Nestled in the heart of New Orleans' vibrant and historic French Quarter is a quaint literary haven known as Faulkner House Books. This intimate bookstore, located at 624 Pirate's Alley, is famously known as the residence of Nobel Prize-winning author, William Faulkner during the 1920s. Visitors and bibliophiles flock to this literary landmark not only for its vast collection of books but the unique opportunity to step into a piece of preserved literary history.
The quiet charm of Faulkner House Books is steeped in the rich culture and history of New Orleans. Opened in 1990, the bookstore resides in the house where William Faulkner wrote his first novel, 'Soldiers’ Pay'. The 1840’s Faulkner House, registered as a National Literary Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been meticulously preserved by owners Joseph J. DeSalvo Jr. and Rosemary James, dedicated to maintaining the classic New Orleans historic residential ambiance.
The bookstore has gained fame for far more than its esteemed former resident; the shelves of Faulkner House Books brim with a vast selection of works spanning genres and generations. There’s a particular focus on Faulkner’s own works, Southern literature, and works by and about other famous authors, making it an essential stop on the literary tourism trail. Additionally, the literary lovers who guide visitors through the location share a wealth of knowledge about the historic building, the works it houses, and Faulkner's life and literary contributions. This encapsulates a personalized and enriching experience beyond the traditional bookstore visit.
Moreover, Faulkner House Books is a natural point of interest for those fascinated by architecture. The House, crafted out of bricks and stucco, and adorned with long, narrow windows, still maintains its original fireplaces, pine floors, and Greek revival moldings. While it resembles a modest cottage from the outside, inside, it's vibrant and charming, parading an old-world charm that is quintessentially New Orleans.
In conclusion, Faulkner House Books is more than a bookstore; it is a unique cultural and historic gem that equally serves as a monument to New Orleans' architectural past and a testament to the city's rich literary history. Whether you're an ardent book lover, history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply a traveler keen to capture the city's unique spirit, this special bookstore is a must on your New Orleans itinerary. Explore and savor the convenience of walking through time, touching history, building a connection with literature, and carrying a memento from the wide array of books, all under one roof.
