E. Shaver Books

A Savannah Treasure for 50 Years

E. Shaver Books, Savannah’s oldest and most cherished independent bookstore, has been a locally owned and operated fixture for more than four decades. Housed in a historic 1843 building on Madison Square, the original shop offers seven cozy rooms filled with new fiction and nonfiction titles. Now, with a second location in the vibrant Starland District!

The stores place a special focus on local and regional subjects, including history, architecture, interior design, the arts, cooking, and gardening. Its inviting children’s room is a favorite among both kids and the young at heart.

The store’s perennial bestseller is Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the true crime classic that inspired Clint Eastwood’s 1997 film adaptation, shot right here in Savannah. E. Shaver has sold thousands of copies of John Berendt’s iconic book.

Guests are also welcomed by a delightful team of feline residents: Mr. Eliot, Bartleby, Skimbleshanks, and Morticia. “They’re all rescues, and we adore them,” says co-owner Jessica Osborne. “They carry on the proud tradition of bookstore cats and take their roles quite seriously.”

Be sure to browse the staff favorites section, where employees share handwritten notes about the books that inspire them. Current picks include:

Fiction:

• A Tender Age by Chang-Rae Lee

• Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

• Black Bag by Luke Kenard

Nonfiction:

• Girl on Girl by Sophie Gilbert

• Strangers by Belle Burden

• Famesick by Lena Dunham

Children’s:

• The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly

• The Ginghams by T.C. Kemper

• Casting April by Wendy Lu

Cat’s Pick:

• Bookshop Cats by Daphne Du Meowier

Cookbooks:

• Something from Nothing by Alison Roman

• Madaq by Narcissi Benkabbou

• Nothing Matters But Delicious by Greg Baxtrom

E. Shaver also hosts frequent author signings and a wide variety of book clubs. You can check the store’s website for club schedules and current reads.

“We aim to be a cozy, inviting space for everyone who loves books,” Osborne adds.

Looking for something hard to find or not currently in stock? Just ask! The friendly staff will gladly help track it down or place a special order for you.

Enjoy Savannah and tell them we sent you!