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This is a contributing entry for Beyond Stonewall: Lower Manhattan and Greenwich Village LGBTQIA History Driving Tour and only appears as part of that tour.Learn More.
The first bookstore dedicated to offering books and a space for gay and lesbian authors, the Oscar Wilde Bookshop was located here from 1973 until its closure in 2009. The store was not affiliated with Oscar Wilde, but owner Craig Rodwell chose this author owing to the playwright's fame in London as well as imprisonment and early death while in prison for the "crime" being gay. The store was located in a rowhouse that was constructed in 1827.

Tennessee Williams with owner Craig Rodwell and bookstore staff in front of the bookstore in 1976. Photo from the Craig Rodwell Papers, New York Public Library.

Tennessee Williams with owner Craig Rodwell and bookstore staff in front of the bookstore in 1976.  Photo from the Craig Rodwell Papers, New York Public Library.