Today in the studio we have a collection of letters and speeches from one of the most colorful political figures in Massachusetts history. James Michael Curley served four terms as Mayor of Boston, a single term as Governor, and five months, for mail fraud, in Danbury federal prison. An Irish Catholic from a working class background, Curley frequently clashed with the city’s WASP establishment, becoming known for his wit, generosity, and corruption. He got jobs for constituents, built beaches and parks during the Great Depression, and even took the civil service exam on behalf of a friend (technically that’s cheating). Listen to learn more about Mayor Curley’s fascinating career, and to decide if his story has any relevance to our current political moment.
Brattlecast #61 - Finds of a Lifetime
Ken looks back at some of the most memorable finds from his lifetime in the rare book trade, and the stories behind them. The items that stand out the most aren’t necessarily the ones with the most monetary value, but they are the ones with something interesting to say. For example, we’ll learn Thomas Jefferson’s stance on domestic terrorism, and that a local baseball hall of famer, as a teen, helped J.D. Salinger to build his house.
