Today we’re talking about Armed Service Editions: paperback books designed to be sent overseas to American troops during World War II. Edited and printed by the non-profit Council on Books in Wartime, they were small, portable volumes with oblong silhouettes that could easily fit into a uniform pocket. Complete and surprisingly uncensored novels by authors like Jack London, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald were a hit with the armed services—so much so that it’s hard for collectors to find copies in good condition today. In addition to improving morale, Armed Service Editions helped lay the groundwork for the paperback publishing boom of the 1950s, which brought inexpensive, conveniently-sized literature to a broad audience, transforming reading habits around the world. 

Today we’re talking about Armed Service Editions: paperback books designed to be sent overseas to American troops during World War II. Edited and printed by the non-profit Council on Books in Wartime, they were small, portable volumes with oblong silhouettes that could easily fit into a uniform pocket. Complete and surprisingly uncensored novels by authors like Jack London, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald were a hit with the armed services—so much so that it’s hard for collectors to find copies in good condition today. In addition to improving morale, Armed Service Editions helped lay the groundwork for the paperback publishing boom of the 1950s, which brought inexpensive, conveniently-sized literature to a broad audience, transforming reading habits around the world.

Brattlecast #160 - Armed Service Paperbacks

Usually if you walk into the Brattle with an introductory math textbook you’ll receive a polite ‘no thank you.’ However, it’s a slightly different story when that textbook was published in 1695. In today’s episode, we’re looking at a still-pretty-accurate antique trigonometry book, written in Italian and complete with engraved illustrations and folding diagrams. We’ll talk about what makes technical volumes valuable—aside from sheer age—and why Brattle is less math-phobic than most secondhand book shops (an academia-rich location, strong employees, and Ken’s background in chemistry play a part). Learn how it all adds up on today’s tangential #brattlecast. 

Usually if you walk into the Brattle with an introductory math textbook you’ll receive a polite ‘no thank you.’ However, it’s a slightly different story when that textbook was published in 1695. In today’s episode, we’re looking at a still-pretty-accurate antique trigonometry book, written in Italian and complete with engraved illustrations and folding diagrams. We’ll talk about what makes technical volumes valuable—aside from sheer age—and why Brattle is less math-phobic than most secondhand book shops (an academia-rich location, strong employees, and Ken’s background in chemistry play a part). Learn how it all adds up on today’s tangential #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #159 - Math & Science Books

A university without books? Today we’re talking about the recent announcement by Vermont State University that they’ll be building an “all-digital library” and getting rid of print books as a cost-cutting measure. The decision has drawn a strong backlash from students and faculty, but, as enrollments drop, funds are slashed, and courses move online, it makes a gloomy kind of sense. Uncomfortable questions are being raised about the future of higher education in the United States. For the children of the rich, academia will continue to deliver a particular aesthetic experience—leafy quads, serendipitous browsing, and screen-free studying in a book-lined space—while for the rest it may shrivel into a bare-bones jobs training program. Join us for the discussion on this all-digital #brattlecast.

A university without books? Today we’re talking about the recent announcement by Vermont State University that they’ll be building an “all-digital library” and getting rid of print books as a cost-cutting measure. The decision has drawn a strong backlash from students and faculty, but, as enrollments drop, funds are slashed, and courses move online, it makes a gloomy kind of sense. Uncomfortable questions are being raised about the future of higher education in the United States. For the children of the rich, academia will continue to deliver a particular aesthetic experience—leafy quads, serendipitous browsing, and screen-free studying in a book-lined space—while for the rest it may shrivel into a bare-bones jobs training program. Join us for the discussion on this all-digital #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #158 - Vermont Sheds Books

Michael Curley

Today in the studio we have a collection of letters and speeches from one of the most colorful political figures in Massachusetts history. James Michael Curley served four terms as Mayor of Boston, a single term as Governor, and five months, for mail fraud,  in Danbury federal prison. An Irish Catholic from a working class background, Curley frequently clashed  with the city’s WASP establishment, becoming known for his wit, generosity, and corruption. He got jobs for constituents, built beaches and parks during the Great Depression, and even took the civil service exam on behalf of a friend (technically that’s cheating). Listen to learn more about Mayor Curley’s fascinating career, and to decide if his story has any relevance to our current political moment.

Today in the studio we have a collection of letters and speeches from one of the most colorful political figures in Massachusetts history. James Michael Curley served four terms as Mayor of Boston, a single term as Governor, and five months, for mail fraud,  in Danbury federal prison. An Irish Catholic from a working class background, Curley frequently clashed  with the city’s WASP establishment, becoming known for his wit, generosity, and corruption. He got jobs for constituents, built beaches and parks during the Great Depression, and even took the civil service exam on behalf of a friend (technically that’s cheating). Listen to learn more about Mayor Curley’s fascinating career, and to decide if his story has any relevance to our current political moment.

Brattlecast #157 - James Michael Curley

In this episode we’re talking about—or “riffing on”—a group of classic rock-related books, magazines, and memorabilia that recently arrived at the shop. While not the most monetarily valuable, it’s a fun collection to have around, mostly because it takes Ken back to his days as a young rocker in 1970s Boston. He saw The Stones at the Boston Garden, Van Morrison at Harvard Stadium, and—he thinks—Jimi Hendrix at the South Shore Music Circus (if you can confirm that this show happened please email the shop). Somewhat surprisingly, Ken also reveals that he attended Woodstock in 1969, but volunteers only that it was “interesting” and that “the traffic was bad.” Listen to learn more about electric guitars, Tulsa tourism, and the power of nostalgia on this very freewheelin’ new #brattlecast.

In this episode we’re talking about—or “riffing on”—a group of classic rock-related books, magazines, and memorabilia that recently arrived at the shop. While not the most monetarily valuable, it’s a fun collection to have around, mostly because it takes Ken back to his days as a young rocker in 1970s Boston. He saw The Stones at the Boston Garden, Van Morrison at Harvard Stadium, and—he thinks—Jimi Hendrix at the South Shore Music Circus (if you can confirm that this show happened please email the shop). Somewhat surprisingly, Ken also reveals that he attended Woodstock in 1969, but volunteers only that it was “interesting” and that “the traffic was bad.” Listen to learn more about electric guitars, Tulsa tourism, and the power of nostalgia on this very freewheelin’ new #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #156 - Rock & Roll Collections

Today in the studio we have a first American edition of the catchily titled Directions on the Treatment for Persons who have Taken Poison, and those in a State of Apparent Death, Together with the Means of Detecting Poisons and Adulterations in Wine, also, of Distinguishing Real from Apparent Death by Mathieu Joseph B. Orfila. While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend following its medical advice, the book provides a fascinating look at early toxicology. It describes the effects and (alleged) treatments of various potions, poisons, and scorpion stings—a helpful resource to anyone working on a historical murder mystery. Join us for anecdotes about antidotes on a killer episode of the #brattlecast.

Today in the studio we have a first American edition of the catchily titled Directions on the Treatment for Persons who have Taken Poison, and those in a State of Apparent Death, Together with the Means of Detecting Poisons and Adulterations in Wine, also, of Distinguishing Real from Apparent Death by Mathieu Joseph B. Orfila. While we wouldn’t necessarily recommend following its medical advice, the book provides a fascinating look at early toxicology. It describes the effects and (alleged) treatments of various potions, poisons, and scorpion stings—a helpful resource to anyone working on a historical murder mystery. Join us for anecdotes about antidotes on a killer episode of the #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #155 - Pick Your Poison

Today in the studio we have an 1852 copy of The Oasis: or, Golden Leaves of Friendship, edited by N.L. Ferguson. The Oasis is part of a whole genre of 19th century gift books: illustrated anthologies of poetry, essays, and short fiction with titles like The Keepsake, Forget-Me-Not, and The Book of Beauty. Published annually before the holiday season, they were intended to be given as presents, often with a handwritten inscription from gifter to giftee. Gift books were frequently criticized and parodied—even during the Victorian era—for their hackneyed sentimentality and shallow moralism, and were arguably valued more for their ornamental bindings than their literary content. However, for collectors today, the inscriptions themselves—written by long-dead ordinary people, husband to wife or parent to child—convey a timeless tenderness.

Today in the studio we have an 1852 copy of The Oasis: or, Golden Leaves of Friendship, edited by N.L. Ferguson. The Oasis is part of a whole genre of 19th century gift books: illustrated anthologies of poetry, essays, and short fiction with titles like The Keepsake, Forget-Me-Not, and The Book of Beauty. Published annually before the holiday season, they were intended to be given as presents, often with a handwritten inscription from gifter to giftee. Gift books were frequently criticized and parodied—even during the Victorian era—for their hackneyed sentimentality and shallow moralism, and were arguably valued more for their ornamental bindings than their literary content. However, for collectors today, the inscriptions themselves—written by long-dead ordinary people, husband to wife or parent to child—convey a timeless tenderness.

Brattlecast #154 - Golden Leaves of Friendship

One of the great things about working at the Brattle is that you never know what’s going to walk through that door. Recently, a customer surprised us by bringing in a copy of the Nuremberg Chronicle, one of the earliest printed books to feature illustrations. As if that wasn’t interesting enough, he also had a copy of the Kelmscott Chaucer, as well as a handful of volumes inscribed by their publisher (William Morris) to their illustrator (Edward Burne-Jones) for good measure. In this episode, we’ll talk about how we put a value on such a rare collection and the importance of avoiding ethical conflicts of interest when buying and appraising books.

One of the great things about working at the Brattle is that you never know what’s going to walk through that door. Recently, a customer surprised us by bringing in a copy of the Nuremberg Chronicle, one of the earliest printed books to feature illustrations. As if that wasn’t interesting enough, he also had a copy of the Kelmscott Chaucer, as well as a handful of volumes inscribed by their publisher (William Morris) to their illustrator (Edward Burne-Jones) for good measure. In this episode, we’ll talk about how we put a value on such a rare collection and the importance of avoiding ethical conflicts of interest when buying and appraising books.

Brattlecast #153 - An Impressive Walk-In

Today in the studio we have The American Cemetery, a monthly trade journal for graveyard proprietors and caretakers; all of the issues from 1929 have been bound into a large hardcover volume. While it may not seem like the most lively subject, The American Cemetery presents a darkly humorous juxtaposition of the mundane with the macabre. Ads extolling readers to “bury cemetery upkeep costs” share page space with landscaping tips, industry gossip, and photo illustrations of new and notable graves, giving us a fascinating window into early 20th century funerary culture.

Today in the studio we have The American Cemetery, a monthly trade journal for graveyard proprietors and caretakers; all of the issues from 1929 have been bound into a large hardcover volume. While it may not seem like the most lively subject, The American Cemetery presents a darkly humorous juxtaposition of the mundane with the macabre. Ads extolling readers to “bury cemetery upkeep costs” share page space with landscaping tips, industry gossip, and photo illustrations of new and notable graves, giving us a fascinating window into early 20th century funerary culture.

Brattlecast #152 - The American Cemetery

In this episode we talk about the impact of the internet on the shop, and on bookselling in general. Dictionary and encyclopedia sales have declined precipitously as search engines supplant reference books, but it’s easier than ever to do our own research online. E-readers may be convenient, but even young people still enjoy the tactility and craft of a good old fashioned paper-style book. Overall, more information is accessible to more people – and that’s a good thing. Learn how we’re adapting on this high-tech new #brattlecast.

In this episode we talk about the impact of the internet on the shop, and on bookselling in general. Dictionary and encyclopedia sales have declined precipitously as search engines supplant reference books, but it’s easier than ever to do our own research online. E-readers may be convenient, but even young people still enjoy the tactility and craft of a good old fashioned paper-style book. Overall, more information is accessible to more people – and that’s a good thing. Learn how we’re adapting on this high-tech new #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #151 - The Impactful Internet

At one of America's oldest bookshops, there are just as many stories to be told outside the pages as in them. Join Brattle Book Shop proprietor Kenneth Gloss and co-host Jordan Rich as they share insightful and entertaining conversations and histories surrounding Boston's favorite spot for bibliophiles. Topics range from military autobiographies to regional cookbooks and everything in between. Updates every two weeks.

In this episode, Ken talks about some especially notable TV appraisals from his years on Antiques Roadshow. The highlights include a Civil War letter with a surprising twist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph, and one item that… actually didn’t work out so well. The show is currently in the midst of its 27th season; you can catch new episodes Monday nights on PBS, or watch online here: www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow.

In this episode, Ken talks about some especially notable TV appraisals from his years on Antiques Roadshow. The highlights include a Civil War letter with a surprising twist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph, and one item that… actually didn’t work out so well. The show is currently in the midst of its 27th season; you can catch new episodes Monday nights on PBS, or watch online here: <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow</a>.

Brattlecast #150 - Antiques Roadshow Memories

Today we’re talking about a great recent book buy: a library of about 25,000 interesting, well-cared-for volumes, many autographed by authors like Kazuo Ishiguro, Salman Rushdie, and P.D. James. There’s even a book of Robert Mapplethorpe photographs signed by his subjects. It took a lot of heavy lifting to get all those books back to the shop, but that’s what we do best – and why everyone who works here is so famously strong. If you also have 25,000 (or fewer) books that you’d like us to take off your hands, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@brattlebookshop.com.

Today we’re talking about a great recent book buy: a library of about 25,000 interesting, well-cared-for volumes, many autographed by authors like Kazuo Ishiguro, Salman Rushdie, and P.D. James. There’s even a book of Robert Mapplethorpe photographs signed by his subjects. It took a lot of heavy lifting to get all those books back to the shop, but that’s what we do best – and why everyone who works here is so famously strong. If you also have 25,000 (or fewer) books that you’d like us to take off your hands, don’t hesitate to reach out at <a href="mailto:info@brattlebookshop.com">info@brattlebookshop.com</a>.

Brattlecast #149 - All Those Signed Copies

There’s always room for Jell-O… cookbooks! As colorful and light as the iconic dessert itself, these recipe booklets were given out as free promotional items starting in 1904, and played a large part in Jello’s meteoric and jiggly rise to fame. Some feature illustrations by artists like Maxfield Parrish and Norman Rockwell; all contain congealed concoctions like Jell-O Chicken Mousse or Shrimp &amp; Orange Jell-O Molds – possibly chic at the time, but disturbing to most modern palettes.  Through these culinary collectables we can trace the history of advertising and even social life  in the United States, as the pamphlets gradually pivot from addressing nervous young housewives to exhausted working mothers. Photogenic and squeam-inducing, retro Jell-O recipes are enjoying a semi-ironic online renaissance, popping up on twitter accounts like @70s_party, the cheekily named facebook group Show Me Your Aspics, and even in contemporary art. Listen to learn more (but don’t ever learn what it’s made from!) on a #brattlecast that truly breaks the mold.

There’s always room for Jell-O… cookbooks! As colorful and light as the iconic dessert itself, these recipe booklets were given out as free promotional items starting in 1904, and played a large part in Jello’s meteoric and jiggly rise to fame. Some feature illustrations by artists like Maxfield Parrish and Norman Rockwell; all contain congealed concoctions like Jell-O Chicken Mousse or Shrimp &amp; Orange Jell-O Molds – possibly chic at the time, but disturbing to most modern palettes.  Through these culinary collectables we can trace the history of advertising and even social life  in the United States, as the pamphlets gradually pivot from addressing nervous young housewives to exhausted working mothers. Photogenic and squeam-inducing, retro Jell-O recipes are enjoying a semi-ironic online renaissance, popping up on twitter accounts like <a href="https://twitter.com/70s_party" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@70s_party</a>, the cheekily named facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1528257853868765/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Show Me Your Aspics</a>, and even in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/30/t-magazine/francesco-balzano-furniture-jello-art-culture-news.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">contemporary art</a>. Listen to learn more (but don’t ever learn what it’s made from!) on a #brattlecast that truly breaks the mold.

Brattlecast #148 - A World of Jell-O

Today we’re talking about older travel guides written for people from historically marginalized groups. With the advent of the internet, planning a trip is easier than ever, and most of us take it for granted that we’ll be welcomed at our destination rather than hassled or even harmed. Sadly, this was not always the case, especially for Black Americans, the LGBTQ+ community, and women traveling alone. We’ll take a look at some of the guides that helped folks stay safe and comfortable on the road, from The Green Book to The Bob Damron Address Book. They’re sad artifacts in a way, but also testaments to community, resilience, and quiet subversion.

Today we’re talking about older travel guides written for people from historically marginalized groups. With the advent of the internet, planning a trip is easier than ever, and most of us take it for granted that we’ll be welcomed at our destination rather than hassled or even harmed. Sadly, this was not always the case, especially for Black Americans, the LGBTQ+ community, and women traveling alone. We’ll take a look at some of the guides that helped folks stay safe and comfortable on the road, from The Green Book to The Bob Damron Address Book. They’re sad artifacts in a way, but also testaments to community, resilience, and quiet subversion.

Brattlecast #147 - Specialized Travel Guides

On today’s episode we’re answering a question from a listener: If you want to sell a large library, what can you do to prepare before Ken, or someone like Ken, comes to take a look? The good news is, we don’t really care how tidy or organized your shelves are, within reason—in fact, we’ve almost certainly seen much worse. Our top tip is to decide in advance what you’re keeping, and, if there’s anyone else with sentimental feelings about the collection, to involve them in the process from the start. Listen to learn more about book buying, and email info@brattlebookshop.com if you have any questions for Ken.

On today’s episode we’re answering a question from a listener: If you want to sell a large library, what can you do to prepare before Ken, or someone like Ken, comes to take a look? The good news is, we don’t really care how tidy or organized your shelves are, within reason—in fact, we’ve almost certainly seen much worse. Our top tip is to decide in advance what you’re keeping, and, if there’s anyone else with sentimental feelings about the collection, to involve them in the process from the start. Listen to learn more about book buying, and email <a href="mailto:info@brattlebookshop.com">info@brattlebookshop.com</a> if you have any questions for Ken.

Brattlecast # 146 - Prepping a Book Collection

This episode is a recap of the recent Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair, which recently returned to the Hynes Convention Center after years of online-only events. How did it go? The short answer is, Great! It was well attended, with over 120 dealers exhibiting, so everyone could enjoy seeing old friends – and making new ones – in person again. Rare books sold briskly, panel discussions got lively, and the Brattle gave out about 35 pounds of M&amp;M’s – regular and peanut. If you couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry: we’re already planning events for 2023 and 2024. Listen to learn more, and head to bostonbookfair.com to keep up with future fair news.

This episode is a recap of the recent Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair, which recently returned to the Hynes Convention Center after years of online-only events. How did it go? The short answer is, Great! It was well attended, with over 120 dealers exhibiting, so everyone could enjoy seeing old friends – and making new ones – in person again. Rare books sold briskly, panel discussions got lively, and the Brattle gave out about 35 pounds of M&amp;M’s – regular and peanut. If you couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry: we’re already planning events for 2023 and 2024. Listen to learn more, and head to <a href="http://bostonbookfair.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bostonbookfair.com</a> to keep up with future fair news.

Brattlecast #145 - Book Fair Postscript

Today we’re looking at a fresh arrival to the shop: a copy of The Astronauts: the Story of Project Mercury, America's Man-in-Space Program, by Martin Caiden. On its own, it’s an interesting account of the early space race, but a handful of illustrious signatures really cause this particular volume's value to skyrocket. We’ll explore this and other space-adjacent collectables—including science fiction and photographs from the lunar capsules—on this far-out #brattlecast. 

Today we’re looking at a fresh arrival to the shop: a copy of The Astronauts: the Story of Project Mercury, America's Man-in-Space Program, by Martin Caiden. On its own, it’s an interesting account of the early space race, but a handful of illustrious signatures really cause this particular volume's value to skyrocket. We’ll explore this and other space-adjacent collectables—including science fiction and photographs from the lunar capsules—on this far-out #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #144 - The Astronaut Book

If you’re getting ready to sell a house, you may already know about painting the walls eggshell white and popping a tray of cookies into the oven, but have you considered paring down your library? Home buyers tend to be dreamy and fickle: something as innocuous as a Harry Potter hardcover collection in the living room can prevent them from envisioning a happy future there. On the other hand, desolate shelves are also depressing; it’s best to convey the idea of books without getting too specific. We’ll talk about how the Brattle can help with your home staging journey, as well as the unexpected connections between the real estate market and the secondhand book business, on this moving new #brattlecast.

If you’re getting ready to sell a house, you may already know about painting the walls eggshell white and popping a tray of cookies into the oven, but have you considered paring down your library? Home buyers tend to be dreamy and fickle: something as innocuous as a Harry Potter hardcover collection in the living room can prevent them from envisioning a happy future there. On the other hand, desolate shelves are also depressing; it’s best to convey the idea of books without getting too specific. We’ll talk about how the Brattle can help with your home staging journey, as well as the unexpected connections between the real estate market and the secondhand book business, on this moving new #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #143 - Home Staging

As the Covid-19 pandemic slowly draws to a close, we’re taking stock of some of the changes it’s caused—to downtown Boston, the secondhand book business, and, especially, the Brattle. Differences at the shop run deeper than masked employees and plexiglass barriers: after a disastrous first year, we’re busier than ever before, and our new customers tend to be younger and more diverse. A revised book-buying policy has cut down on conflict, and we’ve renewed our focus on in-person shopping, keeping many of the better books offline. Some of the most important changes at the shop have to do with not being there: prioritizing family, travel, and work/life balance. We talk about it all on today’s “new normal” episode of the #brattlecast.

As the Covid-19 pandemic slowly draws to a close, we’re taking stock of some of the changes it’s caused—to downtown Boston, the secondhand book business, and, especially, the Brattle. Differences at the shop run deeper than masked employees and plexiglass barriers: after a disastrous first year, we’re busier than ever before, and our new customers tend to be younger and more diverse. A revised book-buying policy has cut down on conflict, and we’ve renewed our focus on in-person shopping, keeping many of the better books offline. Some of the most important changes at the shop have to do with not being there: prioritizing family, travel, and work/life balance. We talk about it all on today’s “new normal” episode of the #brattlecast.

Brattlecast #142 - Post-Covid Changes

This year’s Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair takes place at the Hynes Convention Center on the weekend of November 11 - 13. After two long years of online-only events, we’re looking forward to seeing all our favorite booksellers and book shoppers in person again. Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday—but the Brattle might be able to hook you up with a free pass for Friday too. Today’s episode features a sneak preview of our most exciting fair offerings: signed volumes from major American poets, first editions of feminist landmarks and beloved children’s classics, and an unusual treatise on… rat-catching. Come for the book fair pregame, stay for Jordan’s J.F.K. impression, and learn more at bostonbookfair.com.

This year’s Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair takes place at the Hynes Convention Center on the weekend of November 11 - 13. After two long years of online-only events, we’re looking forward to seeing all our favorite booksellers and book shoppers in person again. Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday—but the Brattle might be able to hook you up with a free pass for Friday too. Today’s episode features a sneak preview of our most exciting fair offerings: signed volumes from major American poets, first editions of feminist landmarks and beloved children’s classics, and an unusual treatise on… rat-catching. Come for the book fair pregame, stay for Jordan’s J.F.K. impression, and learn more at <a href="https://bostonbookfair.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bostonbookfair.com</a>.

Brattlecast #141 - Boston Book Fair 2022!

A must listen for book collectors, you&#39;ll learn so much.  Love Ken&#39;s stories!

Informative, Interesting

Great combination of interesting facts and fun stories related to books and book collecting.

Interesting and Fun

Brattlecast: A Firsthand Look at Secondhand Books

It sounds like a joke: a braille Playboy. Although the magazine is arguably most famous for its photography, it also publishes serious literature, journalism, and interviews. In the 1970’s, when the Library of Congress began translating magazines into braille, Playboy quickly became one of its most popular offerings. The braille edition contained no descriptions of Playboy’s photos, but it still featured enough explicit romantic advice and off-color humor to earn the ire and censorship efforts of a handful of conservative congressmen, leading to a civil rights lawsuit on behalf of its vision impaired readers. All this fascinating history is here in the studio with us today, at a time when, poetically, the internet and new technologies are in the process of rendering both adult magazines and braille itself obsolete.

It sounds like a joke: a braille Playboy. Although the magazine is arguably most famous for its photography, it also publishes serious literature, journalism, and interviews. In the 1970’s, when the Library of Congress began translating magazines into braille, Playboy quickly became one of its most popular offerings. The braille edition contained no descriptions of Playboy’s photos, but it still featured enough explicit romantic advice and off-color humor to earn the ire and censorship efforts of a handful of conservative congressmen, leading to a civil rights lawsuit on behalf of its vision impaired readers. All this fascinating history is here in the studio with us today, at a time when, poetically, the internet and new technologies are in the process of rendering both adult magazines and braille itself obsolete.

Brattlecast #68 - Reading it for the Articles 

On this special episode we talk about how Ken and the Brattle are coping with the Covid-19 crisis. It’s a situation now sadly familiar to most of us: uncertainty and dread, financial apprehension, the feeling that one had strayed into an episode of The Twilight Zone. But, although the shop is temporarily closed to the public, and the city of Boston feels eerily deserted, we find some cause for optimism: the Brattle has weathered many calamities over its long history. For now, all we can do is stay healthy, be patient, and, sometimes, escape into the pages of a good book.

On this special episode we talk about how Ken and the Brattle are coping with the Covid-19 crisis. It’s a situation now sadly familiar to most of us: uncertainty and dread, financial apprehension, the feeling that one had strayed into an episode of The Twilight Zone. But, although the shop is temporarily closed to the public, and the city of Boston feels eerily deserted, we find some cause for optimism: the Brattle has weathered many calamities over its long history. For now, all we can do is stay healthy, be patient, and, sometimes, escape into the pages of a good book.

Bonus Brattlecast - The Impact of Covid-19

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