In 1836, Albert Koch, an immigrant to St. Louis, opened a museum on the city's riverfront. Its boldest display was something he called the Missouri Leviathan, assembled from ancient bones he'd dug out of the muddy banks of the Mississippi and dwarfing the other prehistoric mammals known at the time. Using humble materials and big ideas, he created something truly grand—and fictional. More cautious scientists in later years realized he'd jammed multiple mastodon skeletons together.

Notwithstanding this minor error in judgment, Koch is an inspiration for the scope of his vision, his eagerness to please the public, and yes, his chutzpah. That's why we're rolling up our sleeves, using what we find, and creating something we know will be truly grand: Leviathan Bookstore, a brand-new, independently operated hub for readers in St. Louis. We're looking now for the perfect brick-and-mortar location. Let us know where you'd like to see us land!

Of course we’re on social media! We also author one of the best bookstore newsletters in the coutry, if we do say so ourselves. If you’d like to subscribe, give us your email (which we will never sell or share) below.

While we love seeing our customers in person, we know that’s not always possible. Sometimes you get an impulse to buy a book in the middle of the night, and sometimes you just want to stay in your pajamas all day. Luckily, we can send most any title you want straight to your home.

All you have to do is order from our affliliate page on Bookshop.org, where you can find our recommendations as well as make discoveries of your own. You’re only a click or two away from your new favorite read!