November 14, 2006

What's Moving?

I love exhibiting at conventions because I get to hear from you who are on the receiving end of what we ship every day - fellow readers of Banner of Truth books! I've noticed a pattern, too, in what you've told me. A number of you have called several titles, "life changing," which is no insignificant label! Two of the ones regularly mentioned have been:
(1) The Christian in Complete Armour, by William Gurnall. I kid you not, at least five men have seen this 3-volume paperback set on a conference book table in the past six months, sighed, and said, "This has had such an incredible impact on my life."
(2) Letters of Samuel Rutherford. I first heard about this book in our associate pastor's study. "What's this?" I asked a while back. "Ohhhhhh," he said, "that is the most devotional book I've ever read." Others have agreed.
The conference I just returned from definitely saw some big movers. From the biographies, we sold a number of Elizabeth Prentiss: More Love to Thee and Susannah Spurgeon: Free Grace & Dying Love. I've read them both and am not surprised. The new title, They Were Pilgrims, also captured attention. It's amazing to read of God's work through those four men who all died at either 29 or 30 years of age. Of course, the pile of Valley of Vision, both paperback and leather, went down rather quickly, too. I'll check the paperwork and give you a better update soon. Plus I think I'll post our best sellers thus far this year. Any guesses as to what comes in at #1?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Steve,
Thanks for for your updates. I already have several of these books on my Christmas wishlist. I've just been getting into some of the Banner of Truth books over the last year and have been enjoying it very much. This year I've read Iain Murray's Forgotten Spurgeon, Jeremiah Burrough's Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment and John Owen's Mortification of Sin. All of these have been very enjoyable, stimulating and challenging.

I'm now in the midst of Owen's Death of Death in the Death of Christ. I know it isn't a recommended starting place for Owen but because of some conversations I've found myself in, it seemed important to be familiar with what Owen had to say. In spite of the difficult reading I've found it to be very rewarding taken in bite-size bits.

Russ Copeland

Steve Burlew said...

Good to "meet" you, Russ. If I can put in a good word for you with whomever might be on the giving end of that Christmas wish list, just let me know. Hey, there's an idea. We could have a book registry at Banner like brides have wedding registries at various stores for gifts! Hmmmm, well, we'll see about that!
Stop and write anytime.
Steve

Anonymous said...

Wow, how many of these conventions do you do a year? Do you ever come down to Florida? I only recently discovered the great works of the Puritans and the most recent book I read was Sibbes' Bruised Reed. I will be interested to see what the #1 seller has been this year, but I would be even more interested in seeing some of your all-time best sellers.

Anonymous said...

Well, just saw your tentative schedule for '07 and I was a little disappointed that there were no FL appearances on it. My church, Coral Ridge Presbyterian, sells your books at their bookstore. Any chance you guys could do a display at one of our conferences? Just asking. Keep up the great work in publishing and publicizing these overlooked Christian works!

Steve Burlew said...

Matthew - Great to hear from you, brother. Well, I perhaps average out to about one a month. That may pick up, though, if I can work it out. Obviously I'm familiar with Coral Ridge; can you get me a schedule of what conferences are available and who to contact? Or even pass my name & email address along to whomever. Glad to hear you've "discovered" the Puritans. Don't keep them a secret. Send me your address and I'll get your our current mailer with a couple of Puritan paperback specials.

Anonymous said...

Steve,
I don't see it on the schedule, but do you ever make it down to Louisiana, or more specifically Baton Rouge? Or do you know of any churches or bookstores down here that that carry Banner of Truth books?
Russ Copeland

Steve Burlew said...

Well, Russ, I know of The Christian Bookstore on Florida Blvd. in Baton Rouge and the Radio & Bible Bookroom on Pendarvis Ln. in Walker, have bought books from us in the past, but I don't know that either one carries many. You can ask both of them to stock up, however!!! Otherwise, there are a couple of options in Jackson, MS. As for me, I'd love to get down to Louisiana, and may have my family join me in hooking up with a team to give post-Katrina demolition/construction help next year. Did you come through all that ok?

jc said...

My educated guess of the number 1 book is Valley of Vision, Leather!

Steve Burlew said...

Jef - If there were a prize, I'd guess you'd win it! I take it you're familiar with "The Valley of Vision"?

jc said...

Steve,
If the prize were the Valley of Vision in leather, or anything from BoT, I'd be very happy to receive it.

I must say though, that I meant my last post to be humorous. I had just finished reading your Nov 22 post, where you stated the number 1 prize. This is how I knew not only the book, but the edition.

Steve Burlew said...

Ha. OK. So you "got me" on that one! :-)