At the shop we encounter a wide range of book collectors—people with specialized and sometimes eccentric fields of interest, from esoteric wellness trends to pre-revolutionary Cuba. But how do these passions develop in the first place? In this episode, Ken draws on his own developing interest in Kenyan history to describe a self-reinforcing cycle: curiosity is sparked, reading follows, knowledge deepens, material accumulates, a collection takes shape—and, before you know it, you’re an East Africa guy. Join us for a look at how collectors are made, on this inquisitive and acquisitive new #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #172 - Emotional Attachments
What’s the hardest thing about buying used books? For Ken, it’s not coming to a monetary agreement with the seller, or even moving a large collection—it’s the sentimental bonds that readers form with their libraries. In today’s episode we talk about emotional factors that come up when we look at books: family disputes, estate dramas, and people who, deep in their hearts, aren’t ready to part with the books they’re trying to sell us. Plus, we lighten the mood with a story about Somerset Maugham’s bad friend. Listen for a lesson in bookseller psychology on this priceless #brattlecast.