Imagens das páginas
PDF
ePub

ment; in fact, I believe it is taken for granted that we are opposed to it. It may be so generally, but speaking for myself alone, I am in favor of the strictest rule which can be enforced, and with as few exceptions as possible. It is to the interest of a second-hand dealer that his customer should have to pay full retail prices for new books, as he will then be willing to pay more for a second-hand copy, and many times buy such a copy in preference to a much more costly new one. As a former correspondent of your WEEKLY showed, houses that live by underselling don't live long.

I think the trade generally is coming to that opinion. Wishing the Niagara Convention every success, I am yours truly,

LAWRENCE B. THOMAS,

New and Second-hand Bookseller.

Discount on School-Books.

N. Y., June 23, 1875.

To the Editor of the Publishers' Weekly: DEAR SIR: The continuance of business as bookseller depends almost wholly upon the action of the Convention at Niagara, next month. In our place, it is school books almost entirely; and I think these should be included in the list, and all should be limited to 15 per cent, without exception. What have teachers or clergymen done, that I or any other dealer should make them a present of all my support, so far as they are concerned? How would they receive a request from me to teach my children free, or cancel my pew-rent? Instead of sending me customers, they say to them, "Wait till I am sending, and I will get it twenty per cent less." I hope the Niagara Convention will see the propriety of this, and be unanimous, plain, unmistakable in language-making such a forfeit as shall hold all

together-although I am about discouraged, so long as the spirit of underselling is so strong in places where manly dealing ought to be the basis of action.

Discounts and the Reform.

S.

[THE following letter is handed to us by the Committee on Assemblies, as of general interest.-ED.]

COLUMBUS, OHIO, June 23, 1875. The Committee on Assemblies:

GENTLEMEN: Please consider me as a possible attendant of the Convention and Book Fair. Also, as a protestant against large discounts, outside of the regular trade. To produce a revival in the book trade, it may be necessary to reduce retail prices. To do this, the publisher must shorten his profits, the retailer be contented with less discounts, and the consumer be satisfied that "the discount has already been taken off," when the retail price is named to him. Under the above conditions, the discount to libraries would have to be lessened to about ten per cent, which would be a fair discrimination between a large and a small purchaser. It is a noticeable fact that the maximum discount on any kind of books, or to any particular class of customers, immediately becomes also the minimum discount as well; therefore, the maximum should be set with an eye to the other.

Booksellers usually receive no discounts on purchases of articles which they consume, and their physician's bill is made out "in full "— yet, when he becomes the customer, he demands a discount. Thus, the retailer first buys his books (and pays for them), and then pays a premium to his customer as an inducement to purchase.

These remarks have no particular business here, but it is difficult to approach the matter of a convention without feeling to say something. Yours truly, GEORGE W. GLEASON.

How to Get Discounts.

MERIDIAN, Miss., June 15, 1875.

To the Editor of the Publishers' Weekly : DEAR SIR: Yesterday, a resident minister came to our store and proposed to buy his books through us, instead of sending off for them himself, stating, at the same time, that we could give him as good prices, and make five to ten per cent clear. We thanked him, and asked from whom he had purchased, and what discount he received. He specified an Eastern firm which gave him forty per cent discount on religious books. We told him that the best we could get on religious books is one fourth to one third and five per cent, and that no retailer gets any better discount. He left, thinking us poor buyers, or untruthful to him. Yours truly,

E. PHILLIPS & Co.

A Decimal System for Paper.

ST. LOUIS, June 21, 1875. To the Editor of the Publishers' Weekly: DEAR SIR: It seems that in Germany and Austria the present system of counting paper (which is similar to ours) is soon to be changed. A committee, appointed by the Paper Manufacturers' and Book Printers' Associations, proposed the following, which is likely to be adopted:

Commencing on January 1st, next, 10 Bogen (sheets) to make 1 Lage (layer); 10 Lagen, I Buch (quire); 10 Bücher, 1 Ries (ream). This would make a ream 1000 sheets, a quire 100 sheets, and a layer 10 sheets. Might not a similar change be considered in this country?" Respectfully yours,

GEORGE SCHERER.

BOOKS RECEIVED.

ANCIENT SYMBOL WORSHIP, AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE PHALLIC IDEA IN THE RELIGIONS OF ANTIQUITY, by Hodder M. Westropp and C. Staniland Wake. (J. W. Bouton, New-York.) This work consists of two distinct papers, as read before the Anthropological Society of London. The object of these papers is to trace the origin of the phallic idea to the most ancient period, and to show that the same human nature has always been identical in the different stages of its growth. It is therefore shown that the same phallic idea prevailed among many peoples at the same time, and was not the immediate or direct effect of any special circumstance. The prevalence of this ancient mode of worship among the various nations of the earth at one time, is traced by the symbols that

have survived the idea, and many researches have been made to arrive at proper conclusions. The writers point out clearly, how modern nations have in many ways unknowingly perpetuated the ancient symbols, though attaching different meanings to them than those they originally possessed. In making these investigations and inquiries, the only object in view has been to add to the world's knowledge of such matters, and no attempt has been made to undermine any genuine religious belief. Both papers show careful study, and will be read with interest by the student of ancient beliefs and creeds. 8vo, $2.

CONSTANTINOPLE, from the French of Théophile Gautier, by Robert Howe Gould, M.A. (Henry Holt & Co.) The same brilliant descriptions and picturesque language which placed "A Winter in Russia" apart as a book of books among works of travel, characterize this volume. However much one may have read of the East, he will find it was an unknown country to him till Gautier, with his keen artistic perceptions, pointed out the varying lights and shades of its life and scenery. As presented by his sparkling pen, it seems a land of enchantment, rich in life, light, color, and romance. We recommend the work heartily, as not only far beyond the ordinary book of travel, but as something unique in style and power and vividness of description. 12°, cloth, $2.

STORMS THEIR NATURE, CLASSIFICATION, AND LAWS, by William Blasius. (Porter & Coates.) Professor Blasius has embodied in this volume the results of some twenty years' investigation of the nature of storms and other atmospheric disturbances. His theories are altogether new, but are indorsed by the highest scientific authorities as the most reliable explanations of the causes of storms yet given. His work is written chiefly for the general reader, and will be read with no little interest, the care and intelligence with which he develops his views giving it a special value and importance. The volume contains a number of plates, and is very handsomely gotten up. 12°, cloth, $2.50.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THOMAS GUTHRIE, D.D., AND MEMOIR, by his sons, Rev. David K. Guthrie and Charles S. Guthrie, M.A. Vol. II. (Robert Carter & Brothers.) This volume completes the history of the life and labors of this eminent Scottish divine. His name is so intimately bound up with the history of the rise and progress of the Free Church of Scotland, that a long and minute description of the disruption era forms a fitting addition to his life. The work is charmingly written, full of anecdotes both grave and gay, and embracing varied interests. It is in tone bright and genial, and sets forth a standard of the highest Christian living. 12°, cloth, $2.

LITTLE CLASSICS, edited by Rossiter Johnson. Vol. 13. POEMS NARRATIVE. (James R Osgood & Co.) Another volume has been added to what was considered the completed series of "Little Classics." No one will regret it, as it gives, in a most handy and pleasing form, a number of favorite poems, which are always delightful to reread, such as The Deserted Village," "The Ancient Mariner," "The Prisoner of Chillon," "Bingen on the Rhine," The Culprit Fay," "The Raven," "The Eve

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

of St. Agnes," etc., etc. The volume contains more matter, probably, than any previous volume of the series. 18°, cloth, $1.

THE OLD, OLD STORY, and, THE ART OF PLEASING, by George Roy. (Robert Clarke & Co.) Two little pamphlets by the talented author of " Generalship," on the subjects of love and the best manner of rendering ourselves acceptable to those we desire to please. Written with the simplicity and quaint wit which gained for his story such a great popularity in this country and Scotland. Ea. 12°, paper, 25 cents.

BROCHURE OF BUNKER HILL, with Heliotype Views, compiled by George A. Coolidge. (James R. Osgood & Co.) Containing a history of the battle, a description of the monument, of relics of the battle, and of the monuments to Warren, with heliotype plates of the same. Also heliotypes of a number of autograph letters, etc., etc. A very pretty little remembrance of the day. Oblong 16°, paper, 50 cents.

THE LADIES' ANGULAR HAND. A Complete Course of Instruction for Ladies in the Present Fashionable Style of Penmanship. In Six Books, by R. and L. MacLaurin. (Robert Burnet, New-York.) We call particular attention to these copy-books, as being unusually well arranged for imparting a thorough knowledge 3, and 4 are progressive, beginning with small of the present style of penmanship. Nos. I, 2. letters, then capitals, figures, etc., and sentences. The plan of Nos. 5 and 6 is quite novel, each page having a small note for the pupil to copy-properly written out and worded

of acknowledgment, appointment, thanks, excuse, request, contrition, etc. Each one is a model, both of penmanship and composition. Complete sets, $1. Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, per doz., $1.80. Nos. 5 and 6, $2.40.

COOKING FROM EXPERIENCE, by Mrs. Sara T. Paul. (Porter & Coates.) To judge from the manner in which practical books on the above subject have multiplied in the past year, it would seem there could no longer be any excuse for bad housekeeping or ill cooked meals. The directions are so simple and easy of comprehension, in the present cook-book, that the most stupid or ignorant of cooks could scarcely go astray with the volume in her hand. It is difficult to indicate the superiority of the receipts over those of a dozen other books of the kind without putting them to a practical test, a pleasing little task which is quite beyond our power; we can only, therefore, take the lady's word for it that they are extremely good and savory, and all of them new to the world. They are culled from her own experience of almost thirty years in housekeeping. 12°, cloth.

ELEMENTARY PHILOSOPHY. Part 1. LOGIC, by James M. Willcox, Ph.D. (Porter & Coates.) The author disclaims, in a prologue, any aim to write a mere class-book, and says, "This volume is intended for those only who wish to improve themselves mentally, to understand themselves better, and who already set a value on their quality in the scale of existence." This work is the collated result of a long study of Christian philosophy, is dedicated to the

American People," and is offered them as a help towards a better understanding of orthodox philosophy and fundamental Christian principles. 12, cloth, 75 cents.

STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS. Publishers and manufacturers of novelties in either stationery or fancy goods should send us samples, in order to make sure of having them noticed. We would also be glad to receive, at all times, for publication any items of general information to the trade.

THE trade in stationery and fancy goods during the past month was dull, but at this season of the year nothing better is expected. This is the dull season, and the dealers in general have no feelings of disappointment that they have not more customers. In both lines of business, however, there has been no want of those who find fault with the times, and complain that business is dull on account of a lack of confidence in the trade.

It is true that the late panic, with its consequent losses, did much to undermine the confidence of the trade. Money became scarce, and as those whose necessities were urgent could not borrow, they were led to sacrifice their goods to obtain the much-needed money wherewith to meet their obligations. This, for one, gave rise to the present system of underselling, which has done so much to injure the profitable business that was so confidently expected in the spring. Yet, when we take into consideration the general wealth of the country, and its recuperative ability, the cause of the present stagnation can not be traced entirely to the effects of the panic.

The worst effects of the panic have undoubtedly been felt, and though absolute recovery has not yet supervened, the remaining results are of small consequence, when compared with the depressing effects of the present condition of our national finances. The real cause of the general stagnation may therefore be said to be owing to our irredeemable currency, and until some action is taken for a return to specie payments, trade can not be expected to revive. The Resumption Act of the last session of Congress was undoubtedly a move in the right direction, but whatever effect it might have had upon business was lost by its fatal defect-it failed to provide any specific measures for carrying resumption into effect. At the late meeting of the National Board of Trade, the act was indorsed, and attention was called to its deficiency, and it is to be hoped that the matter will receive the attention of Congress early in the next session. Many plans have already been published to bring gold and silver back to circulation, and it has become a threadbare subject. Without advancing any theory, therefore, we would ask that proper provision be made to carry the resumption act into effect. When this is done, trade will revive, but with the present uncertainty nothing can be expected. The uncertainty of what action may be taken in future makes all values fluctuating, and under these circumstances it would have been better not to have

specified a date for resumption, without having provided the means for making resumption a fact.

Both standard and fancy stationery lack animation, but the fancy papers for social purposes sell the best.

In fancy goods, the importers are now receiving their samples, and though trade is dull for the present, large orders are coming in for

the fall trade. It is estimated that the orders about $250,000, and they are distributed through already received by the importers amount to all parts of the country. Some of the new samples are very beautiful, but as we can not mention all, we would call attention to the Charles L. Pratt, Nos. 451 and 453 Broadway. new ivory and leather goods imported by These goods consist of portemonnaies, matchboxes, cigar-cases, purses, etc., etc. The portemonnaies and purses are particularly noticeable. The sides are of ivory, handsomely carved, and the bellows portion of russia leather; the edges are bound with germansilver, and they can be had either with or without handles. The more expensive qualities are lined with silk, with silk cords and tassels. The portemonnaies sell from $48 to $96 per dozen; the purses, which can also be had in blue calf, cost from $24 to $60 per dozen.

For albums and the general line of leather goods, blue and black calf is taking the place of russia leather. Albums are mostly made in black calf, with silver mountings, but the blue is also used. They cost from $6 to $15 each. The chief business at present is in fans, and one sale of 12,500 is reported to a single house. The prevailing style is pearl and satin, with feather tips. The sizes are rather smaller and more modest than formerly. Many of them are embroidered by hand in the most elaborate manner, and may be had from $3 to $15 each, according to the sticks.

Mr. J. Emmerich, Maiden lane and Nassau street, New-York, has issued the Centennial thermometer. The tube is handsomely mounted upon strong cardboard, and is warranted correct. It can be had for $1.50 per dozen, and retails for twenty-five cents each.

Mr. Edward E. Brown, No. 31 Beekman street, New-York, offers the retail trade a fine assortment of envelopes, made from the best qualities of Piries, Corson & Browne Company, and other first-class papers. These goods are a specialty, and will undoubtedly prove satisfactory.

Messrs. Payne, Holden & Co., of Dayton, Ohio, have issued a new style of book covers, made of strong paper, and particularly adapted for the use of school-children, for their schoolbooks and copy-books. It is the intention of the manufacturers to have them used by the dealers in school-books for advertising purposes. They are made to suit all the standard school-books, and in ordering them care should be taken to specify the book for which they are intended, so as to obtain the proper size. They are furnished by the thousand, with the dealer's imprint on the back.

LITERARY AND TRADE NEWS.

"THE Fullness of the Blessing," is the title of Miss Smiley's volume of religious meditations, forthcoming at Randolph's.

MRS. OLIPHANT's new novel, "Whiteladies," will be added to the "Leisure Hour Series," in July.

MESSRS. CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAFFELFINGER, of Philadelphia, have published a "Centennial Railway Guide Map" of that city, compiled by Prof. L. M. Haupt. It is 28x28 inches in size, and is published both in pocket form and mounted on spring rollers, at 75 cents and at $4, respectively.

THOMAS HARDY, author of "Far from the Madding Crowd," begins in the Cornhill Magazine, for July, his new story, entitled "The Hand of Ethelberta."

[merged small][ocr errors]

THE promised "Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay," by his nephew, Mr. G. O. TrevelWE are sure the trade will very heartily sym-yan, M.P., is now in the printer's hands, and pathize with Mr. Cooke, of W. B. Keen, will soon be published in England. Cooke & Co., Chicago, in the recent loss of his wife, who died on Saturday, June 19th, at her home in Chicago. Mrs. Cooke was a daughter of the late Dr. Ben Hageman, of Yazoo County, Mississippi, and at the time of her death was but forty-five years of age. The many friends of Mr. Cooke will join with the more immediate ones of the family in regretting her death.

A NEW novel, by Mrs. Lynn Linton, "The Atonement of Leam Dundas," is announced by the Cornhill Magazine, and one by Mrs. Oliphant by Macmillan's.

H. B. HALL & SON,

Portrait, Historical, and Landscape

66

STILL another elementary series of general interest is announced by H. S. King & Co., London. The "Introductory Handbooks" will be outline sketches, not cram-books," of the study of philosophy, music, art, English, classical and foreign literature, history, ancient and modern, etc.

MR. STEIGER has now ready a Relief Map of Pennsylvania, prepared by J. Schedler, which he sells, framed in black walnut, at $1.50. There are in preparation similar maps of California and the United States.

BOOKS FOR SALE.

Beverly's History of Virginia. Second Edition.
London, 1722. $8.

12mo, calf.

ENGRAVERS. Alden (Timothy). Collection of American Epitaphs. 5 vols.

OFFICE, No. 62 FULTON STREET

NEW-YORK.

ENGRAVING PROMPTLY EXECUTED IN ANY

STYLE.

16mo, boards, uncut. New-York, 1814. $20. Smith (John). True Travels, Adventures and Observations. 2 vols. 8vo, sheep. Richmond, 1819. $12. Vindication of the Captors of Major André. New-York, 1817. $16.

Warranted perfect.

12mo, boards.

Address "Books," care Publishers' Weekly.

SINGING BOOKS, at 25 cents each; such as

Special attention given to Engraving 200 Jubilant Voices, Sacred Crown, Hours of Singing,

for Illustration.

[blocks in formation]

Address P. M., Publishers' Weekly office.

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

F. B. PATTERSON, 32 CEDar Street, NEW-YORK.

Miles O'Reilly-Complete Works. Best form.

B. WESTERMANN & Co., NEW-YORK.
Riggs' Grammar and Dictionary of the Dakota Language.

JOSEPH GILLOTT'S

Celebrated Steel Pens.

Sold by all Dealers throughout the World.

MANUFACTURERS' WAREHOUSE, No. 91 JOHN STREET,

HENRY HOE, Sole Agent.

New-York.

JOSEPH GILLOTT & SONS.

BERLIN & JONES ENVELOPE CO.

AND PAPER WAREHOUSE,

Nos. 134 and 136 William, near Fulton Street, New-York,

Have facilities for manufacturing 1,000,000 Envelopes per day, all sizes and qualities, with their Patent Folding and Gumming Machines.

MOURNING, WEDDING, FANCY, EMBOSSED or PLAIN PAPETERIES and INITIALS, from American and foreign papers. Send for Samples and Price-List.

SCRIBNER, WELFORD & ARMSTRONG, Nos. 743 & 745 Broadway, New-York.

LIST OF NEW WORKS.

1. A History of Caricature and Grotesque in Literature and Art. BY THOMAS WRIGHT, M.A., F.S.A. With numerous illustrations, drawn and engraved by F. W. Fairholt, F.S.A. Crown 8vo, cloth extra. London: 1875. $3.

2. Select Thoughts on the Ministry and the Church, etc. Gathered from the Literature of all Times, and arranged for immediate use. E. DAVIES. 8vo, cloth extra, gilt edges. London: 1875. $6.

3. Dr. Schliemann's Great Work, Troy and its Remains.

By the Rev. Dr.

A Narrative of Researches and Discoveries made on the Site of Ilium and in the Trojan Plain. By Dr. HENRY SCHLIEMANN. Translated with the author's sanction. Edited by Philip Smith, B.A. With maps, plans, views, and cuts, representing five hundred objects of antiquity discovered on the site. Royal 8vo, cloth. London: 1875. $12.50.

4. Timbs' English Eccentrics and Eccentricities.

Stories of Wealth and Fashions, Delusions, Impostures, and Fanatic Missions, Strange Sights and Sporting Scenes, Eccentric Artists, Theatrical Folks, Men of Letters, etc. By JOHN TIMBS, F.S.A. An entirely new edition. With about fifty illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 600 pages, $3.

5. Scott. Half-Hour Lectures on the History and Practice of the Fine and

Ornamental Arts.

By WILLIAM B. SCOTT, Assistant-Inspector in the Art Department of Science and Art, author of "Life of Albert Durer," etc. Third edition, revised by the author. Pp. 382. With fifty illustrations, engraved by W. J. Linton. Crown 8vo, cloth, $3.

6. Characteristics from the Writings of John Henry Newman.

Being selections, Personal, Historical, Philosophical, and Religious, from his various works. Arranged by W. S. LILLY, with the author's approval. 12mo, cloth, with fine portrait, $2.50.

7. Cruikshank “At Home."

Tales and Sketches by the most Popular Authors. With numerous illustrations by George and Robert Cruikshank and Robert Seymour. Also, CRUIKSHANK'S ODD VOLUME, or Book of Variety, illustrated by two Odd Fellows-Seymour and Cruikshank. Four vols. bound in two, fcp. 8vo, cloth extra, gilt, $4.

8. Booksellers, A History of.

Including the Story of the Rise and Progress of the Great Publishing Houses in London and the Provinces, and of their greatest Works. By HARRY CURWEN. Crown 8vo, with frontispiece and numerous portraits and illustrations, cloth extra, $3.

"In these days ten ordinary Histories of Kings and Courtiers were well exchanged against the tenth part of one good History of Booksellers."-THOMAS CARLYLE.

[ocr errors]

This stout little book is unquestionably amusing. Ill-starred, indeed, must be the reader who, opening it anywhere, lights upon six consecutive pages within the entire compass of which some good auecdote or smart repartee is not to be found." -Saturday Review.

9. A History of Architecture in all Countries, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day.

By JAMES FERGUSSON, F.R.S. New and revised edition, with 1600 illustrations, four vols., medium 8vo. Price, per vol., $12. Vols. I. and II., Ancient Architecture, now ready, not sold separately, 2 vols., Svo, $24. Vol. III., Indian Architecture, in preparation. Vol. IV., Modern Architecture, now ready, 8vo, $12.

10. Oriental Zig-Zag ; or, Wanderings in Syria, Moab, Abyssinia, and Egypt. By CHARLES HAMILTON. With illustrations in colors. 12mo, cloth, $3.

11. Fruit Between the Leaves.

Essays by A. WYNTER, author of "Curiosities of Civilization," etc. Two vols., 12m0, cloth, $4.50. Among the important topics discussed in the pleasing and forcible style of this author, are "Curiosities of Sound," "Rats, and their Doings;" "Precious Jewels;" "Village Hospitals;" "Were-Wolves and Lycanthropy:" "Rise and Fall of Great Families;" "The Blind;" "Life-Boats, and Those Who Man Them;" "A Word to Port Wine Drinkers;" "Preventive Medicine;" "Eccentric Cats;" "How our Millions Circulate;" "Do Bad Odors Cause Disease?" and numerous other questions of public interest.

12. The Year-Book of Facts in Science and the Arts, for 1874.

Edited by CHARLES W. VINCENT, F.R.S.E. Crown 8vo, cloth, 1875, $1.25.

« AnteriorContinuar »