Today we’re taking a look at a signed, second edition copy of Grapefruit, Yoko Ono’s pioneering work of conceptual art. Yoko Ono was a fixture of the subversive 1960’s New York underground art scene, and is most associated with the Dada-inspired Fluxus movement. First published in 1964, Grapefruit consists of a series of “event scores”, poetic, zen-influenced performance scripts that can be followed by anyone to create musical or artistic pieces. This particular copy is also signed by Ono’s husband at the time, John Lennon, who wrote the introduction to this edition and was a popular musician in his own right.
Brattlecast #92 - More Appraisals
Today we’re talking about one of the things that the Brattle does best: appraisals! They essentially tell you how much a book or books are worth but their formality can vary widely depending on the needs of the appraisee; from a casual verbal estimate to a rigorous written appraisal that can stand up to the scrutiny of the IRS. Learn how we do it and hear about some of Ken’s all-time favorites on this extremely valuable #brattlecast.
Are you curious about the value of your own books? Feel free to reach out to us at info@brattlebookshop.com.
Brattlecast #91 - Reach Out and Read
In this episode Ken talks about the Brattle’s early involvement with Reach Out and Read, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to encouraging families to read together by incorporating books into pediatric care. It all started at Boston City Hospital in the 1980’s with a few volunteers and some donated children’s books. It’s been a joy to support their vital mission. Visit reachoutandread.org to learn more and to help out.
Speaking of young people, the Brattlecast warmly welcomes a brand-new friend of the pod—Ken’s grandson! Congratulations to everyone involved in the creation of this baby genius.
Brattlecast #90 - Go West!
Ken takes a journey from West Street out to Western Massachusetts and finds a bonanza of early material on the Westward expansion. Not long after the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition, there were magazines selling the idea of missionary work, opportunity, and adventure in the Pacific Northwest, brochures encouraging people to settle and farm in the Midwest, and travel posters created by railroad companies to promote the newly created National Parks. These engaging pieces of ephemera can give us a new perspective on how it might have felt to live through this often romanticized era of American history.
Brattlecast #89 - Virtual Book Fairs
The Boston Antiquarian Book Fair is going online! Visit www.abaa.org/vbf this Thursday the 12th through Saturday the 14th to browse items from over 150 booksellers (including the Brattle), or to attend one of the six free virtual seminars. We’ll be replenishing our stock throughout the fair so be sure to check back often. Of course we miss seeing our colleagues and customers in person, but we’ll be together again at the Hynes Convention Center someday, and until then we’re happy to answer any questions, book fair or otherwise, at info@brattlebookshop.com.