After weathering months of pandemic-related closure and weeks of civil unrest, the Brattle is thrilled to be back in business! In this episode we’ll talk about our plans for reopening slowly, safely, and with cautious optimism. At first, only the outdoor sale lot will be open, stocked with plenty of fabulous new markdowns from inside the shop with masks and hand sanitizer for everyone. It’s been a difficult time but there’s a lot to be excited about in the new-normal future: people are reading more, Ken is able to give virtual lectures to audiences around the world, and, on a personal note, he’s now a grandfather! You can learn more about our reopening plans at: http://www.brattlebookshop.com/open. We are so looking forward to seeing you all again.
Brattlecast #76 - Elizabeth Custer
Elizabeth Bacon Custer was the wife of George Armstrong Custer, and, following his death at The Battle of Little Bighorn, was largely responsible for shaping his legacy. She also wrote three bestselling books about her life with her husband on the American frontier: Boots and Saddles, Tenting on the Plains, and Following the Guidon. Learn more about the largely forgotten life of the woman behind an American myth on this week’s #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #75 - Zoom Book Backgrounds
We take another look at the Brattle employee snarkfest that has bloomed into a peculiar cottage industry: curated books for Zoom backgrounds. Now that most interaction has moved online, the right library behind you can make just as much of an impression as your working from home turtleneck or flattering lighting. The books you choose (or let us choose for you) can be a great introduction to yourself and your interests, and convey intelligence, expertise, and gravitas. Read more in this recent Globe article: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/07/nation/brattle-book-shop-is-curating-bookshelves-zoom-meetings-facetime-hangouts/
Brattlecast #74 - Vernacular Photos
While we’re all cooped up at home, it’s a great time to take a look through some old photo albums, if you have them around. In recent years, collectors have begun to take more of an interest in vernacular photography: casual snapshots taken by amateur, usually anonymous photographers of everyday subjects which can inadvertently capture a wealth of fascinating historical detail. Vernacular photographs are a great entry point into collecting because they’re widely available, generally affordable, and, although they may have been taken without a specific artistic intention, can be aesthetically striking and affectingly poignant.
Brattlecast #73 - Books in the Age of Zoom
There are many problems raised by the Covid-19 crisis, but only one that the Brattle is uniquely poised to help you solve: everyone on the Zoom call can see your bookshelves, and they look like trash, I’m sorry. Why not impress your colleagues with some nice new volumes curated by the Brattle team? Real books, not screen of VR shelves either. We’ve got years of experience helping clients build decorative, custom libraries that highlight the best of their personalities and interests, and, frankly, not much else to do at the moment. So give us a call or an email, and move your dog-eared copies of the Twilight series down to the shame-shelf (below eye level).