Commonwealth Books
Commonwealth Books
By nina fauci
A visit here feels like a trip down Diagon Alley from Harry Potter; tucked inside a discreet alleyway off bustling Washington Street in the heart of Downtown Boston, a downward sloping brick path leads you straight to the front doors of this hidden treasure trove that houses books from all over the world, spanning thousands of generations.
I had been here once before, but to return was a completely different, more magical experience. I came on a Saturday afternoon with my boyfriend, Harrison, after a nice brunch at The Paramount restaurant across the Common in Beacon Hill. For the first time in months, the weather was beautiful enough for us to enjoy (and not fear being blown away or being freezing cold) the 15 minute stroll downtown to our destination, Commonwealth Books.
Growing up in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I developed a deep appreciation for independent bookstores that foster a sense of community and discovery. I was excited to learn that Commonwealth Books had expanded to include a Newport, RI location, bringing their magical literary experience closer to my home. The Newport store captures the same enchanting atmosphere as the Boston location, but with a distinct coastal New England charm that resonates with my memories of growing up where I could always see the ocean.
Commonwealth Books has been around since 1995, making it one of the oldest independent bookstores in the city. Located along the historic Freedom Trail, this hidden gem offers a unique book-buying experience that feels more like treasure hunting than shopping. Upon entering, a peaceful quiet envelops you compared to the busy streets outside.
The shop boasts an impressive collection of over 40,000 titles dating as far back as the 16th century. From medieval manuscripts to recent mysteries, their range is extraordinary. The space itself —books stacked from floor to ceiling, newspaper clippings decorating shelf edges, and narrow aisles that invite exploration–contributes to the charm.
What separates Commonwealth from other bookstores in the area is their collection of prints and maps. The store emphasizes history, art, architecture, poetry, literature, philosophy, and religion—all curated with care by owner Josh Phillips under the Black Widow Press imprint (established in 2010), which specializes in contemporary poetry and works in translation.
During our visit, we browsed the poetry section, where I discovered a delightful coincidence: a typewriter print I'd previously seen when I first got there, was actually a picture of the same typewriter displayed in the store! Their selection of rare books is impressive, including one trilogy priced at $35,000. However, they also offer more affordable options, including a cart of $1 books outside.
After much deliberation, I purchased two prints, one of the typewriter and the other of a bookstack, and a volume called Brown Verse—a collection of poetry published in Boston in 1894. I was inexplicably drawn to the energy of it, but I didn’t make the connection until after I got back home. I’m still shocked by the fact that I am now the proud owner of a piece of local literary history… and for only 10 dollars!
Commonwealth Books has earned its reputation as one of Boston's finest bookstores, winning Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston” award multiple years running and being recognized as the Best Used Bookstore in the area. It's easy to see why; the hours (Monday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4:30) allow ample time to lose yourself among books that embody somewhat literary geodes; while they may be uninteresting on the outside, they house vibrant and colorful crystals of language and wisdom within.
If you're a book lover visiting Newport, RI, or Boston, this shop deserves a spot on your itinerary. The experience truly feels like treasure hunting—you never know what literary gem you might discover next…. and on your way there, remember, don’t blink; seriously, you shouldn’t miss this one.
A Literary Life Official Bookshop Rating Scale
Title Selection: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Atmosphere: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Location: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Prices (rated by a broke 21-year-old college student): 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Revisit?: Yes!!