Brattlecast #59 - Decorating with Books

In this episode Ken talks about a colleague and friend of the shop who has literally written the book on decorating with books. Thatcher Wine, of Juniper Books, designs curated personal libraries, some in custom dust jackets that can transform a wall of bookshelves into a stunning and dynamic mural. Thatcher has recently published a gorgeous book on his work, For the Love of Books, co-authored with Elizabeth Lane. Visit juniperbooks.com to learn more. Plus, we’ll talk about the history of decorating with books, from Downton Abbey to Caffe Nero.

Brattlecast #58 - Reading to Children

It’s one of the nicest parts of parenthood: reading to your kids! From Goodnight Moon 100 times to The Man in the Iron Mask, reading is a great way to spend time with your children, and to cultivate their lifelong love of literature. In this episode we talk bedtime stories, fairy tales, and Ken’s own adorable holiday reading tradition.

Brattlecast #57 - Shelf Preservation

So you're passing away. Time to start asking yourself the really important questions such as, 'What is going to happen to my library?' In this episode Ken shares tips and tricks for ensuring that your books don't become a burden to your loved ones after your demise. Plus, how do you care for your books well enough so they outlive you in the first place? There's not much that we can do to prevent our bodies from crumbling into dust but, given the right conditions, your books can still be in great shape hundreds of years from now. As John Updike said (in a book), 'All around us we are outlasted.'

Brattlecast # 56 - Let's Make a Deal!

On this episode Ken talks about haggling: are his shop’s prices flexible? Yes! Should you ask for a lower price on the book you're thinking of buying? Sometimes! What's the secret to talking your way into a great bargain? Be subtle, be nice, and, ideally, be a child whose early love of reading will later catapult you to the heights of success in a literary field. Plus, why Ken might pay you more for your books if you live on the first floor.

Brattlecast #55 - Casey at the Bat

From baseball tragedy to book shop treasure, we’re taking a look at the journey of Casey at the Bat. The poem, first printed in the San Francisco Examiner in 1888, was popularized in vaudeville, and, in 1901, published in the very valuable first edition here in the studio with us today. It has since been reprinted hundreds of times, and remains enduringly popular with collectors of both literature and baseball memorabilia. Ken talks about this and a variety of other home-run hits of baseball literature.