I would like to know what the "Perennial Library" is.  Is this an
American Company?  Is there any difference to the original 1st edition
publication of a book?

Hello witchettygrub,

Currently, known as Harper Perennial, Perennial Library was an imprint
of the American publisher Harper & Row, now part of HarperCollins
Publishers.  Perennial editions are paperback versions.

"Publisher Information: Perennial Library" (1/5/2003)
Type40 Books
http://www.type40.com/Books/books_Publisher.asp?PID=28

ReadingGroupGuides.com [noting change of name to Harper Perennial]
http://www.readinggroupguides.com/index.asp

"Perennial" [confirming information found on Type 40 Books]
HarperCollins Publishers
http://www.harperchildrens.com/hc/aboutus/imprints/perennial.asp

"Harper Perennial"
HarperCollins Publishers
http://www.harpercollins.com/features/perennial/

"Company Profile"
HarperCollins Publishers
http://www.harpercollins.com/templates.asp?page=companyprofile

- justaskscott


Search strategy --

Searched on Google and Ixquick for these terms individually and in combinations:

"perennial library"
"harper & row"
harpercollins
"harper perennial"
harperperennial
"perennial publishes literature in the most emcompassing sense"

[I tried other search terms as well; but the terms I've mentioned led
me to the pages I've cited.]

Rapid answer to basic question.  Thank you.  I will continue searching
form here.  If needs be I will submit further questions.