(206) 634-3453
4411 Wallingford Ave N Ste A
Seattle,
WA
98103
47.6605
-122.3364
Neighborhoods: Lake Union, Wallingford
Wide World Books & Maps
Last updated 7.10.09
What People Are Saying About Wide World Books & Maps
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – For nearly three decades this unassuming, independent Wallingford bookshop has quietly launched grand international tours, domestic pilgrimages and armchair adventures. Globes, maps, language tapes and books--especially Lonely Planet and Rough guides--emphasize multi-cultural, eco-sensitive, off-the-beaten-path travel. Essential accessories like Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, waist-safe travel pouches and a sleep sheet for two round out the selection. Classic works by Bruce Chatwin, Paul Theroux and others provide ample reason to stay home and read about travel instead.
Interesting Store, Rude Staff
by alexis259 at Citysearch
I purchased a few items from this store and ending up having to make a return. When I made the return the woman who helped was sarcastic and rude about the whole thing. I won't be shopping at Wide World Books & Maps again, the staff is pretentious and rude.
- Pros: Some interesting merchandise for travels
- Cons: Expensive, staff is rude, returns/exchanges difficult
Wide World Books and Maps
by vt87 at Citysearch
If you are planning a trip, this is the place to go. You can always find an appropriate book, or a helpful item to take with you. In addition, the staff is amazing -- they are travelers themselves, and often have helpful information to share. The events at the store are also wonderfully informative and well-organized.
- Cons: helpful staff, great selection
AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!!
by shovliga at Citysearch
I really want to love this place, I always support independently owned stores, my husband and I often travel and my best girlfriend is an avid reader of travel journals. Instead of being a devoted, frequent customer, I'll never give them my business again. I walked up to the shop about three weeks ago to find a few books for a trip my husband and I are planning. While I was in the store I sat down and thumbed through a few guide books. After about 10 minutes I heard the two clerks talking rather critically about a patron who had just left the store. About her 'smell' and odd behaviour - not exactly professional or kind and that was my first clue. About 10 minutes later, one of these clerks told me that what I was doing, looking through guide books, was unwelcomed. She talked to me with such a condescending attitude, edge and smugness that I was literally rendered speechless! She all but told me to either buy something or get out - and in my experience, one of the joys of a bookstore, is simply looking around and spending time perusing the merchandise. She literally acted like I was an unwelcomed guest in her home who just broke something, I'm sure you know the type! There are so many wonderful, well-run bookstores that give you a sincere sense of community, please support them and DO NOT give your business to Wide World Books, they don't deserve you!!!!
- Pros: None
- Cons: Terrible, condescending attitude toward their cusomers
The Details on Wide World Books & Maps
Know Before You Go:
Snap your passport photo and buy your Eurrailpass along with the latest Rick Steves Euro guide.
When to Go:
Let in-store readings and presentations by authors and seasoned road warriors kindle your wanderlust between adventures.
Category:
Mantels, Luggage & Leather Goods, Office Supplies, Bookstores, Publishing
Payment Methods:
Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Debit Card







Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter