THE MOSHER METHOD
PIRACY OF BOOKS IN AMERICA
TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES
Sir,--I would be much obliged to you if you will allow me the use of your
columns to give publicity to the doings of Mr. T. B. Mosher, of Portland,
Maine, U.S.A. Mr. Mosher is an American publisher who battens at the
expense of British authors and publishers by issuing piratical editions of
English copyright books. He sends his list of contraband literature by
post to buyers in this country, who cannot be expected to realize the true
position of affairs, and who are naturally delighted to find their
favourite authors issued in attractive guise and at a low pric--a price
that enables Mr. Mosher, by not paying the author, to make a handsome
profit. I feel sure that were his methods generally known he would cease
to find a market here. As Mr. Mosher’s wares are sent into this country by
post without any identifying label, it is practically impossible for the
postal authorities to discover them; but that he finds a ready sale for
them is proved by the fact that numbers of secondhand copies are to be
found in the vicinity of Charing Cross-road, and advertisments of his
books unfortunately from time to time are seen in reputable English
newspapers.
In the January number of the Forum, Mr. Richard Le Gallienne has
thought fit to come forward as the eulogist of the Mosher methods, which
he euphemistically describes as "charming piracy." British authors and
publishers call them by a shorter name.