Something interesting is happening: the Brattle’s traditional demographic of bookish older men (No offense! We love you!) is being edged out by younger, more diverse, and dare we say, hipper customers. Why? Our photogenic outdoor sale lot has become popular on Instagram, creating a cycle of visits, alfresco shopping selfies, likes, organic advertising, and more visits. We’ll talk about the ways that this social media-driven shift is changing the shop, and the irony of an ultramodern communication network luring people back into the arms of dusty old books, on this potentially viral #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #137 - Hollywood Calling!
The Brattle often rents books out as props, and sometimes serves as a set for student films, but recently, for the first time, a major Hollywood movie filmed a scene at the shop. The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants) and starring Paul Giamatti (American Splendor, Billions) is set at a New England prep school over the winter break of 1970. We’ll talk about what it took to transform our sale lot into a part of Boston’s gritty, bygone Combat Zone (not much), where film crews find snow, and more show business secrets on this behind the scenes #brattlecast.
Brattlecast #43 - Alcatraz and Architecture
Ken goes over a variety of unusual items from his unique and lovely book shop, and reviews recent finds and adventures from his never ending book treasure hunt. We'll talk old-time turkey recipes, Victorian social media platforms, and a book that escaped from Alcatraz! Plus, The Brattle Book Shop has been featured in Architectural Digest; check it out here: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/most-beautiful-independent-stores-in-america
Brattlecast #32 - A Monster That Eats Books
The story of our outdoor sale lot's evolution from a few small stands in front of the shop to one of the most photographed places in Boston! Learn all about the perks and pitfalls of selling books outside, all year round, in notoriously variable weather.