
| Owner | Ifeanyi Menkiti |
| Website | http://www.grolierpoetrybookshop.org/ |
The Grolier Poetry Book Shop—commonly referred to as "the Grolier"—is an independent bookstore located on Plympton Street, close to Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Originally established as a "first edition" bookstore, it has since specialized exclusively in poetry. This compact (approximately 404 sq ft (37.5 m2)) single-room shop features towering shelves and asserts itself as the "oldest continuously operating bookstore" dedicated solely to poetry and related criticism.
Throughout its history, the Grolier evolved into a central hub for poetic engagement within Cambridge, a city that attracted many American poets due to the presence and influence of Harvard University. Notable poets such as John Ashbery, Robert Bly, Robert Creeley, Donald Hall, and Frank O'Hara frequented the store during their undergraduate years at Harvard. In its early period, the poet Conrad Aiken resided in the apartment above the shop. Additionally, a wide array of esteemed poets and authors—including Russell Banks, Frank Bidart, William Corbett, E. E. Cummings, T. S. Eliot, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, David Ferry, Fanny Howe, Allen Ginsberg, Denise Levertov, Marianne Moore, Charles Olson, Robert Pinsky, Adrienne Rich, Ruth Stone, James Tate and Franz Wright—have been recognized as close associates of the Grolier.
History
The Grolier Book Shop was established in September 1927 by founders Adrian Gambet and Gordon Cairnie. Following Cairnie’s passing, Louisa Solano acquired the store in 1974 and assumed its management. The sale was facilitated by poet and bookseller Arthur Freeman. For tax purposes, the business was incorporated as Grolier Poetry Book Shop, Inc. in 1990.
Gambet and Cairnie, financially secure individuals, were able to maintain operations despite losses and were known for generosity, often giving away books and overlooking theft. Under Cairnie’s leadership, the shop functioned largely as a social gathering place. When Solano took over, she transformed the Grolier into a financially viable enterprise with a mission to broaden public interest in poetry and celebrate diverse poetic voices. Early revenue sources included book appraisals and mail order sales. Starting in 1974, the shop hosted annual undergraduate poetry readings involving poets from fifteen colleges, along with autograph sessions featuring poets such as Gary Miranda. The first issue of the Grolier Poetry Prize Annual appeared in 1983. Both these events were supported by the Ellen La Forge Memorial Poetry Foundation—established in 1983 by Jeanne Henle in tribute to her sister and inspired by Jim Henle, a friend of the store—which also funded six poetry festivals. Poet Peter Payack organized basketball and baseball teams associated with the community.
During Solano’s final years managing the store, it remained a valuable source for rare or hard-to-find poetry titles. Notably, it was the pioneer bookstore in New England to carry Language Magazine, which played a key role in launching the avant-garde L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E poetry movement.
In 2002, the Poetry Society of America commemorated the shop’s 75th anniversary with an event that attracted over 800 attendees. The Academy of American Poets recognizes Grolier as a significant "poetry landmark."
By 2004, facing declining sales and health challenges, Solano announced plans to sell the store. Factors contributing to its downturn included competition from online retailers, inventory challenges, and pressure from large chain bookstores. In March 2006, Nigerian poet and Wellesley College professor Ifeanyi Menkiti purchased the bookstore. The Grolier celebrated its 85th anniversary beginning in September 2012, with festivities extending through September 2013. Owner Menkiti also established the nonprofit Grolier Poetry Foundation to support both the bookstore and regional poetry programs.
Gallery
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Gordon Cairnie. Photograph by Elsa Dorfman. -
Louisa Solano, proprietor of the shop from 1974 through 2006, pictured alongside Pumpkin. Image captured in 1984 by Elsa Dorfman. -
Gail Mazur with Gordon Cairnie at Grolier during the 1960s. -
Robert Lowell inside Grolier in the 1960s. -
Lawrence Ferlinghetti at Grolier in the 1960s, accompanied by then-owner Gordon Cairnie. -
James Tate with Gordon Cairnie at Grolier in the 1960s.
References
External links
42°22′20″N 71°07′00″W / 42.37232°N 71.11656°W
"Interview with Louisa Solano," former owner of Grolier Poetry Book Shop, conducted by Doug Holder – The Somerville Times https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/60902