(Gordon Cairnie and Louisa Solano)

Louisa Solano: The Grolier Poetry Bookshop

by Doug Holder/Steve Glines

to purchase go to: http://www.lulu.com/content/353454

or send a check for $12 to Ibbetson Street Press 25 School St. Somerville, Ma. 02143

The Grolier Poetry Book Shop is the "oldest continuous bookshop" devoted solely to the sale of poetry and poetry criticism. It was founded by Adrian Gambet and Gordon Cairnie (in picture) in 1927, and Louisa Solano took over operations in 1974 after Cairnie's death. Solano turned the store into a self-sustaining business, has sponsored an annual national poetry contest and a reading series of national reputation at Adams House at Harvard.

Many of the great poets of the 20th century have passed through the portals of the store. In the book is an exclusive interview with Solano as she recounts her experiences with Jack Kerouac, Donald Hall, Robert Lowell, Elsa Dorfman, Octavio Paz, and many more...

In this new editon just released from Ibbetson Street Press there is new poetry by poet/patrons of the store. The book is bursting with ripe anecdotes by Boston-area writers about their experiences in the shop. A true collector's item...not to be missed!