Our Literature Work by A. J. S. Bourdeau

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 5, 1910

Our Literature Work

By A. J. S. Bourdeau

THE periodical sales of two of our European publishing houses alone, the International Tract Society, Hamburg, Germany, and the International Tract Society of London, amounted to $94,451.93 during the year 1909. Many of us little realize the great work that is being accomplished by our publishing houses located in these countries.

One of the history teachers connected with Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn., writes the following concerning the last issue of Liberty (No. 2): “Please send me for the enclosed ten cents the last number of Liberty. I want to use the pictures for my class in general history. I am very glad to find this collection.” It will be remembered that in this number are found excellent pictures of the kings, queens, and presidents of the leading nations of the world. Another notable feature of this number is the complete report of the recent Sunday law hearing before a committee in Congress. The arguments made by both the opposers and advocates of the proposed Johnston Sunday bill are given in whole or in part.

Returns to date from twenty-eight publishing houses and mission fields indicate that our total sales of denominational literature during 1909 amounted to $1,240,235.59, at retail value. Of this amount, $747,286 (or over 50 per cent) represents our subscription-book sales, $500,519.10 (about 35 per cent) the periodical sales, $129,798.30, trade-book sales, and $42,632.19, our tract sales. Thus the sale of our periodicals, trade books, and tracts throughout the world amounts to practically 50 per cent of our entire literature sales.

Mrs. W. D. Fleming, of California, has just established a new world’s record in the sale of our ten-cent magazines. In one day’s effort, of seven and one-half hours, she sold 333 copies of Liberty magazine. The best previous record was made Sept. 7, 1909, by Miss N. Rosella Smith, of Union College, who on that day sold 300 copies of Life and Health in the city of Lincoln, Neb. During the same week she sold 1,000 copies in four days. The next best record was made early in 1909 by Edna Shull, of California, who in her first week’s work sold 230 copies of Life and Health in San Jose, in one day. A. J. S. BOURDEAU.