Buxton Books: A True-Life Love Story

The story behind the creation of Buxton Books is the epitome of a romance novel. Charleston natives Polly and Julian Buxton left their coastal hometown separately as young adults, only to reconnect in midlife. While on a second date, Polly revealed her dream of one day owning a bookstore in downtown Charleston, undaunted by the reality of modern bookstore ownership. She remembers describing her feelings: “I’m too old to be failing at something and be poor!” Two years later, Julian called her out of the blue and said, “I’m standing in your bookstore.”

Today, Buxton Books is integrally woven into the Charleston community, reflected in part by its partnership with the Charleston Library Society–the oldest cultural institution in the South with 275 years of being a circulating library. “We are proud of our long-term relationship with CLS and our location is in the same building. In support of their programming, we integrate their author events as a part of our mission to be a community bookstore,” says Buxton.

Polly credits Julian for his support in empowering her dream. “When we planted these seeds, we weren’t sure if it would be a garden or an orchard. After ten years, it’s no longer an experiment. We are firmly rooted in the culture and community of Charleston.”

Beyondish had the pleasure of getting a bit of the local lowdown from Polly in its “Ask a Bookstore Owner” series.

Must-know breakfast spot in town? And your go-to dish on the menu?

My favorite is Harken, for coffee and the ricotta scone. I love the people and staff, but sometimes I need a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, which I get at Millers All Day. Sadly, you can only get the breakfast sandwich in the morning.

Best book to bring along for dining solo? I like to read short stories. Last time I dined alone I thought it was funny that I was reading “Table for Two” by Amor Towles.

Local writer everyone must discover? Josephine Humphreys! I’m a huge fan. I read her as a teenager. Her books include “Rich In Love,” which was made into a film starring Albert Finney and parts were shot in our back yard. And “No Where Else on Earth.” Such great characters and sense of place.

Favorite chef memoir or cookbook? Emily Meggett, author of “Gullah Geechee Home Cooking.” I loved Emily. I have such fond memories of driving out to her home on Edisto Island to sign her books. Our talks often focused on life, love and faith. She would ask if we were almost done signing so she could cook. I remember one time she made pecan waffles and I was grinding the pecans in a mortar and pestle. She taught me how to make real southern fried chicken and her tips included why it was so important to shake the chicken in flour in a paper bag. She shared beautiful stories of the wonderful low country we call home.

Signature cocktail to accompany the consumption of literature? I happen to really like a bourbon drink, so mine would be a Manhattan, or a southern interpretation of a Manhattan.

Anne Tyler wanders into your shop. Where would you send her for dinner? I think Chez Nous. The sophistication of the food, yet the ambience of the warm brick interior makes it intimate.

William Faulkner strolls in a moment later. Where would you send him? We could just walk around the corner to Husk. It’s a brick walled bar upstairs. We would drink Manhattans. Interestingly, my grandfather was friends with the Faulkners. He went to Columbia University. They say Malcolm Faulkner moved to Charleston as influenced by my grandparents.

Favorite book for a 3-hour airport delay? Whatever I’m reading! Or Shelley Read’s “Go As A River.”A historical fiction novel set in 1940’s Colorado which explores themes of love, loss and resilience.

The one dining experience in Charleston no one should miss. Everyone should enjoy a true Charleston Oyster Roast! If you are ever invited to one, go. It is all things community. It’s celebratory, casual and it is truly the taste of the low country. If done right there is nothing like it.

If you could dine with any author, living or dead, who would that be? Maya Angelou. I could listen to her all day. And Madeline L’Engle, author of “A Wrinkle in Time.” I loved her books as a young girl and felt a deep connection to her as we both attended Ashley Hall, here in Charleston.