Rare Book Monthly
Articles - August - 2008 Issue
Cody's: Every Story Has An Ending
Cody's: the end
When downtown shoppers pass the southeast corner of Shattuck and Allston these days, they're apt to see unhappy-looking people with their noses pressed to the glass in the door of the storefront there. That's because the last stand of the fabled Cody's bookstore suddenly closed its doors a couple of weeks ago, leaving books on the shelves and signs announcing upcoming author talks in the windows. A combination of changes in the publishing industry and unsuccessful business decisions with accompanying debts prompted the current owner, a Japanese corporation, to withdraw funding from the enterprise."
The editorial goes on to explore some possibilities for saving Cody's but in the same issue there is a letter to the editor from Mr. Ross that suggests that bookstore romantics may need smelling salts:
"ROSS BIDS FAREWELL
Editors, Daily Planet:
On June 20 Cody's Books closed its doors forever. People will argue the causes of Cody's closing. But I have no doubts on this matter. Cody's was the victim of history.
But it is less significant how one dies than how one lived. In this respect, Cody's acquitted itself with honor and dignity. At the end of the day, when the record is written; it will be remembered that Cody's added immeasurably to the life of the mind; that it profoundly enriched peoples lives; that it gave back more than it took; and that it was obedient to its own ideals.
The doors close. The lights go out. The steadfast and courageous employees move on to new lives. Other book stores will come to serve Cody's customers. But there will always be a place in our hearts for Cody's. And it will serve as an inspiration for those who seek a better world.
Good bye, Cody's and good night. You have earned your rest.
Andy Ross
Former owner, Cody's Books"
Bookstores aren't only places, so closing their doors doesn't absolutely end their existence. The best of them are sublimated by history and experience from places with an address, lights and hours into a feeling that a lucky few have and never surrender. So when the Ayatollah Khomeini called for the death of Salman Rushdie for writing the book Satanic Verses and Cody's was firebombed for offering it the staff voted to keep on selling the book in spite of the risk. Many booksellers took it off their shelves. Cody's, who was attacked, kept right on selling.
All that said, unless there is life after death it seems Cody's won't be back but neither will their spirit so quickly depart.
