On the morning of February 1st, 1980, Ken Gloss receives the devastating news that the wooden 5-story building housing his livelihood is burning down. The losses are nigh incalculable, but what follows, fortunately, is a story of optimism, ingenuity, and of overwhelming camaraderie from the citizens of a city that just loves to read.
Brattlecast #9 - These Magazines are Giving Me Life
Life Magazine: a touchstone of American culture for nearly a century. In this episode, Ken Gloss provides some fascinating background on the enduring popularity of Life among amateur collectors, and the unique way its content, photography, and advertising captured the zeitgeist. Can you guess the magazine's rarest and most elusive cover?
Brattlecast #8 - Is That Gold in the Attic?
What do you do with all those books your family has accumulated? Ken discusses how to start the process of letting go. Hear how he goes out to houses everyday, but never knows what he'll find. And that includes anything from trained raccoons to live WWII ammo.
Brattlecast #7 - The Internet Is Such a Tool
Ken discusses the good, bad and surprising impact of the internet and the used book trade. Not all is lost to technology as he shares his ideas of browsing vs. surfing and why old isn't necessarily always gold.
Brattlecast #6 - A Day In The Life
The proprietor of the historic Brattle Book Shop takes Jordan Rich through a typical workday. It's not all stocking shelves as Ken Gloss rubs shoulders with titans of industry and meets interesting characters from all walks of life. Listen to some of Ken's favorite buys and some of the storied history of the shop, which sees everything from an original copy of the Declaration of Independence to a casual visit from actor Johnny Depp.