The Captain's Bookshelf

This is a great small bookstore that specializes in books with long shelf lives. You don't go here for the new James Patterson. This is the type of store you spend an hour browsing an amazing collection of literature, art and history books. This is a curated collection of quality books and a real treasure.

I love this bookstore. I always find everything I'm looking for when I come here. They have an excellent selection of used books, especially classics of every genre. Very good prices and friendly staff. This is a great place for anyone who values quality rare books.

This store has a very diverse collection, from very rare pieces to bargain priced gems. I only had an hour to spend in the store, and to me it was definitely not enough time!

Lots to learn and look at! I even managed to find a great gift for my girlfriend in a first edition Film Classic's Wizard of OZ.

The look and feel of this place really gives off the atmosphere of a gentlemanly bibliophile.

I have been browsing and buying books at the Captain's Bookshelf for years and have had nothing but good experiences with the staff. I've never found them rude but always helpful, polite and accommodating. They offer quality used books at reasonable prices. And what a diverse selection! I have found some treasures there as well as books that I never imagined I would find. I look forward to my next visit.

I think this is the best used bookstore in Asheville. I generally browse the history section always find quality books here. Prices seem to start around $10 or $15 on go up from there but nothing on the shelves seems to be cast-offs or bargain bin stuff. I get the impression the owner(s) really know books and are selective in their offerings. The prices are also very competitive with online markets.

Don't expect to find $0.10 paperback romance novels but if you're looking for a classic or something perhaps slightly rare definitely check this place out.

This is an excellent bookstore with a superb collection of rare books in very good condition and at reasonable prices. I do not know of a better rare-book store in NC (McAllister & Solomon in Wilmington is another good one). I have always found the staff to be extremely knowledgeable, polite, helpful, and professional.

The Captain's Bookshelf in Asheville NC is one of the cities prized gems. The owners and staff are some of the nicest, most helpful, knowledgeable folks I have ever encountered in a retail store. They have an extensive, gorgeous selection of used books. If you are looking for art books, look no further! They also have a fantastic selection of old and rare books. I noticed on some the reviews below, the "bad" reviews" they are anonymous--which reeks of internet trolls to me.

My husband and I absolutely love to collect old and unique books. So where else would we go than here? This place has is overwhelming with the amount and types of books they have here! You can easily spend hours looking at the rare and unique collections they have here. Really neat place to check out for sure!

The name suggests that this store might only sell maritime literature. Not so! It is actually the best bookstore in Asheville, and one of the better bookstores I have been to anywhere. Well stocked, thoughtfully curated, well organized, and has a good mixture of rare books and clean reading copies.

I love this place. They have the best selection of old familiar books in addition to new ones that beg to be read.
The staff is really helpful in explaining the general layout of the store. They even helped me find my phone when I had misplaced it amongst the shelves.
Will definitely be coming back.

Tragic to know this place is closing. Cute gem with nice variety of books, including larger formats. Impressive selection of cooking books. We spent more there than we had planned. The sale prices had us hooked.

I am extremely sad to see it go. The owner's were fantastic people with a wealth of knowledge. I'm glad I got to visit the location one more time - I wish everyone the very best going forward. The selection has always been strange and awesome and just perfect. Thanks for everything.

I'm sure there was a lot more to see in this store, but I spent the majority of my time reading through a book on the different views scene from the overlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Still a very pleasant and comfortable store to chill out in

Captain's is a classic used and rare bookstore. Major strengths are American history, Art, literature, poetry and music. Holds it own in other genres. A must visit for Thomas Wolfe and Black Mountain collectors.

Love this bookstore! I stop by every time I am in Asheville. Great selection of classic fiction, poetry, natural history, Greek and Latin classics, and much more.

The best book shop in North Carolina. There isn't a close second. The stock is first rate. The staff is professional, laid back and friendly; engage them and learn.

Fantastic selection of used books. Extensive art, philosophy and poetry sections. Many rare and signed books by prominent authors, incl Pat Conroy, Carl Sandburgand many others.

Great used book store with lots of rare items as well. Very friendly staff. Found a few nice gems and will be back

This guy knows books! He knew of every book I asked about and had a wonderful collection of first editions, signed and antiquarian. Gave me a great deal on a Gustave Dore.

A wonderful little book store, excellent selection of used books and reasonable prices on most. Books from at least back to the 1800s.