* Low Sales: If a book doesn't sell well enough to justify the cost of keeping it in print, publishers may decide to discontinue it. This is especially true for older books, as the market for them can shrink over time.
* Rights Issues: The rights to publish a book may expire or be sold to another publisher, leading to the original edition being discontinued.
* Changes in Market Demand: The popularity of a book can fluctuate based on factors like current events, cultural trends, or the availability of similar books.
* Printing Costs: Rising printing costs can make it financially unfeasible for publishers to keep less popular books in print.
* Author's Decision: Sometimes, authors choose to stop making their books available, particularly if they are unhappy with the current publisher or want to focus on new projects.
In the case of "Whirlwind," it's important to note that it was published in 1975 and is considered an early work by James Clavell. It is likely that the book's sales have declined over time, and the rights may have been reverted to the author or his estate.
It's worth researching further:
* Check with used booksellers: Sites like Abebooks and Amazon often have used copies of out-of-print books available.
* Contact the author's estate: They might have information on the book's availability or why it's out of print.
* Check with libraries: Public libraries often have access to out-of-print books through interlibrary loan programs.
While "Whirlwind" may be out of print, it's possible that it might become available again in the future if there's enough demand.