We're going to Boston for a few days at the end of October (staying at the Gryphon House - any good?) and then to Salem with my 11 year old to celebrate Halloween. Any suggestions for used bookstores for my husband, a voracious reader of philosophy, etc.? Any suggestions appreciated.
Suzanne

It's not a used bookstore per se, but you must check out Harvard's Coop & boostore in Cambridge. I'd bet it has an extensive section on philosophy -- perhaps even some used texts.

I just topped a post titled great bookstores that I posted about a year ago. We had a great time shopping for books in Boston. Our favorite was the New England Book Fair in Newton.

Im a longtime bostonian and never heard of the gryphon house. where is it? ANyway 2 great used book stores are the Victor Hugo on Newbury St. and boston book annex on Beacon St. Both have been there forever.

The Brattle Book Shop, 9 West St. in the downtown area is probably the best known of Boston's used book shops. Ken Gloss, the owner, is something of a local mini-celebrity. www.brattlebookshop.com

Hi. Thanks for the suggestions. The Gryphon House is a B & B/hotel at 9 Bay State Rd (Kenmore stop on the Green line). I got the recommendation from Fodors. I'm not sure how central it is for tourists, having never been to Boston, nor is it cheap at $230 a night, though it looks good on its site. I'm certainly open to other suggestions. We have a car, but from everything I've read, we're likely to park it and walk. Thanks again for everyone's help.

Bay State Road is in the Kenmore Square area..near Fenway Park and your right.. you can hop the T or walk. Boston University is located around the corner..

hi. thats a fine location altho you might be surrounded by noisy fraternities over there. i know there are some. My favorite indian rst is a block away. It's called India quality and ive been going there for 22 years. Some other favorites on Beacon St. near there are 2 of my favorite rsts, also longstnading. one is sol azteca a very nice atmosphere and great food, moderately priced mexican and elephant walk, a more pricey french cambodian place. its excellent and original. also coolidge corner, a short ride on the C train has some excellent rsts, a vietnamese one called pho lemongrass and a vegetarian chinese called buddahs delight.