With the value of out-of-print books one of the sore points between parties involved in the Google Book Search settlement, Barnes & Noble has added a new dimension to its publishing program, launching Barnes & Noble Rediscovers, an imprint that will republish out-of-print books in redesigned hardcovers. The first 33 titles in the series are available now and are priced between $9.95 and $14.95. Works by Loren Eiseley, Norman Cohn, Ted Hughes and Owen Barfield are on the first list. The program is being overseen by Stuart Miller, a long time B&N publishing veteran. A spokesperson said B&N will pick titles for the imprint based on feedback from company buyers and customers, examining searches on BN.com and on the instincts of editors. There is no set number for the amount of titles to be released under Barnes & Noble Rediscovers.

B&N has negotiated deals with the appropriate rightsholder to republish the oop titles. "The Barnes & Noble Rediscovers series opens a new door for us and a new window for writers and estates who have earned no income on their works for years. We plan to expand the capabilities of the program to include both e-book and print on demand options," said Marcus Leaver, president of B&N’s publishing subsidiary, Sterling Publishing. The spokesperson said e-books and POD titles will be released "in due course."