In the 1950's, he tried without success to find an American publisher.

There is no evidence of it ever having been put out by another American publisher.

Other American publishers from major firms had been and gone.

The American publisher calls it a novel, the author does not.

But the fact that they could be published at all (no American publisher has taken on the series) is significant.

"Obviously, the big American publishers are looking at it very seriously, and some foreign ones as well."

Every year for the last 10 years, American publishers have released an average of 45,000 new titles.

British and American publishers regularly call on one another to buy or sell books.

"But he seems pretty certain that this American publisher will confirm the truth of his story."

Now some American publishers are seeking to build a stronger international business.