 What was an effect of the delay in the book’s circulation?
The effect was, first, to increase the allure of the book (There must be something really hot in there!), and second, to ensure that no one inclined to be skeptical would be able to weigh in at the moment of publication. The result was what you'd expect: The first wave of publicity was either credulous or angry, but short on evidence, because nobody had had time to digest and evaluate the book carefully. Most works containing fresh regression analysis and historical argument from primary sources would be published in academic quarterlies that send manuscripts out for elaborate, lengthy evaluation before deciding whether to publish them. The debate on publication day was conducted in the mass media by people with no independent ability to assess the book.
 Experts weren’t able to read through and collect evidence proving the book’s hypotheses wrong.
 The book didn’t reach the top of the charts.  Experts weren’t able to read through and collect evidence proving the book’s hypotheses wrong.  Criticism of the book immediately created a backlash.  The book sold fewer copies.