Brattlecast: A Firsthand Look at Secondhand Books

Ken frequently says, "every book came out in a first edition". In part two of our FAQs series, myths and truths about first editions are tackled. Which signatures are valuable? How prevalent is fraud? Ken also regales Jordan with amazing stories tied to valuable books, from J.D. Salinger to Pope John Paul II.

This book is so old. How old is it? Listen to Ken Gloss address this and other questions in part 1 of our series on FAQs. You'll learn about tips for proper book care, Ken's uncredited Jeopardy cameo, and how a well-made book from the 1490's could very well outlive us all. Fact.

When was the last time you picked up a newspaper? Hopefully after 1851. Ken brings Jordan some authentic 19th century newspapers, and outlines the evolution of print periodicals in America. Learn about competing publications in Richmond and New York covering the Civil War, as well as the rise of mass print advertising, and its unfortunate side effect on slavery; there’s nothing quite like getting history right from the source.

On the morning of February 1st, 1980, Ken Gloss receives the devastating news that the wooden 5-story building housing his livelihood is burning down. The losses are nigh incalculable, but what follows, fortunately, is a story of optimism, ingenuity, and of overwhelming camaraderie from the citizens of a city that just loves to read.

Life Magazine: a touchstone of American culture for nearly a century. In this episode, Ken Gloss provides some fascinating background on the enduring popularity of Life among amateur collectors, and the unique way its content, photography, and advertising captured the zeitgeist. Can you guess the magazine's rarest and most elusive cover?

What do you do with all those books your family has accumulated? Ken discusses how to start the process of letting go. Hear how he goes out to houses everyday, but never knows what he'll find. And that includes anything from trained raccoons to live WWII ammo.

Ken discusses the good, bad and surprising impact of the internet and the used book trade. Not all is lost to technology as he shares his ideas of browsing vs. surfing and why old isn't necessarily always gold.

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.

Order up! Ken Gloss shares his favorite recipes, ranging from the 1600s 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.

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?