This isn't really a bookstore in the traditional sense, in that stores typically display items in some sort of organized, browsable fashion. This is more like a hoarders home in the guise of a bookstore. It smells like old books that haven't been moved or handled in years, musty but not in that "good old book" way, but in a "this paper is slowly decaying" way. About 5% of the books, roughly guessing, are displayed in such a way as to be identifiable. The rest are stacked spine inwards. You'd have to move piles of books one at a time and re-pile them in an adjacent space, except there is no adjacent space....there's literally a walkway wide enough for a person or two to stand in. There's no shelf labeling, no discernable sections or organizational system, there is, in short, no way to actually peruse the contents of this store. Tldr is that this is the worst bookstore I've ever been in.

This bookstore is absolutely crammed with books from floor to ceiling—I've never experienced anything like it. At first it may seem like a mess, but once you start looking closely at the authors and titles, you'll notice they are all meticulously organized. The selection is, of course, wonderful, and the prices are good. The charm is its only downside: it's really difficult to maneuver through the piles and sift through books. I didn't have the heart to poke around too much lest it all come down on my head. The owner is kind, knowledgeable, and can help you locate anything you may be looking for (he was even able to recall if he had the author I was looking for off the top of his head). If you have some spare time and are down for a slightly claustrophobic adventure, definitely pay a visit!

By the time I got to Arcadian, I have already visited four bookstores in the French Quarter. I was looking for a book which in used condition has become difficult to find. I stepped in and that was as far as I dared to go. When people use the word 'crammed' to describe this place, they aren't kidding. In a chair behind the door was a man (the owner?) and to him I addressed my inquiry. He got up, went into the labyrinth and came back with the book. The price was good and I bought it on the spot. I wish I could have explored the bookstore but that day I didn't have the time or the coordination to tackle it without causing an avalanche.

This place is the best for history and culture nerds. The owner is said to be off but he is a wise and reliable man. The place is tight and cluttered with so many books on Louisiana's culture, food, people, folklore, cajuns, history, creoles, Isleano's and anything about New Orleans. Think of it as a Harry Potter scene for books. It just fits well with the location and where is it at. I was able to get several books here and bring it back to add to the American French Geological Society in Woonsocket, Rhode Island to add to their Acadian and Louisiana records and collections. Glad I went here.

I don't know what it is about a dark, musty cramped room that make me feel at home? Maybe being Midwestern and hanging out in basements growing up? If you're at all claustrophobic, don't even. I half expected to find Yomiko Readman in the back corner. This place reminds me of a bookstore in Kalamazoo that's somehow bigger and equally cluttered. I could probably spend a lifetime just trying to look through everything. I'm like 2 doz books deep in a list I need to clear so I couldn't justify the time needed to dig through and find some random goodness.

Who is the guy sitting in the chair inside to the right of the door? Go and see what I’m talking about. Stacks of books? doesn’t begin to describe the floor to ceiling, back to front and most walkable spaces in between. Don’t put your phone or keys down. You’ll never find them. Novel setup to circulate air.... fan jammed between stacks of books. I think the piles are growing. Purchased 3 books just thinking he might need more space. Will return out of sheer fascination with this place. Go with 5 friends. I dare you.

A tiny shop crammed absolutely full of books, teetering in piles that loom over claustrophobic corridors. At first glance, everything seems chaotic and cluttered—a librarian’s nightmare, disordered, dusty—but as you dig, you begin to find that everything is organized. Forget finding specific books, or even authors; instead, let yourself follow the flow of the books, to look for something new and unexpected. When you do that, you’re guaranteed to find it.

This is a bookstore for book lovers seeking a bargain: the search is big part of the fun (there is an organization of sorts, with shelving and piles organized by genre). Russell was quite friendly and helpful - not getting upset when my youngest knocked over a stack (said happened all the time). I was able to score Beverley Nichols for only $20. My kids (ages 10 & 18) were enthralled with the search and each got several books.

I wish I had an entire month to comb through every book in every nook and cranny of this bookstore. I am a true bibliophile - and someone who is desperately working to someday be able to speak French - so this store is my heaven. The owner gave me a great deal on the lot of books I wound up purchasing. I hope to make another trip to NOLA, if for no other reason than to simply visit this store again.

I thought I was in heaven walking into so many books but ended up feeling overwhelmed. There are so many books just stacked everywhere and up to the ceiling. You have to turn sideways to walk thru. It seems dangerous. I bet there are some good books in there, but finding them would be difficult. Besides, I'm not paying full cover price for used books that he had then marked as.

This is it! This is the Valhalla for second hand book lovers. Be prepared to spend a good amount of time here. It’s not a pop in and out sort of shop! Lot’s of books on the history of Naw Orlins, especially from a French perspective! If you can’t find your subject of interest ask Russell the owner he will surely know. Oh, he speaks fluent French also. Très bien!

A local treasure. Many of the books were retail prices but if that keeps an independent open like this then I'm ok with that. It's sort of a treasure hunt to walk in this temple to books but be fleet of foot and nimble of course because the magically stacked books defy gravity and aisles are a winding maze of narrow twists and turns. Book seller is friendly and knowledgeable.

This is a true hidden gem. I love stopping in here whenever I'm in New Orleans. Even though it's in a heavily foot-trafficked area of the French Quarter, it always feels very quiet and intimate. I could (and have) spent hours in here, exploring the various nooks and crannies. Definitely recommend you add this as a stop when you're in the French Quarter!

This place was an absolute nightmare to try and browse through. The stacks are high and they do have tons of books, but there is no way you can look through anything without something fall down on you. Wish they'd clean it up so you can actually browse at all the books. I'm sure there are gems hiding in the stacks.

A bookstore straight out of a fantasy novel. Books stacked as high as possible, you would think magic is holding the stacks from falling over. Nice collection of old, rare maps, and signed copies of books about New Orleans architecture, food, gardens, history etc. Don't miss this great French Quarter treasure.

The place has a really nice and cozy bookworm paradise vibe to it. The guy (I don't know his name but he's a little older and speaks French) was really nice, too. Interesting choices, some books are cheaper than others so you have to look for them. Be careful when walking around or you'll knock something over!

This place was such a treat! If you love a great used bookstore and the treasures that can be found in them (en particulier des livres dans la langue française) then please don't pass this place up. Owner was great and knew exactly what he had and where it was. Highly recommend stopping in here!

This shop is a real gem. There are so many books to look at and a wide range of books to select from. There are really old books as well which was amazing to see. The prices are good. The man who owns the shop is really kind and knew instantly where to look for a specific book. Loved this shop.

Books to the ceiling. Broad bodies can't negotiate this place --precarious towers of books everywhere. Yet, you can see many thousands of titles; owner will lend you a light for spelunking; it's the world's largest game of jumbo jenga. You could be killed. No kidding. Still a GREAT adventure.

This place is so cool! It’s just a room piled with old books. While is may seem overwhelming at first, there is a loose system of organization that you pick up after browsing for a while. It was, as mentioned in other reviews, the only place in the French Quarter where I heard French spoken.

This place was too full! It was dangerous and impossible to actually see 85% of the books. If you are at all claustrophobic or afraid of being buried by a falling tower of books, stay outside. If the owner ever makes the place safe and the books able to be seen, I'd be willing to go back.

Lots of cool finds in here, but a bit difficult to maneuver and definitely requires digging. If you’re bothered by a lack of organization or cramped spaces, this might not be the spot for you. That said, my boyfriend and I spent probably an hour in here just exploring and had a nice time.

I found many random books and I wish I could grab a lot and somehow maneuver myself back to the front! You could spend hours looking through the shop! But definitely be careful. Narrow paths and tight corners. Stacks of books everywhere, books holding up book shelves, new and old.

I wish I had more time to check this place out and really appreciate it. In a combination of parking my car in a random spot, having to pee, and being extremely claustrophobic of maze-like places I don’t think I got my full experience. Still able to see what a gem this place was.

OMG this place is perfect for New Orleans and the Vieux Carré ! It is right out of a 19th century mystery novel. There are thousands of books in every nook and cranny and the proprietor knows where everything is!!! He is fun to talk to. If you like books, you have to visit!

This place is an absolute treasure trove of literary works!! Winding through the narrow passageways full of books is a magical experience! The owner was amazing and able to help you find anything you are looking for!! Definitely worth a stop when you are in beautiful NOLA!

This is neither cozy, nor quaint. Books are falling on your head from all directions. A complete disaster inside there. That'd be acceptable, if the owner was at least nice, but he's extremely rude, abrasive and arrogant. Not worth another three minutes of my time.

Wow this place is a treasure trove of information and history! I wish I had a year to browse this terrific collection of polyglot literature. Mr Russell Desmond is an interesting man with thorough knowledge of his collection and makes great recommendations

Such a fascinating bookstore with a maze of interesting books, prints and posters. Louisiana history, politics, even children's books. There's an entire section of books written in French. The owner speaks French and is very helpful to French tourists.

It’s a beautiful book store. Its nice to navigate through the store they have lot of good condition used book’s fairly priced. It’s close to the bourbon street. The owner is very helpful incase you can’t find something he will help you with it.

Very well organized once you understand the system. The man who worked there was very knowledgeable and helped me find two of my seven books. Good prices for a local bookstore. Definitely will go back if I ever have a chance to.

3.5 ⭐ Cool bookstore with its own type of charm but it also gave me anxiety. Very narrow walkways between the shelves and the stacks of books were so tall that I felt I couldn't pull a book out or everything would topple over.

If you're claustrophobic, you're going to have a bad time here. If not, then you just might find a treasure buried somewhere in the stacks. If you know what you're looking for, the owner can probably tell you where it is.

Wow. A book store for book people, not just another corporate location filled with the same things. You can find all sorts of special books and do it in an environment that will bring feelings. I really like this place.

Russell helped me get a few books I was interested in.Then I went back to get a few more. Very helpful and knowledgable.A full array of choices. I was interested in learning more after a couple of Tours. Thank you!!!

The owner speaks very good French and he knows a lot about NOLA. If you are searching for a book in French in New Orleans at reasonable prices - it's the place to go. Very few places left like that in Louisiana.

Awesome place to pop in--- is it going to disappear like Brigadoon? Is it the room of requirement? Check it out if you stumble down Orleans during your French quarter weekend- you will not be disappointed!

Easily the coolest bookstore I've ever been in. I always wind up getting a couple of really interesting books every time I come here. The gentleman who runs the store is really wonderful and helpful.

A beautiful, rustic space with quantities of books so large it’s hard to walk around in it. A wonderful collection of books about New Orleans, historical and cultural, English and French classics.

I love this book store. A throw back to my favorite part of travel... finding the used book stores. This place is packed and i mean packed with books. Feels great to just stop by and say hello

This place reminds me of a hoarder's closet rather than a store. Almost impossible to move around the store. Good luck finding something without a pile of disorganized books falling on you.

Super cool place. Now this bookstore does have narrow walkways and books stacked to the ceiling, but it’s an experience. This place is a gem and has a all kinds of novels!! Must see

If you're a lover of the scent of old books then this is your place! its crowded yet somehow they managed to categorize. Enjoy the musky couch and curl up with a pile of books.

It's like Campbell's soup. Condensed, feels like home and is good for you. It may be cramped but I can always find a special prize that I never knew I needed.

If you are a book lover, this is the place for you. The owner is extremely nice! Whenever you are in New Orleans, please stop by. You will not regret it!

I love bookstores...And this bookstore is very unique. I found 4 great books among the thousands of books in the store. I'll be back again very soon!

Bought a cookbook and the manager was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. I'm recommending for my friend to visit this place.

My absolute favorite bookstore ever. A must visit if you're in town. The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. I visit every year!!

Absolutely beautiful!!! A book lover’s fantasy. Stacked from top to bottom with books, the seller is also super nice. Highly recommend

A wide variety and great selections! Owner is very knowledgeable and can help you find whatever you need.

So unique and interesting! I’ve never seen another bookstore like it. The owner was very welcoming.

I love a lot of book stores, but used bookstores are my favorite and this is one is no exception,

Amazing store! You'll feel like you're in harry potter. It is hard to navigate, but worth the trip

Randal knows where everything is and knows his stuff! He's very helpful about local information.

Unforgettable unique book store! Cheap prices, great atmosphere. Owner is ncredibky friendly.

Could get lost in here for hours! One of the best bookshops I have been to.

They have a Faulkner box and a whole shelf dedicated to Napoleon

Probably one of the coolest book stores I've ever been to

Very unique place for book lovers

A little chaotic but very cool!