The Publishers' Weekly, APRIL 14, 1883. 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 each book published should be forwarded, to insure correctness in the final entry. 79 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" 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. "Every man is a debtor to his profession, from the which, as men do of course seek to receive countenance and profit, so ought they of duty to endeavor themselves by way of amends to be a help thereunto."-LORD BACON.. CUT AND UNCUT BOOKS. From Appletons' Literary Bulletin, April. THE PUBLISHERS' WEEKLY has been devoting considerable space to the defence of books with cut edges or perhaps, we should say, the defence of the practice against the assertions of an anonymous correspondent; for cut edges are so generally preferred that they may be said to need no defence. All the ordinary arguments in behalf of cut edges are unanswerable. Books with cut edges are indisputably more convenient to read than with uncut edges, until after the bookfolder has gone through them; cut edges have greater adaptability; they save labor; they are, let us admit, the result of plain, practical common-sense; and people with plain, practical common-sense may triumphantly claim to have the best of the argu ment. Uncut edges of books are simply and exclusively a matter of taste, and nothing else; and the difficulty is, that it is almost impossible to show why they should be preferred, even on the ground of taste. If any reader accustomed to handle books does not feel and see the superior beauty of the uncut page there is no human method by which it can be demonstrated to him. It is no more communicable than the sense of color is communicable to one who does not possess it. The color-sense in some cases, however, can be cultivated; and a person with a good natural sense of what is truly artistic may be brought to see wherein the superiority of the uncut book lies, if he will take the trouble to carefully compare the two kinds. It is only in this, as in some other things, that "seeing is believing." The book-lover finds an indescribable charm and freshness in the uncut page that is never present after the sheets have been plowed by the binder. It is not merely because the margin is reduced-for this objection can be met by having the original margin sufficiently broad to permit the edges to be cut, without in that particular sensibly injuring the book. It is because the virgin purity of the page, the sense of fresh beauty which it originally possessed, is lost. Every one who is accustomed to see the folded sheets of a book before it is bound, and the same sheets after they have been squeezed, crushed, and subjected to the butchering-knife of the binder, must feel, if he possesses a sense of beauty, that a certain very inviting quality in the page has been extinguished. The most accomplished book-maker in this country once remarked to the writer that, in comparing cut and uncut copies of the same edition of a book, he found a difference which he was utterly unable to account for the paper, the ink, the printing, everything about the uncut copies seemed so much superior. Now the writer has made this test many times and it never fails. To him a cut book is always despoiled of something. It is necessary, of course, for publishers to send out books with cut edges; but it is always done, in his judgment, at the sacrifice of certain elements of beauty. In all cases where utility is the first consideration, let the edges be trimmed; in all other cases, where it is permissible that invite and charm the eye, let the edges be to consider style and beauty, to consider things left untrimmed. Even when books are bound in leather, if the tops only are cut and gilded, and the side and bottom margins left untouched, the effect is very much better. The charm of the uncut page is thus an impression upon the mind merely. There is no argument for it but that of beauty, and all persons to whom this does not appeal will probably laugh at what we have said. Practical common-sense is always disposed to laugh at things it cannot understand; but there is a culture to which practical common-sense, so called, is often nothing more than barren Philistinism; and to those who have this taste the laugh of the Philistines is known to come from insufficient knowledge. ["Considerable space" could have been saved, had our 'anonymous correspondent," read the above has read our second. our first editorial as carefully as the writer of For the latter virtually sums up our own points, not only on behalf of " cut edges," but even on "the difficulty"—" that it is almost impossible to show why they [the uncut edges] should be preferred." And it is only on the latter point that he adds some original remarks. But he fails in fairly presenting the case to his readers. These are left under the impression that we have condemned the uncut edges in toto. Yet we took special pains in defining their proper place, which gives them even more latitude than his own formula : "Uncut edges of books are simply and exclusively a matter of taste and nothing else.” (The italics are our own.) On the other hand, in saying himself, All the ordinary arguments in behalf of the cut edges are unanswerable," he fully admits the essential-and at the start-the only point at issue. As to the "culture" which is politely intimated, is terra incognita to us, we are disposed to be content with such 'insufficient knowledge" as cannot grasp what "common-sense"" can not understand."-ED. P. W.] From the Nation, March 29. SIR: Will you permit one of your subscribers to offer a protest against an abuse of the critic's and student's time and patience which is getting a little too heavy to bear? In the time of poor Queen Anne there was a heavy tax on glass, and very little sunlight in "" and he has done his full share in developing the A CHANGE AT THE "OLD CORNER." On the 9th inst. Mr. Alexander Williams retired from the bookselling and publishing busi-servative way the business of publishing, which retail interests. Mr. Williams is a man of quiet, was always, however, made subordinate to the scholarly tastes, and, during his long career, has never lost sight of the interests of bookbuying and book-reading Boston. He now withdraws the name of Williams, which has been since 1801 associated with the book trade of the city, and leaves his large and prosperous business with his three partners, who have been brought up in it. ness of which he was so long the honored head, and the firm-name of A. Williams & Co., which has so long been familiar to the Boston publicin fact, to bookbuyers all over the countrygives place to a new one, that of Cupples, Upham & Co. Concerning the trade history and other interesting facts relating to the old and new firms, we quote the following from the Boston Advertiser: Mr. Cupples, who assumes the lead in the new firm, has been Mr. Williams' partner for the past eleven years, and for several years previous to that time was with him in the old store at No. IOO. His has long been a familiar face with bookbuyers, at the "front of the store." He has a thorough knowledge of books, and has a wide acquaintance with the trade. He has had much to do with developing the publishing branch of the business, and he has brought out a num "" 44 "" Great Britain, so nobody felt greatly aggrieved that windows were small and window-panes smaller. Now that the aesthetic craze induces the fashionable public to revert to a fashion which was simply a necessity when it originated, it is found convenient to forget the original why and wherefore." A very few years ago the reading public of the United States congratulated themselves that the invention of a certain machine made it possible to cut the leaves of all books, papers, and magazines without increasing their cost. But the vanity of mankind and the æsthetic craze have already united to demonstrate that this congratulation is premature. Scarce a book has come from the press this year that does not need to be painfully cut leaf by leaf; and the time so employed must be subtracted from that bestowed on the reading by every critic. In good Queen Anne's time, it was as little to be objected to as the small panes of glass. Her Majesty could not spell, and her subjects did not read. The aristocratic class, who satisfied their literary longings by collecting libraries, rebound the issues of the press for their own shelves, as their descendants still do. But in the United States of America it is the people, not the aristocrats, who read; and the people are active artisans or merchants, who have no time to spare, and, like the critic, grudge every second to the paper-knife. Let me speak for myself. I am too conscientious to review with a paper-knife or my fingers' ends; and this winter, from this cause alone, I have found it impossible to keep up with my work. Let publishers understand that it will never pay in this country to provide for the wants of the book-fancier alone. Yours very truly, CAROLINE H. DALL. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 21, 1883. From the Congregationalist, April 12. JUST now there is a call for the cutting of the leaves of books and magazines before they are issued to the public. There are cases-rare or unique editions, for instance-in which it is pleasant to find the leaves uncut, and to know that we have actually the first glance at the pages between them, but, generally speaking, it is a great annoyance to have to bother with one's paper-cutter, and we vote for the amendment proposed. This change is a most interesting one, as it marks the retirement of the oldest active member of the book trade of the city, and brings to the front a trio of gentlemen who have for many years been identified with the trade here, and have grown up in it. Mr. Williams' career as a Boston bookseller and publisher has been noteworthy, ber of new successful authors, by which he has secured an excellent reputation. Mr. Upham has long had charge of the Episcopal book business of the firm, which is the New England branch of the Episcopal Church Depository. He is treasurer of several societies connected with that denomination, and is thoroughly informed in his special department. Mr. Upham has also been a member of the firm of A. Williams & Co. "" for about ten years. Mr. C. L. Damrell, the Co." of the new firm, is one of the oldest and best known of Boston booksellers. For years he was connected with the old and sterling bookhouse of James Munroe & Co. He has been with Mr. Williams for over twenty years. BUSINESS NOTES. CHICAGO, ILL.-We learn from the N. Y. Tribune that on the 29th ult. "the sheriff closed the offices of the Coburn and Cook Publishing Company, the company's notes having gone to protest. Prof. E. H. Cook, a member of the company, was supposed to be wealthy and to have large mining interests in Arizona. One of the latest publications of the company was a life of Jesse James, which had a large sale.” ERIE, PA.-A. H. Caughey, bookseller and stationer, on April 2, associated with himself as partner his son Reed Caughey. The style of the firm has become A. H. Caughey & Son. FREEPORT, PA.-W. A. Weaver, bookseller, stationer, and newsdealer has sold out to H. W. Rowley. NEW YORK CITY.-The Chas. M. Green Printing Company, Henry C. Hulbert, President, Joseph H. Sutphin, Secretary, and Chas. M. Green, Treasurer, succeeds the firm of S. W. Green's Son, and will continue the printing establishment under the same general manage ment. NORTHAMPTON, MASS.-Mr. Henry] Childs, for nearly twenty-five years a partner in the firm of Bridgman & Childs, and before that for ten years in the employ of Hopkins, Bridgman & Co., retires from the firm, which continues, under the style of S. E. Bridgman & Co. (a member of the family having taken Mr. Childs' place), the old business of publishing, bookselling and bookbinding. reserving the real estate (the store on Main St.), and the stock in trade. This business was originally established in the last century on the very spot the present building (erected in 1827) occupies. The house was first known as Simeon Butler, Publisher of Law-books, etc., then Simeon Butler & Son, then J. H. Butler, who became the publisher of the works of his pastor, the Rev. John Todd, which still have a large sale. Todd's " "Lectures to Children" has been a most popular book for the young. It has been translated into several languages, has been printed in raised letters for the blind, has passed through many editions at home and abroad, and is still a selling book. The "Index Rerum" and "Student's Manual" hold a unique and undisputed place in literature. Mr. Bridgman entered Mr. Butler's employ in 1844, and was made partner before the expiration of his apprenticeship, under the firm-name of Butler & Bridgman. When Mr. Butler left the business to enter the firm of Cowperthwaite & Co., of Philadelphia, Mr. S. M. Hopkins, now established in Geneva, N. Y., and Mr. Henry Childs, who now retires, were made members. JOURNALISTIC NOTES. MISS M. BETHAM-EDWARDS has written a new novel, entitled "Disarmed," for Harper's Weekly. MR. GEORGE PARSONS LATHROP is writing a new novel," Newport," for The Atlantic. It is a sketch of life and society in the old Rhode Island capital. 66 THE publishers of the Popular Science MonthIndex" ly, D. Appleton & Co., have issued an to that valuable periodical, covering the twenty volumes from 1872 to 1882, and the three volumes of the Supplement. THE Century Magazine has decided to discontinue three of the regular departments of that magazine" Home and Society," "The World's Work," and "Literature." The new order goes into effect in the May number. The Manhattan, published by John W. Orr, 100 Nassau St., N. Y., has reached its third number with encouraging prospects. A long article on "Michael Angelo and the Sistine Chapel," and a reprint of a lecture by James Anthony Froude, show that its aim is ambitious. It is carefully edited, contains several illustrations, is printed in good clear type, and has about eighty pages of reading matter. MESSRS. JOHN W. RYAN and John D. Dwyer have become partners with Mr. James in the publication of the Sunday Budget, Mr. Ryan assuming editorial charge and Mr. Dwyer the business management. Mr. Ryan is an able and experienced journalist, having been connected for the past twenty years, first with the Saturday Evening Gazette, then with the Boston Courier. It is understood that Mr. Hovey, of the Budget, will in the future devote his attention entirely to the interests of the Manufacturers' Gazette. THE Amateur Athletic is the self-explanatory name of the new publication which has been appointed the "Official Organ " of the National Association of Amateur Athletes in America, and which promises to become a fair and impartial exponent of amateur athletic sports of every description. Its mission will be to protect the Association from the assaults of its enemies, and to serve as a medium of communication between the members in discussing the popular sporting topics of the day, giving to all the proper attenevery branch of amateur sport. tion, and chronicling events as they transpire in " ROBERTS BROTHERS have arranged for the following additional volumes for their series of Famous Women: George Sand,' by Miss Thomas; “Margaret Fuller," by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe;" Mary Lamb," by Mrs. Gilchrist; and "Maria Edgeworth," by Miss Helen Zimmern. They will probably appear in the order named, during the summer and fall, being all in an advanced state of preparation. George Eliot," the first of the series, is already in the second edition. "6 " other long-established and responsible firms treat him thus, he may with justice proclaim his testimony.' With merely his present experience it is hardly worth while." The above is from the N. Y. Tribune, which for the world and responsible firm" for reasons of alliteration, would not add a certain "other long-established or from sheer forgetfulness? "MR. WALTER Besant is unreasonable when he sneers at the American publisher because the proprietors of a newly-founded and little-known paper in this city failed to pay him what they had promised for a certain novel. When the Harpers, the Houghtons, the Holts, or any "The Sibley Affair," THE story announced as which the Messrs. Putnam expected to publish this spring, will not be published for six months or more, as that enterprising publisher, Mrs. Frank Leslie, has purchased the manuscript from the author, and will run it through Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper as a serial. The author of this book is the daughter of a prominent lawyer, from whom she got the legal part of her first novel, "The Leavenworth Case,' "which has been such a success. The Putnams have already published it in five different styles, and numerous editions of each style. The title of "The Sibley Affair" has been changed and will run through Frank Leslie's as "Hand and Rings." G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS announce that they inrepresentative essays on questions of the day tend publishing in monthly volumes a series of under the title of Topics of the Time. The Coan, will be arranged in such divisions as the essays, which are to be edited by Titus Munson following, to each of which successive volumes will be devoted: Social Problems; Historical Studies; Questions of Belief; Studies in Biography; International Issues; Studies in Literature; Scientific Progress. The series is designed to bring together for the convenience of readers and for permanent preservation the results of the best thought of the best writers of the day. that a much larger proportion than ever beIt is characteristic of recent thought and science fore of their most important work appears in the form of contributions to reviews and magazines, the thinkers of our time submitting their results at once to the great public. As a consequence, there are subjects of the deepest present and permanent interest, almost all of the literatures of which exist only in the shape of detached papers, individually so famous that their topics and opinions are in everybody's mouth, yet collectively only accessible for rereading and comparison to those who are painstaking enough to search long files of periodicals. The grouping of topics by volumes is the distinguishing feature of the present series, and in so collecting these separate papers as to give the reader a comprehensive view of the discussions of which they form a part, and in enabling them to be preserved as a part of the history of modern thought, it is believed that the series will render a service that will be widely appreciated. The substantially a continuance of the excellent series editor proposes to make the Topics of the Time entitled Current Discussion, which was edited by Mr. Burlingame, but the present volumes will have the advantage of being more compact in size and much lower in price. The first two volumes, to be ready in May, will be devoted to studies in biography and social problems. MME. HENRY GRÉVILLE'S" Instruction morale et civique des jeunes filles" and Paul Bert's "Instruction civique à l'école" have been placed on the Index Expurgatorius. BOOKS VANTED. Under the heading "Books Wanted,'' subscribers are entitled to a free insertion of five lines, exclusive of address, in each issue. Repeated matter, however, must be charged for at the rate of 10 cents per line. Copy for this Department must reach us Thursday Morning to be in time for insertion in same week's issue. In answering, please state edition, condition and price. W. BALLANTYNE & SON, 428 7TH ST., WASHINGTON, D. C. BRENTANO BROS., 5 Union Sq., N. Y. Webster's Fryburg Oration. Harper's Magazine, June, 1861. THOS. W. DURSTON & Co., SYRACUSE, N. Y. / ERNST & BRILL, 510 FRANCIS ST., ST. JOSEPH, Mo. Scientific American, Oct., 29, Nov. 12 (Nos. 18 and 20), 1881. ESTES & LAUriat, 299 Washington St., BOSTON, MASS. North American Review, Nos. 198, 199, 210, 238. A liberal price will be paid. FINCH & APGAR, ITHACA, N. Y. |
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