OTGC was hired by Long Bros Books in Seattle, WA, to develop a two-month media campaign/series designed to be both engaging and educational for its audience. The videos were filmed on location over the course of two days. The aesthetic was inspired by the works of Ken Burns and Errol Morris, as well as PBS programming from the 1970s-90s. Below, you'll find the videos along with their corresponding captions.
Introducing our new video series!
Get ready to embark on a journey through Seattle’s rich history with Long Bros Rare Books in Pioneer Square. Over the next few months, we’ll be diving into fascinating stories, uncovering hidden gems, and exploring the history that shaped our city, region and beyond.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the past, this series is for YOU. Stay tuned and join us in discovering the stories that make Seattle Unique.
The Northwest Coast by James Swan is a fascinating deep dive into the rich cultures and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Written in the late 19th century, Swan’s work is both an ethnographic and personal account of the region, capturing its complex social structures, spiritual practices, and incredible artistry.
Jackson Street After Hours by Paul de Barros takes readers on a soulful journey through the vibrant nightlife of Seattle’s historic jazz scene. Set against the backdrop of the city’s Jackson Street, where legends like Ray Charles and Quincy Jones once played, this book offers an in-depth look at the musicians, venues, and culture that helped shape the rhythm of the Pacific Northwest. With rich storytelling and compelling history, de Barros brings to life an era of jazz that still echoes in Seattle’s heart today.
Step back in time with this 1912 tourist brochure for Bayocean, Oregon—a once-thriving seaside resort town that now lives only in history.
The charming promotional takes you on a visit to Bayocean’s golden days, with detailed maps, local attractions, and insights into the community that once called the Pacific Northwest’s coast home — a snapshot of a lost era, showcasing the ambition and beauty that defined Bayocean before it was swallowed by the sea.
"The Ordeal of Otto Otepka" is a broadside against America's inexorable slide to communism. The author prevails upon Dick Nixon to arrest the communist plot. This copy was owned by Fred Meyer, a name ubiquitous in Pacific Northwest retailing, with a mimeograph note, signed, tipped in to the front free endpaper.
Crime in New York City? This 1812 complaint by "A Citizen" deplores the activity of "Depredators," "Thieves & Sharpers," and "Brothel Keepers," calling for the establishment of a prison for women. Truly a rare book, with only one recorded institutional copy, at the British Museum.
Smug, spoiled, rich: Meet “Bobs,” an insufferable product the Gilded Age, who, at age eight, is so full of himself that he thinks others would like to read of his world travels. More likely, he generated the interest of would-be kidnappers. A handsome book, it’s one of many oddities in our Bizarre Books section.