Today we’re talking about another surprising Brattle find: a fairly nondescript album that turned out to contain photos of prominent 1800s abolitionists. The collection includes small, sepia-toned portraits of Charles Sumner, Phillips Brooks, and even Sojourner Truth. We’ll also discuss other historical photos that have arrived at the shop, and the way that studio photography democratized image-making during the Civil War era, offering life-like portraits for a fraction of the cost of a commissioned painting. It all comes into focus on a flashy new #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #166 - Early Road Trip Books
Today in the studio we have a copy of New England Highways and Byways From a Motorcar by Thos. D. Murphy. This beautifully illustrated volume guides tourists on a then-novel automobile journey through early 20th century New England, with visits to charming towns, historic churches, and the rugged Maine coast. We’ll also discuss even earlier tourism—promoted heavily by railroad companies—to the new national parks of the American West, as well as a 1916 cross-country travel memoir by an unexpected author. Pack some snacks, roll down the windows, and hit the road with us on this adventurous new #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #165 - The Grolier Club Lecture
In this episode we’ll be talking about Ken’s exciting upcoming lecture at the Grolier Club in New York City. Founded in 1884, the Grolier Club is America’s oldest and largest bibliophile society, with the objective to promote the study, collecting, and appreciation of books and works on paper. As a speaker, Ken strives to keep these events lively and fun, with an emphasis not so much on the books themselves but on the fascinating stories behind them. This lecture will take place on Thursday, October 5th, from 6 - 7.30pm. More information, as well as a full schedule of in-person and virtual events, can be found on our website.
While we’re on the subject, if you’d like Ken to give a talk at your library, club, museum, or bookish child’s birthday party, don’t hesitate to reach out to info@brattlebookshop.com.
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 #163 - The New View Boston
Set to open this summer (2023), View Boston is a new three-story observation deck at the top of the Prudential Tower. The venue will feature dining options, an open-air roof deck, and an immersive theater showcasing some of Boston’s most iconic locations—including your favorite secondhand book shop. We’re honored to be included, and to play our small part in the unique and character-rich life of this historic city, especially in a time of increasing cultural homogenization across the US. Listen to learn about our other favorite local spots on an elevated new #brattlecast.