Unabridged Bookstore is an independent bookstore started in 1980 by Edward Devereux.[1] Unabridged Bookstore opened on November 1, 1980,[2] with two business partners and $18,000.[3] Unabridged Bookstore is known for its dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Hand-written, personal recommendations from employees line the shelves.[4][5]
 Lakeview, Chicago, 2015 | |
| Company type | Book store |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Edward Devereux |
| Headquarters | , |
| Owner | Edward Devereux |
| Website | unabridgedbookstore.com |
History
edit20th century
editOriginally started as a one storefront on the 3200 block of North Broadway in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago.[6] The store now occupies three storefronts and is one of the biggest independent bookstores. One of the oldest independent bookstores in Chicago and one of the only bookstores in the city focused on LGBTQ literature, "viewed as somewhat of a radical business plan"[7] since its opening in the 1980s. Over the years the bookstore has become known for its chalkboard quotes[8] and "its large selection of LGBTQ titles."[9] Unabridged Bookstore has specialized in selling well-known and obscure gay and lesbian literature.[10]
21st century
editUnabridged has an unparalleled sale book section, and an award-winning children's section, an extensive travel room, and offers a great selection of fiction and poetry. For more than 35 years,[11] Unabridged Bookstore has also been Chicago's premier go-to-bookstore for LGBTQ literature and one of the coolest indie bookstores in the United States.[12]
Voted "Best Bookstore in Chicago 2015" by Chicago Magazine,[13] Unabridged remains an iconic institution in the Lakeview neighborhood.
References
edit- ^ "Undauntedly Determined | Newcity Lit". lit.newcity.com. 2015-12-01. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
- ^ "Unabridged Books: 25 Years of Literary Goodness - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News Archive". Windy City Times. 14 December 2005. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
- ^ Levitt, Aimee (December 2015). "Unabridged Bookstore survives 35 years in a changing Lakeview". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
- ^ "Unabridged Bookstore". Time Out Chicago. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
- ^ Duffer, Robert. "Unabridged Bookstore". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
- ^ Duffer, Robert. "Unabridged Bookstore". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
- ^ "Bookseller Ed Devereux's Novel Idea". The Chicagoist. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
- ^ Bannos, Pamela. "Shelf Awareness for Monday, September 25, 2017". www.shelf-awareness.com. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
- ^ Sprayregen, Molly (17 September 2015). "The 10 Best Bookstores in Chicago". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
- ^ "Unabridged Books: 25 Years of Literary Goodness - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News Archive". Windy City Times. 14 December 2005. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
- ^ "Unabridged Bookstore: 35 years of books, wisdom and warm smiles". Retrieved 2019-12-12.
- ^ "8 Best Independent Bookstores in the United States". www.themanual.com. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 2019-12-12.
- ^ "Best New-Book Store". Chicago magazine. Retrieved 2019-12-12.