Proprietor Ken Gloss

Proprietor Ken Gloss

The Brattle Book Shop, founded in the Cornhill section of Boston in 1825, has been in the hands of the Gloss Family since 1949. Over the years George and his son Kenneth built this shop into one of the largest antiquarian book shops in the country.

Housed in a three-story building in the heart of Downtown Boston, The Brattle Book Shop carries an impressive stock of over 250,000 books, maps, prints, postcards and ephemeral items in all subjects. In addition to its general used and out-of-print stock, The Brattle Book Shop also maintains an inventory of first editions, collectibles and fine leather bindings in its rare book room.

Ken Gloss is the current proprietor of The Brattle Book Shop. He is a past President of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America’s New England Chapter. 

The Brattle Book Shop Circa 1950

The Brattle Book Shop Circa 1950

Ken Gloss appraises books and libraries for Harvard, Boston University, Boston College, Northeastern, Simmons, Suffolk, Tufts, Babson, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, the FBI and others. He lectures on the antiquarian book field to library groups, historical societies and other book-interested groups throughout the New England area.

George and his son Ken

George and his son Ken

Appearing on numerous local and national television (including Antiques Roadshow) and radio programs, Ken is often featured talking about books and their values. He also has written many articles on appraising books, book collecting and selling. Ken gives frequent talks on the topic of old and rare books, with appearances scheduled in and around the Boston metro area. To learn more about Ken's talks and to see his upcoming schedule click here. You never know what treasures might be in your own attic!