The Art of the Bookstore is romantic, poetic, charismatic, and enduring, and independent booksellers around the world thrive on creating this unique culture and ambiance. In this lavish limited-edition gift, the words of many of these booksellers are paired with 40 bookstore paintings chronicling the passion and respect for books, booksellers, and the publishing industry.

For several decades, publisher Gibbs Smith has been visiting independent booksellers around the country. Inspired by the unique culture and ambiance of these fine bookstores, he made oil paintings to feature on the covers of his publishing company's catalog each season. This collection of 68 paintings, accompanied by essays about the art of the bookstore, captures the distinctive atmosphere of each establishment, from the bright lights of Washington D.C.'s Politics & Prose to the tucked away charm of Chicago's Kroch's & Brentano's to the magnetism of New York's Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore. The Art of the Bookstore celebrates independent voices and the exchange of ideas, defends the importance of community, explores the alluring power of bookstores, and captures a love of the printed word.

Gibbs Smith, founder and president of his namesake publishing company, started the business in 1969 with his wife, Catherine, in Santa Barbara, California. After a couple of years, they moved the company to their hometown, Layton, Utah. This book is a celebration of 40 years as an independent publisher.

Jacket design by Kurt Wahlner

Jacket art by Gibbs M. Smith