The Last Page

In my Upper West Side neighborhood in New York, the latest in-spot is a bookstore. That a bookstore should have such drawing power says much about my neighbors. But it also says much about the bookstore—a new Barnes & Noble superstore.

In contrast to most large bookstores, which—with their wide aisles and glaring fluorescent lights—resemble supermarkets, the new Barnes & Noble is all understatement. It has soft green carpets, inset bookcases, brass light fixtures, and ins...