The Publishers' Weekly.

JANUARY 6, 1877.

PUBLISHERS are requested to furnish title-page proofs and advance information of books forthcoming, both for entry in the lists and for descriptive mention. An early copy of cach book published should be forwarded, to insure correctness in the final entry and for notice in "Books Received.

The trade are invited to send "Communications" to the editor on any topic of interest to the trade, and as to which an interchange of opinion is desirable. Also, matter for "Notes and Queries.' Notes from librarians will also be gratefully received.

In case of business changes, notification or card should be immediately sent to this office for entry under "Business Notes." New catalogues issued will also be mentioned when forwarded.

PATRIOTIC BOOKSELLING.

THE problem of selling books is becoming beautifully simple. Private buyers and libraries put themselves up at auction, and he who will pay the most for the privilege can secure their orders. This patriotic (Centennial) method of business makes equally simple the question of profits. He who does the least business makes the most (that is, loses the least) money. The occupation of a bookseller may now fairly be classed with the offices of honor, as it has ceased to be one of profit. To it hereafter only those gentlemen of wealth need aspire who for the glory of selling books will sacrifice time and property. The reproach of sordidness and avarice has passed away from the American people. Pure benevolence alone actuates them. The "almighty dollar" has fallen from its shrine. Paraphrasing the advice of Horace, their motto has now become, Do business; profitably, if you can; but any way, do business."

The second century has opened even better than was anticipated. It was thought the book business had reached a safe basis in the Centennial year, and that purchasers were satisfied with buying every thing at cost, leaving the continuance of the book guild to the Darwinian law of the survival of the richest. American enterprise, however, would never be content with so slow an extinction of so unnecessary a trade. The all-popular auction is at once introduced, and a general snapping off of those brittle branches too heavily laden with the fruit of auction-bought orders will doubtless follow.

The fable of the scolasticos and his horse can be recalled by all. Anxious to see how little the animal could live upon, he gradually diminished his oats from day to day, until finally he reached a zero amount. At this point, unfortunately, the horse died. Hæc fabula docet, etc.

PRIZE QUESTION No. 14.

Which are the most salable Poems? GIVE ten titles in the following order, as usual: Author, title proper, number of volumes, if more than one, size, price, publisher.

Name only single poems issued in separate editions. Collective works and books of poetry are to form the subject of special prize questions.

Answers must be received by January 25th.

RULES FOR COMPETITORS.

1. The object of the questions is to elicit answers as to which books and editions have, independent of local or ephemeral interest, become standard or popular works in the American market, hence safe stock for investment.

2. A prize of $5 will be awarded for that answer which includes the greatest number of works on which competitors generally agree, or which, in the judgment of the editor, may otherwise be most fairly representative.

3. Every subscriber and every employee of a subscriber individually are entitled to compete.

4. The answers shall consist of a list of works on a given topic. The short title is sufficient, but number of volumes, size, price, and name of publisher must be invariably given.

5. The titles should be arranged and numbered according to the popularity each work holds in the opinion of the competitor.

of the paper only, foolscap preferred, each title in separate 6. The titles must be written legibly with ink, on one side paragraph, with space between titles for cutting through with scissors.

7. The list must not contain a greater number of titles than is demanded in the question. Where there are various editions of a work, only the preferred edition should be given.

8. Each list must be headed by the number of the Prize Question, and signed with full address of competitor.

9. If several competitors should present lists of equal claim to the prize, it shall be awarded by lot.

10. The name of the successful competitor shall be published with his. list, and the amount of the prize remitted immediately after publication.

11. The result of the answers will generally be published four weeks from publication of the question.

12. All communications should be addressed, Editor PUBLISHERS' WEEKLY, P. O. Box 4295, New York.

These rules are subject to amendment whenever the Editor finds it expedient.

cent, had gone to Chicago and been offered 30 per cent, and had heard that in Boston and New York they could get 333 per cent. I made up my mind at once that I would hold on to my trade, for I had one or two customers at the Hollow. So I sent a clerk down (it is one hundred and ten miles from our place), and he had to stay overnight at the hotel, for one of the committee had gone out of town. I had told him that he must get the order, and he did; but as the library funds are invested, I will have to wait until May, when the dividends are declared. No matter, I beat them all; and yet I don't feel as happy as I did at first, and I will tell you why.

After the books were sent off-we had to pay the freight by fast express-I thought I would see how the thing came out. Frog Hollow is pretty wide awake, and so made out its own list, and I had to buy about two thirds of the order. I figured up the cost, and this is the way it came out: Dr.

Cr.

low Library, $200, less 30 per cent... $140 00 By balance to profit and loss....

5 93 $145 93

Now, I will be frank and say that I don't like this result, and the worst of it is that I am afraid I will have to go on in the same way hereafter. I hadn't thought of the fact until a friend suggested it, that in all my calculations I must not overlook the cost of doing business. So it is pretty clear to me that there isn't much money in such orders any way. What makes the matter still worse is that my customers at the Hollow say that they ought to buy as cheap as the library, which hadn't bought a book before in three years, whereas they are buying all the time! I will admit that there is a show of reason in this statement, and, to use a strong phrase of another friend of mine, I am afraid that in this successful effort "I have bit off more than I can chew."

I do wish that some of your correspondents in Chicago and elsewhere would give us a statement as to how the 30 per cent rule works with them, and how they can make money out of such orders. There must be a way, or else they would not be so anxious to do the PERPLEXITY.

business.

LITERARY AND TRADE NOTES.

J. R. LOWELL, it is rumored, has in contemplation an essay in favor of giving to the people the class of reading they best comprehend and enjoy. It was suggested by a remark of Gen. Bartlett upon the value of dime novels.

THE Athenæum pleasantly speaks of William Morris as "the Poetry-smith of the Northern Olympus," adding that he is soaked in Odinism: his body is in Queen Square, but his soul is in "Ultima Thule.'

J. FRED. WAGGONER, of Chicago, has prepared for distribution a very neat enclosure pamphlet, with "choice bits" from his noted "Home Cook-Book," on housekeeping, table-talk, dinner etiquette, social observances, with a number of recipes. The first page of this "pocket

edition" has a fac-simile of the cover of the "Cook-Book," saving that in the original black and gold are used where here there is necessarily only black.

LOCKWOOD, BROOKS & Co. send their "Happy New Years" with "the compliments of the season" in form of pocket calendars, of which the covers, of black, are beautifully stamped with flowers enclosing the cards bearing their good wishes, and inside are the ornamented calendars facing some quaint designs on a gold background, with appropriate New-Year's mottoes below.

JOURNALISTIC NOTES.

A NEW Story by Saxe Holm will shortly begin in Scribner's, running through some two or three parts. It will be entitled "Farmer Bassett's Romance." MISS H. B. MATHERS, author of "Comin' thro' the Rye," is writing a new novel, "Cherry Ripe," of which the opening chapters, by arrangements with the English publishers, will appear in the February Appleton's Journal.

MR. SWINBURNE will contribute to the March Gentleman's Magazine The Sailing of the Swallow," a long poem in heroic measure, which will form a part of his "Tristan and Yseult." The magazine, which is now entering upon its one hundred and forty-seventh year, has recently changed ownership, Messrs. Chatto & Windus being the new proprietors.

The Portfolio for the new year will contain etchings from pictures in the collection of Earl Spencer, with notes by the editor (P. G. Hamerton); a number of plates from pictures in the National Gallery; a series of articles on "Albrecht Dürer, his Teachers and Followers," by Prof. Colvin, and illustrated by fac-simile engravings on copper by Amand Durand; some papers on "Modern Sculpture," by Comyns Carr; with articles on modern German art the conclusion of the editor's article on Turner and illustrations of North Italy, etc.

BOOK NOTICES.

AN ALPHABET IN FINANCE, by Graham McAdam. (G. P. Putnam's Sons.) With a view to restore the clue which the people have lost in the bewilderment of the numberless "financial theories" advanced by would-be economists in Congress and on editorial staffs, Mr. McAdam recalls their attention to the underlying principles of all systems of finance which, clearly understood, render so easy the afteracquisition of a knowledge of the money question. Starting with the origin of money (barter and exchange), he shows the necessity of a fixed medium, the reason for selecting gold, the further need of restricting its issuance or sanctioning to government, and so up to the

The Publishers' Weekly.

JANUARY 6, 1877.

PUBLISHERS are requested to furnish title-page proofs and advance information of books forthcoming, both for entry in the lists and for descriptive mention. An early copy of cach book published should be forwarded, to insure correctness in the final entry and for notice in "Books Received.' The trade are invited to send "Communications" to the editor on any topic of interest to the trade, and as to which an interchange of opinion is desirable. Also, matter for "Notes and Queries." Notes from librarians will also be gratefully received.

In case of business changes, notification or card should be immediately sent to this office for entry under "Business Notes." New catalogues issued will also be mentioned when forwarded.

PATRIOTIC BOOKSELLING.

THE problem of selling books is becoming beautifully simple. Private buyers and libraries put themselves up at auction, and he who will pay the most for the privilege can secure their orders. This patriotic (Centennial) method of business makes equally simple the question of profits. He who does the least business makes the most (that is, loses the least) money. The occupation of a bookseller may now fairly be classed with the offices of honor, as it has ceased to be one of profit. To it hereafter only those gentlemen of wealth need aspire who for the glory of selling books will sacrifice time and property. The reproach of sordidness and avarice has passed away from the American people. Pure benevolence alone actuates them. The "almighty dollar" has fallen from its shrine. Paraphrasing the advice of Horace, their motto has now become, "Do business; profitably, if you can; but any way, do busi

The second century has opened even better than was anticipated. It was thought the book business had reached a safe basis in the Centennial year, and that purchasers were satisfied with buying every thing at cost, leaving the continuance of the book guild to the Darwinian law of the survival of the richest. American

enterprise, however, would never be content with so slow an extinction of so unnecessary a trade. The all-popular auction is at once introduced, and a general snapping off of those brittle branches too heavily laden with the fruit of auction-bought orders will doubtless follow.

The fable of the scolasticos and his horse can be recalled by all. Anxious to see how little the animal could live upon, he gradually diminished his oats from day to day, until finally he reached a zero amount. At this point, unfortunately, the horse died. Hæc fabula docet, etc.

PRIZE QUESTION No. 14.

Which are the most salable Poems? GIVE ten titles in the following order, as usual: Author, title proper, number of volumes, if more than one, size, price, publisher.

Name only single poems issued in separate editions. Collective works and books of poetry are to form the subject of special prize questions.

Answers must be received by January 25th.

RULES FOR COMPETITORS.

1. The object of the questions is to elicit answers as to which books and editions have, independent of local or ephemeral interest, become standard or popular works in the American market, hence safe stock for investment.

2. A prize of $5 will be awarded for that answer which includes the greatest number of works on which competitors generally agree, or which, in the judgment of the editor, may otherwise be most fairly representative.

3. Every subscriber and every employee of a subscriber individually are entitled to compete.

4. The answers shall consist of a list of works on a given topic. The short title is sufficient, but number of volumes, size, price, and name of publisher must be invariably given.

5. The titles should be arranged and numbered according to the popularity each work holds in the opinion of the competitor.

of the paper only, foolscap preferred, each title in separate 6. The titles must be written legibly with ink, on one side paragraph, with space between titles for cutting through

with scissors.

7. The list must not contain a greater number of titles than is demanded in the question. Where there are various editions of a work, only the preferred edition should be given.

Question, and signed with full address of competitor.

8. Each list must be headed by the number of the Prize

If several competitors should present lists of equal claim to the prize, it shall be awarded by lot.

10. The name of the successful competitor shall be published with his list, and the amount of the prize remitted immediately after publication.

11. The result of the answers will generally be published four weeks from publication of the question.

12. All communications should be addressed, Editor PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, P. O. Box 4295, New York.

These rules are subject to amendment whenever the Editor finds it expedient.

cent, had gone to Chicago and been offered 30 per cent, and had heard that in Boston and New York they could get 33 per cent. I made up my mind at once that I would hold on to my trade, for I had one or two customers at the Hollow. So I sent a clerk down (it is one hundred and ten miles from our place), and he had to stay overnight at the hotel, for one of the committee had gone out of town. I had told him that he must get the order, and he did; but as the library funds are invested, I will have to wait until May, when the dividends are declared. No matter, I beat them all; and yet I don't feel as happy as I did at first, and I will tell you why.

After the books were sent off-we had to pay the freight by fast express-I thought I would see how the thing came out. Frog Hollow is pretty wide awake, and so made out its own list, and I had to buy about two thirds of the order. I figured up the cost, and this is the way it came out :

Now, I will be frank and say that I don't like this result, and the worst of it is that I am afraid I will have to go on in the same way hereafter. I hadn't thought of the fact until a friend suggested it, that in all my calculations I must not overlook the cost of doing business. So it is pretty clear to me that there isn't much money in such orders any way. What makes the matter still worse is that my customers at the Hollow say that they ought to buy as cheap as the library, which hadn't bought a book before in three years, whereas they are buying all the time! I will admit that there is a show of reason in this statement, and, to use a strong phrase of another friend of mine, I am afraid that in this successful effort "I have bit off more than I can chew."

I do wish that some of your correspondents in Chicago and elsewhere would give us a statement as to how the 30 per cent rule works with them, and how they can make money out of such orders. There must be a way, or else they would not be so anxious to do the business. PERPLEXITY.

edition" has a fac-simile of the cover of the "Cook-Book," saving that in the original black and gold are used where here there is necessarily only black.

LOCKWOOD, BROOKS & CO. send their "Happy New Years" with "the compliments of the season" in form of pocket calendars, of which the covers, of black, are beautifully stamped with flowers enclosing the cards bearing their good wishes, and inside are the ornamented calendars facing some quaint designs on a gold background, with appropriate New-Year's mottoes below.

JOURNALISTIC NOTES.

A NEW Story by Saxe Holm will shortly begin in Scribner's, running through some two or three parts. It will be entitled "Farmer Bassett's Romance." MISS H. B. MATHERS, author of Comin' thro' the Rye," is writing a new novel, "Cherry Ripe," of which the opening chapters, by arrangements with the English publishers, will appear in the February Appleton's Journal.

MR. SWINBURNE will contribute to the March Gentleman's Magazine The Sailing of the Swallow," a long poem in heroic measure, which will form a part of his "Tristan and Yseult." The magazine, which is now entering upon its one hundred and forty-seventh year, has recently changed ownership, Messrs. Chatto & Windus being the new proprietors.

The Portfolio for the new year will contain etchings from pictures in the collection of Earl Spencer, with notes by the editor (P. G. Hamerton); a number of plates from pictures in the National Gallery; a series of articles on “Albrecht Dürer, his Teachers and Followers," by Prof. Colvin, and illustrated by fac-simile engravings on copper by Amand Durand; some papers on Modern Sculpture," by Comyns Carr; with articles on modern German art the conclusion of the editor's article on Turner and illustrations of North Italy, etc.

BOOK NOTICES.

AN ALPHABET IN FINANCE, by Graham McAdam. (G. P. Putnam's Sons.) With a view to restore the clue which the people have lost in the bewilderment of the numberless "financial theories" advanced by would-be economists in Congress and on editorial staffs, Mr. McAdam recalls their attention to the underlying principles of all systems of finance which, clearly understood, render so easy the afteracquisition of a knowledge of the money question. Starting with the origin of money (barter and exchange), he shows the necessity of a fixed medium, the reason for selecting gold, the further need of restricting its issuance or sanctioning to government, and so up to the