The Unit Books

The Unit Books have now become so widely and so favorably known to the discriminating reading public for whom they were conceived that the publishers feel it no longer necessary to discuss in detail the story of their origin, their reason for existence, or their prospective future development. For those readers, however, who may be interested to know something about the series and why it was given so unusual a title we submit the following brief statement.

The Unit Books were originated by Mr. Howard Wilford Bell, who began their publication in the fall of 1903 and who was subsequently succeeded by the Unit Book Publishing Company. The Unit Books are intended primarily as a systematic and encyclopedic issue of the world's acknowledged classics-the old books whose vitality time has touched so lightly that they may be considered immortal. Our editions are unabridged and unexpurgated, and may be depended upon for the accuracy of the reprint, the practical value of the annotation, the relative perfection of the proof-reading.

All editorial matter is intended to convey exact encyclopedic information rather than the personal opinions of the editors, and is, moreover, as readable as it is accurate. Το each text the editor adds (1) a sketch of the author's life, (2) the bibliographical story of the book, (3) terse but comprehensive notes on the text, (4) a list of authorities on the subject treated, (5) an exhaustive index-a total of from 20 to 60 pages of original editorial comment.

The Unit Books are printed in a plain readable type, spaced to insure legibility, on an opaque "featherweight" paper, with a proper allowance for margins. In size they are 41⁄2 x 7 inches-small enough to slip into your pocket, large enough to stand upon a shelf with dignity. They are offered in three bindings: stout linen paper, durable crash cloth, and plain soft leather. The uniform color of the three bindings is an artistic shade of green. The cloth and leather bindings are stamped in gold leaf. The Unit Books are light in weight

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because of the special paper used, and are bound flexibly so that they open flat in the hand like an Oxford Bible.

The price of a Unit Book is determined logically by the number of pages it contains, at the rate of two cents for each section, or "unit," of twenty-five pages, with no charge for a paper binding, with an extra charge of thirty cents for cloth binding and fifty cents for leather. This unit method of pricing books is eminently just and reasonable because the retail prices are in exact ratio to the cost of manufacture.

It is this principle of proportionate prices which the general title of the series is intended to emphasize. This idea, however, is not the gist or substance of the enterprise, but is used as an advertising means to an end-that end being the wider circulation of books hitherto not always easily accessible.

Aside from reprints proper the series includes books of reference, manuals, and valuable compilations, and to the strengthening of this phase of the series the publishers propose to devote for the immediate future their chief efforts. The series already includes three compilations: National Documents, Letters and Addresses of Abraham Lincoln, and Letters and Addresses of Thomas Jefferson. We intend to continue this branch of the series until it embraces in separate volumes the typical letters and addresses of all the most prominent and popular American statesmen of the past.

The Unit Books have the distinction of being the cheapest series of good books ever offered to American readers. They may be had separately or in any combination you prefer.

Unit Books Now Ready

1 THE MARBLE FAUN NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE

A romance of thrilling interest, describing artist life in Rome and evolving a mystery which the artist leaves unsolved. 21 units (524 pp.), paper 42c, cloth 72c, leather 92c, postage 8c extra. 2 LETTERS AND ADDRESSES OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN The best existing collection of Lincoln's writings, excepting an edition priced at $10. Should be read by every loyal American.

16 units (399 pp.), paper 32c, cloth 62c, leather 82c, postage 8c extra.

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3 TALES OF MYSTERY EDGAR ALLAN POE

Twenty-one short stories full of grim humor and gruesome horror-the best of Poe, an author more widely read to-day than ever before.

21 units (507 pp.), paper 42c, cloth 72c, leather 92c, postage 8c extra.

4 LIFE OF JESUS ERNEST RENAN

One of the most popular sacred narratives ever written, notwithstanding the author's erudition. Every professedly well-read person should know this work.

19 units (452 pp.), paper 38c, cloth 68c, leather 88c, postage 8c extra.

5 PRUE AND I GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS

Prue and I merits the fortune of being taken into the hearts of all its readers, though it is a fortune so rare as to come to but two or three books in a generation.-W. D. HOWELLS. 8 units (176 pp.), paper 16c, cloth 46c, leather 66c, postage 8c extra. 6 DOMESTIC MANNERS OF THE AMERICANS

MRS. TROLLOPE

A vivacious narrative of four years' residence in the United States in 1827-1831. A clever, witty, prejudiced description of the rude manners of our grandfathers.

17 units (402 pp.), paper 34c, cloth 64c, leather 84c, postage 8c extra.

7 STUDY OF WORDS ARCHBISHOP TRENCH

A simple reference work, giving the natural history of words in daily usage. A useful guide to those who want to improve their diction and vocabulary.

13 units (320 pp.), paper 26c, cloth 56c, leather 76c, postage 8c extra.

8 NATIONAL DOCUMENTS

Notable state papers, arranged to illustrate the growth of our country from 1606 to the present day. A documentary history. A unique compilation.

21 units (504 pp.), paper 42c, cloth 72c, leather 92c, postage 8c extra. 9 LETTERS AND ADDRESSES OF THOMAS JEFFERSON

This book has the distinction of being the only collection of the writings of this great patriot published in a single volume and sold at a small cost.

13 units (323 pp.), paper 26c, cloth 56c, leather 76c, postage 8c extra.

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The Unit Book Publishing Company 70 Fifth Ave., New York