of it has furnished the pitfall to trap the unwary, and almost all of Björnson's translators have been apparently unsuspicious of the actual difficulty of their task. Aside from the fact that in the process of turning good Norse into bad English all sorts of errors of commission have been made, their great besetting

sin is that, misled by its artful ingenuousness, they have attempted to better their originals, with most disastrous results. In but few of the translations— those of the late Walter Low are among the best-have we Björnson as he really is. William H. Carpenter.

BOOKSELLING.

THE SYSTEM ADOPTED IN GERMANY FOR THE PREVENTION OF UNDERSELLING AND FOR PROMOTING THE SALE OF BOOKS.

(Abridged from an address made in London by William Heinemann.) I.

In no business is there more reason for some sort of understanding among its members than in this business of bookselling, because only through an intimate understanding is it possible to create and maintain that most necessary feeling of interest and enthusiasm for the fascinating but unprofitable business in which we are engaged, which should induce us besides doing well for ourselves, to do something also for those who are to follow us. Bookselling is admittedly not the easiest of trades—perhaps it is the most difficult. It requires a better education, wider reading, and more discretion than any other retail business. I should say that no man can be a competent bookseller who has not also been a reader of many books. A bookseller should know the niceties of style, the value of standard literature as well as of momentary sensation; he should appreciate the classics, and revel also in the latest fad or craze of the hour; he should have a small-shall say a nodding-acquaintance with almost every branch of human knowledge. It would be well for him to know something about the best authorities in the fields of law, of medicine, and of science generally. It would be an advantage to him if he were able to tell his client who is the first authority on whatever subject the client might consult him about. He should be just as certain what to recommend as the standard book on diphtheria as he should know which Latin Syntax is likely to meet the requirements of the young gentlemen who are invited to join the recently founded local boarding establishment for sons of the clergy and gentry. He should be able to recommend to his legal friend a treatise on the Law of Contract just as readily as he should be able to say to the artist who visits his shop: "This is the book which you should study on the composition of pigments.'

This may seem utopian to you, impossible perhaps to expect of the assistant who comes to you green from school-even after many years of patient instruction. It may be an impossibility for any man to be entirely au courant with the

literature of the world so as to be able at a moment's notice to remember the standard work on every odd and awkward subject-in such an extraordinary way, for instance, as our confrère, Mr. Quaritch, has mastered almost every branch of the antiquarian book trade. But it is necessary that we should have booksellers who are able to compile and to consult bibliographical material containing (or which should contain) all this special knowledge.

This leads me to the theme which you have asked me to discuss with you this evening, viz.: the way in which an organisation which might create these and other happy changes in our business has actually worked elsewhere, has inspired hope and confidence in a sinking business, and has filled with pride and confidence those who must always be regarded as the first and highest-just as they are the most intelligentof all retailers of goods-the booksellers. I am referring to the Society of German Booksellers, which, under the name of the Börsenverein der Deutschen Buchhändler zu Leipzig," was founded in 1825, and has grown to be the centre of the book trade of almost the whole continent of Europe. For, although the special book trade of France may be localised in Paris, and the book trade of Italy in several publishing centres such as Rome, Naples and Milan; that of Spain in Madrid, and so forth; still Leipzig is the centre from which intercommunication with the various centres takes place. It has become the pay-house, as well as the exchange and forwarding agency of the book trade of the world, simply and solely through its superb organisation-an organisation which started with means much humbler, from beginnings much less promising, than those which bring so interesting and representative a body here to-night.

It is generally laid down as the purpose of the "Börsenverein" that it shall devote its attention to the benefit of the German book trade irrespective of personal interests, both as regards its internal organisation and its relations to foreign book trades as well as to all allied trades, and the general public. It divides its activity

under four heads.

There is the maintenance of the various establishments which serve for meeting purposes-for business transacted in Leipzig, and for the settlement of all annual accounts.

Then there is the drawing up of the rules according to which the book trade generally shall be carried on, both with regard to the minimum

discount that the bookseller is entitled to from the publisher, and the maximum discount that the bookseller is to accord to his customer.

Thirdly, you have the Benevolent Society, for the benefit of the aged, the disabled, and also the widows and orphans of all who are connected with the book trade.

And lastly, there is a special branch devoted to the encouragement of sub-organisations among local booksellers in every important town or district, all of which have to pledge themselves to maintain in principle the rules and regulations of the "Börsenverein," but who among themselves adapt them in such a way as the particular clientèle of their locality demands. This, you see, is a sort of local government under the general authority of the home parliament.

The conditions of membership of the "Börsenverein" are personal integrity, proof that the candidate seeking admission is genuinely and professionally engaged in the book trade, either as principal, partner, or responsible manager of the business; and lastly, the undertaking to submit unconditionally to the rules and regulations of the Börsenverein," and to abide by the decisions arrived at by the committee in general meeting.

The entrance fee is 30s. and the annual subscription, 6s. The membership is personal and not connected with the firm.

The headquarters of the "Börsenverein" are located in the "Buchhändlerhaus "-a magnificent palatial building. It consists of a large assembly hall, and a number of smaller offices and apartments, and being the rendezvous—at least during the Easter Fair-of nearly every bookseller in the Empire, has assumed almost the aspect of a

club house.

A number of clerks, under the general supervision of a responsible secretary, are engaged in the offices of the Association, in continual correspondence with the three thousand members, and also in the compilation of the Börsenblatt der Deutschen Buchhändler, a daily paper devoted entirely to the interests of the German book trade, which contains all the official announcements of the committee with regard to rules to be observed, as well as notices of forthcoming meetings. It also contains a daily list of all books, pamphlets, papers, music, maps, published in Germany; a weekly list of foreign publications—English French, Italian, Scandinavian, Russian—and, from time to time, lists of the smaller literatures and less accessible books. There are also occasional papers relating to matters concerning the book trade generally; not only to the bookseller's business, but to the publisher's business, and even to the allied trades, such as papermaking and printing. The Börsenblatt is open to every member of the "Börsenverein" for any communication he may see fit to address to it.

Before 1887, the discount system had made such ravages in the ranks of discount booksellers, that its abolition or continuance became a matter of life or death. It was apparent that the selfrespecting members of the trade must either combine and put down the abuses or submit to a greedy and improvident majority and be crushed to the wall.

It was then that the present rules had to be drawn up, which regulated absolutely and definitely the discount which should be given, which defined remainders, and which claimed for the Börsenverein" supreme legislation in all mat

ters concerning business disputes. It was laid down first of all that the discount, w ich had risen to 25 per cent., should be abolished in the ordinary way, but that 10 per cent. could be accorded to public institutions and regular customers for cash. If any bookseller were reported to the "Börsenverein" for having broken this rule, the matter was to be inquired into, with the result that if the case was proved against the accused he was to be turned out of the " Börsenverein," which was practically the losing of the bookseller's civil rights.

Let us presume that in some centre a black sheep made its appearance and offered a large stock at a discount to the public, or was even found giving special discounts openly or secretly, thereby attracting buyers, who, the "Börsenverein" maintains, should be divided in proper proportion among the different booksellers of the place. The fact of the discount having been offered or given would at once be communicated to the head office in Leipzig, whence a warning would be sent to the offender. He would then have an opportunity of explaining his conduct. If such explanation was satisfactory, the result of the inquiry would be communicated to the informant and there the matter would end. If, however, the explanation was not satisfactory, or no explanation was forthcoming, he would then be deprived of the privileges of the "Börsenverein ;" that is to say, an announcement would be sent out to every bookseller and publisher throughout the Empire, stating that he had been excluded from the Börsenverein," and calling upon every member to cease doing business with him in any form or shape whatsoever.

By this circular, every publisher's account throughout the length and breadth of the land would be closed to him; and his wholesale agent -corresponding to our Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall and Company (from whom we receive the "English Notes" in this department)-would at once stop his account and his credit, suing him at common law for whatever sum he might at the moment

owe.

So stringent are the instructions of the " Börsenverein" on this subject, that any publisher or wholesale agent would expose himself to the same treatment as the offending bookseller should he supply him with goods. He would be warned at first, and then similarly excluded, with the effect that, if a publisher, no reputable bookseller in Germany would stock a book of his; if a wholesale agent, the whole of his business would be immediately transferred to a rival firm, of which there are many in Leipzig. (To be concluded.)

THE POPE LIBRARY.

The most important bibliographical event of recent times is the sale, made privately, of the great library belonging to Mr. N. Q. Pope, of Brooklyn. The entire collection, one of the finest in the United States, cost Mr. Pope about $200,000, and has been purchased by Messrs. Dodd, Mead and Company. It is, without doubt, the largest purchase of old books ever made by any firm or bookseller on this side of the Atlantic, and we know of but one larger made this century, that of the library of Earl Spencer in Europe.

A list of the notable books would be, practically, a catalogue of the library. It embraces some of the rarest and finest volumes of the English literature of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries-folio and quarto Shakspeares and all the great poets and dramatists being largely represented. While it cannot be said that any collection is perfect in this respect, the Pope Library comes nearer to it than most, and includes many extremely valuable and unique books. There are two Caxtons and several Wynkin de Wordes. In the department of Americana, or books relating to the early history of America and the States, there is a very choice collection; and the English literature and poetry of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are finely represented. The majority of the great writers of these later epochs is found in this collection to be in immaculate condition, uncut and in fine bindings; in fact, almost all the books in this library are unexceptionable in this respect.

Not the least interesting portion of this wonderful collection is that of books with illustrations, of which there are large numbers, containing many thousands of inserted plates; some of these the work of Mr. Assay, who was an adept in extra illustrating. The prints in these books are interspersed with most interesting autograph letters of literary men of all times. The separate autograph letters and documents, although numbering but a comparatively few, are without exception those most prized by the collector. There is a fine series of the best works on bibliography. The French books, forming a minor part of this collection, comprise some of the most beautiful and artistic work of this century. In manuscripts on vellum, there is the famous Charles VI. missal, which contains a vast number of superb minia

tures.

In short, the three thousand and odd volumes which would go to make up a complete catalogue of this library consist largely of the most illustrious authors in poetry, drama, history, art, and bibliography from the middle of the sixteenth century to the present date. The library is now being arranged and priced, and in the early autumn will be offered for sale by Messrs. Dodd, Mead and Company at their store on Fifth Avenue. It will afford a rare opportunity to book collectors and to libraries, public and private, to secure books that are rarely found, and very many of which are not obtainable once in a decade, or, indeed, ever offered for sale.

EASTERN LETTER.

NEW YORK, August 1, 1895.

Sales in the first week of July were rather light, being broken by Independence Day and its attractions. From that time on, however, there has been an increasing business, better in proportion to that of the last few months, and comparing favourably with July's sales in previous years. Mail orders have particularly in many cases been for quantities instead of single copies, thus indicating a tendency to stock, while even the city trade has had its share of improvement.

Library trade, usually very quiet during the summer, has shown considerable activity, not only in the matter of orders, but in lists to be priced

and inquiries for catalogues, suggesting an early renewal of business in this department.

Guide-books to the summer resorts in the mountains and at the sea-shore sell readily, also works on outdoor recreation. How to Know the Wild Flowers still continues its remarkable popularity, while of the later books, Birds of Eastern North America and Familiar Flowers of Field and Garden lead the van.

The various volumes of historical publications recently issued continue to meet with a good demand, while those of biography are little called

for.

In paper-bound books there has been issued nothing of especial importance during the month, but the works of Captain King, Conan Doyle and J. M. Barrie in paper covers have sold readily. Social Evolution in this cheap form is also selling well, and the publishers ran out of it for some time while reprinting. A marked feature of this summer's trade has been the popularity of the Buckram Series and sixteenmo style of books. In addition to Henry Holt and Company's series, mentioned in a previous number, is F. A. Stokes Company's, including In the Midst of Alarms, The Face and the Mask and others; also the series in which several single volumes have been published, such as The Play-Actress, by Crockett, and The Kentucky Cardinal, by J. L. Allen. In fiction, Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush, The Adventures_of Captain Horn, The Woman Who Did and The Prisoner of Zenda have sustained their popularity unabated, while Trilby has come to almost a standstill in point of sale.

The new titles for the month contain a number of books by well-known writers, such as The Story of Bessie Costrell, by Mrs. Humphry Ward; Fort Frayne, by Captain Charles King; My Lady Nobody, by Maarten Maartens, and An Imaginative Man, by R. S. Hichens; also several editions of Chiffon's Marriage, by Gyp.

In subjects of a more serious character, Degeneration, Foundations of Belief, and Outlines of Social Theology are selling steadily. Fiction naturally leads in demand at this time of year, as will readily be seen by reference to the following list of most called-for books.

The Story of Bessie Costrell. By Mrs. Humphry Ward. 75 cts.

Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush. By Ian Maclaren. $1.25.

The Prisoner of Zenda. By Anthony Hope. 75 cts.

The Adventures of Captain Horn. By Frank R. Stockton.

$1.50.

Fort Frayne. By Captain Charles King. $1.25.

The Princess Aline. By Richard Harding Davis. $1.25.

The Woman Who Did. By Grant Allen. $1 00.

Tryphena in Love. By Walter Raymond. 75 cts.

Chimmie Fadden, Major Max, and other Stories. By E. W. Townsend. Paper, 50 cts.; cloth, $1.00.

Handbook to the Birds of Eastern North America. By Frank M. Chapman. $3.00.

Familiar Flowers of Field and Garden. Schuyler Mathews. $1.75.

By F.

How to Know the Wild Flowers. By Mrs. William Starr Dana. Revised edition, net, $1.75.

CHICAGO, August 1, 1895.

The month just concluded was as uneventful as July generally is, and presented very few features of any interest. Business has been very slow throughout the month, and hardly up to the average. The demand for recent literature kept up fairly well, and although financial works are still selling largely, the extraordinary vogue they enjoyed a few weeks ago no longer exists.

The

The new books published during July were, from a business point of view, as dull as the month itself, and not one of them was even moderately successful. The best of them-the best of a poor lot-was The Story of Bessie Costrell, by Mrs. Humphry Ward, which has not reached expectations so far, but may sell better later on. various editions of Chiffon's Marriage, which seems to have been the Trilby of Paris, have also sold well, the edition published by Messrs. Lovell, Coryell and Company finding perhaps most favour in the eyes of the Western public. Messrs. Scribner's cheap reprint of Bitter Sweet and Kathrina were in good demand by the country trade, and will doubtless do better still.

Western booksellers are now busy purchasing supplies for the autumn trade, and the travelling agents of the various publishing houses report that they are very well satisfied with the results of their July sales. In fact, business has, so far, exceeded their anticipation, and it would seem that booksellers are regaining a little of the confidence that has been so sadly lacking during the last two or three years.

The game of golf seems to have come to stay with us. The literature of the game is, so far as this country is concerned, confined to three or four books, for all of which there are frequent calls. Perhaps the most elaborate treatise on the game is the work on golf in the Badminton Library, but the most popular work with beginners, or, for that matter, the initiated, is the useful and cheap little handbook of the game as played in America, issued in Dodd, Mead and Company's Athletics Series.

The demand for outdoor books is still great. One of the most successful of the recent books on our home birds is Chapman's Handbook to the Birds of Eastern North America. Judging from the ready sale it is meeting with, it would seem to be the best handbook on the subject as well as the most pleasing.

The

In regard to the leading books of the hour, Trilby sold better last month than it did in June, stimulated, no doubt, by the drama of that name now being played in the West. Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush again surpassed its last record. Manxman and all of Stanley Weyman's books sold well, but with the exception of The Prisoner of Zenda, which went as fast this month as at any time since its publication, the other works of Anthony Hope had but an ordinary sale. S. R.

Crockett holds his own, and his beautiful little story, The Play-Actress, which heretofore has not sold very well in the West, seems to have caught a favourable current.

The following is a list of the books which led the sales last month:

Trilby. By George Du Maurier. $1.75. Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush. By Ian Maclaren. $1.25.

Chiffon's Marriage. By Gyp. 50 cts.

The Adventures of Captain Horn. By F. R. Stockton. $1.50.

The Story of Bessie Costrell. By Mrs. Humphry Ward. 75 cts.

The Manxman. By Hall Caine. $1.50.

The Prisoner of Zenda. By Anthony Hope. 75 cts.

Handbook to the Birds of Eastern North America. By Frank M. Chapman. $3.00. By I. Zangwill. $1.75.

The Master

An Errant Wooing. By Mrs. Burton Harrison. $1.50.

The Woman Who Did. By Grant Allen. $1.00. The World Beautiful. By Lilian Whiting. $1.00 and $1.25.

The Princess Aline. By R. H. Davis. $I 25. With the Procession. By Henry B. Fuller. $1.25.

A Little Sister to the Wilderness. By Lilian Bell. $1.25.

Chimmie Fadden, First and Second Series. By E. W. Townsend. Each, paper, 50 cts.; cloth, $1.00.

Degeneration. By Max Nordau. $3.50.

ENGLISH NOTES.

LONDON, June 24 to July 20, 1895.

In the last report the hope was expressed that the lowest point of depression in the trade had been reached. This hope has been realised, for there has been from the date above written a noticeable improvement. This is the more appreciated as the prospect of a dissolution of Parliament usually brings business almost to a standstill. The volume of trade generally is about normal, but the detail is greater than ever. So much for home trade. Abroad English literature is still in as good demand as ever, judging from orders received from all parts of the earth, and sometimes from very remote parts indeed. Who would expect an order for a work on electricity from a petty potentate in Java ?

The number of new books and new editions is considerably less than last month, although many excellent works have appeared-works that are likely to live.

S. R. Crockett, Ian Maclaren, S. J. Weyman, and Conan Doyle appear to be the favourites in the fiction department. Their books continue in steady demand at a time of the year when, as a rule, six-shilling novels do not form a very important item in trade.

Appended is a list of the leading publications in demand at the moment of writing. It must be borne in mind that the sale of such standard favourites as Braddon, Dickens, Scott, Besant, Black, Blackmore, and many others is as good as ever, but in this list are included the more recent issues. The same remark applies equally to all branches of literature.