Today we take a look at a first edition copy of Make Way for Ducklings. The Boston-set, Caldecott Medal-winning children’s classic, written and illustrated by Robert McClosky, follows a family of ducks on their journey through the city in search of a safe and comfortable home. Since its first publication in 1941, Make Way for Ducklings has delighted generations of young readers, been commemorated by statues and museum exhibitions, and continues to fly off the shelves at the Brattle today.
Brattlecast #78 - The Brattle and the City
A radio interview with Lizabeth Cohen, author of the new book, Saving America’s Cities: Ed Logue and the Struggle to Renew Urban America in the Suburban Age, reminds Ken of the Brattle’s own struggle with urban renewal. Logue was head of the Boston Redevelopment Agency when, in the 1960’s, the city demolished most of Scollay Square, a vibrant but increasingly seedy entertainment district - and original home of the Brattle Book Shop. Most of the area was replaced with the I.M. Pei designed Government Center, a monumental plaza of modernist buildings which many consider cold and alienating. Although Ken’s father, George Gloss, together with the Boston Athenaeum, raised enough of an outcry to save a few historic buildings from the wrecking ball, the Brattle itself was displaced. It would be the first of seven moves for the plucky book shop, one of which was occasioned by a catastrophic fire, but the Brattle endured, with a great deal of personality and help from the community; eventually landing in the West Street location where it thrives today.
Brattlecast #77 - We're Back!
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/