THE POSITION OF THE WHOLESALER IN THE BOOK TRADE.

The article discusses the general organization of the book industry, in order to see the basis for, and extent of, the present division of the wholesaling function between the publisher and the retailer. The author looks at how the book publisher acts as a manufacturer, and how only the general trade-book publisher deals with the book wholesalers. He also breaks down the functions and relationships between the publishers, wholesalers, and retailers. Some of the problems and threats affecting wholesalers are mentioned including the effect of reprints, public libraries, and increased hand-to-mouth buying.