Royal Books: A book connoisseur's dream
From my very first profile of Clayton Fine Books, I've heard Baltimore bibliophiles singing the praises of Royal Books owner Kevin Johnson. Just last week, Daedalus' Sara Roberson mentioned sending book lovers along to his 25th Street location, which specializes in first editions and rare books.
So I was extremely happy to score an interview with Johnson, and even more happy to check out his place. It didn't disappoint.
While Johnson concedes that the location on historic Book Row isn't what it used to be, (as far as I can tell, only Kelmscott Bookshop and Johanson Rare Books have stuck it out with Royal in this stretch of the block) the store has maintained a loyal customer base, which Johnson credits largely to their Web site.
And if you can't make it to their physical store to check out the books, not to worry! Royal Books does a better job than any bookstore I've seen of providing detailed descriptions and photos of the books they're offering. "It can really be the tipping point for someone who's about to lay down $300 on a book," Johnson says, explaining their attention to detail.
Want more options? You can also subscribe to their bimonthly catalog. The latest includes a first edition copy of Hitchcock/Truffaut, signed by the Master of Suspense himself; an original still photograph of Ingrid Bergman, circa 1945; various noir film posters; and first editions of Faulkner, Atwood and Albee, just to name a very few.
A little background
Johnson began selling books in 1997, out of his house. "I gravitated toward rare and first edition books from the start," he said.
As space got tight, he moved his wares to an old Noxzema factory in Hampden, where he remained for three years. He worked as the book scout for the former owner of Kelmscott Bookshop, which used to occupy both the Royal Books space and the current Kelmscott digs.
Today, Johnson is the owner of the entire building, which he says is key in the stability of his business.
Clientele
As Johnson is quick to point out this section of the city is "not really a consumer district." He says they get most of their business through mail order, a good 90 percent of their sales, including book collectors in Maryland who just prefer to do their shopping online.
Popular sections
Johnson himself is a big fan of literature and the arts, and during a tour of the shop, you can tell those sections of his store get special attention, and tend to spill over into the other areas -- even the stairway -- where he displays film posters of classics such as 1965's Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!
In that vein, there is an entire room devoted to music, film, art, photography and design. And if you want to have a great conversation about film noir, ask Johnson about his book, The Dark Page.
(photo courtesy of royalbooksonline.com)
