Daedalus Books
Icarus may be one of the most infamous figures in Greek Mythology. The son of Daedalus is famously known for flying too close to the sun and losing his wings- exactly what his father Daedalus warned against. To understand the meaning behind Daedalus’s famous warning to his son, it must be understood first that Daedalus was a craftsman and an architect, building King Mino’s great labyrinth. He is a figure that embodies strength, skill, and wisdom. It was these qualities that King Minos saw and feared, locking Daedalus and his son in a tower as his prisoners. Daedalus built wings for himself and his son to escape, to regain their freedom. In context of Icarus’s infamous flight, there are many interpretations to be induced about freedom and will.
I mention the myth not only because of the bookstore’s name, but the relevance in offering “wings” to all who pass through. Books, literature, ideas are a path to freedom, a type of liberation of the mind.
Daedalus Books in Portland, Oregon is a local’s favorite, with special sections in history, philosophy, art, and even mythology.
Jeremy, the founder and owner of Daedalus Books began his career in graphic design. Around 1997 after losing his job and deciding his true passion was books, he started selling books out of his home. About three years later when his collection outgrew his living room, he opened up a bookstore on Belmont Street in Southeast Portland. In 2003 he and his wife moved to their current location on Flanders St. only a few miles from the Portland Japanese Garden. Daedalus Books has been on Flanders St. 16 1/2 years. Jeremy’s wife handles the bookkeeping, which includes a large inventory and online sales.
Jeremy says that the bookstore is run by its great employees. I agreed after speaking to Keaton many times on the phone when trying to reach Jeremy. It is a bookstore that attracts good people and a host of good writers- local and abroad. The bookstore’s collection has a focus on the humanities- philosophy, music, literature, history, and art. You may come to Daedalus Books for the classics, but you will find a whole host of titles outside of general interest. There are so many great gems and even obscure titles- like Jack Kerouac’s Tristessa which I found- that will change your mind about the book you want on a bestseller list. It was a pleasure to slowly browse each section and admire the large faces of art books lining the front counter.
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