Learn About the Value of Old, 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, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. on the value of old and rare books, according to a press statement.

The talk will be held at the Exeter Public Library, 4 Chestnut St. in Exeter.

Ken, who is also a frequent guest appraiser on PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” will talk in part about the history of his historic bookshop (brattlebookshop.com), which goes back to around 1825. He is the second-generation owner.

He will also 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 has many fascinating anecdotes to share as well as guidelines for what to look for when starting a collection. There is also a Q&A session before the conclusion of his talk.

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.

The Brattle Book Shop is one of America’s oldest and largest antiquarian bookstores. This year 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 several years ago.

“I found that books were in my blood and that I would never be really happy if I abandoned the business.”

For further information about this talk and more about book-collecting, appraisals and future free and open talks, please visit their website at brattlebookshop.com, call them toll-free at 800-447-9595 or online at brattlebookshop.com.