A consequence of Harvard downsizing and book buyers' migration to Amazon

The brick-and-mortar bookstore's closure is a sign of the times, reflecting the University's downsizing and book sales' migration online.

The display room, 1966

The display room, 1966 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The 1993 drawings for the display room's new signage

The 1993 drawings for the display room's new signage | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1966

The display room, 1966 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1966

The display room, 1966 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1966

The display room, 1966 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1966

The display room, 1966 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1985

The display room, 1985 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1985

The display room, 1985 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1985

The display room, 1985 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1985

The display room, 1985 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

The display room, 1985

The display room, 1985 | Courtesy of Harvard University Display Room

Read about the closing in "Last Chapter," September-October 2009.

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