Lost Horizon Bookstore

Owners: Jerry Jacobs and Angela Perko 

Founded: 1983

Lost Horizon is in the Upper Village of Montecito, a neighborhood bordering Santa Barbara and is almost exactly one mile off of the 101 freeway. Lost Horizon is more than a bookstore, it is also part of a fine art gallery. After moving to their new location on San Ysidro, Angela and Jerry Perko partnered with their friend Diane’s Fine Art gallery to create a collaborative space. When you first walk in, you might not notice the other half of the store, which is a small but prolific bookstore.

"In this world where the internet has made it easy to find what you are looking for, Lost Horizon Bookstore is a place to find the unexpected.”

THE STORY

In 1983 Jerry and Angela started Lost Horizon Bookstore on Anacapa street Santa Barbara where they ran their business for 35 years. They both loved books and Jerry had worked for a rare book dealer before then. On Anacapa, they sold antiquarian books as well as used books and a large assortment of paperbacks. Since moving, they have scaled down but still house a prolific selection of literature, art, and architecture books. Although the store’s personality has taken on a new dimension and they no longer carry paperbacks, their small shop has a select stock of books at all price ranges and subject matters. They also specialize in California Mission and Santa Barbara history. 

In collaboration with Stewart Fine Art Gallery, they made custom book shelves in order to share the space. This was one of the greatest structural features of the gallery- the beautiful art books running across the room parallel to the showcases. Even though they are separate businesses, they share space together and the combination has been a success among customers. It was definitely one of my favorite parts. One of the benefits that arises from the collaboration with the fine art gallery is the collection of graphics that are unusual for a bookstore: posters, maps, prints, and photographs.  

Angela remarked that Diane is a great art dealer and loves the work she purchases to sell, and the same can be said for Angela, whose combined passion for art and literature is reflected in the curation and the warmth of the space itself. Lost Horizon’s works of art as well as books on art provide a truly special experience. 

Having a business for 35 years in the same community, Angela says she has most enjoyed the customers whose enthusiasm for different subject matters has continually inspired her. The unwavering desire to learn new things is part of the magic of bookselling.

Lost Horizon has always been a general, but selective bookstore with interesting, relevant titles in good condition. Angela and Jerry first learned this style of bookselling in the late 70’s from a trade of books in Encinitas. While camping on the beach and buying books to read, they spoke to the old man running the trade of books and the one rule the man lived by was: "its not what you put on the shelf, its what you don’t put on the shelf.” Lost Horizon carries on this style of bookselling with neat and relevant selections that make it easy for people to find their gem. 

UNIQUE SECTIONS: 

Lost Horizon houses the greatest collection of rare titles of Santa Barbara and California Mission history. 

They have books on art & architecture, design & photography, fashion, vintage posters & original illustration, and even antique maps.

In addition to antiquarian and first editions books and beautiful leather bindings, they house Old California paintings, photographs, and other unique finds such as advertising pamphlets and real estate prospectives that are significant in Santa Barbara history. They also have historical photographs and paintings including California impressionists.

Browse their collections and stay up to date with local events:

Website: https://www.losthorizonbooks.com/

 

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