Today we’re looking at two classic American magazines: TIME and LIFE. Published weekly for most of the 20th century, these sister periodicals offer complementary perspectives on the biggest stories of the era, with LIFE’s vivid photojournalism bringing immediacy and emotional resonance to TIME’s in-depth reporting. They’ve always been popular items at the shop, but while past collectors sought out issues that commemorated special events or milestone dates from their own lives, a younger generation of readers are embracing these magazines for the design language they helped define—as archives of iconic mid-century modern fashion, architecture, typography, and consumer goods. Explore the way that objects slip from personal nostalgia into cultural history as time and life march irrevocably forward on this new-for-now #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #240 - Ebony Magazine
Today we’re flipping through some fresh arrivals to the shop: issues of Ebony magazine from the 1970s. In print from 1945 to 2019 (and still published online), Ebony documented mid-century Black life in the United States with the same upbeat and aspirational tone that mainstream magazines once reserved for white America. From glossy fashion spreads and celebrity profiles to coverage of politics, civil rights, and everyday life, Ebony built a vivid visual record of a rapidly changing country. Today, Ebony offers a rich and fascinating archive of the African American experience, along with a quietly radical reminder that Black people’s lives were always worthy of glamour, curiosity, and cultural memory.
Brattlecast #223 - So You Want to Own a Book Store
To many people, owning a small book shop seems like a dream job—it’s right up there with the cute neighborhood restaurant and the cozy Vermont inn. Unfortunately, like these other idealized occupations, the reality is usually a lot of hard work and uncertain remuneration. We’re often asked for advice about opening a book store, which is somewhat ironic since Ken’s father started the Brattle with little business experience and no money, but, if you’re really interested, this is the episode for you. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of selling new versus used books, rare book schools where you can network and learn the tricks of the trade, and even some alternative career options for people who love books but who might not love working with the public. Get set for a new life of literary ambiance, eccentric customers, and twelve-hour days on this career-minded new #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #213 - A Sci-Fi Collection
In today’s episode we’re talking about some out-of-this-world new arrivals at the shop: about three truckloads of sci-fi. This collection includes classic novels by Ray Bradbury and Phillip K. Dick, pulp magazines, and signed Stephen Kings, but we’re really enjoying the vintage paperbacks, most of which feature very fun and far-out illustrated covers. We’ll also discuss the origins of the genre, its connections with ancient mythology, and the ways in which reality has—or hasn’t—caught up with science fiction on this stellar new #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #209 - Brattle Decorating Projects
Books aren’t just smart—they’re also good looking. In today’s episode, we’re talking about books as decor, and about some of our favorite decorating projects from over the years. Whether you’re designing a film set, high-end hotel bar, or model home, a curated collection of literature is an easy way to add personality and character to any setting. We’ll discuss the details of working with decorators—and the insulating properties of a big wall of volumes—on this stylish new #brattlecast.