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John W Doull Bookseller
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
1684 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 2A2
(902) 429-1652
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 9:30 am - 6 pm
Wed-Fri 9:30 am - 9 pm
Sat 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
17 reviews for John W Doull Bookseller
17 reviews in English
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Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
What can I say about this place? John W has been my favourite used bookstore for as long as I can remember (and still is even though I've lived in Toronto and Calgary). When I've wanted an obscure book about WWII, John W had it. When I was looking for a recent novel just to zip through for entertainment, it was at John W. Hell, even when I just wanted to get lost in a store and feel like I wasn't in the city, this was the place to go.
Every time I visit Halifax, I make sure to stop by and check out the shop which is always filled to the brim with books - it almost amazes me how many books they can get in there! Over the holidays I stopped in because I was searching for a specific book and I thought for sure they would have it. It turns out they didn't, but I wasn't disappointed as it is a pretty obscure book and the guys behind the counter were still super helpful. Over the years, they have always provided good customer service and do a pretty good job of hiding any judgement when I've been searching for weird books (I'm sure they get plenty of strange requests!). Oh John W., I miss you when I'm in Calgary and always look forward to visiting when I come home.Listed in: Adventures in Halifax
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Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I want to love this shop because I have a deep love of books and any longstanding store on Barrington is a great thing, however this store gives me the hives.
There are literally books everywhere here, they have a great selection and lots of categories, last week when I was in here I ended up at a selection of books on mounting climbing. This is a great spot if you want to find a book in a certain subject but because there are so many options if you have a specific book in mind you may be out of luck.
Overall this store has just way too much chaos for me, but I love it theory. -
Review from Cheryl C.
9/8/2011 ROTD 9/25/2011
I love this shop. Its many corners and nooks and hidden pleasures. It's an amazing resource for quirky, oddball cookery books (one of the few things I will collect) and the staff....
I once went in and asked if they had a book on firefighting in olden tyme Newfoundland. The guy looked at me for a moment and then said "Stay here, I'll get it." He disappeared into the stacks and returned a minute later with a book on the volunteer fire department in St John's Newfoundland back in the day.
Unreal.
Even more unreal? They are packing up and leaving downtown, which makes me tremendously sad.
Visit it quick before they leave. -
Review from Emma R.
Bedford, NS
9/12/2011
There's a lot of good going on here, and a lot of suck.
On one hand, JWB is like another world. They earn points for just being such a different shopping experience. As you probably have discerned from other reviews, they have truckloads of books. More books per foot than I ever thought possible. An afternoon spend perusing their shelves is what childhood me dreamed heaven was like.
However, if you are looking for anything specific, good luck. Obviously my expectation of finding a specific title was that it would be difficult and labour intensive. A professor indicated they had several copies so I knew it was there, but the staff was little help. I figured I'd check for a couple other books I was looking for at the same time, and the young man behind the counter was kind enough to tell me the sections they'd likely be in, although I wish he would have taken me to them himself. The store is so big that it was really hard to absorb the detailed instructions. Some of the sections he pointed me to might have existed...but with inaccurate labeling and signs, I had no chance.
I was in the marine/nautical room with another customer, when in stumbled who I discerned to be the owner. He asked if we need any help, and before I could ask my question he interrupted "did I see a camera flash?". I was confused (not knowing about the no-pictures rule) and explained I was holding my cellphone not a camera, and he grilled me about taking pictures. After being satisfied that I wasn't photographing the books, he turned to walk away and I asked him for some direction about where to find a section. He told me "we don't have Cartier books" and walked down the stairs. Their website advertises that they have the largest collection of marine/nautical books and atlantic canadian books, but none about Cartier? I'm not sure if that's true, or if he just didn't want to be bothered with me.
In all, I'm sure some people consider the rough treatment part of the experience, but I don't really care to be treated like an imposter when I'm just trying to buy books. I did find the initial book I needed, and lots of other interesting reads, so three stars for that despite it all. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
3/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
My 700th Yelp,
It seems only fitting that as I pondered what to tell a tale of, I'd enter this above ground lair, with its stacks of books piled from floor to ceiling and every which way in between. Where, under hushed voices we left our bags in a heap near the front, confident that a rodent would not need burrow its way in, what with all of the amazingly petrifying places to hide in this two story labyrinth.
It would be remiss for me to quietly enjoy out the magic, perplexity and terror that wafts through the dusty, dirty, IRL version of a wikipedia. And so, I share my archaeological findings:
Out of date maps, designed like the Underground adorn the walls. Next to alphabetized directories that beg the questions "Where are 'Pauline's Studies' and what happened to the section about 'Peter?'" Because for all of my trying, hunting, and near encounters with the ghosts of stacks past under the stairs, I couldn't find em.
A freakish painting on the stairs - perhaps an homage to the ghost in the cathedral window across the street.
Sale signs - pointing at nothing.
Chairs positioned in front of exit doors.
"Penguin" books re-painted to serve as signs. Some leading in the right direction, others to what appeared to be random collections.
An entire wall dedicated to "Penguin" books.
Where, if you jump just right on the second floor the impact may just bring the house down. (I didn't attempt it out of fear)
The column of "foundings" including ticket stubs from decades past, pictures and newspaper cuttings. Presumed bookmarks. Who curated this collection? And why did they stop at just one column?
If you've read this far you're truly deserving of this: I MET THE LEGEND. I conversed with He. He who forbids photo taking of the window of books and told us with quite force that we were in a forbidden room. A room with zero organization yet seemed to house their "Internet orders." Perhaps they lived in ye-olde-Smirnoff-Vodka-box piled atop of a pile.
Did I find something to buy? Sure did: "How to Be A Canadian" by Will Ferguson. I found it amongst the most elaborate collection of Canadian Studies I've ever encountered in my life!Listed in: Canadiana Quirks, Sprinkled With Haligonian…
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Review from Andrew P.
3/29/2011 9 Check-ins Here
An interesting place to be sure, and is that which it is.
I usually go here, not so much for the books to purchase but to look and see what I might find.
The reason I dont go to buy the books, is because of, what I consider to be, EXTREMELY high prices. For example, I bought a book yesterday from 1965 for 8$, that would have been 2$ online, and another recent book was 25$. However, the high prices aren't always a deterrent as many of these older books are out of print and cannot be found except in a cast off box in an old lady's basement.
Be that as it may, if you do go here, watch your head! The JWD is like a labyrinth of books where there isn't enough room on the bookshelves, so they are piled on the floor and on top of the bookshelves themselves. While enjoying a good amount of time in the science and nature section, a stack of books collapsed behind me, making me fear for my life. However this fear has not been great enough for me to stay away from what I consider the best used bookstore in downtown Halifax.
Note: I have not experienced the "no cameras" rule that other yelpers have mentioned, so I cannot comment. Though I have snapped a pic or two of the stacks in the past, for disbelieving friends. -
Review from Ben B.
3/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
This shop is one of those magical places that Halifax should definitely be proud of. Entering is like walking face-first into an episode of hoarders except swap out the broken lamps and baby toys and replace them all with gorgeous old books floor to ceiling, wall to wall. Actually, can you say 'wall to wall' when the walls themselves are at times made of books?
It isn't the kind of place you go when you're looking for something specific, nor is it the place to go when you need to get in and out quickly, but when you need to get lost among the pages, when you need to hang out with the hardcovers, and when you need to probably get grumped at by the curmudgeon of a manager (it's true, leave your camera in your pocket and probably don't ask if he ask any Stephanie Meyer), J W Doull is the place to be. -
Review from Natalie J.
Halifax, NS
6/2/2011
My favourite place to just wander and discover something new. You never know what you might find, or stumble over. This place is amazing, like walking into a black hole of literature. It suck you in, and time seems to bend and twist. You think you are going in to kill 15 minutes on your lunch break and emerge 5 hours later after pouring over books on everything from travel to nuclear physics. Especially good for that hard to find or out of print title.
Generally I prefer to buy books new, but I also have a love of the look, feel and smell of an older book. I'd rather have a beat up, hard cover, 1930 edition of Jane Eyre, for example, than a new softcover classics edition. Some books require a history to be properly enjoyed. This is where I go to find that. -
Review from Candice W.
St John's, NL
11/25/2010
I feel somewhat bad about giving this place one star. It's a bookstore, I live for bookstores. I could spend years in one and never get bored. This one has all the makings of "best bookstore on earth," despite total, utter chaos. You don't really come here to buy books, you come here to be ONE with books.
Too bad the place has the worst management I've ever encountered in my life.
My first time in Halifax last winter, I was running around downtown happily snapping pictures and making notes (I'm a travel writer, it's what I do), and maybe I got a little carried away. Maybe I wasn't thinking clearly when I stepped into this store and snapped a picture, grinning like an idiot. Maybe this is a big no-no in the preservation of antique books, but I really didn't deserve to be humiliated in front of the entire store.
From my left, an older man held up his hand and shouted said, "STOP! No pictures!" I stood there. Then he said, rather unkindly, "I'm not kidding, you can buy something and then take pictures." The other customers turned away, embarrassed for me.
Actually, scratch that book-preservation thing, if that were the case he wouldn't have told me pictures were allowed later.
Uh. I'm no business expert, but common sense tells me you treat your customers with a little more respect than that. Thanks for making me feel like an idiot. I didn't buy any books, and I immediately left the store. I have no intention of ever going back. One day, when I'm writing for National Geographic and doing a round-up of the best bookstores in the world, yours certainly will not be included. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/28/2010
This place is like walking into something out of Harry Potter. You fully expect some magical creature to pop out of a book on mythology at any moment. Towering columns of literature, history and science loom everywhere you look, making this place something very unique to behold.
Books on every genre imaginable line the walls, floors, shelves, ceilings and any other spare surface.
A great place to head just for the experience. I have stumbled upon some great finds here over the years and very much encourage you to wander through John W Doull.
Wish this place could be a tad cleaner but in all fairness, the sheer volume of books almost impedes walking let alone cleaning. -
Review from Jessica G.
Dartmouth, NS
7/11/2011
Although this review may be considered sacrilegious to many locals I have to be honest: I don't like this bookstore. Actually I think I may hate it.
Every time I've ended up here browsing for books I've felt like I'm in a real life episode of hoarders. There is little to no organization aside from general categories like history, biographies, and marine books. Don't even think about alphabetical order. Books littler the floor, stacked on stairs (scary!), piled high, and pathways are dangerously narrow. A few times I've been involved in book avalanches whee books cascaded across my feet and legs. Sometimes up to the knees. Staff leave boxes of donated books unsorted for days on the floor, which makes it even more difficult to navigate the store. Be careful on the stairs, books line the sides and form little towers of impending injury. I should also point out that I feel the building's floors are bowing and sagging from the weight of the books. It does not feel safe to shop in the store. There are torn sections of carpet waiting to trip, holes in the ceiling, and broken chairs daring to you sit only to collapse under you.
If you're looking for a certain special book then good luck. You probably won't find it. There is no alphabetical order and no catalog. Staff have no idea what their inventory consists of. I've been told more than once, and rather rudely, "I have no idea, go look for yourself". I've also found that books are extremely pricey for what they are. There are at least four other used bookstores in the immediate area, all of which offer better pricing. Although the place is overstuffed with novels, they don't seem to have a desire to sell anything.
In terms of stock I've found there is little Fantasy, Scifi, and paperbacks. The store doesn't weed out books that don't sell, so many sit there for years. Even the library culls the stinkers. There are a crapload of books that aren't even relevant anymore and would never sell, yet they still remain overpriced and hogging space. I've found dictionaries from the 1980s, books on microwave cookery for microwaves that don't exist, and travel guides from the 70s. Why they take these books in the first place I'll never understand.
I've also always hated the "bags behind the counter" rule. Staff are pushy and rude about it. Not many people want to relinquish their person possessions to a stranger while they peruse the store. I don't see the need. If the store has a shoplifting problem they need to use cameras and other measures, not harass customers over their purses. As to the no pictures rule, it may be for all of the above reasons.
In an era where digital media quickly encroach on and threaten printed works, JW Doull does little to combat the temptation. This store makes me grateful for Ebay and Amazon. The store is not a treasure cave of books. It's a nightmare of danger and impending doom. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/17/2010 1 photo
I was about to reference Harry Potter as the opening of my review, but after reading Joshua Y's apt assessment, I feel that my non sequitur is now redundant.
So, I guess I'll go the direct route for this little ditty: This bookstore is so wonderful. The high shelves crammed with literature, the corners and folds housing different genres, the upstairs packed to the brim with old orange Penguin books - it's a dream come true.
I frequented this shop a lot during my undergrad, as it was a great place to find older editions of novels, as well as a fun store to just peruse and learn about what's out there in terms of literature. The shop workers are knowledgeable and can help you navigate the somewhat daunting selection.
If you're popping in to take a gander, I recommend giving yourself some time to take it all in. There is so much selection that you'll find items that you didn't even know you were interested in in the first place. The prices are on par for previously-loved books in the city and the selection in unparalleled by any other shop. Go! Buy! Read!Listed in: Before you go...
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Review from Laura P.
3/19/2010
Stepping into JWD feels like a retreat to older times. Gone is the user friendly, minimalist approach of the modern day shopping experience. John Doull is an exercise in quality & quantity to the point of blissful exhaustion.
Shelves are as high as they are wide, each stuffed to the brim with books, books, books. No crevice, no cranny is left uninhabited-- every twist and turn is a new eclectic collection of genre.
While all genres are labeled, this spot can be a bit overwhelming if you don't know what you're in for. Be ready to become a minority, a mere human in the land of paperback. It helps to have an idea of what you're looking for if you're on a time crunch. Although its just as fun to scour the isles and surprise yourself with something new. Its really just about what works as an individual. And might I add, sifting through such brilliant variety is an education in itself.
John Doull is an overdose of literature and a book lovers dream. It pays homage to a classic housing of books and remains the gift that just keeps on giving. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/20/2010
For the longest time I didn't even know the name of this bookstore, it was referred to amongst my friends as "that crazy bookstore", because of the bizarre (mostly absent) organization of the inventory. The best way to describe it is BOOKS EVERYWHERE.
There are piles of books at your feet as you navigate through the shelves, and piles of books on the shelves arranged by genre, but not by much else. If you are looking for a traditional book shopping experience like what you might find at Chapter's or Cole's than you checking out the wrong store. To get the full effect of this store you have to have time to sift through the books for hours, and sit on the carpeted floor and read.
Among the gems I've discovered here; a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook from the 1970's, the entire Little House on the Prairie anthology, and a second hand copy of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" in great condition.
Hot Hints: This is a great place to go if you are looking to unload some old books, they love donations. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2009
When I walk into this used bookstore I feel like Harry Potter walking into that store that sold him his wand in the first movie. It is that huge and has that many books! There are books everywhere! To a newcomer, it would look as though the books are just sporadically thrown in any direction. But there is order to the chaos and you find out very early on that every book is in the right section. I have found a million treasures at this bookstore and love going there. When it comes to selling books to the bookstore, I have found they are a bit on the cheap side. But I understand why, given the amount of books they already have. The staff can either be grumpy or moderately friendly depending on the day. But I am always given assistance no matter what and with no complaints. The lack of friendliness is why there is a star missing.
The prices on their books are typical for a used bookstore. The older and more popular the book, the more expensive of course. Sometimes you find deals that blow your mind but typically the prices are predictable.
John W. Doull Bookseller is a fun experience! And it is right downtown Halifax. So if you are a tourist, doing some shopping and want to find that rare book to give to an avid reader friend of yours, I'd suggest you stop on by. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/28/2010
John W Doull is a symphony of books. There may seem like there is no rhyme or reason to the arrangement, but when you look carefully, it all comes together to create a harmonious collection.
As others have said, coming here as a n00b can be a bit disconcerting. But if you invest a little bit of time, you'll find that there are little surprises hidden all over the store, just waiting for you to discover them.
Yes, genres are labelled (and that's a good thing!). As you examine the books piled into each category, you might wonder why a certain book ended up in this pile and not over there. With careful reading, it will all become obvious.
Plan to spend some time in John W Doull. If it's a quick in-and-out experience you want, you're better off trying Chapters. -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/6/2010
Piles and piles and piles of books! Enough to bring out your dormant claustrophobia. I definitely would not recommend going to JWD on those days where you're too tired to face a challenge, because shopping here is no easy feat. They acknowledge this with a sign on their door that reads "MEMBERS ONLY", followed by something to the effect of "by members we mean people who share our philosophy and are willing to deal with the piles of books, and clean up after themselves."
I love this place despite all that, or perhaps because of it. Apparently I have behaved myself well enough so far to be considered a "member"; I've never been asked to leave, and I always like to count my blessings. Thank goodness, too, because this place is a total treasure trove. What other bookstore in town posts a map of its aisles to help you navigate? And what other bookstore boasts such obscure section titles as Mowat, Zolfic Studies, Acadie or Globe Theatre? And at what other bookstore can I find multiple copies of weird old hippy herb manuals? God bless you, J W Doull, and your bookselling ways.
