Buffalo Rising Online

Apr 27th, 7:44am By Corinne Eberwine

Old Editions Bookshop & Gallery on the corner of Oak and Huron has just what its name would suggest: vintage books and art lining every bit of available wall space. Owned by Ron and Marilee Cozzi, Old Editions is one of the country's largest antiquarian bookstores with over 35,000 square feet of space, and they certainly have something for everyone.

For the everyday visitor, Old Editions offers self-serve coffee and snacks in the cafe area, and free WiFi for anyone who would like to come in and lounge. There are plenty of moderately priced reading copies available, but what makes this bookshop unique are myriad rare and unique first editions, author-signed copies, manuscripts, vintage paperbacks, and other collectable items available for purchase.

Reflecting the same variety of style as their inventory of books, the art that Old Editions Bookshop & Gallery offers sprawls across the walls of the shop like ivy on the first two floors of the retail space. "We have framed and unframed pieces," Marilee said. "Some are paintings, and we also have lithographs, etchings, antique prints original to the time. We have a little bit of everything."

The shop has been in business for about thirty years and moved into what used to be the Saint Vincent de Paul building on Oak and East Huron nearly six years ago. The location was a big factor in their decision to move. "This area is developing," Marilee explained. "On this block, there are new apartments—the Oak School Lofts—in the building that used to be Buffalo Alternative High School. Right behind us, on the corner of Genesee & Oak, a building was just purchased by Roger Trettel who has major plans for it; there's an artists' rendering on display right on the building. We're looking forward to the future impact of this area's growth."

It took nearly seven years of rehabilitation to make the building operational before Old Editions re-opened in November of 2002. "New floors, walls, furnaces, windows, air conditioning, the list goes on and on," Marilee said.

It seems to have paid off though; they have taken full advantage of the great amount of space available, hosting an enormous quantity of books and collectibles in every nook and cranny. The two-story building houses the first editions, vintage paperbacks, and memorabilia on its second floor. There is even a glass case full of Buffalo ephemera; not just books, but photos, plates, newspapers and other souvenir items: anything relating to Buffalo's history. According to Marilee, "We're always looking for more Buffalo history items and collectible books."

In an adjoining room--in a setting that looks just like an old mansion's richly upholstered, mahogany-filled library—there is a collection of rare and antique books. Even more delightful is an eclectic mix of beautifully restored, ornately carved bookshelves and cases holding hundreds of rare leather-bound sets. Art adorns the walls here as well, including an original oil painting entitled "Wise Blood" that was commissioned for the cover of a Flannery O'Connor book of the same name—which is also available for sale, preserved in protective plastic and displayed next to the painting.

With the proper time allotment, one can discover more hidden treasures tucked into orderly shelves or hiding in plain sight on the walls. Facing south on East Huron, it's easy to see Old Editions in your rear view mirror as you head south on one-way Oak Street. Book lovers, make the detour. This is a priceless day trip in your own backyard. Check out their site at www.oldeditions.com for the latest events and featured works.