Parnassus Book Service

Specialties

We are a family-​run, general book store selling new and old (often rare) books in a wide range of subjects, inculding American history, Maritime history, art, antiques, local Cape history, architecture, Latin America and the orient.

We have new and used fiction and literature, a full wall of biographies, three walls of poetry and a varied collection of children’s books and literature.

The history sections include local Cape history as well as American, European, Asian and Latin American topics.

Our famous outdoor bookstall (open 24 hours, please leave the money under the door) has plenty of low-​priced bargains to offer.

History

Established in 1956.

When Ben and Ruth Muse moved their mail-​order service from New York to Cape Cod in 1956, they moved first to Sherman Square in Hyannis. They remained there for four years before moving into 19^th century three-​story building in Yarmouth­port that has been the home of Parnassus Book Service ever since.

Known as Knowles General Store and built in the early 1800s, the building housed a general store for many years. In fact, during the early years of the book store, a number of customers and the curious would come in to inform us where the pickle barrel was located or where the candy counter was hidden.

Our family have run a general book store selling new and old (often rare) books as well as issuing specialty catalogs on a variety of subjects: Americana, Latin America, Maritime, Art, the Orient and a variety of other subjects. Over the years we have been ably assisted by children, grandchildren and cousins, as well as Isobel Grassie, Lilian Dykstra and Paul Noonan among others.

Meet the Business Owner

Sarah R.

Business Owner

Sarah took over management of the store when we inherited the store from our father, Ben Muse, in 2012. She’d been working there for twenty years prior to this, and like all of the Muse children grew up among its shelves. She’s got a special passion for fine bindings and children’s literature. She runs the store now with her brothers & co-​owners, Bill and Eben, ably assisted by a third brother Charlie.

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