Where to Find 18th and 19th Century Poetry in New York City: Lord Byron, Wordsworth, Shelley

New York City offers a rich tapestry of bookstores and literary havens where you can find 18th and 19th century poetry, including works by Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, and Percy Shelley. Two standout places for poetry enthusiasts are The Strand Book Store and Shakespeare Company.

Exploring The Strand Book Store

The Strand Book Store is one of New York's finest institutions and a must-visit when it comes to browsing through a vast collection of books. Located at 828 Broadway, just a stone's throw from East 12th Street, this independent bookstore is known for its array of new, used, rare, and out-of-print books. With the famous slogan, "At the Crossroads of Literatu-re," the Strand has been a literary landmark since its founding in 1927.

Visitors to the Strand often find hidden gems among the thousands of books. The store gets a lot of its inventory from estate sales, so you can discover rare and used editions of poetry by your favorite authors. The shelves are brimming with books from the 18th and 19th centuries, making it a perfect place to explore the masterful works of poets like Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, and Percy Shelley.

Exploring Shakespeare Company

Shakespeare Company is another excellent location to explore. With branches scattered throughout the city, this international chain of bookstores has a particularly strong presence in the Greenwich Village area. One of the most popular branches, located on 158 Sixth Avenue, near the Hunter College campus, is highly recommended for its vast collection of new and used books.

Shakespeare Company offers a mix of contemporary and classic literature. While the store doesn't specialize in rare books, you can still find unique pieces of literature that are not easily found elsewhere. If you're looking for specific works by Lord Byron, Wordsworth, or Shelley, it's worth checking the in-store inventory or their online catalog.

Alternative Options: Public Libraries and Digital Sources

For a more immersive experience, you can visit the larger public libraries throughout New York City. Public libraries are fantastic for feeling the physical presence of old books and exploring their extensive collections. Additionally, many of these libraries offer digital access to a wide range of literary works, including e-books from Project Gutenberg.

Project Gutenberg is a treasure trove of free eBooks, making it an invaluable resource for poetry lovers. You can download and read poetry by Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, and Percy Shelley right from your home computer or tablet. Plus, it's a great way to support free access to literature.

Other digital sources like Project Gutenberg and Open Library provide access to a broad range of public domain works, including poetry by famous authors. These platforms not only offer free reading but also store historical information and metadata that enrich your understanding of the text.

Randall Neff, a seasoned bibliophile, suggests getting a Kindle or other tablet if you don't already have one. This recommendation highlights the convenience and portability of digital reading devices, which can make it easier to carry and read your favorite poems.

Summary

New York City is brimming with literary treasures that offer a diverse range of options for finding 18th and 19th century poetry. The Strand Book Store and Shakespeare Company are prime locations to explore. Additionally, public libraries and digital sources like Project Gutenberg provide ample resources for poetry lovers to download and read works by poets like Lord Byron, William Wordsworth, and Percy Shelley.