Washington Irving's most famous literarycreation (with apologies to Ichabod Crane, who might have benefited from today's ban on helmet-to-helmet hits) snoozed for 20 years, plum missing the Revolutionary War.
Dealing with these large chains reduced distribution costs, facilitated efficient ordering practices, allowed the creation of set title lists, and created a coherent network for book signings and literary events that promoted publishers and sellers joint interests.