50 Watts Books

“If you're ever in Philly check out this bookstore. They focus on visually-striking and unusual books from around the world, incredible art books and artists’ books, surreal picture books, graphic design icons, underground comics, risograph zines, Writers No One Reads, deep backlist finds, odd vintage arcana, and funky gift books, prints, and ephemera. Expect to find lots of publications from Japan and Europe.”

“In the internet of long ago (ca. 2007), I (like many others) became entranced by a blog/site/compendium of visual wonders called but does it float. This led me to a brilliant + enigmatic blog of obscure + fabulous images called A Journey Around My Skull, later renamed 50 Watts—the creation of Will Schofield, who was also an editor/contributor to but does it float. When 50 Watts moved from sharing images to selling and publishing a selection of books in early 2021, it was basically my personal dream come true, ha. People say all the time that this person or that person has great taste, but Will has extraordinary taste and every book in his list is worth a close look. In 2024, he opened an actual shop in Chestnut Hill, and I cheered from afar; hope to get there soon one of these days, but even if you can only shop online, it is terrific.”

“They have novels and such but the real standout here is their selection of prints, many of which they’ve collected into their own releases. Tucked away in one of Philly’s cutest neighborhoods, you can find surreal children’s books next to Japanese frog prints next to risograph zines. (If you know the 50 watts tumblr yes this is the same people, and you will love it)”

“This is my favorite bookstore in Philly. Just off the main drag of Germantown Ave in leafy Chestnut Hill, they specialize in “striking and unusual books from around the world,” including “art books and artists’ books, surreal picture books, graphic design icons, underground comics, risograph zines, Writers No One Reads, deep backlist finds, odd vintage arcana, and funky gift books, prints, and ephemera.” There’s also great children’s books. It’s small but the selection is expansive.”