Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of Brattle Book Shop near Downtown Crossing, will give a free and open talk Thursday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library on the value of old and rare books.
Ken, who is also a frequent guest appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow, will talk in part about the history of his historic bookshop, which goes back to circa 1825. He is a second-generation owner.
Ken will talk about and show some of his favorite finds and describe some of the joys of the “hunt,” as well as explain what makes a book go up in value. There will also be a Q&A session. Following his talk, Ken will give free verbal appraisals of all books that attendees bring with them.
About Kenneth and the Brattle Book Shop
The Brattle Book Shop is one of America’s oldest and largest antiquarian bookstores. 2018 is the 69th year of Gloss family ownership. Kenneth Gloss succeeded his late father, George Gloss, a well-known figure both in Boston and national antiquarian circles. He had worked in the store since childhood and chose to go into the book business rather than pursue a doctorate in chemistry. He became the sole proprietor upon his father’s death in 1985. “I found that books were in my blood and that I would never be really happy if I abandoned the business.”
