Today we’re talking about a fascinating recent appraisal: a Midshipman’s journal of the USS Constitution’s world cruise. First launched in 1797, ‘Old Ironsides’ played a crucial role in the early days of the United States Navy, defeating five British warships during the War of 1812. In 1844 she embarked on a two-year global voyage, the first half of which is documented in our unusually well-written and richly-detailed journal. We’ll discuss this remarkable travelogue, journals in general, and the Constitution’s current role as a local museum ship in this seaworthy new #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #196 - One Magazine From Yesteryear
Today we’re leafing through the August 1942 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal. Although it’s just one magazine, it contains a wealth of information about women’s lives in World War II-era America: from hot fashion trends to newly available manufacturing jobs. There are beautifully illustrated soap advertisements, fiction by Pearl Buck, and a column in which First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt answers readers’ questions about why she never changes her hairstyle. Some of the content reads as humorously archaic today, while other sections could fit right into this month’s Vogue. Join us for a deep dive into homemaking on the home front in this victorious new #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #195 - Railroad Timetables
All Aboard! It’s the episode you’ve been waiting for: vintage railroad timetables. Despite the potentially dry subject matter, it’s a surprisingly scenic ride. Dating back to the early 1900’s, many of these schedules are illustrated with smaller-scale (and more affordable) versions of gorgeous travel posters—advertisements for the destinations themselves, but also for the relatively new concept of train tourism. We’ll look at routes to Lake George, Pikes Peak, the Adirondacks, and many other destinations on this timely #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #164 - Napkin Folding!
It’s the episode you’ve been waiting for: Napkin Folding! Inspired by a British how-to book on the topic from the late 1800s, we’ll talk about the surprising ways that this fine-dining flourish relates to origami, mathematics, and even NASA’s telescope technologies. Hear how it all unfolds—from tablescapes to outer space—on this deliciously elaborate new #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #159 - Math & Science Books
Usually if you walk into the Brattle with an introductory math textbook you’ll receive a polite ‘no thank you.’ However, it’s a slightly different story when that textbook was published in 1695. In today’s episode, we’re looking at a still-pretty-accurate antique trigonometry book, written in Italian and complete with engraved illustrations and folding diagrams. We’ll talk about what makes technical volumes valuable—aside from sheer age—and why Brattle is less math-phobic than most secondhand book shops (an academia-rich location, strong employees, and Ken’s background in chemistry play a part). Learn how it all adds up on today’s tangential #brattlecast.