Rare Book Expert Speaking On Value of Old and Rare Books

Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of the internationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston’s Downtown Crossing section, will give a free and open talk Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 5:30 P.M. on the value of old and rare books.

The talk will take place at the Public Library of New London, 63 Huntington St., New London.

Gloss, who is also a frequent guest appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow, will talk in part about the history of his historic bookshop, which was founded circa 1825. He is the second-generation owner.

Gloss 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. He will share anecdotes and guidelines for what to look for when starting a collection. There is also a Q&A session before the conclusion of his talk.

Free Verbal Appraisals Given

Following the talk and question-and-answer session, he will give free verbal appraisals of all books that attendees have brought with them or will do so at his shop in Boston.

Yankee Magazine Editor’s Choice Award for Best of New England 2015, the Brattle Book Shop is one of America’s oldest and largest antiquarian bookstores. 2015 is the 66th year of Gloss family ownership.

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,” he said.

About Ken Gloss

Among the many organizations in which Gloss is a member is the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America, the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers, the New England Antiquarian Booksellers of America, the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Antiquarian Booksellers Association, the Committee for the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair and the Boston Society.

He also is a Fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society as well as serving on the Board of Overseers of the USS Constitution Museum.

The Brattle Book Shop is proud to have been a contributor to the WGBH Annual Auction each year that the station has held this fund drive. Gloss has appeared as a guest appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow numerous times over the years and has been a popular guest on WBZ Radio as well as other radio, TV, and cable stations numerous times. His bylined articles continue to appear in various antique journals and in print and online consumer publications. The Brattle Book Shop is also the recipient of several “Best of Boston” awards in the categories of Best Book Shop or Best Antiquarian Book Shop. In addition, it has been included in a list as one of North America’s best bookstores.

For further information about this talk and more about book-collecting, appraisals and future talks, please visit the Brattle’s website or call toll-free at 800-447-9595.

Photos: Brattle Book Shop