Chapter 20—Duplicating Books, and New Editions
Duplication of Books—In the future there will be manifested the
same blindness that is now manifested in regard to the publication
of important matters. Men will go over the same ground that is now
being gone over. The principles underlying the plans being followed
are faulty. When a book comes from the press to fill a certain want in
the world, the interests of that book must be guarded by the men who
have received pay for publishing it, even if the matter contained in
the book is not of sufficient importance to demand a large circulation
without delay.
I have been shown some things that will be done in the future.
One man will prepare a book for publication, and after it is in cir-
culation, someone else will think that he can publish a book similar
in appearance and covering nearly the same ground as the first book
placed on the market. The writer of this second book will use different
words, but will treat of the same subjects that are treated of in the other
book. Thus two different books will be in existence when one would
have been all-sufficient. There will be instances when even before the
author writes the book that he contemplates publishing, someone else
will write on the very same subjects, in order to forestall the one who
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has expressed his purpose to write on certain subjects. The second
book published diminishes the sale of the first one, and he who takes
advantage of his neighbor in this way does not treat him fairly. His
book largely takes the place and the patronage of the first book in the
field. He has worked contrary to the principles of righteousness; for
he has robbed his neighbor.—
Manuscript 23, 1891
.
An Unfair Work—Both authors and publishers should have fore-
sight, and carefully weigh the results upon other books and other
enterprises, before bringing out new works. These things are not
regarded as they should be. Greater discretion is required in the man-
agement of these matters, if our work shall redound to the glory of God.
Those appointed to responsible positions in the publishing work must
now give careful consideration to these important matters. They must
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