In those days, although the Bookselling trade was extensive and vigorous, there was no organised publishing system by which a new work could be brought to the notice of the public.
"Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius"
Samuel Dill
The shark of Bookselling and the pike of paper-dealing lived on the best of terms, and their mutual operations, exempt from the turmoil of retail business, brought so few carriages into that tranquil courtyard that the concierge was obliged to pull up the grass between the paving stones.
"The Lesser Bourgeoisie"
Honore de Balzac
Up to 1581 he confined himself to Bookselling.
"A Short History of English Printing, 1476-1898"
Henry R. Plomer