The rarity of the first issue of Poems is attributed to the obscure imprint of Aylott and Jones, who were primarily booksellers and stationers rather than publishers, lacking distribution outlets. Poetry was not generally popular in 1840s, and the Brontë sisters were unknown authors who sponsored the publication and advertising of the volume. About fourteen copies were distributed to reviewers; only two were sold; and an unknown number of courtesy copies were sent by Charlotte Brontë to other authors whom the sisters revered. In 1848, George Smith bought the remaining stock, including sheets, cases, and bound copies; and he published under the Smith, Elder imprint a second issue" - Smith The Brontë Sisters 1000 copies were printed in 1846, 961 of which were sold to Smith, Elder two years, later making copies of the first issue which is "virtually unprocurable" (Smith).