SIR,—We are sorry your correspondent Mr. L. E. Willcox had
difficulty in getting a copy of Britain: An Official Handbook.
This book was published on February 24, 1954, and met with such immediate success that the first impression was sold out by mid-May, a fortnight before you kindly reviewed it. Although a reprint 'had been ordered in good time, there was a period (now over) during which the book was not available.
This immediate popularity of a book, causing it to go out of print within weeks of first publication (and before a reprint can be delivered), is a hazard only too well known in publishing circles. First impressions of successful books of other publishers do sometimes get exhausted unexpectedly quickly and before the second impression is ready, to the discomfiture of all concerned.
There should be no delay or complication in obtaining Government publications. HM Stationery Office has agents in 27 large towns, and any bookseller should be able to obtain copies within a few days, whether he is an official agent or not.—Yours faithfully,
ly
N. G. THOMPSON
Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Atlantic House, Holborn Viaduct, E.C.1
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