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John K. King Used & Rare Books StarStarStarStarHalf Star

John K. King, book store, celebrity attractions
John K. King, Elsie Freitag
John K. King Used & Rare Books
901 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit MI 48226
Tel: (313) 961-0622
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm

Listed in: Bookstore

this is my business

Over the years, King has built a reputation among book lovers that speaks for itself. Through his retail business and rare book catalogues (he's working on Catalogue #97 at the time of this writing), King has handled a myriad of books, autographs, archives etc., including the books and papers of the auto barons (from Dodge to DeLorean), authors (John Kendrick Bangs, Zane Grey, etc.), sports stars, celebrities and just plain folk. Among his finds lately were original photos of Mark Twain which literally fell out of a Twain bio one day, and a small pamphlet from the 1950s (pulled from a box of library discarded ephemera) with a signed presentation from the junior senator from Massachusetts, one John F. Kennedy. These days King says he's content with having over a million books in stock, three stores (the main store on West Lafayette, a small place in Detroit's Cultural Center near Wayne State University, and one in the trendy suburb of Ferndale), about 20 employees, two dogs and two canaries who come to work every day.

Reviews

shellylr
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Hey! You Guys are Great. JON GEN told me to vote for you, please head over to local bands and return the favor by voting for him. good luck!"
barbarablue
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This place is massive with the greatest selection I have ever seen or heard of! I found a book that was owned by my great-great-grandmother.
love2read4e
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I'm not a big fan of this bookstore. I tried to find a rare book my grandma recommended to me and so I called. The man on the phone was extremely rude and didn't give me much help. I will not shop at this bookstore!
JoDennis
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This place is amazing. More books and magazines than you can imagine and all oganized so you can actually find what you are loking for!
sambo32
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John K King is the King of book sellers
menotu
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I like the one in Ferndale-HUGE selection
Greenjeans
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Give yourself hours to meander--you'll need it!
kgard1022
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No one can match the collection of books offered at John K. King. With many stories of books, you can lose a whole afternoon pining over popular titles, or very rare treasures. They also have small collections of other items such as records, maps and photos that can sometimes produce a diamond in the rough. This place is a must see for any Greater Detroit area residents or frequent visitors.
AshleyWoods
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Best place to spend a weekend afternoon
thseagle
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I have been buying books from John King for over 45 years. He has the BEST bookstore in the Midwest. Check out his inventory at the store or shop online. You will not be disappointed!!
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Rebecca Womack
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Best bookstore ever!!!!!!!!!
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William Long
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John is an honest dealer who has the best selection of books anywhere. His prices are good and he has a good turn-over of product. You will always find something of interest at John's bookstore.
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No one... NO ONE... in Detroit has this kind of selection and knowledgeable staff.
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You could get lost in the treasures here! Plan to spend a few hours ~ it's that good!
VATO
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A whole room for PULP!
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sheila
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You can find anything here.
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kurt
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Great selection, very peaceful atmosphere...I could spend hours in there!
drs
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You can spend a day there and still want to spend more time.
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Beverly Peters
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You can find ANYTHING there! It is a treasure trove!!!
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Betty Marshall
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The best and ginormous selections of books in the area. I have books from there on almost any subject one is for. From slavery, lynching to letter and note writing from days gone by. It's wonderful.

Other Locations:

  • John K. King Used & Rare Books
    22524 Woodward Ferndale MI 48220