At one of America's oldest bookshops, there are just as many stories to be told outside the pages as in them. Join bookseller Kenneth Gloss and co-host Jordan Rich as they share entertaining conversations and histories surrounding Boston's favorite spot for bibliophiles.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher & Google Play Podcasts.
Ken frequently says, "every book came out in a first edition". In part two of our FAQs series, myths and truths about first editions are tackled. Which signatures are valuable? How prevalent is fraud? Ken also regales Jordan with amazing stories tied to valuable books, from J.D. Salinger to Pope John Paul II.
This book is so old. How old is it? Listen to Ken Gloss address this and other gems in part 1 of our series answering frequently asked questions. You'll learn about tips for proper book care, Ken's uncredited Jeopardy cameo, and how a well-made book from the 1490's could very well outlive us all. Fact.
When did you last pick up a newspaper? Hopefully after 1851. Ken brings Jordan some authentic 19th century newspapers, and outlines the evolution of print periodicals in America. Learn about competing publications in Richmond and New York covering the Civil War, as well as the rise of mass print advertising, and its unfortunate side effect on slavery. There’s nothing quite like getting history right from the source.
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.
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?
