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Faulkner House Books

A literary sanctuary in the French Quarter, this bookstore occupies the 1837 townhouse where William Faulkner completed his first novel, Soldiers’ Pay, during the 1920s.

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Faulkner House Books
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What is Faulkner House Books known for?

Faulkner House Books is a sanctuary for fine literature and rare editions, specializing in books by and about William Faulkner, as well as works by other Southern writers like Eudora Welty and Flannery O’Connor.

Where is Faulkner House Books located?

The shop is located at 624 Pirates Alley in New Orleans' French Quarter, just off Jackson Square, behind the Cabildo and opposite St. Louis Cathedral’s rear garden.

What are the hours for Faulkner House Books?

The store is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except during Mardi Gras.

Is the house itself open for viewing?

The house is primarily a private residence and is not open for viewing; however, visitors can enter the bookstore on the ground floor.

Why is the location of Faulkner House Books significant?

The bookstore occupies a townhouse built in 1837 that was home to William Faulkner in the 1920s, where he completed his first novel, Soldiers’ Pay. The site has been declared a national literary landmark.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Faulkner House Books is a specialized bookstore located at 624 Pirates Alley in a townhouse built in 1837. Founded in 1988 by attorney Joseph J. DeSalvo Jr. and his wife Rosemary James, the shop serves as a sanctuary for fine literature and rare editions. The establishment officially opened its doors on September 25, 1990, a date chosen to honor William Faulkner’s birthday. The site is a significant literary landmark because the building was home to William Faulkner in the 1920s. It was within these walls that the author completed his first novel, Soldiers’ Pay. During his time here, Faulkner also contributed to the New Orleans literary journal Double Dealer. In recognition of this history, the house was designated a Literary Landmark on June 25, 1993. Today, the bookstore occupies the ground-floor room where Faulkner once lived and slept, while the upper three floors serve as a private residence for the owners. The shop specializes in Southern writers, including Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty, and Flannery O’Connor, alongside modern first editions and New Orleans literature. Located just off Jackson Square, the shop sits behind the Cabildo and opposite the rear garden of St. Louis Cathedral. Visitors can explore the collection and see the author's writing desk, which remains inside the store, bridging the gap between the building's residential past and its current role as a literary mecca.

Visitor tips

  • The store is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., though it closes during Mardi Gras.
  • While the bookstore is open to the public, the upper floors are a private residence and require prior arrangement to visit.
  • Look for the author's original writing desk located inside the shop.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, the shop is tucked away in the atmospheric Pirates Alley. It is positioned in close proximity to the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Cabildo and the St. Louis Cathedral.

Sources

Evidence and links