At Barnes and Noble or Borders I will remain nameless and unknown, although I must admit that they are always most helpful in finding books for me. The problem with the small stores is that the selection is limited in the subjects that interest me, particularly the Bible and ancient history during Bible times. The major chains are more useful, but increasingly I have relied on catalogues and occasional visits to used bookstores during an annual trip to Chicago. In fact, I think we may someday plan a book-buying trip to Philadelphia, New York and Boston, visiting used bookstores. In the book, next to the reproductions of these tablets is the English translation-the records of individual merchants and farmers of 7,000 years ago.
Independent booksellers form informal networks.
Tucked away in an alley in Evanston, Ill., is a used bookstore. The owner told me about bookstores in North Carolina which he said we should visit. He said he has frequent visits from Chapel Hill professors attending seminars at Northwestern University. This shop is unique because the owner has collected artifacts illustrating each department. His World War II books are surrounding by military items.