This black-and-white historical photo captures the storefront of the Black Jack Exotic Book Store on West 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenue, a vivid snapshot of old Times Square street life. Bold signage advertises “paperbacks,” “films,” “peepshow,” and “magazines,” with the address “210 West 42nd St.” visible on the marquee above the entrance.
Hand-drawn window art and oversized lettering fill the facade, creating a loud, attention-grabbing look that defined this stretch of 42nd Street for years. A passerby stands in front, partly obscuring the lower window, adding a human moment to the gritty sidewalk scene and emphasizing the everyday bustle around these shops.
As the title notes, adult bookstores like this were rampant in the 1970s, making this image an evocative piece of New York City history and a reminder of how much the Times Square area has changed. For readers interested in vintage NYC photos, 1970s Manhattan, and the evolving culture of 42nd Street, this storefront detail offers a striking, era-specific glimpse into the past.