Beginning in the 1970s, with the popularity of
J.R.R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (, ; 3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973) was an English writer and philologist. He was the author of the high fantasy works ''The Hobbit'' and ''The Lord of the Rings''.
From 1925 to 1945, Tolkien was the Rawlins ...
's ''
The Lord of the Rings'' series, a variety of independent bookstores specializing in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and related genres (often mystery, comics, games, and/or collectibles), began opening.
Among the first were Andromeda Books in Birmingham, England (1971-2002),
in Toronto and
A Change of Hobbit in Southern California, both established in 1972. As independent bookstores suffered during the business shifts of the late 20th and early 21st century, many of these closed.
[Lisa Pickoff-White]
"Borderlands Helps Make the Bay Area a Sci-Fi Bookstore Haven"
'' SF Weekly'', April 2, 2008. During their heyday, however, they were a key part of
science fiction fandom, facilitating not just publishing, distribution, and promotion of books, but public events, social events, and community-building.
List of notable bookstores
This list is meant to include past and present "brick-and-mortar" bookstores. Bookstores that were once "brick-and-mortar", but have moved online, should be included. Bookstores that have only ever been solely online vendors should be listed separately.
*
A Change of Hobbit, 1972–1991, in Southern California
*
The Other Change of Hobbit
The Other Change of Hobbit (sometimes abbreviated TOCOH) is a science fiction and fantasy bookstore, formerly located in Berkeley, California and then El Cerrito; it no longer has a physical location. It was founded in 1977, the same weekend that ...
, established 1974 in Berkeley,
later in El Cerrito (now mail-order only)
*
DreamHaven Books
Michael "Mike" Morhaime (born November 3, 1967) is an American video game developer and entrepreneur. He is the chief executive officer (CEO) and founder of Dreamhaven, located in Irvine, California. Morhaime is best known as the co-founder and t ...
,
Minneapolis, Minnesota (established 1977)
Our Store History
last visited Dec. 29, 2015.
* Forbidden Planet, New York City and London
Notes
{{reflist
External links
"Bookstores Specializing in Science Fiction"
Biblio.com (last visited March 31, 2014)
Independent Genre Bookstores
Worlds Without End (last visited March 31, 2014)
Bookstores
Lists of bookstores