Sadly, Faulkner House Books lost its founding father over the holidays. Joe DaSalvo, who opened our little bookstore in 1988 with his wife, Rosemary James, died on December 30th at the age of 88. He was a gentleman and a friend, and he will be profoundly missed. With all the love in the world for books and the people who treasure them, he built this place. A place beloved and cherished by more people from more places than we ever imagined. The stories and well-wishes, the love and support we’ve received this past year, from customers new and old — it’s all a loving testament to Joe DaSalvo. 

The tour guides in Pirates’ Alley may talk of William Faulkner’s ghost showing up from time to time, visiting these rooms he once called home; but the abiding spirit of Faulkner House Books is, and always will be, Joe’s. 

Here’s a wonderful tribute to a wonderful life from The Advocate/Times-Picayune