The Word Bookstore Explained

The Word
Type:Private
Foundation:Montreal, Quebec (1973)
Location:469, rue Milton
Montreal, Quebec
H2X 1W3
Key People:Adrian King-Edwards and Luci Friesen (co-founders)
Industry:Books

The Word Bookstore, or simply The Word, is an independent bookstore located in the McGill Ghetto in Montreal, Canada.

History

The Word Bookstore was established by Adrian King-Edwards and Luci Friesen of McGill University in 1973 in their own apartment living room as an "underground" bookstore, with a photo of George Bernard Shaw in their front window. In 1975, they moved the store next door to its current location on 469 rue Milton, a 19th-century brick building that was the site of the former neighborhood Chinese laundry for 70 years.

The Word holds readings of poetic works and publication announcements of local authors and has been cited as an inspiration to Artie Gold and Sheila Fischman. It is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of Canada.

Specialization

The Word Bookstore specializes in literature, philosophy and poetry. They also carry an assortment of books in such fields as drama, history, political science, theology, Eastern religion, and art. A section located at the front of the store beneath a photo of Leonard Cohen highlights the latest work of Montreal poets.

External links