Magus

Magus, a Udistrict staple, takes the cake for the best foreign language section hands down. Not only do they have a great selection of foreign language reference but they have more used foreign literature than all of the other used bookstores in Seattle combined. I have no idea who they buy from but they are always getting new stock in French, German, Japanese and other Asian and European languages. The proximity to the UW gives Magus great English literature and philosophy sections with a high turnover; chances are if you don't see something they might have it as soon as the next week if you luck out. They have a pretty large hold shelf in front so do yourself a favor and call ahead if you are looking for something in specific but if you are just browsing Magus could take away an hour or so of your day so watch out! more

Magus is an independent used bookstore about a block south of University Book Store and around the corner. Their wide selection includes a larger music section than any other bookstore, new or used, out of dozens I’ve tried, not just in Seattle but also in the Bay Area—with very affordable prices on their orchestral scores. The staff of Magus is good enough to let you alone to shop, but very pleasant when you need to talk to them. Though they only buy until 3 p.m., and on limited days, they pay about three times what Half-Price does, and in fact more than any other bookstore I’ve shopped at in Seattle or the Bay Area. Highly recommended. more

This independent used bookstore pays more for books than any other that my husband and I have tried in Seattle or the Bay Area. Whereas Half Price only pays about 6% of cover price (or, at most, 10%), Magus typically gives 1/6th, or 16.6%. Not only are they extraordinarily fair, but they have a great store, with an especially wide selection of musical scores. more

There are probably used bookstores that have lower prices out there. But, I like Magus for it's location and for it's good selection of used kids' books. Plus, it is near some good pho restaurants! more

I love Magus Books. Many a time have I wandered by, perused the 25 cent - $1 books and found an interesting one. They also do a better job than any bookstore I know of putting interesting titles in the window, so I think that with that and the bargain books, they get people in the door pretty easily. It's not just a cheap lure though; they have a great selection inside, including a large Russian literature collection and a lot of Pacific Northwest and travel books. Prices are generally reasonable and it's fun just to browse (as can be said for most used bookstores!). more

This used bookstore by the University of Washington has enough intriguing finds to keep me coming back for more. The philosophy and literature sections are especially big and prices are on average pretty good. For instance I recently purchased a Gunter Grass novel that looked brand new for eight dollars (i originally retailed for 16 dollars). They also sell older and more rare volumes. Magus customer service is very good and they buy books in exchange for credit. more

If you had thought about supporting a used local bookstore this would be the one. This store sees a lot of traffic from UW students and it shows on the shelves. The selection here is a bit hit and miss but that is part of the fun at a used bookstore-the thrill of discovery. This store is particularly strong in the humanities and science fiction. Magus also has good customer service and will help you to locate a specific title. The bookstore is rather small and the prices are a little higher than I would like them to be, but I would rather pay a little more for my used book than shop at Barnes and Nobel. more

NOTE: This is not a textbook store. Magus Books always has an eclectic selection of used paperbacks in the front display window, often on scholarly or historical subjects. In the spring and summer there’s often a discount cart out on the sidewalk, meriting a quick perusal as you walk to class or about your business in the University District. Step inside and browse the narrow stacks of used books on esoteric subjects, or just enjoy listening to the banter of the patrons and employees. It’s everything you could want in a college district bookstore. more

All-in-all Magus is probably my favorite bookstore anywhere. It's not huge which is what makes the selection they do have even more impressive. I actually like it better than any of the big stores I've been to like Powells. They have a particularly good selection of academic and foreign language books. I continuously find interesting books here. more

The Magus, right next to the UW campus, is Seattle's best (tho smaller) approximation of Powell's Bookstore down in Portland. more