Book prices

With the possibility of Waterstones taking over Ottakers, there has been much whinging about the power the booksellers wield over the publishers. Should we feel sorry for the publishers? Consider this - I have several paperbacks which I purchased in the mid to late 1950s. Price, 1/6 and 2/6 (and for those who don't go back that far, that's 7½p and 12½p respectively). Taking account of inflation, that equates to around £1.25 and £2 in today's money. And the price of a paperback today? At least £6.99!! Even if it's a best-seller and you're able to take advantage of the supermarkets' discount prices you're still going to have to pay around £3.50 or more. Like the man in the bank advert says - someone's having a laugh!