Dawson's Book Shop cuts back

Email from proprietor Michael Dawson announces that Los Angeles' oldest bookstore, now located on Larchmont Boulevard, will go to appointment only. Dawson's has sold books in L.A. since 1905 and for a while also published books. The photo is a bit misleading: as of this afternoon, the shelves were mostly empty.

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As of July 1, 2008, Dawson's Book Shop and the Michael Dawson Gallery will go to an appointment-only schedule. This is a change that I have been thinking about for some time, and I am excited about the possibilities this change offers for myself and for the business.

The move to an appointment-only schedule will allow me to focus on my core strengths in appraisal services, rare books with a special emphasis in photography and California history, vintage photography, and representation for a select group of contemporary photographers.

I plan to continue my participation in the ABAA California book fairs, Photo LA, and AIPAD New York, and will continue to work from my Larchmont Boulevard location. I look forward to receiving your visit whenever your travels may bring you to this part of Los Angeles.

I will be available on a regular basis via phone, e-mail, and fax, and will make the utmost effort to return all phone calls and e-mails within one business day.

With all best wishes,

Michael Dawson

Dawson's used to be Downtown, at the corner where Wilshire meets Grand Avenue. Nice photo here of that location. When the store opened, that corner didn't exist — it was mid-block on Grand. Wilshire was an extension into Downtown that hammered through four existing blocks of stores, houses and other development from Figueroa, destined for the river and the Eastside. At Grand Avenue, the civic will to keep going gave out.