Moe’s Books, Berkeley
Whether you are a South Bay native or zip by on your commute, you may not know that much about the history and lore of San Jose. Northern California’s largest city has many stories that are rarely told. Pick up this fun guide and learn all about the quicksilver mines, the oldest winery in California and the Rosicrucians’ beliefs in alchemy.
A Berkeley mainstay since 1959, Moe’s focuses on the rare, the unusual and the best literature around. There are new releases on the shelves, but the bookstore’s worth is found in its astounding collection of used books. The shop is open daily and has launched online sales and a GoFundMe effort, as well.
The book picks from Doris Moskowitz, who assumed ownership of the iconic shop after her father’s death, include some rare books for collectors and adventurers, as well as a new release.
Arctic Juvenilia Library of Books: This is a collection of books about adventures in the Arctic from the 1870s to the 1970s, with titles such as “Wildlife in the Ice and Snow” and “On Arctic Ice.” There are more than 250 individual titles, ranging in price from $5 to $500.
“The Lady of the Lake” by Walter Scott: This 1842 copy (used, $25) has a lovely bookplate from the previous owner, a Ms. Margaret Kirk, and at only 4 inches tall, it fits perfectly in pockets for easy reference.
“Natural Resources of the United States” by J. Harris Patton: If you’ve ever wondered what state has the best semibituminous coal, this handy 1879 guide (used, $20) is the book for you. A fascinating look into the historical distribution and extraction of resources.
“The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X” by Les Payne: Pulitzer Prize-winner Les Payne brings us a new take on the life of Malcolm X. This comprehensive biography (2020) is the product of 30 years of research and interviews and is both a moving and factual account of the activist icon’s life.
B Street Books, San Mateo
“Earth Abides” by George R. Stewart: This is somewhat of a sleeper and one of my favorite books, set in the Bay Area. The author was an English professor at UC Berkeley and wrote a host of novels on various California-centric topics. ($6.95)