Centuries & Sleuths: A Standout for 20 Years

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In 1990, Augie Alesky surveyed the residents of Illinois' Oak Park and River Forest communities about their reading and book-buying habits. He wanted to open a history, mystery, and biography bookstore, and when those topics ranked high, Alesky "had the justification I was looking for to go ahead." He founded Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, whichmarks its 20th anniversary November 3, and he's celebrating all spring, summer, and fall with author signing, panel discussions, and a "Meeting of the Minds."

"We've always specialized in history, mystery, and biography," said Alesky. The 1,500-square-foot store has nearly 11,000 titles and was named by the Chicago Tribune as one of Chicago's 10 Best Bookstores.

Throughout its two decades, Centuries & Sleuths has run a busy events calendar, featuring writing group meetings, discussion groups, mock trials, and author signings. Among the standouts, Alesky said, "We've had Steve Allen here twice, Sir Peter Ustinov, Sen. Paul Simon of Illinois, Sara Paretsky, Ian Rankin, Anne Perry, Andrew Vachss." The store's first major event was a trial of Richard III. "The store was packed. We had two real lawyers and a Federal Court Judge the Honorable Judge Eugene Widoff," Alesky explained.

Events planned for the Centuries & Sleuths yearlong anniversary celebration include a June presentation of a diorama commemorating the 195th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. In September, the store will host more than 30 authors, including Barbara D'Amato (A Cat Marsala Mystery, Wheeler), Mark Richard Zubro (A Tom and Scott Mystery, Minotaur), and Raymond Benson (James Bond: Choice of Weapons, Pegasus).

In late October, Centuries and Sleuths will also present a "Meeting of Minds" event based on the eponymous Steve Allen 1970s PBS show. A moderator will host a discussion between actors portraying Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Marcus Garvey.

In the drawing up his original business plan Alesky "put together concepts that would make my store stand-out from all others," he said. "Well, through the help of my family, friends and customers many of these hopes and plans have become a reality. And although some may say 'the rest is history…,' there are still more things to do and plans to fulfill." --Karen Schechner