N.Z. books selling at record level

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33093, 7 December 1972, Page 12

N.Z. books selling at record level

“Another record Christmas for book sales” is the prediction of Mr N. L. Peters, of Whit com be and Tombs, Ltd, Christchurch. He says New Zealand books are selling particularly well—Austin Mitchell’s “The Half-gallon Quarter-acre Pavlova Paradise” is in its fourth printing since July.

The pace in bookshops quickens to a last-minute frenzy at Christmas time, and booksellers reckon to do three months trade in one month.

They have a good idea of the sort of book that is likely to appeal to the Christmas shopper—the person who is after something unusual, but at the same time a gift of lasting worth, and one that will bring real pleasure to the receiver. Hardbacks, paperbacks, novels, do-it-yourself books, books on travel and books on sport, all are eagerly sought out as gifts—and many book-lovers use the excuse of Christmas to buy books for themselves. Books always prove to be popular gifts because it is comparatively easy to find a book that will interest anyone, and there are books to suit people with the most esoteric tastes. However, the range of books available is so vast that buyers have had to become more discriminating. Publishers have answered this need with more care-

fully selected books that are attractively designed, well produced, and still not too expensive.

Of course, if the choice should prove too difficult, the book token will always make a welcome gift.