ABOUT BOOKS.
Sir-The alleged "critical moment" in the book trade must have serious repercussions on the art of the writer; at no time has his lot been an easy one, and present-day trends indicate that his position is likely to become more hazardous than ever. Apparently the "gloom about books" is something that even the publishers are unable to agree about, but it seems obvious that the time is ripe for a show-down in the book trade. Of all the arts, the writers’ is the most arduous; it receives the least encouragement, and enjoys no patronage. At this alleged critical moment publishers are particularly active about
their own interests, one suggestion being that Gevernments should subsidise the publishing of books. This would, of course, encourage: the production of books, but would not secure writers against the exploitation of publishers whose whole outlook must necessarily be bound by the profit motive. If the writers’ art is to be incorporated into New Zealand culture-which we hear much about but see little of-it will need more encouragement than publishers are likely to give it. The solution appears to rest with our public-spirited patrons who could contribute towards establishing the writers’ art on a firm
foundation.
L.
BOND
(Auckland).
Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19490617.2.14.5
Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 521, 17 June 1949, Page 5
Word count
Tapeke kupu
205ABOUT BOOKS. New Zealand Listener, Volume 21, Issue 521, 17 June 1949, Page 5
Using this item
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Material in this publication is protected by copyright.
Are Media Limited has granted permission to the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa to develop and maintain this content online. You can search, browse, print and download for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Are Media Limited for any other use.
Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
Copyright in the Denis Glover serial Hot Water Sailor published in 1959 is owned by Pia Glover. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this serial and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the Listener. You can search, browse, and print this serial for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Pia Glover for any other use.
Log in