Katie Barringer says it’s okay to judge her books by their gorgeous covers—just don’t leave without leafing through a few first. The 32-year-old owner of the recently opened Cover Books curates volumes on art, food, and fashion, but also views the tomes themselves as art. “As a student, I couldn’t afford to buy art, but I could afford books. So they were my starter collection,” says the Pratt Institute alum. At the loft-like store, you’ll find limited-edition artist zines and niche-interest pubs (Four&Sons, Monocle), plus bookends and stationery. All line shelving designed at the Goat Farm, while an antique accordion-base table serves as a conversation piece—not that you’ll be in need of any topics. 1031 Marietta Street
Barringer’s must-have new books
Mina Stone: Cooking for Artists
Kiito-San, March 2015
“My friend Mina’s magnetic personality shines through in this collection of recipes, touted by art and food critics alike.”
Raymond Pettibon: Homo Americanus
David Zwirner Books, April 2016
“An ode to one of my favorite artists, this is the most extensive catalog of his work to date.”
Helmut Newton: Pages from the Glossies
Taschen, December 2015
“Find the best magazine work of fashion photographer Helmut Newton, with tons of iconic images.”
Photography credits: Pettibon: Courtesy of David Zwirner Books; Newton and Stone: Caroline C. Kilgore
This article originally appeared in our February 2016 issue under the headline “Fine Print.”
