I’ve been gone a while but there used to be a shop called, I think, Common Concerns in Dupont Circle that had a good selection of leftist books, t-shirts etc. Does anybody know if it’s changed its name or is it just gone now (I can’t find it on the web or in the phone book). And if it’s gone, can someone recommend a suitable alternative? Preferably in the city, but a short walk from a suburban Metro will do.
(I assume leftist bookshops aren’t illegal in DC … yet 
)
No, the feds are trying but Mayor Williams has 'em stymied. He’s threatening to start exploding manhole covers near the White House again.
There’s always Politics and Prose up near the Uptown Theatre. Not exclusively lefty but they lean that way.
Looks like it’s gone
As I suspected, astro
JC, Politics & Prose appears to be just down the street from me so I’ll check it out, thanks!
Wait a minute… ruadh, you’re in DC now?? I thought you were still in Ireland. What’s the scoop?
And when you go to P&P, look up Virginia Harabin and tell her Jeff Skinner sent you. 
If you’re looking for leftist bookstores, try Pathfinder–it used to be at Florida & 18th but now it’s on 14th St (a little north of Columbia Heights–not quite sure of the cross-street).
The bookstore you named must’ve been gone for a while–I’ve lived in the city for four years and never heard of it. Off the top of my head, the bookstores we’ve recently lost in DC have been Old Forest (Georgetown), Neil’s (Dupont Circle) and Atticus Books (U St; my former place of employment). The only bookstores in Dupont are Olsson’s, Books-A-Million (ugh), KramerBooks, Kulturas, and Second Story.
Olentzero, I’m just home visiting my parents for the holidays.
Just went to P&P and while it had quite a good selection, it wasn’t quite what I was looking for, so I’ll try Pathfinder next.
Pathfinder?! They still open??
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ruadh, if you’re still in town on the 10th, why not come downtown and join us for the Lunch Bunch?
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Yeah, they’re still open, but only on Saturdays and Sundays (note to self: call ahead before going to check out shops in Columbia Heights :smack: )
And thanks very much for the invite, but I leave on the 2nd.
Pathfinder’s been a sneaky devil to catch lately anyways - they’re the only party-affiliated bookstore in DC, which means they’re subject to whatever hours the SWP feels like operating it.
Might I suggest Haymarket Books? They’re only an on-line distributor and publisher, but if you’re looking for something along the lines of Pathfinder’s store I think you’d find this site to your liking.
What about The Left Bank? I did some shopping there on Monday for last minute x-mas gifts (although they don’t carry many books). You can always fall back on Kramers though, they have a slightly left leaning selection.
Mod’s note:
This is another borderline topic which could fit comfortably several places. Looks like you’re getting some good replies here, ruadh, but maybe the arty crowd over in Cafe Society could run with it too.
It’s not like people don’t skip merrily from forum to forum but since this is soooo bookish it seems like a good fit.
Movin’ in over to the Cafe.
TVeblen,
IMHO mod
Have to agree with Olentzero here, ruadh. If you can, go online, you’re going to get a better price and better selection, generally. The only thing is if you are going to be leaving soon, then you may not get the book in time.