Brattlecast #67 - Tolkien Care of Business

J.R.R. Tolkien is the author of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and, less famously but most importantly for our purposes, a charming letter to his publisher in which he attempts to answer questions from the public about himself and his work. On this episode, Ken reads from that letter, and talks about the chain of fascinating friendships that helped it find its way into his shop. Plus he’ll discuss the effect that the popular Peter Jackson films had on the collectability and value of Tolkien’s first editions.

Brattlecast #66 - Surprises Beyond Books

On this episode Ken talks about the broad range of surprises that he’s experienced while book buying, apart from the books themselves. In his line of work, one day you’re drinking from Thomas Jefferson’s coffee service, and the next day you’re fumigating your work truck of fleas. The house that you’re visiting could contain a handful of Turner watercolors, or a roomful of live ammunition. It’s all part of the fun - as long as you don’t get blown up!

Brattlecast #65 - The Golden Hour

Little Golden Books are a series of inexpensive, durable, nicely illustrated children’s classics, which first premiered in 1942. Their remarkably consistent design inspires nostalgia in adults and a sense of ownership and accomplishment in younger readers. Join us for a closer look at this beloved series, and its many cultural tie-ins and cross promotions. You’ll hear all about favorites The Pokey Little Puppy, Roy Rogers, Bambi, and even the Campbell Soup Kids, on this solid gold #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #64 - Fortune Magazine

First published in 1930, Fortune was a lavishly illustrated luxury magazine that thrived throughout the Great Depression, despite costing an exorbitant $1 per issue. In this episode we’ll flip through a few beautifully preserved issues, taking in cover art by Diego Rivera, fashion articles advising dowagers to avoid being outshone by their own diamonds, and advertisements touting the health benefits of smoking cigarettes. Plus, the story of a railroad heir whose fear of communism helped Ken’s father get The Brattle Book Shop on its feet.

Brattlecast #63 - Why do Lectures? Or, Gilt by Association

Libraries! Museums! Children’s birthday parties (just kidding)! Ken is out on the road twice a month: giving lectures, sharing his love of rare books, doing appraisals for audience members, and participating in some truly hair-raising Q&A sessions. Find out when he’ll be in your town here: http://www.brattlebookshop.com/events. Real fans can bring their Brattle Book Shop tote bags for Ken to sign, and then ask him to appraise the autographed tote bag (nice, but not particularly valuable).