Daedalus, in contrast to the famous Powell's City of Books, is a gem. They are small, but quite selective when it comes to the quality of the literature they offer. To go a bit more into detail, l find that in Powell's, with all its multiple rooms and levels stuffed with truckloads of literature, most books are not a good quality read, many empty and meaningless, with unimportant message that's of no help if you want to make this world a better place. Same goes to most other book stores! Low quality literature clogs up the brain only to leave no mental resource to process what is really important in life... As if in an effort to shift the focus and distract us from what truly matters in life to what does not. This is why l prefer small Daedalus. I always leave the store with books. In contrast, l get books in Powell's and other book stores only about 10% of the time, and l always feel overwhelmed and drained by the search.

the bookstore is in possession of many rare, fine and esoteric books, in addition to first edition poetry, occult, obscure philosophy and academic texts. The owner has an uncanny knack for discerning a buyer's taste and pointing toward a book, or series of books, they didn't realize existed. The owner also has a very rich collection of arcane occult, hermetic, alchemic and academic books which he keeps in his personal library. The prices for used books are often reasonable and the rare and collectible books are offered at market value. The customer service is erudite, par none. This bookstore has the best offering for philosophers, students of history and the arcane as well as academics and laypeople researching any variety of subject, be it medicinal, theological or political, etc.

My husband and I went to Daedalus today, and were disappointed. In addition to shockingly high prices (this is coming from someone who is going book-buying in Paris soon, and so I'm willing to pay good money when a book is worth the $$), all I found were fairly new books with a few books from the mid 20th century mixed in. I couldn't find any of the books they have listed on ABE. I'll give it another try in another month or so, and will update if I decide upon re-evaluation that it's worth more stars. A lack of update means no. But I'm going to hope since I'd like to see sales diverted from B&N and Amazon and into smaller local shops

I’ve been enjoying this slightly hidden treasure (just around the corner from Ken’s Bakery) for so long, I just wanna say how much I appreciate the selection of books, the new-and-used bookstore atmosphere and especially the staff! FWIW, when looking for a book, I try Daedalus first, then Powell’s, and Amazon only as needed. Do I worry that my behavior might undermine Amazon’s galactic grasp? Sure, but when I do, I try to remember that we were once able to live without Amazon, and should the need arise perhaps we’ll all figure out how to get to and from various businesses all over again…

A really wonderful place. I love this bookstore in my neighborhood. Perhaps one of the last very few real bookstores around, the carpets, the music barely playing , the longstanding owners and the peace to browse as long as you like. I come here to find what I didn't even know what I was looking for, the things I find are the ones I didn't know the titles to before I met them here. Please support this lovely place. Thank you for all the times I found what I needed, in every way.

Today, I visited this incredible bookstore for the first time. This place is extremely well-stocked, and I was amazed at the quality of their books. This is a place to find a wealth of fiction alongside high-quality literature in the realms of history, sociology, theology, and more. The owner was clearly very knowledgeable, and he was even kind enough to let me look in the backstock area for a specific book. Had a great experience here and will definitely be back.

Wonderful collection! Books you'll not readily find at the chains or other large stores. The space is cozy and a sm couch to review a book or two places you near a window smack dab in the middle of a book aisle! Fun assortment of weird, unusual and fantastic books displayed on front counter. The staff are more then friendly and welcoming, happy to discuss the displays and or help with ANY title request! Rare! Appreciated!

Wow. I was there 5 minutes and had four books I craved. I had to walk away before exploring more because it is that kind of bookstore. The kind that leaves me lugging tons of books home. Compare that to Powell City Books: I was there half an hour and so overwhelmed I almost cried. Smaller bookstores have better books. Learn from my story, book needs.

This is a small, well stocked bookstore with very helpful staff. No one rushes you but it's nice to have someone come up just to be helpful with no pressure. I needed books for 7 yr old girls that can't read. Books were brought from the stacks of the store, plus I was pointed to the right place to look in the store. I highly recommend this store.

Very cool little bookshop. Staff is friendly and helpful. The man working the counter suggested several books and even gave me details on another bookstore to check out for finding a book about the old west. A great asset to the neighborhood.

Randomly finding this place on one of my usual walks was very pleasant. The atmosphere is inviting. It is quiet, cool, and tucked away enough that you can't hear any hubbub from outside. I will be coming back with a list of books to pick up!

This is one of the BEST bookstores in the city. I found everything I was looking for and then some. ☺️ The selection here is better than the OTHER big bookstore in Portland, in my opinion. Especially when it comes to used books. 10/10!

Interesting little bookstore. Unfortunately, I did not get to spend too much time in there. This is the kind of place that I would love to spend hours in just looking for intriguing and rare books.

Highly recommended -- Daedalus has especially solid collections of philosophy / theology / poetry, plenty of rare editions, plus a sale section ($5 books) with surprisingly high-quality selections.

Staff was happy to help and I got to replace the Calvin and Hobbes books that were stolen from me! The didn't have a few books I was looking for, but it's a used book store, what can you expect?

Not the antiquarian bookstore it used to be... I travelled far to browse and was met with a very kind shopkeep. Luckily there was good food near by so it wasn't a wasted trip.

Recently made an online order from Daedalus and they were very responsive and went above and beyond to accommodate us. Thanks to Leah for all the help. Highly recommend them!

Great little bookstore with lots of both used and new books. Quiet, well organized, and always something interesting and unexpected on display. A book lover's dream.

One of my favorite used bookshops in Portland. Nicely curated selection plus you can pop over to Ken’s after and enjoy a croissant & coffee with your new book

Prices are very high, but definitely an excellent place to find nontraditional or esoteric texts that standard book retailers might not carry.

Tucked away book store off the main drag. A lot of art books and good graphic novel selection at cheap prices. Very relaxing and friendly

Unassuming but very well-stocked used bookstore with a great selection. My new favorite bookstore in Portland (looking at you Powell's)!

I visit bookstores all over the World. Dædalus always has some life-changing gem that I never even imagined.

Best book shop in Portland - philosophy, literature, art, esoterica, cool rare stuff... - check it out

Took me 11 years living in Portland to finally find this bookstore gem. Tammy is extremely helpful!

Wonderful bookshop, very strong in scholarly humanities books, and a nice walk of fiction as well.

Staff isn't that friendly, and all questions asked about stock were met with grumbles.

Cool little bookstore, but the real gem is the amazing back room.

Friendly staff, great collection of unique books from all over!

Always a great place to visit! Many awesome topics of books!

Stunning selection and epic staff to assist in selection.

Grem book selection and friendly, knowledgeable staff!

Well curated and organized little bookstore.

Jeremy is your go to book guy!

Small, but good hunting here

Great little used book shop.

best buyer in the business

Very helpful and kind.

Good picks