A lifelong passion for uncommon books makes Angel’s BookShoppe a must-read
Libraries serve a wonderful purpose. Read, return, and it’s on to the next page-turner. A coveted place on our shelves, however, serves another purpose: to surround us with stories that stand the test of time. As the tinkling bell above the door welcomes you into Angel’s BookShoppe, those are the tales that greet you at every turn.
“‘Rare’ is a word often overused in the book trade,” reveals Jerry Anderson, who co-owns the store with his wife, Angel. “We specialize in scarce and uncommon books, as well as first editions—but we also carry modern fiction, biography, and history books, [most of which] are first printings.”
Originally from northern Maine, the duo made the Upstate home in the late 1970s. Avid collectors, they sought out special printings over the years at book fairs, book stores, and estate sales. After amassing a collection of more than 16,000 books, they knew it was time to share their passion with other bibliophiles and opened Angel’s BookShoppe on April Fool’s Day in 2017.
“We tell people these are meant to be read and loved and touched,” says Angel, who waves away a question about wearing handling gloves in favor of handing over a magnifying glass—which, of course, is the best way to see every exquisite detail hidden in illustrated engravings that adorn the leather cover of a 16th-century Latin Bible of the New Testament.
Inside the shop, impressive collections span diverse subjects, from medieval and Southern history to Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes, art books and children’s classics, and beautifully preserved antique religious texts. Other scarce books on view are a 1925 edition of The Green Knight in a gorgeous custom case, published by J.R.R. Tolkien; a 1670 Latin missal, rich in music and engravings, which was used as a pulpit guide; and a 1908 first printing of Anne of Green Gables.
“If you just want to simply read a book, a paperback with the cover torn off is fine,” says Jerry, laughing. “But if you want to keep a book for the rest of your life, you want the best copy you can find of your favorite author or your favorite subject.” That desire to treasure a story is why pristine dust jackets shielding the authors’ signatures inside abound within Angel’s BookShoppe.
“We have a blast. Every week, people come in for the first time, and you can spot the book lovers right away. Their eyes get big, they take a deep breath and they start smiling,” says Jerry. “It’s really gratifying when somebody comes in looking for an uncommon book, and we can find it.”
40,000 Books at Angel’s Bookshoppe
A rough guesstimate of how many books currently reside within the shop. “You’re welcome to come over and count them,” Angel jokes.
Little Bookworms Welcome
The owners delight in hosting curious young readers and homeschoolers, who will find an extensive children’s book section and comfy armchairs to curl up in.
Buy the Book
Indulge your new obsession: hoard this list for future trips to uncommon bookstores.
- Told Stories | Rock Hill, SC
- Ed’s Editions | Columbia, SC
- McDowell’s Emporium | Anderson, SC
2327-1 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville, angelsbookshoppe.com
