The proprietor of the historic Brattle Book Shop takes Jordan Rich through a typical workday. It's not all stocking shelves as Ken Gloss rubs shoulders with titans of industry and meets interesting characters from all walks of life. Listen to some of Ken's favorite buys and some of the storied history of the shop, which sees everything from an original copy of the Declaration of Independence to a casual visit from actor Johnny Depp.
Brattlecast #5 - Cooking With Books
Order up! Ken Gloss shares his favorite recipes, ranging from the 1600's to the invention of Jell-O. Also on the menu are meals prepared on lead cookware, murder cookbooks, and a grateful collector combing the stacks for a copy of "Coconuts and Constipation". Boston's own rich culinary history is also on display as Ken and Jordan Rich bond over Gus Saunders' Yankee Kitchen.
Brattlecast #4 - Audubons and Almanacs
The excitement never stops at the Brattle Book Shop as Ken describes some of his more fun and unique finds. Listen to the story of John Audubon's beautiful naturalist texts that sell for more than a mansion, or of the concert program detailing Bob Dylan's infamous electric performance at Newport. What will tomorrow bring?
Brattlecast #3 - On Collecting
Kenneth Gloss talks about "the hunt", expanding on how collections of all kinds get started, from stamps to maps to, of course, books. Learn about the most important considerations of collecting. Hitting the pavement, building relationships with a community of collectors, and about the secret collection in the Gloss bathroom.
Brattlecast #2 - The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant
Ken Gloss takes Jordan Rich on a trip through "one of the best military autobiographies ever written", detailing the book's origins, publisher Mark Twain's involvement, and the phenomenal success it brought to one of the nation's most celebrated presidents. Learn about the value of old books, both monetary and historical, and some not-so-common sense about determining a book's authenticity.