The Printed Word

73 reviews

16 McMurray St Unit 3, Dundas, ON L9H 2W5, Canada

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+14379748428

About

The Printed Word is a Rare book store located at 16 McMurray St Unit 3, Dundas, ON L9H 2W5, Canada. It has received 73 reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-5PM
Tuesday11AM-5PM
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday11AM-5PM
Saturday11AM-5PM
Sunday11AM-5PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of The Printed Word: 16 McMurray St Unit 3, Dundas, ON L9H 2W5, Canada

  • The Printed Word has 4.9 stars from 73 reviews

  • Rare book store

  • "The Printed Word has been a fantastic addition to Dundas"

    "The Printed Word is an exceptional place"

    "There is not much I can add to all of these five-star reviews except to say, loudly, "ditto""

    "Exceptional store"

    "I must of caught him on a bad day"

Reviews

  • Dr Matt Wittenrich

The Printed Word has been a fantastic addition to Dundas. The alluring window display will draw you into a world of rare editions, an expansive children's section, and brilliant selection of poetry. This has fast become a must-see destination in town. The collection established by James McDonald is eclectic and engaging, the service and suggestions by James and his wife quiet and helpful, and the diverse geography of the children's literature a welcome respite from the commercial conglomerates. It's almost impossible to walk through town without popping in to find a treasure at this excellent bookseller.

  • stephen pack

The Printed Word is an exceptional place. I have been in bookstores around the world, and never found one I like any better than this one. The space is perfectly tuned, on a lovely street, the selection is smartly curated. It is a box of wonders, always full of surprises. There is no bookstore in Toronto that comes close. It is more akin to those I have visited in Brooklyn, Chicago, or San Francisco, but also uniquely Canadian. Dundas is a wonderful town. If you love quality literature, you owe it to yourself to make this a destination.

  • Charles Small

There is not much I can add to all of these five-star reviews except to say, loudly, "ditto". This is the best bookstore in Hamilton or anywhere close to it, and James has built this in a few short years; it is obviously a labour of love. But opening an independent bookstore these days and, especially one of this impeccable quality, is also a courageous step. This store is a treasure and it should be treated as a cultural landmark for Dundas.

  • Jeremy Johnston

Exceptional store. Unusual and eclectic collection of books, both used and new. Very large poetry collection. The Bookseller is also able to acquire most titles fairly quickly if a book you want is not on site. This store has a very limited online presence and is truly a printed word experience. Skip Amazon and support the local bookstore. Browse the shelves and chat with the owner.

  • Ann Bray

I must of caught him on a bad day. I had trouble with my Apple Pay. He certainly was very annoyed. No patience at all. I apologized for my phone issues. He never even cracked a smile. Made me feel very uncomfortable and low. Customer service is very important to all customers if you want your business to thrive

  • Matt

I can not overstate how wonderful this bookstore is. James, the owner, is super helpful, knowledgeable, and has amazing taste. A great selection for lovers of slightly-obsure-yet-remarakble fiction, poetry, philosophy, etc. If I lived in Dundas, I would be there everyday. Oh, and the prices are great too.

  • Dave Doherty

This is a fantastic store that offers a great selection of new and used books. It is perfect for literature enthusiasts, as it has many important and fascinating books that are generally neglected by the wider culture and would rarely (or never) turn up in more typical bookstores. The prices are fair too.

  • Marshall A Lewis

Of the bookstores that I have been to in Hamilton, this is easily my favourite. The service has been impeccable and personable. The extensive poetry section has been my greatest praise for this little bookstore, but the rest of the store is pleasurable in both environment and content.

  • Val G

A true gem for anyone who loves books...you could probably browse for hours. James, the owner, curates a brilliant selection of old and new books. A treasure trove for those interested in philosophy and art. Interesting children’s books too!

  • Chris French

One of my favourite places. Owner James is extremely knowledgeable on all matters literary and poetic! If he does not have a book in stock he is always happy to order it for you. Make a visit, enjoy the space and buy a book or two.

  • Jim Collins

Great vintage bookstore, the kind you don't see much of anymore. The store location will be closing after this weekend (Oct. 15, 2022), but will be opening a new location just a few blocks down on McMurray St.

  • Rae Murphy

I love this store. Everything is reasonably priced and yet I can still find rare editions of my favourites. The best part is the little nook of old "dime store" novels. ❤❤❤ 10/10 would always go to.

  • Sarah Wright

Such a great shop- the guy who runs it is really passionate about what he does, and the selection here is AMAZING. Support ideas that matter, art that matters, literature that matters!

  • Chelsea Rainford

My favourite bookstore in the world. The owner always has wonderful recommendations for me and there is such a delightful selection of books. I always leave with a new treasure.

  • Sunil Nair

Cool little second hand bookstore. The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable. The coolest thing about this store is the nature and art corner. Found meaningful art supplies.

  • Sarah Lampson

Wonderful children's books and vintage mysteries. Excellent new titles from smaller presses. This store is full of unique finds for all readers!

  • Bryan Kellam

Lots of rare finds for more niche interests in philosophy, poetry (especially non-Anglo centric [not just the classics]) fiction, art, etc.

  • Sacha Archer

Amazing bookstore. People come from Toronto to buy. Hub for poets. James, the owner, can help you find anything, be it for kids or adults.

  • Donna Coady

Interesting limited number of.books but I think he has his own niche!! Orders whatever and he's independent which to me is a big plus

  • William Bell

Excellent bookstore, helpful owner, I have found books here that I never expected to ever see a physical copy of.

  • Sylvie Ruland

Probably the best bookstore I’ve ever visited. A lovely selection of books, and a kind and knowledgeable staff.

  • Horacio Waisgluss

The best bookstore in the whole area. Highly recommended. Owner very knowledgeable. A pleasure talking to him.

  • Robb Powell

Everything to Like! Nothing not to like. Warmth, intelligence, variety, creativity... the list could go on.

  • Fiorella Morzi

The best bookstore for miles and miles. James curates for the people! Children's picture books 11/10.

  • Chris McLaren

Uniquely curated selection. Friendly, knowledge staff. High of spending more than you intended …

  • Aaron Wilkinson

Very friendly owner, beautiful selections of poetry, philosophy, and myth. Well worth a browse.

  • Glenn Robinson

Great book store. Fair prices and they will order it for you if it's not in stock. Excellent!

  • Shiloh Williams

seriously the best bookstore around--incredible selection of poetry, fiction, and theory!

  • Maxwell Kennel

Excellent selection in humanities, religion, philosophy, and especially poetry!

  • Logan Ciancio

A great place to find older books, wide variety of options, super nicer owner

  • Ellen Boyce

I got the classics I wanted. He can order new books too. A REAL BOOKSTORE.

  • Robert Motum

Great selection. James is incredibly helpful in finding what you need.

  • virg

Wow, what they don't know about literature, ain't worth knowing.

  • Kevin Stebner

Such a cool selection of poetry and other great curated stuff.

  • Rob Pepper

My favourite bookstore in Dundas, Hamilton and Ancaster area!

  • Nicole Knight

Beautiful store, curated selection, reasonable prices.

  • Chris Krucker

I found some Nabokov and some Fante and so was happy.

  • Rick Born

Lots of used and new books to check out.

  • Sean M

Poetry truly lives at this bookstore.

  • Darrell Epp

My favourite bookstore in the world.

  • Patrick M

what a wonderful bookstore.

  • Ben Robinson

Simply the best there is.

  • Alyson Thompson

Fantastic experience

  • Kevin

Great spot

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