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355	https://historysoa.com/items/show/355	The Author, Vol. 12 Issue 12 (July 1902)	<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=49&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=%3Cem%3EThe+Author%3C%2Fem%3E%2C+Vol.+12+Issue+12+%28July+1902%29"><em>The Author</em>, Vol. 12 Issue 12 (July 1902)</a>			<a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a>								<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Publication">Publication</a>	1902-07-01-The-Author-12-12					237–264																		<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=89&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=12">12</a>											<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=76&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=1902-07-01">1902-07-01</a>							12			19020701	Obe Elutbor.<br /> (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.)<br /> Vol. XII.-No. 12.<br /> JULY 1, 1902.<br /> [PRICE SIXPENCE.<br /> PAOE<br /> 251<br /> 253<br /> 253<br /> :<br /> 239<br /> 25<br /> Notices ...<br /> The Pension Fund of the Society of Anthors ...<br /> From the Committee ...<br /> Coronation Honours ...<br /> Book and Play Talk ...<br /> Literary, Dramatic, and Musical Property<br /> “ Brockhaus &quot;--The New Centenary Edition<br /> Standard Rules for Printing... ...<br /> Canadian Copyright ... ... ...<br /> English Authors for French Readers ...<br /> Performing or Play Rights ... ...<br /> A Book about Books ...<br /> CONTENTS.<br /> PAGE<br /> 237, 264 Financial Obligations of Trade to Art<br /> 237 General Memoranda ...<br /> 238 Warnings to Dramatic Anthors<br /> How to Use the Society<br /> 239<br /> The Reading Branch ...<br /> 242<br /> Authorities<br /> 244<br /> Dumas Père (1802–1870) ...<br /> 245<br /> American Notes<br /> 246<br /> Paris Notes .......<br /> 247<br /> The Annual Dinner of the Women Writers<br /> 248<br /> The Authors&#039; Club<br /> 250<br /> Correspondence...<br /> :::::::::<br /> ::::::::::::<br /> 254<br /> 254<br /> 256<br /> 258<br /> 260<br /> 262<br /> 262<br /> ... 263<br /> The Society of Authors (Incorporated).<br /> PRESIDENT,<br /> GEORGE MEREDITH.<br /> COUNCIL<br /> SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. 1 THE RIGHT Hox. THE LORD CURZON J. M. LELY.<br /> THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD AVE- OF KEDLESTON.<br /> THE REV. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A.<br /> BURY, P.C.<br /> AUSTIN DOBSON.<br /> THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE.<br /> J. M. BARRIE.<br /> SIR CONAN DOYLE.<br /> SIR LEWIS MORRIS.<br /> A. W. à BECKETT.<br /> A. W. DUB0Ꮯ ᎡG.<br /> HENRY NORMAN, M.P.<br /> ROBERT BATEMAN.<br /> SIR MICHAEL Foster, K.C.B., M.P., SIR GILBERT PARKER, M.P.<br /> F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S.<br /> F.R.S.<br /> J. C. PARKINSON.<br /> SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G., C.B. D. W. FRESHFIELD,<br /> A. W. PINERO.<br /> AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, K.C.<br /> RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. THE RIGHT Hon. THE LORD PIR<br /> THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. EDMUND GOSSE.<br /> BRIGHT, F.R.S.<br /> THE RIGHT Hox. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. SIDNEY GRUNDY.<br /> Sir FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart.,LL.D.<br /> THE RIGHT Hon. THE LORD BURGH. H. RIDER HAGGARD.<br /> WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK.<br /> CLERE<br /> MRS. HARRISON (LUCAS MALET). E. Rose.<br /> HALL CAINE.<br /> THOMAS HARDY.<br /> W. BAPTISTE SCOONES.<br /> EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A.<br /> ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS,<br /> OWEN SEAMAN.<br /> EDWARD CLODD.<br /> JEROME K. JEROME.<br /> G. R. SIMS.<br /> W. MORRIS COLLES.<br /> J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D.<br /> S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE.<br /> The Hon. JOHN COLLIER.<br /> RUDYARD KIPLING.<br /> J. J. STEVENSON.<br /> SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY,<br /> PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. FRANCIS STORR.<br /> MRS. CRAIGIE.<br /> THE RIGHT Hox.W.E. H. LECKY,M.P. WILLIAM MOY THOMAS.<br /> F. MARION CRAWFORD.<br /> | LADY LUGARD (Miss FLORA L. SHAW). | MRS. HUMPHRY WARD.<br /> Ilon. Counsel - E. M. UNDERDOWN, K.C.<br /> COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.<br /> Chairman-A. HOPE HAWKINS.<br /> Vice-Chairman -- A. W. A BECKETT.<br /> J. M. LELY.<br /> E. Rose.<br /> HENRY NORMAN, M.P.<br /> OWEN SEAMAX.<br /> SIR GILBERT PARKER, M.P.<br /> FRANCIS STORR.<br /> SIR CONAN DOYLE.<br /> D. W. FRESHFIELD,<br /> SYDNEY GRUNDY,<br /> Solicitore<br /> FIELD, ROSCOE, and Co., Lincoln&#039;s Inn Fields.<br /> (G. 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List, post free, of<br /> DARLINGTON &amp; CO., LLANGOLLEN,<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 237 (#653) ############################################<br /> <br /> The Author.<br /> (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.)<br /> FOUNDED BY SIR WALTER BESANT.<br /> VOL. XII.- No. 12.<br /> JULY 1st, 1902.<br /> [PRICE SIXPENCE.<br /> CHANGE OF ADDRESS.<br /> The office of the Incorporated Society of Authors<br /> has been removed to-<br /> 39, OLD QUEEN STREET,<br /> STOREY&#039;S GATE, S.W.<br /> to month as they come to hand. It has been<br /> considered unnecessary to print the full list with<br /> every issue.<br /> Donations ...... ..........£1439 16 6<br /> Subscriptions .................... 111<br /> NOTICES.<br /> .<br /> .<br /> TOR the opinions expressed in papers that are<br /> signed or initialled the Authors alone are<br /> responsible. None of the papers or para-<br /> graphs must be taken as expressing the opinion<br /> of the Committee unless such is especially stated<br /> to be the case.<br /> .<br /> .<br /> CONOOooo<br /> .<br /> 2 11<br /> 5 5<br /> 0 10<br /> 0 12<br /> 0 10<br /> 0 5<br /> 0 5<br /> 1 0<br /> 2 2<br /> 0 4<br /> 0 10<br /> 1 1<br /> 1 1<br /> 1 1<br /> 50 0<br /> 0 10<br /> 0 5<br /> 1 0<br /> .<br /> ܕ ܒܰܡܘ ܕܘ ܗ ܟܬ ܥܛ ܕܝܢ ܝܕ<br /> DONATIONS.<br /> Nov. 9, Dale, Miss .......<br /> Oct. 10, Harrison, Mrs. (Lucas Malet)<br /> Oct. 15, Rossi, Miss L. ..<br /> ..........<br /> Oct. 25, Potter, M. H. ............<br /> Oct. 30, Stanley, Mrs. ..<br /> Nov. 21, Balfour, A. .....<br /> Nov. 22, Risley, J. ..........<br /> Nov. 25, Walker, W. S. ......<br /> Jan, 24, Church, Prof. R. A. H. ...<br /> Jan. 29, Toplis, Miss Grace ............<br /> Feb. 1, Perks, Miss Lily... ... ... ... ...<br /> Feb. 12. Brown, Miss Prince .........<br /> Feb. 15, Wilkins, W. H. (2nd donation)<br /> Feb. 16. s. g. ...<br /> Feb. 17. Hawkins. A. Hope ...............<br /> Feb. 19. Burrowes Miss E. .............<br /> Mch. 16. Reynolds. Mrs. ..................<br /> April 28, Wheelright, Miss Ethel......<br /> April 29, Sheldon, Mrs. French,<br /> F.R.G.S. . ...<br /> May 5, A Beginner .........<br /> May 20, Nemo ...,<br /> May 20, Dr. A. Rattray .........<br /> 0<br /> 6<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> .<br /> .<br /> THE Editor begs to inform Members of the<br /> Authors&#039; Society and other readers of The Author<br /> that the cases which are from time to time quoted<br /> in The Author are cases that have come before the<br /> notice or to the knowledge of the Secretary of the<br /> Society, and that those members of the Society<br /> who desire to have the names of the publishers<br /> concerned can obtain them on application.<br /> MEMBERS of the Society are reminded that, under<br /> the new arrangements for the publication of The<br /> Author, the August and September numbers will<br /> will<br /> not be produced.<br /> The next number of The Author will be produced<br /> on October 1st.<br /> 0<br /> 1<br /> 2<br /> 0<br /> 5<br /> 1<br /> 0<br /> 5<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS.<br /> THE PENSION FUND OF THE SOCIETY<br /> OF AUTHORS.<br /> Nov. 25, Vaux, P. ................<br /> Nov. 25, Lambe, Lawrence ........<br /> Jan. 17, Prelooker, J. ...................<br /> Jan. 20, Nickolls, F. C.<br /> Jan. 22, Carey, Miss R. Nouchette<br /> Mch. 20, Beeching, Rev. H. C. ......<br /> Mch. 25, Stroud, F. ..<br /> Apr. 9, Kitcat, Mrs. .....<br /> May 1, Heatley, Richard ..........<br /> 1<br /> 1<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 1<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 1<br /> 0<br /> 1<br /> 1<br /> 5<br /> 5<br /> 1<br /> 5<br /> 10<br /> 1<br /> 5<br /> 0<br /> (0)<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> 6<br /> 0<br /> 0<br /> THE following is the total of donations and<br /> 1 subscriptions promised or received up to<br /> the present date.<br /> Further sums will be acknowledged from month<br /> VOL. XII.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 238 (#654) ############################################<br /> <br /> 238<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> FROM THE COMMITTEE.<br /> date, and members are requested to assist in this<br /> effort by sending to the Secretary early notification<br /> Publication of a List of Members.<br /> of the material particulars.<br /> A copy of the form to be sent to members and<br /> TT will be in the recollection of members to be filled up and returned to the Secretary is<br /> 1 who attended, or read a report of, the subjoined :-*<br /> last General Meeting, that the question<br /> DEAR SIR,<br /> of the publication of a list of members of the<br /> 1. I object (or do not object) to my name being<br /> Society was raised, not for the first time, and<br /> printed in the list of members.<br /> that the Chairman, in response to speeches<br /> 2. I object (or do not object) to my address<br /> urging such a step, undertook to bring the<br /> being printed in the list of members.<br /> matter before the Committee. In the early days<br /> 3. I wish (or do not wish) my pseudonym<br /> of the Society, when members were few and<br /> (viz., ) to be printed,<br /> membership was liable to create a prejudice against<br /> (a) With my own name,<br /> the member in some quarters, the publication of<br /> such a list was considered inexpedient. The Com-<br /> (b) By itself.<br /> Yours truly<br /> mittee do not differ from the opinion of their<br /> Name<br /> predecessors, but, having considered the question<br /> Address<br /> anew, they have come to the conclusion that the<br /> change in the position and standing of the Society By order of the Committee,<br /> justifies an alteration of practice. The reasons<br /> (Signed) G. HERBERT THRING,<br /> against publication of names have lost their force<br /> Secretary.<br /> with the increase of members and of strength<br /> which it has been the good fortune of the Society<br /> to secure ; the reasons for it have become more<br /> The Work of the Society.<br /> urgent. It is most desirable that members should Since the last issue of The Author, the Secretary<br /> know who are brethren and who are not, that they has taken in hand eleven cases.<br /> should bare the means of approaching and (if need Two cases were claims for money due, three<br /> arise) of canvassing fellow members in regard to for infringement of copyright, five for the<br /> the action of the Managing Committee or any other return of MSS., and one for accounts. It is<br /> matter of common concern, of uniting to secure the satisfactory to state that eight out of the eleven<br /> election of proper persons to the Pension Committee, have already been settled, and that those left open<br /> and of exercising by joint effort an influence on the from the former month have all been closed with<br /> policy and conduct of the Society.<br /> the exception of cases against bankrupt papers.<br /> The Committee, therefore, have decided that a list To enforce the author&#039;s rights would have been to<br /> of members shall be printed and be sold at a small incur needless expense with no adequate return.<br /> price. In view, however, of the fact that special Of the three cases of infringement of copyright,<br /> reasons may cause some members to object to their one has been settled, one is on the verge of settle-<br /> names appearing, a form will be sent to every mem- ment, and one has only just commenced.<br /> ber, in order to ascertain whether he (or she) does or I t is necessary to remark that during the past<br /> does not desire his (a) name, (b) address, (C) pseudo- two or three months there have been several<br /> nym (if any) to appear in the list. Members should instances where articles and stories have been lifted<br /> indicate in reply whether they desire any one or all from magazines and papers, and reprinted in smaller<br /> of these particulars to be given. In view of the provincial issues.<br /> strong feeling in favour of the publication of It not infrequently occurs—in spite of the efforts<br /> names and addresses which has been shown, the of the Times—that mere statements of news are<br /> Committee feel justified in publishing them unless reproduced without acknowledgment; that is bad<br /> express notice of objection is received. They will be enough, but it is going a little too far and is unfair<br /> much obliged if all members will fill up and return to the author to reproduce articles and short stories<br /> the form sent to them immediately; but in case no bodily without remuneration.<br /> answer be received on or before the 15th August, The Society has, however, been able to obtain<br /> 1902, they will deem themselves at liberty to insert recognition of the rights infringed, although the<br /> full particulars in each case. Where members editors of some provincial papers are inclined to<br /> signify their desire to remain unnamed, their wish look upon this form of petty larceny as theirs by<br /> will be respected, and a statement of the number right of birth. In fact one editor was astonished<br /> of members whose names are not inserted will be at the tone the author adopted, as the author,<br /> given at the end of the list. It is hoped to publish he asserted, had gained a valuable advertisement<br /> the list annually, and to keep it thoroughly up to by this form of publication.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 239 (#655) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 239<br /> ·<br /> · ·<br /> ·......<br /> · .<br /> ..<br /> .<br /> · ·<br /> Magazines and Contributors.<br /> Bloomfield, J. H. . . . . 1 0 0<br /> The inset in the January number of The<br /> F. 0. B. (Coventry).<br /> 0 5 0<br /> Author, entitled “ Periodicals and their contri-<br /> Seton-Karr, H. W..<br /> 1 0 0<br /> butors,” has been considerably enlarged and<br /> Heriot, Cheyne .<br /> republished by order of the Committee.<br /> Charley, Sir W. T., K.<br /> 1 1<br /> The sanction of the editors has been in many<br /> Anonymous<br /> 05<br /> Charlton, Miss Emily<br /> 0 5 0<br /> cases obtained to the form and substance of the<br /> insertion, and where this is the case a note to that<br /> Kroeker, Mrs. .<br /> ( 10 0<br /> effect has been appended.<br /> Aflalo, F. G. . . . . . 2. 20<br /> Three hundred copies of the revised edition<br /> have been printed, and are now for sale at the<br /> offices of the Society. The price is 6d. a copy.<br /> CORONATION HONOURS.<br /> As the pamphlet cannot fail to be of use to all<br /> those who contribute to magazines, the Committee<br /> trust there will be no difficulty in disposing of this W E must congratulate Sir Conan Doyle and<br /> number.<br /> W Sir Gilbert Parker, two active members<br /> of the Committee of the Society of<br /> Authors, on receiving the honour of Knighthood.<br /> Besant Memorial.<br /> Amongst the other gentlemen distinguished in<br /> literature we see that Sir F. C. Burnand has been<br /> THE Besant Memorial now stands as follows :-<br /> made a Knight. He is on the sub-committee of<br /> Up to the end of February subscrip-<br /> the Society that deals with dramatic questions.<br /> tions were received, according to the<br /> Sir William Laird Clowes and Sir C. Villiers<br /> long list already issued, amounting to. £293 4 0<br /> Stanford are also among those who have received<br /> From March to the date of issue the<br /> the honour of Knighthood.<br /> subscriptions received amount to . 313 6<br /> We see with much pleasure that Sir Leslie<br /> Stephen has been made a K.C.B. As the first<br /> Total ... £327 17 6<br /> editor of that excellent production, the “ Dictionary<br /> of National Biography,” he was fully entitled to<br /> Subscriptions received from March to the date of issue. any honour the King thought fit to confer.<br /> Sir Henry Bergne, who has acted with such<br /> Anonymous .<br /> £1 1 0<br /> Champneys, Basil<br /> distinction in the cause of International Copyright,<br /> . 1 1 0<br /> • Colonia,&quot; Natal, S. Africa<br /> has received in addition to his K.C.M.G. a C.B.<br /> . 1 1 0<br /> Fife Cookson, Lt.-Col. F. C.<br /> The new Order of Merit has been conferred on<br /> Gunter, Lt. Col. E. A. .<br /> the Right Honourable John Morley, and the<br /> 0 10 0<br /> Right Honourable W. E. H. Lecky. The latter<br /> Harding, Capt. Claud, R.N.<br /> 1 0 0<br /> Hurry, A.<br /> has been a member of the Council of the Society<br /> . .<br /> . (10 6<br /> Keary, C. F. (amount not to be men-<br /> for some years.<br /> tioned)<br /> Kinns, The Rev. Samuel, D.D. .<br /> 0 5 0<br /> Millais, J. G. .<br /> 1 0 0<br /> BOOK AND PLAY TALK.<br /> Quiller Couch, Miss )<br /> . 0 5 0<br /> Sterry, J. Ashby .<br /> • • . 1 1 0<br /> Temple, Lieut.-Col. R.<br /> 1 0 A N important work of Mrs. L. T. Meade&#039;s will<br /> Underdown, Miss E.<br /> 0 5 0 A come out in the early autumn. It con-<br /> Lockyer, Sir T. Norman<br /> 220)<br /> sists of the stories of the Bible written<br /> Beale, Miss Mary .<br /> 0 2 6 in a new form and most beautifully illustrated.<br /> Bolam, Rev. C. E. .<br /> 0 5 0. These stories have already appeared in The Sunday<br /> Egbert, Henry . .<br /> 0 5 0 Strand under the title “Voices out of the Past.&quot;<br /> Eccles, Miss O&#039;Connor<br /> 1 1 0 The publishers will be Messrs. Newnes &amp; Co.<br /> Darwin, Francis<br /> 1 1 0<br /> Campbell-Montgomery, Miss F. F.<br /> Mrs. L. T. Meade&#039;s usual girls&#039; books will also<br /> 1 1 0<br /> Medlecott, Cecil<br /> be published in the autumo.<br /> .<br /> 0 10 6<br /> Saxby, Mrs. . . . . . 1 1 0 Mr. Carlton Dawe&#039;s new farcical comedy<br /> Caine, T. H. Hall .<br /> · 1000 “Brother Bill,” which has lately been delighting<br /> Marris, Miss Murrell<br /> : 0 5 0 suburban audiences, is now making a tour of our<br /> S. B. . . . . . . 0 5 0 chief provincial cities, and is doing very well.<br /> 1<br /> 1<br /> 0<br /> 0 oor<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 240 (#656) ############################################<br /> <br /> 240<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> Mr. Dawe&#039;s novel, “ The Demagogue,” recently Mr. St., John Lucas writes forcibly on &quot; the<br /> published by Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton, is true decadence.” He demonstrates wisely the<br /> being considerably talked about. This is hardly misapplication of the term to those who, filled<br /> to be wondered at, as the book deals with certain with true if eccentric genius, break away from<br /> social and religious topics which are of perennial convention and run riot through the established<br /> interest to the educated reader.<br /> laws of art, and confines its true application to<br /> Mr. Charles Garvice&#039;s new novel will be pub- those writers who are remarkable for general and<br /> lished by Messrs. Sands &amp; Co. in the autumn.<br /> mournful deficiency in artistic spirit, whose readers<br /> The second edition of the same author&#039;s “ Just a are callously contented with the slovenly and the<br /> Girl” is in the press.<br /> garish. And he proceeds :-<br /> Lady Florence Dixie has a work called “ The “When realism degenerates into a chronicle of the<br /> Story of Ijain ; or, The Evolution of a Mind,&quot; unimportant, and romanticism becomes a puppet show of<br /> coming out in a serial form in the columns of the paint and tinsel whose limp figures jerkily obey the<br /> unimaginative commands of the archæologist or the<br /> Agnostic Journal. On completion it will be issued<br /> historian ; when the drama is a show room for the dresses<br /> in book form. It is a synopsis of Part I. of a and doings of the dull, or a temple where the devout can<br /> much larger work of the same name commenced worship sham princes and impossible peers ; when poetry<br /> in 1877, and completed that year. Part II. was<br /> totters on the slack wire of convention, and painting<br /> possesess a Helicon of its own with a number of prosperous<br /> completed last year. Neither will be published at<br /> gentlemen for Muses—when, in fine, the art of any country<br /> present.<br /> not only becomes slavishly imitative of antiquity or firmly<br /> Another work written by Lady Florence in fettered by a dominant school, but also gradually gives<br /> place to the spurious products of those who are not artists,<br /> 1877 will shortly appear in serial form, and will<br /> then, surely, the real decadence appears. The true decline<br /> afterwards be published in book form, entitled of art begins with the popularity of the inartistic.&quot;<br /> “Isola or the Disinherited.” This will be followed<br /> by the issue, in the order in which they were Benjamin Swift&#039;s last novel, “ Ludus Amoris,&quot; is<br /> written, of all Lady Florence&#039;s unpublished as far as scenario goes, the most complete thing<br /> writings between 1877 and the present day. this author has yet done. Covent Garden, with its<br /> The King has been graciously pleased to thank<br /> heaps of fruit and flowers, is the centre of the<br /> Miss Stredder for her verses on the Coronation,<br /> game of love which is not mere comedy: it is<br /> also tragic sport. The writer&#039;s beloved Sussex is<br /> which have been printed for private circulation<br /> introduced. Indeed, half the work was written<br /> only.<br /> out of doors, in a boat on the river Arun, near<br /> It seems that the Dorset rustic sometimes looks<br /> Arundel.<br /> askance at printed references to himself. A<br /> Bridport paper recently made liberal extracts from<br /> Mr. Frank Bullen&#039;s new novel will be dedicated,<br /> Mr. Wilkinson Sherren&#039;s “Wessex of Romance&quot;; by permission, to Theodore Roosevelt, President of<br /> and one of its subscribers, thinking he recognised the United States of America.<br /> a family portrait, wrote to the editor complaining<br /> of its accuracy.<br /> President Roosevelt, whose “The Strenuous<br /> Sir W. T. Charley&#039;s recently published book, Life” has been doing remarkably well, is the fore-<br /> “ The Holy City, Athens and Egypt,” mentioned most and principal contributor to an illustrated<br /> in a previous number of The Author, represents volume in the American Sportsmen&#039;s Library, which<br /> the diligent research and careful study of many treats of the “ Deer Family” in America. His<br /> months. The student of theology will find it à experiences of hunting the Mule-deer, the White-<br /> valuable work of reference. There are illustra- tail, the Pronghorn, and the Wapiti are recorded<br /> tions beautifully reproduced from photographs. with enthusiasm, for the President is a keen<br /> Macmillan&#039;s Magazine for June has three articles naturalist and sportsman. He has the true sports-<br /> that strongly appeal to those who follow the literary<br /> man&#039;s disiike for the wanton destruction of game<br /> or dramatic profession.<br /> and the shooting of record bags.<br /> Mr. W. P. James deals with Opera and Drama. Under the title of“ The King Alfred Millenary&quot;<br /> Mr. James is a skilled essayist. He is sure to Messrs. Macmillan are publishing a volume compiled<br /> illuminate whatever subject he grapples by his by Mr. Alfred Bowker, late Mayor of Winchester.<br /> lucidity of style and by his thoughtful treatment. It contains a reprint of all the principal speeches<br /> An anonymous writer has some sensible remarks delivered at the preliminary meetings and during<br /> to put forward on “Our Unhappy Language.” the ceremony, as well as a detailed account of the<br /> “ Split Infinitives” “and which ” and “ American proceedings at Winchester, and of the subsequent<br /> isms” are roughly handled, especially the last. honours paid to the King&#039;s memory in the United<br /> Some wonderful examples are quoted.<br /> States. The volume is illustrated.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 241 (#657) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 241<br /> “Greater Russia” is the title chosen for the<br /> book on Siberia and Manchuria which Mr. Wirt<br /> Gerrare will publish in September through Mr.<br /> Heinemann. The American edition will be issued<br /> by the Macmillan Co., of New York.<br /> A guide to Lake Ulleswater and the neighbour-<br /> hood has been published by Mr. George Reed, of<br /> Penrith, Cumberland. It is illustrated with over<br /> sixty reproductions of photographs by well-known<br /> amateur photographers, and the letterpress is<br /> concise to a praise worthy degree. This Guide can<br /> be purchased for sixpence.<br /> Mr. Grant Richards has, amongst his autumn<br /> books, a volume entitled, “Wit, Wisdom, and<br /> Philosophy of Modern Women-Writers,&quot; being a<br /> series of quotations, compiled and arranged, with<br /> critical notes, by Frances Tyrrell-Gill, a member of<br /> this Society. The excerpts are from some of the<br /> best-known women authoresses, including, amongst<br /> others, Mrs. Meynell, Lucas Malet, Mrs. Humphry<br /> Ward, Sarah Grand, Mrs. Rentoul Esler, Miss Chol.<br /> mondelev, and Miss Harraden, and are examples of<br /> some of the finest things they have written.<br /> Mr. James Bryce, M.P., who is a member of<br /> our Council, delivered the Romanes Lecture at<br /> Oxford on June 7th. The subject of his address<br /> was “ The Relations of the Advanced and Back-<br /> ward Races of Mankind.&quot; In the course of his<br /> eloquent and most interesting lecture he said :<br /> “ Broadly speaking, a point has been reached at which the<br /> conditions likely to affect the relative development of the<br /> various branches of mankind have become so far known<br /> that students may begin to deal with them in a positive and<br /> practical way. They have passed from the chaos of con-<br /> jecture into the cosmos of science. ...<br /> * It is hardly too much to say that for economic purposes<br /> all mankind is fast becoming one people, in which the<br /> hitherto backward nations are taking a place analogous to<br /> that which the unskilled workers have held in each one of<br /> the civilized nations. Such an event opens a new stage in<br /> world-history, a stage whose significance has perhaps been<br /> as yet scarcely realised either by the thinker or by the man<br /> of action.&quot;<br /> Mr. Bryce said, in conclusion :-<br /> “ I have sought to call your attention to a great secular<br /> process in the history of the world, a process the steps in<br /> which are reckoned by centuries, and whose magnitude<br /> transcends the political or commercial questions that claim<br /> our thoughts from day to day. It is a process which has<br /> now entered a critical phase, and we see opening before us<br /> a long vista in which there appears possibilities of an<br /> immense increase in the productive powers of the earth<br /> and man, possibilities also of trouble and strife between<br /> races now being brought into a closer and more general<br /> contact. ...<br /> The sentiment of race-pride, the keenness of race-<br /> rivalry, have been intensified. But the sense of a common<br /> humanity has grown stronger. When we think of the<br /> problems which are now being raised by the contact of<br /> races, clouds seem to hang heavy on the horizon of the<br /> future ; yet light streams in when we remember that the<br /> spirit in which civilized States are preparing to meet those<br /> problems is higher and purer than it was when, four<br /> centuries ago, the great outward movement of European<br /> peoples began.”<br /> Mr. Bryce is at present gathering for publica-<br /> tion a number of biographical sketches written<br /> during the last twenty years.<br /> “Johnnie Courteau and Other Poems” (Put-<br /> nam&#039;s Sons) is the title of Dr. William Henry<br /> Drummond&#039;s new volume of Canadian poems,<br /> daintily illustrated by Dr. Coburn, who is, like<br /> Dr. Drummond himself, a Canadian.<br /> In such poems as “ Johnnie Courteau ” ; “ The<br /> Corduroy Road” ; “The Cure of Calumette”:<br /> “My Leetle Cabane ” ; “ The Hill of San Sebas-<br /> tien”; “The Windigo”; “Madeleine Vercheres”;<br /> “ The Log Jam&quot;; and “ The Red Canoe,” Dr.<br /> Drummond sings the feelings, the thoughts, the<br /> doings of those simple, sturdy folk of the North<br /> Woods who are members of the British Empire.<br /> Like his former volume of poems, “ The Habi-<br /> tant,” of which, by-the-bye, 25,000 copies have<br /> already been sold, “ Johnnie Courteau” has more<br /> than an ephemeral value ; it throws a revealing<br /> light on our kinsfolk living and working in the<br /> great and growing Dominion across the water.<br /> “A Guide to the Best Historical Novels and<br /> Tales,” by Jonathan Nield (Elkin Mathews), is a<br /> useful and timely compilation. The order in which<br /> the books are placed is, on the whole, according to<br /> the periods dealt with, from the Pre-Christian era<br /> to the present century. Author, publisher, and<br /> subject are tabulated after the title of the book.<br /> As a help in the choice of suitable books for the<br /> attainment of a truer historical sense, the author<br /> has made out, at the end of the volume, two special<br /> lists for boys and girls respectively.<br /> Among the members of the Society whose poems<br /> have been put under contribution by Mr. Orby<br /> Shipley for the second series of the Carmina<br /> Mariana are Sir Edwin Arnold and G. N. Count<br /> Plunkett, F.S.A. Mr. Plunkett is known as the<br /> author of &quot; The Jacobite War in Ireland,&quot;<br /> “Sandro Botticelli,” &amp;c., &amp;c.<br /> Mr. Frederick C. Nicolls has just published a<br /> useful book for students of music called “ The<br /> Technique of the Pianoforte Pedals.” Rubenstein<br /> has been known to say: “ The more I play the more<br /> thoroughly I am convinced that the pedal is the<br /> soul of the piano,” Mr. Nicolls considers that the<br /> art of using the pedals, more especially the right<br /> or sustaining pedal, has only begun to receive the<br /> careful attention due to it.<br /> Mr. Lawrence Binyon, who has been in Italy<br /> this spring is working at some poems on Italian<br /> subjecus.<br /> subjects. He has also completed a romantic<br /> narrative poem. Part of his poem “The Death<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 242 (#658) ############################################<br /> <br /> 242<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> of Adam,” which appeared in The Monthly<br /> Review, has been published recently in L&#039;Occident.<br /> Mr. Edward Rose, who is a member of our<br /> Committee of Management, is publishing at once,<br /> through Messrs. Methuen, his “Rose Reader.” It<br /> is a new method of teaching children to read,<br /> which gets over the great difficulty of the<br /> irregularity of English spelling by employing only<br /> regularly-spelt words till the learner has a firm<br /> grasp of the principles of reading, and of its<br /> practice.<br /> A work of the first importance just out is,<br /> 66 All the Russias : Travels and Studies in<br /> Contemporary European Russia, Finland, Siberia,<br /> the Caucasus, and Central Asia,&quot; by Mr. Henry<br /> Norman, M.P., who is a member of our Council,<br /> and is also on our Committee of Management,<br /> There are a hundred and thirty-seven illustrations<br /> in this handsome volume, chiefly from the author&#039;s<br /> photographs, and four maps.<br /> In his preface Mr. Norman tells us that the<br /> volume is the outcome of fifteen years&#039; interest in<br /> Russian affairs, culminating in four journeys—one<br /> of nearly 20,000 miles-in European and Asiatic<br /> Russia.<br /> He goes on to say :-<br /> - My own modest aim has been to present a picture of<br /> of<br /> the aspects of contemporary Russia of most interest to<br /> foreign readers, with especial reference to the recent<br /> remarkable industrial and commercial development of<br /> Russia, and the possibility of closer commercial and<br /> political relations between Russia and Great Britain. This<br /> last I regard as the most important question (after Anglo-<br /> American relations) in British foreign politics to-day.&quot;<br /> As our very limited space prevents anything like<br /> adequate quotations from its fascinating pages,<br /> our readers are, one and all, referred to “All the<br /> Russias” itself.<br /> Mr. Leonard Williams, late correspondent of The<br /> Times at Madrid, and author of “ Ballads and<br /> Songs of Spain ” and “ A Child&#039;s History of Spain,&quot;<br /> has finished two new works relating to that country,<br /> which are in the press, and will be published very<br /> shortly by Messrs. Cassell &amp; Co., Ltd. Their<br /> titles are, * The Land of the Dons,” and “Madrid:<br /> Her Records and Romances.” Many of the illus-<br /> trations will be from Mr. Williams&#039; own drawings<br /> and photographs. The binding also is from his<br /> design.<br /> Another new and important book is “ Lord<br /> Milner and South Africa,” by E. B. Iwan-Muller<br /> (Heinemann, 15s. net).<br /> Mr. Edward Clodd&#039;s recently published book on<br /> Huxley (Blackwood) is doing well. It meets a<br /> want. Mr. Clodd deals with Huxley as the man,<br /> the discoverer, the interpreter, the controversialist,<br /> and the constructor.<br /> “Rossetti,&quot; with fifty illustrations, by Mr. Ford<br /> Madox Hueffer, and “Rembrandt,&quot; with sixty<br /> illustrations, by Auguste Bréal, have just been<br /> issued by Messrs. Duckworth &amp; Co. They are<br /> the two first volumes of their Popular Library of<br /> Art;, planned expressly for the general public<br /> (cloth, 28. net ; leather, 28. 6il. net).<br /> “ The Bishop&#039;s Move,&quot; a new play by John<br /> Oliver Hobbes and Mr. Murray Carson, was<br /> successfully produced by Mr. Bourchier on the<br /> night of June 7th, at a special performance in aid<br /> of Queen Alexandra&#039;s fund for the families of<br /> soldiers and sailors.<br /> Some loyal verses by Mr. Owen Seaman were<br /> effectively recited by Sir Squire Bancroft at the<br /> end of the concert which preceded the play.<br /> Mr. William Le Queux is busy re-writing his<br /> new novel of Italian life, “ The Uunamed,&quot; which<br /> has just concluded in Cassell&#039;s Magazine. There-<br /> fore it will not be issued by Messrs. Hodder and<br /> Stoughton until the autumn.<br /> Rear-Admiral H.R.H. the Prince of Wales has<br /> accepted a copy of “With the Flag at Sea,&quot; by<br /> Walter Wood, published by Messrs. A. Constable<br /> &amp; Co., Ltd., and containing, amongst other<br /> original matter, the log of the Victory for the<br /> Trafalgar period, from the MS. General the Duke<br /> of Connaught has accepted copies of the same<br /> author&#039;s histories of the Rifle Brigade (of which<br /> regiment His Royal Highness is Colonel-in-Chief)<br /> and the Northumberland Fusiliers. These two<br /> regiments have been the heaviest losers in the<br /> South African war.<br /> Messrs. Longmans have decided to publish in<br /> October an important new historical romance<br /> entitled “By the Ramparts of Jezreel.” bs Le<br /> Voleur, in collaboration with Arnold Davenport,<br /> LITERARY, DRAMATIC, AND MUSICAL<br /> PROPERTY.<br /> Germany and the United States Copyright.<br /> M HE German-American Literary Treaty of<br /> 1 1892 is not considered by the Germans to<br /> be working satisfactorily. They point out<br /> that under the terms of reciprocity the Americans<br /> obtain ipso jure all the advantages of the new<br /> German law, including a protection of longer dura.<br /> tion than they have in their own country. On the<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 243 (#659) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 243<br /> contrary, the more successful a German work is, the The same publisher offered £5 for the copyright<br /> worse the author finds himself protected in the of a technical work of about 50,000 words, from<br /> United States. It is asserted that during the year the pen of a well-known authority on the subject.<br /> 1901 only two German works obtained copyright in Here, again, the offer was rejected.<br /> the United States, whilst every work produced in It is quite right from a strictly business point<br /> the United States had copyright in Germany. of view that the publisher should seek to buy in<br /> the cheapest market, but it is quite right from the<br /> author&#039;s point of view that he should endeavour<br /> to sell his wares to the best possible advantage.<br /> The International Literary and Artistic<br /> Surely a publisher would hardly expect, unless<br /> Association.<br /> there were some special circumstances arising from<br /> We have received from M. Lermina, Perpetual<br /> the poverty or the affluence of the author, that an<br /> offer of so small an amount would be accepted.<br /> Secretary of the “ Association Littéraire et Artis-<br /> tique,” the programme of the approaching Con.<br /> on. Another publisher purchased the sole copyright<br /> gress of the Association, to be held at Naples 23rd<br /> in a MS. of 95,000 words for £15. It subsequently<br /> to 29th September next.<br /> came out that he had sold the American rights on<br /> The subjects to be discussed at the Congress are<br /> a substantial royalty to a first-class American<br /> as follows :--<br /> firm. In this case the acceptance of the offer was<br /> 1. The revision of the Berne Convention.<br /> due to one of the reasons stated previously. No<br /> 2. Means of procuring new adhesions to the<br /> doubt the publisher has made an excellent bargain.<br /> These facts are put forward, not with a view of<br /> Berne Convention.<br /> 3. The institution of a paying public copyright.<br /> a vaving public copyright hurling abuse at the publisher, but merely as a<br /> hurling at<br /> 4. Legal deposition of literary and artistic<br /> warning to the author.<br /> In no circumstances should a book be sold out-<br /> works.<br /> 5. Mechanical musical instruments.<br /> right for an absurdly inadequate sum. Such a<br /> 6. Legislative movements in various countries.<br /> course is disastrous to the author.<br /> Co<br /> It throws<br /> Italy— Proposed reform of the Italian legislation.<br /> temptation in the path of the publisher.<br /> France-Consequences of the law of 11th March.<br /> An author should always be able, if, as some-<br /> Germany-Application of the new laws respecting<br /> times occurs, his book secures a large sale, to reap<br /> literary and artistic works ; reform of the laws<br /> part of the profits of that sale, however small his<br /> respecting plastic arts and photography. Greece-<br /> remuneration may be to commence with.<br /> The position of literary and artistic copyright in<br /> There are but few publishers nowadays who do<br /> Greece. Roumania-Protection of foreigners.<br /> not admit the justice of this principle.<br /> United States of America—The refabrication<br /> An author who asks for this advantage will<br /> clause. South American States—A pan-American<br /> receive the concession.<br /> convention.<br /> 7. Intellectual property from the point of view<br /> of theatrical art.<br /> An Author&#039;s Account Book.<br /> 8. The constitution of an international tribunal<br /> nalIn the May number of The Author a cor-<br /> of arbitration.<br /> 9. The creation of an international juridical<br /> respondent, giving some information on the<br /> vocabulary.<br /> slackness of the literary market and drawing his<br /> deductions from offers he had obtained for his<br /> own MSS., alluded to his method of keeping his<br /> Prices.<br /> books as one which admitted of ready reference.<br /> Letters from other members of the Society have<br /> In the May number of The Author the prices come to the office inquiring if it was possible to<br /> for certain articles given by certain magazine pro- obtain any information on the subject of this<br /> prietors were quoted. Since that article appeared method of bookkeeping.<br /> some further offers have come to our knowledge. It is with much pleasure, therefore, that the<br /> A publisher offered £10 for the copyright of a sample page is printed below.<br /> novel of 80,000 words, basing his offer on the fact It is needless to say that the example taken, both<br /> that the former work of the same author had not as regard the names of the magazines and the prices,<br /> been successful, and that he had lost £100. It does not relate to any special case.<br /> this was the case it seems curious that it should The member who kindly forwarded this sample<br /> have been worth the publisher&#039;s while to offer the sheet states that the register is of 100 pages to<br /> author anything at all for so long a story. The (the size is reduced for the purpose of The Author),<br /> offer was refused.<br /> with an alphabetical index for the titles of the<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 244 (#660) ############################################<br /> <br /> 244<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> articles, and that at the end of the book there is a to the periodicals to which the articles have<br /> series of cash columns for entries of the payments been sent.<br /> obtained for each article. For instance, £1 78, 3d. Personally he uses a blank sheet for this further<br /> in the example printed would be carried to the index, and crosses out the number as soon as the<br /> cash column at the end of the book.<br /> MS. is returned or paid for.<br /> The book, however, he regrets to say is not It is clear, however, that an index in the book<br /> perfect, as in addition there should be an index itself would be much more satisfactory.<br /> TITLE, “PAYING HOBBIES.” BY A. TYLDEN.<br /> Ref. No. 86.<br /> DESCRIPTION... Article.<br /> LENGTH...1000.<br /> To WHOM SENT.<br /> DATE SENT.<br /> DATE<br /> RETURNED.<br /> Paid OUT.<br /> £ 8. d.<br /> DATE.<br /> 7/698<br /> 16/6/98<br /> Johnson (Typist)<br /> Young Woman<br /> Our Sisters (B.)<br /> Woman&#039;s Weekly ...<br /> Lady ... ..<br /> Ladies&#039; Field<br /> English woman<br /> Reporter&#039;s Mag. ...<br /> Money Maker<br /> 11/6/98<br /> 17/6/98<br /> 26/6/98<br /> 30/6/98<br /> 78/98<br /> 9/8/98<br /> 8/:/98<br /> 16/1/99<br /> 10/11/99<br /> 16/6/98<br /> 18/6/98<br /> 29/6/98<br /> 6/8/98<br /> 9/8/98<br /> 15/8/98<br /> 22/9/98<br /> 18/1/99<br /> Written<br /> Typed ...<br /> Accepted<br /> Proof received.<br /> Proof returned.<br /> Published ...<br /> Account sent ...<br /> Account paid...<br /> Receipt sent ...<br /> 25/11/99<br /> 24/11/99<br /> 24/11/99<br /> £<br /> $.<br /> d.<br /> Cash.<br /> Received<br /> Less paid out<br /> 29<br /> 1<br /> 7<br /> 3<br /> Remarks :-<br /> * Price to be arranged.<br /> B. wrote asking to call.<br /> Copyright bought.<br /> Paid by P.O.<br /> 101158 10/-<br /> Sent to Smith.<br /> 3,446004 Sent to Fowner.<br /> 33<br /> “BROCKHAUS”—THE NEW CENTENARY<br /> EDITION.<br /> The Value of Translations.<br /> On Monday, June 16th, before Mr. Under-<br /> Sheriff Burchell and a special jury, Messrs.<br /> Swan Sonnenschein &amp; Co., Ltd., publishers,<br /> of Paternoster Square, were awarded $350 and<br /> costs against Mr. Kaur Trübner, a publisher<br /> of Strassburg, for breach of contract to give the<br /> right of producing an English translation of a<br /> “ Short Comparative Grammar of Indo-Germanic<br /> Languages,” which is being brought out in German<br /> by Professor Brugmann, of Leipzig, being an<br /> abridgment of a treatise in five volumes brought<br /> out by him some years ago in collaboration with<br /> Professor Delbrück, of Jena University. The<br /> translation was to have been executed by Professor<br /> Chase, of Cornell University, in the United States<br /> of America. The defendant did not appear before<br /> the Under-Sheriff to contest the question of<br /> damages.<br /> m o praise “Brockhaus &quot;would be an impertinence<br /> 1 on my part. I have had this work at my<br /> elbow, in successive editions, since the year<br /> of the Franco-German War, and at the same time<br /> the “ Britannica” and the “ American Appleton<br /> Encyclopædia.” Of late years I have also found<br /> much comfort in the “Century Dictionary of Names&quot;<br /> — particularly good for the verification of a<br /> biographical or bibliographical fact when in a<br /> hurry.<br /> But“Brockhaus&quot; is the one which, after all, comes<br /> in for the most handling, because of the enormous<br /> number of heads under which to search — the<br /> conciseness, impartiality, and completeness that are<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 245 (#661) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 245<br /> apparent everywhere, even on such a theme as If the ending is in e, keep the “e”; if there is no e in<br /> the war in South Africa.<br /> the ending of the infinitive present, do not add one,<br /> “Brockhaus” was started in 1796, and we have e.)., changeable, workable.<br /> now the 14th edition before us—at least, the first There should be exceptions only for<br /> eight volumes of the set of 17. There will be 3. Words of Latin origin, which take ible<br /> some 17,000 pages, and about 10,000 plates of instead of able. Let them do so in all cases ; why<br /> various kinds. Each volume costs 148., and these allow accept, etc., to be an exception ?<br /> volumes succeed one another at intervals of two 4 . The tendency of the English language has been<br /> months.<br /> hitherto to abolish “ ize&quot; endings, and to establish<br /> Nothing is easier than to find fault with a &amp; universal “ ise&quot; in its place. Why not let the<br /> cyclopædia or a military campaign. Indeed, I tendency continue ? Unless people know Greek,<br /> have in a merely casual glance through the first they never know for certain which ending to use<br /> eight volumes stumbled upon one or two-but it if there are two possible ones.<br /> would be idle to waste time in such a search. 5. We ought to agree with Dr. Murray about<br /> Here it is more to the point to call the attention of words ending in ment; let the rule be to add ment<br /> my fellow-craftsinen to a work which is a marvel to the word as it stands, like the proposed rule<br /> of accuracy, of comprehensiveness, of convenience. about words ending in able.<br /> The maps, and plates, and tables alone entitle it to 6. The same principle should be held in spelling<br /> pre-eminence. The purchase of reference works is participles ; ing should be universally added to<br /> å burden which few active authors can escape. I the present infinitive, without any cutting off of<br /> find this item alone a fairly heavy annual budget, “e&#039;s.” The syllable ed begins with an “e”; it is<br /> from “Whitaker&#039;s” and “Who&#039;s Who” to the various reasonable and comprehensible to cut off an e<br /> Dictionaries of National Biography. If, however, before adding it, so as not to bring two “e&#039;s ”<br /> I had to limit myself to one work alone as a together.<br /> travelling reference library it would be this 7. Fullin composition should drop an “l&quot;univer-<br /> “Brockhaus.&quot;<br /> sally, e.g., fulfill, or skillful, willful, useful ; but<br /> POULTNEY BIGELOW. there is no reason why verbs and nouns should.<br /> MÜNICH, June 22.<br /> Their greater importance should be accentuated<br /> by the retention of the double “1.&quot;.<br /> 8. When a verb ends in a consonant preceded<br /> STANDARD RULES FOR PRINTING. by a vowel, there has been a rule to double the<br /> consonant before adding ed or ing. But there<br /> have been so many exceptions, that the rule is no<br /> 1.<br /> rule. Either let it be universal-(it only requires<br /> M R. HOWARD COLLINS is to be con- the dictum of a Dr. Murray to make it so)-or let<br /> M<br /> g ratulated on an imprimatur which his the practise be to add el, ing, er, or whatever the<br /> “Rules for Authors, Editors, Readers syllable may be, to the present infinitive of the<br /> and Compositors&quot; have lately received. The verb, without any consonant doubling.<br /> committee of the London Association of Correctors 9. Why keep the z in cognisance ?<br /> of the Press has passed a resolution “generally Why keep the x in connection ?<br /> approving ” Part I., dealing with the letter A., Why keep the a in dependent ?<br /> and has also offered the assistance of its members Why keep the x in infection ?<br /> for the remainder of the work.<br /> License, practise, prophesy, should always have<br /> the “s&quot;; the context tells the part of speech.<br /> 10. Some words beginning with h no longer<br /> II.-Note on the Clarendon Press Rules.<br /> have the “h” mute, as in earlier times, and as is<br /> 1. Rules for compositors are rules for all the mentioned ; surely herb, hero, history, hotel,<br /> English-speaking world, including its children. hostel, have so grown, and might have an a<br /> The commencement of a new Dictionary, like the instead of an before them. Let those only that<br /> one in progress by Dr. Murray, was a great oppor have not so grown continue the an—viz., heir,<br /> tunity for authors, compositors, and school teachers honour, honest, hour, (h)ostler.<br /> to organise for some kind of reform, so as to render 11. Let people who use slang and provincialisms<br /> our system more regular. We have too many sense. spell them as they please ; why make any rule<br /> less exceptions to our grammatical rules; these about the spelling of ain&#039;t? it ought not to be<br /> are a sore puzzle to children and foreigners; and recognised at all; it is not a real word.<br /> seldom have any good reason for their retention. 12. Page 25. Dates.--If you are writing a date<br /> 2. For instance, words ending in able. Why in figures the order is (1) day, (2) month, (3) year ;<br /> not in all cases add able to the infinitive present. if a letter or heading of a chapter is being dated,<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 246 (#662) ############################################<br /> <br /> 246<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> this universal order should be followed ; thus, similar lines to those originally suggested by our<br /> “19 May, 1862.” But if a date is being mentioned Committee, as shown by the following letter of<br /> in a descriptive sentence, the number of the day Professor Pelham Edgar, secretary of the society,<br /> should be written in letters, thus, “ It happened to the Dominion Ministers on the subject :-<br /> on the nineteenth of May, 1862.”<br /> 13. English Counties, same page.—Why make a<br /> I beg respectfully to submit the following statements on<br /> the question of copyright. I speak as representing the<br /> quite unnecessary difference between contractions opinion of the Canadian Society of Authors :-<br /> in the spelling of the counties ? Bucks. and 1. We endorse any action which the Canadian Govern-<br /> Hants, are as much contractions as Yorks. Wilts. ment may take towards securing increased legislative<br /> Berks. etc. Let there be one rule ; let all con-<br /> privileges in this as in all questions where doubt as to the<br /> extent of Canada&#039;s prerogative exists.<br /> tractions of words be marked by a point.<br /> 2. While affirming this position we would deprecate any<br /> 14. The proposed division of words is depre- retrogressive legislation which would impair the privileges<br /> cated. On page 21 dimin-ish, inter-est, and Canada at present enjoys as a part of the British Empire.<br /> 3. We would as strongly register our protest against any<br /> pun-ish are correct. Why not follow the same<br /> action being taken that would involve our withdrawal from<br /> rule—the rule of the root-in the other cases the Berne Convention. This agreement we regard as an<br /> mentioned, and in all other cases ? The endings enlightened measure, which recognises the principle of<br /> ance, ence, ant, ent, er, or have well-defined and reciprocal international concessions, and accords to the<br /> well-known meanings as separate syllables. The<br /> author the right to control the products of his own brain,<br /> 4. Any licensing clause upon the lines proposed by the<br /> divisions should be abund-ance, depend-ent, cor-re- Board of Trade would necessitate our withdrawal from the<br /> spond-ence, esta-blish-ment, import-ance, minist Berne Convention.<br /> er, respond-ent. So also starv-ation, observ-ation,<br /> 5. Canada would then be isolated in the civilized world.<br /> exalt-ation, gener-ation, imagin-ation, origin-ally,<br /> a system of retaliation would be substituted for a system of<br /> international reciprocity, and Canadian authorship would<br /> and so on; the rule being that all words should<br /> be seriously hampered in its growth,<br /> be divided according to their natural syllabic The Federal Executive, by maintaining existing condi-<br /> formation.<br /> tions, can, on the other hand, encourage the development<br /> F. P.<br /> of a Canadian national literature.<br /> 6. The foremost publishers in Canada are opposed to the<br /> introduction of such a licensing clause. The publishers in<br /> question-Geo. N. Morang &amp; Co., Limited, the Copp.<br /> III.<br /> Clark Co., Limited, and Wm. Briggs of the Methodist Book<br /> SIR,—It is very easy for Mr. Bernard Shaw and<br /> and Publishing House-brought out forty-nine British and<br /> American copyright works last year, as against two pub-<br /> his like to say that the author can settle such<br /> lished by the firms now agitating for a change.<br /> matters as spelling, for instance, himself, and order 7. We humbly submit that the views of the united body<br /> the printer to “ follow copy.” But how about the of Canadian authors have more intimate bearing upon<br /> small author ? For thirty years or more I have copyright than the views of a section of Canadian printers.<br /> written the word judgement with an &quot;e&quot; after “g,” Mr. Morang, the Canadian publisher, has also<br /> and spelt advertize and artizan with “z”; but never been in the forefront of the battle supporting the<br /> have I seen the word printed so, although I may same view of the case.<br /> have corrected two sets of proofs.<br /> It is to be hoped that neither the efforts of the<br /> As to Americanisms, one must grin and bear them Canadian Society of Authors nor of the Canadian<br /> if one sends copy to the United States. “Odor,&quot; publishers, headed by Mr. Morang, will be less<br /> “ favor,” etc., etc., make me shudder ; and even energetic owing to the reactionary views adopted<br /> French names of towns, such as Lyons and Nismes, by a few Canadian printers.<br /> appear in print as witnesses of the poor author&#039;s The Canadian question, it appears, will be one<br /> ignorance and want of observation when he travels of the questions discussed at the meeting of the<br /> Yours faithfully,<br /> Premiers.<br /> The printers of Canada should not be given the<br /> power of dealing arbitrarily with property not their<br /> own—the copyright of Canadian authors, or the<br /> CANADIAN COPYRIGHT.<br /> contracts of Canadian publishers ; nor the inter-<br /> international and colonial arrangements of the<br /> Empire be upset in order to benefit a small trade<br /> TN last month&#039;s Author the Committee made a section in Canada.<br /> I statement setting forth the course of action Everybody throughout the Empire who is<br /> they had adopted on the question of Canadian interested in the preservation of the status quo<br /> copyright. This course of action, begun some owe gratitude to the Canadian Authors&#039; Society<br /> years ago, has been persistently pursued.<br /> and to Mr. Morang, who has so energetically led<br /> Since the formation of the Canadian Authors&#039; the Canadian publishers and defended the rights<br /> Society it has been strenuously working along of property and stability of contract.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 247 (#663) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 247<br /> ENGLISH AUTHORS FOR FRENCH on this feature, fiction and plenty of it, that<br /> READERS.<br /> the able editors of the French printing offices to-<br /> day compete. For years past, ad ex., there has<br /> been the keenest possible rivalry between Le Petit<br /> F late a certain demand has arisen in Paris Parisien and Le Petit Journal, and the battle has<br /> for the French translation rights of modern been exclusively fought by the champions of the<br /> English fiction, a circumstance which adds serial story for the respective proprietors. And<br /> somewhat to the profits of the English novelist&#039;s recently the directorate of Le Petit Parisien decided<br /> métier, and may be more profitable yet as the to give the Marinoni paper a knock-out blow, and<br /> demand develops. And this it is likely to do, at so enlarged their sheet to six pages, with three<br /> least for some time to come.<br /> serial stories. Upon which Le Pelit Journal<br /> In this article, at the request of the editor of followed suit, and now supplies an equal banquet,<br /> this magazine, I express my personal views on the in three feuilletons, for the daily halfpenny.<br /> cause of this demand and the results that it is These papers, of course, do not concern the British<br /> likely to lead to. If, on the one hand, and in the author. He could never aspire to appear in<br /> first place that is to say, as to the cause of this translation in their pages -- I use the word<br /> demand--my l&#039;emarks are not very flattering to my “aspire” in an ironical sense--for the fiction here<br /> British brother authors, and in the second place, is special, and must be home-made. But the<br /> as to the probable net results thereof, I do not example they have set has forced the other<br /> show very optimistic, those interested may dis journals which comprte for a vast reading public<br /> regard as purely personal observations what I all over France-halfperny papers like Le Journal,<br /> am saying here.<br /> L&#039;Echo de Paris, Le Matin, Le Français, &amp;c.—to<br /> I do not think, then, that the Entente Cordiale give more and more space to fiction, and as the<br /> or any similar society of reciprocal admiration and competition is sure to be waged vet. more<br /> friendliness has had anything to do with the lessly in the future, and as fiction is the only<br /> demand in the literary Rialto of Paris for British feature on which competition is obligatory, the<br /> fiction. Nor do I think that this demand in any demand is likely to increase. I expect soon to<br /> way implies that our neighbours the French have read the announcement that Le Petit Journal is<br /> suddenly aroused themselves to the fact that we offering four diurnal dollops of sentiment and<br /> English produce, in the matter of imaginative sensation, an announcement which is sure to be<br /> literature, a good and substantial article. I do followed by the further notice that if you want<br /> not think that English novels will ever be popular five thrilling serials for your halfpenny you must<br /> in France, for the French and we are men of a go to Le Petit Parisien, and no other. The other<br /> breed and a psychology altogether different. Our papers will have to follow suit or to abandon all<br /> bumour puzzles them, our sentimentality bores hopes of deviating into their reservoirs any<br /> them, and our theories on the relations and mutual trickling streams of the copper Pactolus.<br /> observances of the sexes are to them a constant Now in France, serial fiction of the approved<br /> cause of irritation. Not a single British author, order is a costly commodity, and has to be paid<br /> either of the past or of present times, can rightly for. At tenpence a line, which is the usual price,<br /> be described as popular in France.<br /> and where<br /> Still, there is the demand, and here it is I fear to “ Yes.&quot;<br /> read unflattering.<br /> “ No.<br /> Newspaper proprietors in France have recently “Yes, I say.&quot;<br /> awakened to the fact that the French public don&#039;t &quot; The Baron smiled.&quot;<br /> read newspapers, and that if they buy newspapers “The Marchioness wept.”<br /> it is because these contain other things than news represent five lines, or four shillings&#039; worth of copy<br /> In which opinion they are altogether in the right. (the late Alexandre Dumas having established the<br /> The average Frenchman cares nothing about news · &quot;line&quot; from the feuilletonist&#039;s point of view to<br /> and nothing about politics, and in this connection, mean any alinéa), the purchase of a feuilleton<br /> did space allow of it, I could relate some startling means a considerable outlay of capital. Montépin<br /> experiences and observations which I have made made from £2,000 to £:3,000 for the first serial<br /> during the past twenty years in various parts of rights of any of his stories, and gave the best<br /> the territory of the Republic. What the average dinners in Paris. And the other feuilletonists do<br /> Frenchman wants in his daily paper, for what he is just as well.<br /> prepared to alienate his beloved halfpenny, is To be constrained, therefore, to give his readers<br /> fiction, feuilleton, and the editor who gives him three serials a day is a very heavy charge on an<br /> most fenilleton of the quality he likes is the able editor, and if the enormously wealthy pro-<br /> man for his halfpenny and himself. It is therefore prietors of such papers as Le Petit Journal and<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 248 (#664) ############################################<br /> <br /> 248<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> Le Petit Parisien can afford to pay such high PERFORMING OR PLAY RIGHTS.<br /> prices for their three serials, this is impossible for<br /> papers of less financial standing.<br /> Yet the three, or as a minimum the two, daily DOR the dramatic author who desires to study<br /> serials have to be provided, or all hope of com- n exhaustively the legal and other difficulties<br /> peting has to be abandoned, and this is, I believe,<br /> that surround the question of performing<br /> the reason why the French editors are purchasing rights there are three main points to consider :-<br /> as make-weights, the translation rights of foreign (1) His rights before publication.<br /> authors, not English alone, but Italian, Spanish, (2) His rights after publication, that is, after<br /> German, and Polish also. I look on these trans- they come under the statutes -<br /> lations mainly as make-weights, because I notice<br /> (a) In the British Empire.<br /> that anything is considered suitable. Thus, at the<br /> (b) In the United States.<br /> present moment, two translations of Dickens are (3) The different method of obtaining his rights<br /> running in two leading Parisian dailies, “Un Drame in both countries, and how to protect himself to<br /> Sous La Révolution” (“A Tale of Two Cities &quot;) cover all rights in both countries.<br /> and “Oliver Twist,” and, though these are very To an English dramatic author the most im-<br /> admirable tales, one would hardly expect to see portant rights are his performing rights throughout<br /> them at this time in their careers in serial form in the Empire, and his performing rights in the<br /> a metropolitan daily.<br /> United States. With these it is proposed to deal.<br /> In one word, I attribute the present demand for The rights of an author under the Berne<br /> foreign fiction, including British fiction, to the Convention, his international performing rights,<br /> necessities of French editors, who cannot afford to are not, for the moment, considered. Nor are the<br /> supply the requisite quantity with home-made performing rights in musical pieces.<br /> goods, at home prices, alone.<br /> Firstly, then, it would appear, as regards the<br /> This brings me to the second point on which British Empire, that prior to public representation,<br /> I have been consulted-as to the price that the the author has, at common law, an absolute per-<br /> British novelist can expect. I am pessimistic, petual performing right in his own work, and he<br /> although, of course, I may be mistaken. I think can restrain other performances.<br /> that the matter is demanded only because it is very If, however, the play or dramatic piece has been<br /> cheap, and that consequently little more than a printed and published, the case is not quite so clear.<br /> nominal price can be obtained. Dickens sold Most probably the author would still have the<br /> “ David Copperfield&quot; to M. Hachette for £20— right of restraining performances. This is the<br /> the Hachettes will show you his receipt for that view adopted by Mr. Scrutton in his “Law of<br /> sum-and I know that not many years ago this Copyright.&quot;<br /> was looked on as a maximum price for all French This is the position under the present Acts that<br /> rights.<br /> govern the question in the Empire, but in the<br /> But in those days there was little or no demand United States the case is different, and from this<br /> for English books. To-day, as we have seen, such difference arises all the difficulties and complications<br /> a demand exists, and by its nature is a growing with regard to obtaining the performing rights in<br /> one, and doubtless, or else political economy is all both countries.<br /> poppycock, prices have improved. But I do not In the Empire the first public performance<br /> think that they will ever reach a point where they takes a dramatic piece from the care of the<br /> can be taken into serious consideration as a factor common law and makes it a child of the statute.<br /> of income. In most cases the rights are bought In the United States the securing of copyright<br /> outright for a sum (usually small) by the translator, by the author of a dramatic piece by printing and<br /> who makes the best bargain he can for himself. registering according to the Act carries with it the<br /> Few English books which appear as serials would right of “acting, performing, or representing.&quot;<br /> be likely to be bought by a publisher for publica. It may be argued, therefore, that so long as a<br /> tion in book-form. If such an arrangement were dramatic piece is not printed and copyrighted in<br /> proposed to an author, it would be to his interest America, so long does the common law performing<br /> to sell outright. The royalty system, for reasons right remain with the author, even after a public<br /> into which I do not care to go, would likely prove performance has taken place.<br /> highly unsatisfactory. But, when all is said, I do The second question for consideration is the<br /> not think there is much money in it.<br /> rights of an author after his work has come under<br /> Again, I may be mistaken, and for personal as the statute-<br /> well as general reasons I sincerely hope I am.<br /> (a) In the British Empire.<br /> (b) In the United States.<br /> ROBERT H. SHERARD.<br /> The Acts that govern the question of dramatic<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 249 (#665) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 249<br /> copyright in the Empire at the present time are the ment is dramatic according to the interpretation<br /> Acts of 3 William IV. c. 15, and 5 &amp; 6 Vict. c. 45. of the Act, and the representation is public, then<br /> Under these Acts the author of a dramatic piece the statutory protection is secured.<br /> or entertainment has as his own property the Turning next to the rights of a dramatic author<br /> liberty of publicly representing the piece at any in the United States. It must first be noticed<br /> place or places of dramatic entertainment for the that United Siates performing rights are obtained<br /> period of forty-two years from the date of such by printing the book of words and registering<br /> representation, or for the life of the author and under the same rules and regulations that refer to<br /> seven years afterwards, whichever is the longer the copyrighting of books. It would seem more<br /> period. And this right of property, most probably, natural to obtain performing rights by a public<br /> exists whether the piece is printed prior to such performance, but the British method has this dis-<br /> representation or not.<br /> advantage, that not only is it not in accord with<br /> There are three important points for the practical the methods of the United States, but it is also at<br /> person to consider.<br /> variance with the methods of other countries.<br /> (1) What is a dramatic piece or entertain This latter case, however, does not bear on<br /> ment?<br /> Anglo-American, but International Copyright. It<br /> (2) What is a public representation ?<br /> is only nientioned in order to point out that a<br /> (3) What is a place of dramatic entertain- divergence even as small as this may raise con-<br /> ment ?<br /> siderable difficulties in the way of international<br /> Question 1 has to a certain extent been dealt legislation.<br /> with by Counsel&#039;s opinion in the March number of The Act of the United States that at present<br /> The Author. To this the reader is referred. Mr. deals with perforining rights is the Act of December<br /> Scrutton states in his work already mentioned 1, 1873, amended by the Act of March 3, 1901.<br /> that the dramatic character consists in the “repre. Under this Act the author of a dramatic composi-<br /> sentative&quot; as opposed to the “narrative&quot; element. tion shall, upon complying with the provisions<br /> It is doubtful, however, how far this could be therein contained, have the sole liberty of printing,<br /> taken as an accurate definition. “ It is in each repripting, etc., the same, and in the case of a<br /> case a question of degree and of fact.” Writers dramatic composition, of publicly performing or<br /> of poems, of dialogue, of musical songs should all representing it, or causing it to be performed or<br /> remember that they may hold performing rights, represented by others.<br /> and should guard their property zealously. They And authors or their assigps shall have the<br /> should also remember that the assignment of per- exclusive right to dramatise any of their works for<br /> forming rights gives no right to the assignee to which copyright shall have been obtained. Under<br /> multiply copies by publishing books of words. If the laws of the United States copyright endures<br /> this right, is required it must be paid for, and for twenty-eight years, with a further period of<br /> should be limited by an assignment of the right fourteen years upon the author if he be still living,<br /> of publication to programmes at particular per- or his widow or children--if he is dead—complying<br /> formances, or by words fitted to each particular case. with certain regulations under the Act.<br /> What is a public representation and what is a There are many difficulties that meet the author<br /> place of dramatic entertainment must be taken who desires to obtain copyright-copyright, as has<br /> together.<br /> been pointed out, including performing rights.<br /> Here, again, it is very difficult to give a definition. The book must be printed in the United States<br /> Each case will have to be decided on its own merits. from type set up or blocks manufactured there.<br /> It is the custom at what are commonly known Registration under certain conditions must be<br /> as “statutory performances&quot; to take money at the made at Washington, and is a sine quâ non. A<br /> door, but it does not appear to be absolutely notice must be printed at the same time in the<br /> essential that money should be taken as long as several copies of every edition declaratory of the<br /> the performance is genuinely open to the public. fact that the work is copyright, and the name of<br /> And, again, a representation may be regarded as the party by whom such copyright is taken out.<br /> a public one though the privilege of admission be It is difficult, though not necessarily impossible,<br /> extended to certain persons only. It is easy enough for an author to obtain these rights unaided, for<br /> to point out examples of public performances and he runs the risk of losing what he is trying to<br /> examples of places of dramatic entertainment gain through non-compliance with some of the<br /> about which there would be no dispute. It would details. It is much better, therefore, for an English<br /> militate against a clear declaration of the position author to employ an agent in America—a publisher<br /> either to refer to cases bearing on the point-this in preference—who is well acquainted with all the<br /> article is not a legal treatise—or to attempt a fuller essential particulars, whose frequent practice makes<br /> explanation. If, however, the piece or entertain- bim safe and reliable.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 250 (#666) ############################################<br /> <br /> 250<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> Lastly, it is necessary to consider how the per- invalidate his United States performing rights,<br /> forming rights may be secured in both countries in which are not created by a public performance,<br /> such a way that the rights obtained in the British but by copyright registration. His performing<br /> Empire do not destroy the rights desired in the rights in both countries will be then secured in<br /> United States, and vice versa.<br /> the Empire under the Statutes, and in America<br /> An author must on no account do any of the under the common law. It is safest, then, not to<br /> following acts :-<br /> publish a book of the words either in England or<br /> He must not have a public performance in the the United States.<br /> United States prior to obtaining the copyright, or if it is important to publish a book of the<br /> prior to holding a public performance in England. words, then it must be copyrighted simultaneously<br /> This will lose him his British performing rights, in both countries. For by this process all perform-<br /> as in order to secure the rights under the Imperial ing rights in both countries and all copyrights will<br /> Statute the first public performance is bound to have been created and secured under the statutes<br /> be within the British Empire (Boucicault 1. in force in both countries.<br /> Chatterton).<br /> It has been deemed sufficient to give a plain<br /> He must not, prior to having a statutory per- statement of facts rather than a complicated essay<br /> forinance in England, copyright his work in the setting forth the why and the wherefore, amply<br /> United States, except in his own name. It is not illustrated both with legal cases and the dicta of<br /> an unusual custom to assign the United States the judges. As far as possible the word copyright<br /> copyright in a book or play to the American has been omitted, and the question of copyright<br /> publisher.<br /> property not dealt with. But owing to the pecu-<br /> As stated above, if the copyright in the United liarity of the United States law, the methods of<br /> States is secured, this carries with it performing obtaining copyright had to be considered by the<br /> rights. Therefore the English performing rights side of the method of obtaining performing rights.<br /> might be endangered by the owner of the copy Lastly, the author must be warned never to<br /> right in the United States holding a public per confuse copyright and performing right. The pro-<br /> formance before the statutory performance in perties are absolutely distinct. Confusion brings<br /> England. It may be of interest to quote a curious with it all kinds of danger,<br /> case arising from this difficulty.<br /> To those who think of studying the subject<br /> A well-known English author wrote a novel further it must be pointed out that the term per-<br /> which was produced simultaneously in England forming right is often known as stage right, play<br /> and the United States ; unfortunately, for con- right, or dramatic right. It is a pity that one<br /> venience sake, he sold the United States copyright word has not been universally accepted.<br /> to the English publisher, who registered in his<br /> G. H. T.<br /> own name at Washington. The English author<br /> subsequently dramatised the work, but on attempt-<br /> ing to place the piece in the United States, was<br /> met by the English publisher, who not only claimed<br /> A BOOK ABOUT BOOKS.*<br /> all dramatic rights in the United States, but stated<br /> that he had already sold them.<br /> The author in the agreement for publication of “TTIEROGLYPHICS” is not a particularly<br /> his book had not taken the point into consideration. I attractive title for a book, or one that<br /> An author must not, prior to the statutory per-<br /> is calculated to offer any very irresistible<br /> formance in England, copyright the book simul- temptation to the average library-subscriber. The<br /> taneously in both countries, unless the copyright volume thus oddly named, however, is none the less<br /> be registered in his own name in the States for a thoroughly readable one. It is true that the class<br /> the reason just stated.<br /> it appeals to primarily is sorr.ewhat circumscribed<br /> Neither should he copyright the book in England (being confined almost entirely to those who<br /> alone, as that would invalidate the United States appraise literature above halfpenny journalism),<br /> copyright, which carries with it the United States but as this will accord it an intelligent apprecia-<br /> performing rights; and the play might be pirated tion, the fact that it is not likely to achieve the<br /> in the United States by public performance, and indignity of a popular success should be accounted<br /> thus the British performing rights be destroyed. to its author for merit.<br /> The safest plan of all, therefore, and the plan The general scheme of the book is to reproduce<br /> that the dramatic author should whenever possible certain conversations which the author, Mr. Arthur<br /> adopt, is to have a statutory performance in England<br /> first. This creates a property in his performing<br /> rights under the Imperial Statutes, and does not “Hieroglyphics,&quot; by Arthur Machen (Grant Richards).<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 251 (#667) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 251<br /> Machen, had with a literary recluse some few years and ready test, and one that is foredoomed to<br /> ago. This individual dwelt apart from his fellows failure on account of the difficulty of applying it.<br /> in the suburban fastnesses of Barnsbury, and from Who is to say in what “ecstasy” consists ? Some<br /> this safe retreat was wont to deliver his judgments people may derive it from the pages of“ Bradshaw,&quot;<br /> on men and books. In Mr. Machen he seems to have while others might read “Paradise Lost” from end<br /> found the ideal listener, for throughout the couple to end, and yet fail to find a vestige thereof. Surely,<br /> of hundred or so pages in which his disquisitions it is a matter of temperament. Even the qualifying<br /> are contained no observation from their receiver concession that one may substitute for this term<br /> is permitted to appear. The most confirmed of that of “rapture, beauty, adoration, wonder,<br /> monomaniacs could not ask for better treatment awe, mystery, sense of the unknown, a desire<br /> than is here accorded this apocryphal hermit. for the unknown,” does not help us to any great<br /> The protagonist of Mr. Machen&#039;s entertaining extent. For example, the works of the minor<br /> chapters is more than something of an iconoclast. novelists are more than likely to fill their readers<br /> He has but scant respect for several of the gene- with a sense of wonder, but it cannot be seriously<br /> rally accepted idols of the circulating library, and contended that they are to rank as “fine literature&quot;<br /> does not hesitate to dub even Thackeray “nothing on this account.<br /> but a photographer; a showman with a set of Some of the ex cathedrâ judgments in Mr. Machen&#039;s<br /> pictures.” At the most he declines to yield him volume are notable. Here, for instance, is one<br /> à higher niche in the Temple of Fame than that that may comfort the un-read: “ If a great book<br /> due to him as “the chief of those who have pro- is really popular it is sure to owe its popularity<br /> vided interesting reading matter”; nor does the to entirely wrong reasons.&quot; Another and less<br /> writer to whom we are indebted for “ Adam Bede&quot; paradoxical opinion of the same authority declares<br /> pass unscathed through the furnace of his criticism, that “ loneliness is merely another synonym for<br /> since he can find it in his heart to call her “poor, that one property which makes the difference<br /> dreary, draggle-tailed George Eliot.” As may be between real literature and reading matter.”<br /> imagined, the really small fry in the province of Whether there be any of this elusive quality<br /> authorship are assessed at a very low valuation about “ Hieroglyphics” is for Mr. Machen&#039;s<br /> indeed.<br /> readers to settle among themselves.<br /> Early in the course of his duties as a Barnsbury<br /> H. W.<br /> Boswell, Mr. Machen records a portentous question<br /> on the part of this trenchant critic. The<br /> subject under discussion had been the peculiar<br /> quality in a book that makes for literature. As<br /> the term is one that the poverty of the English<br /> FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF TRADE<br /> language has compelled us to apply to practically<br /> TO ART.<br /> anything in print-from a company prospectus to<br /> the works of Shakespeare-it of course became<br /> necessary to go further into the matter. Accord- TT HERE appeared in The Author for May an<br /> ingly, the hermit puts this problem :-<br /> article entitled, “Financial Obligations of<br /> Art to Trade,” in which, among certain<br /> &quot; What is it that differentiates fine literature from a more nebulous conclusions, the writer calls pub-<br /> number of grammatical, or partly grammatical, sentences<br /> lishers the “merchant princes of the world of<br /> arranged in a more or less logical order? Why is the<br /> Odyssey to come in, why is the “ literature” of our evening books,&quot; says that authors are tradesmen, and adds,<br /> paper to be kept out ? And again, to put the question in very kindly, that tradesmen can be gentlemen.<br /> a more subtle form : to which class do the works of Jane Thus, while those of us who happen to write will<br /> Austen helong? Is “ Pride and Prejudice&quot; to stand on<br /> be surprised to find we are tradesmen, yet we<br /> the Odyssey shelf, or to lie in the pamphlet drawer ?<br /> Where is Pope&#039;s place? Is he to be set in the class of have the consolation of knowing we may be<br /> Keats? If not, for what reason? What is the rank of gentlemen. Now, by what process of argument<br /> Dickens, of Thackeray, of George Eliot, of Hawthorne; and, the writer of this article arrives at the fact that<br /> in a word, how are we to sort out, as it were, this huge<br /> multitude of names, giving to each one his proper rank<br /> authors are tradesmen I have in vain tried to find<br /> and station ?”<br /> out, and, failing to do so, must suppose that it is<br /> an intuition on his part. It is true that authors<br /> The solution to the weighty question asked in produce things for which they are paid ; but at this<br /> the foregoing is, we are assured, contained in the rate barristers, bishops, schoolmasters, anyone in<br /> word ecstasy. Where this quality be present, fine fact who earns anything is a tradesman. If this is<br /> literature is the result; where it be absent, then the meaning of the writer of this article, he is of<br /> at the most we cannot get more than something course quite at liberty to use the word “trades-<br /> that is merely “very good.” It seems a rough man&quot; in this sense, only it would be wise to<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 252 (#668) ############################################<br /> <br /> 252<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> remember that probably no one else in the world the author of this article will recommend me a<br /> does so. Nor do I the least mind being called a publisher who will supply me with ideas. I am<br /> tradesman : he may call me a bootblack if he likes. sadly in need of them.<br /> I am bound to confess that after several readings Indeed, it is difficult to take these statements quite<br /> I cannot understand quite what the article is seriously. One might as well say that the railway<br /> driving at. Towards the end of it, however, there lines of the kingdom are under a great financial<br /> is a certain summary given as follows :-<br /> obligation to “Bradshaw” or the “A.B.C.” The<br /> “The first point is that publishers make their public—the travelling public-are, just as the read-<br /> fortunes by sticking to their trade, not by robbing ing public are, under an obligation to publishers.<br /> impecunious geniuses. ... The second ... that It is in fact just because the authors are not trades-<br /> inost literary ventures to which authors are indebted men that they have to employ publishers, who are<br /> for so much remunerated employment nowadays middlemen and render the authors&#039; works accessible<br /> are originated by the trade.”<br /> to the public. On the other hand, the financial<br /> Now, with regard to the first point, the language obligation of the trade to art is surely an appre-<br /> used is so exaggerated as to render any discussion ciable quantity, for it is the asset of the trade.<br /> on the exact terms futile. The question really is Without bringing into the question the confusing<br /> (a question which the Society of Authors devote and not analogous question of the relation of the<br /> their time to solving), What is the fair distri. journalist to the newspaper proprietor (which is<br /> bution of profits between author and publisher ? an entirely different matter, since journalism for<br /> Let us by all means call the author an impecunious the most part is not literature, and the success of<br /> tradesman, the publisher a merchant-prince. But any paper depends so largely on its advertisements).<br /> it is surely clear that the better bargain the the financial obligation of the trade to art so vastly<br /> merchant-prince makes, the quicker he will make outweighs any other financial obligation there may<br /> bis fortune, while the better bargain the im- be that it is impossible to speak of the two to.<br /> pecunious tradesman makes the sooner will he gether. Or are we seriously to imagine that<br /> become solvent. No doubt if the merchant prince&#039;s publishers are altruists of the most wonderful<br /> turnover is big enough (as this writer himself sort, and pursue their merchant-prince calling for<br /> suggests) he will come home by making a penny no thought of gain, but simply in order to diffuse<br /> in the outlay of every sovereign. But clearly in among the millions the masterpieces of art and<br /> this case he must be a prince of considerable wealth literature ? In any case they have to get them in<br /> to start with.<br /> order to diffuse them. And they get them from<br /> Of course, if there is no problem at all of the the authors.<br /> first relations between author and publisher, there It is, of course, perfectly true that many fine<br /> is no more to be said, but if there is, the solution books, such as the “ Dictionary of National Bio-<br /> is not advanced by overstating the question or bygraphy,” owe their inception to the enterprise of<br /> truisms about the advisability of sticking to trade. publishers ; but, invaluable as these are, they all,<br /> On the other hand, it is idle to deny that publishers broadly speaking, come under the head of books<br /> have often made large sums of money by pur- of reference, and it must be seriously questioned<br /> chasing outright the work of an unknown author, whether any real lover of literature would not<br /> which happens to run to many editions. The cheerfully make a holocaust of them all rather than<br /> unknown author, it is true, has consented to the lose a play of Shakespeare or even a novel of<br /> arrangement, and to impute fraud to the publisher Tolstoi. And though it is inspiriting to be told<br /> is clearly out of the question. At the same time that competent authors are very common objects<br /> he probably knows quite well that had the author of the strand, and that there is no difficulty in<br /> been more experienced he would not have parted finding authors competent to write on fresh sub-<br /> with his copyright on such terms, and that he jects, we regretfully confess that such optimism is<br /> himself has taken advantage of the author&#039;s ignor- beyond us, unless by the word &quot;author&quot; is meant<br /> ance. It is the business of the Society of Authors merely the industrious compiler of guides to<br /> to save their silly sheep from such bargainings. cathedral towns, and such-like interesting little<br /> The second point referred to above seems to me works. But to assume that books of reference,<br /> on sober reflection to be one of the most remark- even when we consider the “ Dictionary of National<br /> able statements ever made. “Most of the literary Biography” or the “Encyclopædia &quot; under this<br /> ventures to which authors are indebteil for so much head, are more than a bucketful in the sea of<br /> remunerated employment nowadays are originated by literature, seems to us an untenable position. And<br /> the trade ? &quot; I hope my publisher will mark this, for all except books of reference, the public is<br /> and send me as soon as possible half-a-dozen plots indebted entirely to the author, and not to the<br /> for stories. Excellent as he is in all other respects, publisher.<br /> he has hitherto failed in this particular. Or perhaps<br /> E. F. BENSON.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 253 (#669) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 253<br /> GENERAL MEMORANDA.<br /> TTERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an<br /> agreement. There are four methods of dealing<br /> with literary property :<br /> 1. Selling it Outright.<br /> This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper<br /> price can be obtained. But the transaction should be<br /> managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the<br /> Secretary of the Society.<br /> II. A Profit-Sharing Agreement (a bad form of<br /> agreement).<br /> In this case the following rules should be attended to:<br /> (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro-<br /> duction forms a part without the strictest investigation.<br /> (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the<br /> profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements<br /> in his own organs, or by charging exchange advertise-<br /> ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements.<br /> (3.) Not to allow a special charge for “office expenses,&quot;<br /> unless the same allowance is made to the author.<br /> (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental<br /> rights.<br /> (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights.<br /> (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher.<br /> As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or<br /> doctor!<br /> III. The Royalty System.<br /> It is above all things necessary to know what the<br /> proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible<br /> for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly<br /> the truth. From time to time the very important figures<br /> connected with royalties are published in The Author.<br /> Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the<br /> “Cost of Production.&quot;<br /> IY. A Commission Agreement.<br /> The main points are :-<br /> (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production.<br /> (2.) Keep control of the advertisements.<br /> (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book.<br /> General.<br /> All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four<br /> above mentioned.<br /> Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author.<br /> Never sign any agreement without competent advice from<br /> the Secretary of the Society.<br /> Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp<br /> Avoid agreements by letter if possible.<br /> The main points which the Society has always demanded<br /> from the outset are:-<br /> (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement<br /> means.<br /> (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong<br /> to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the<br /> nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or<br /> withheld.<br /> 3. There are three forms of dramatic contract for PLAYS<br /> IN THREE OR MORE ACTS :-<br /> (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING RIGHT.<br /> This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters<br /> into such a contract should stipulate in the con.<br /> tract for production of the piece by a certain date<br /> and for proper publication of his name on the<br /> play-bills.<br /> OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE<br /> TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES<br /> on gross receipts. Percentages vary between<br /> 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain a<br /> percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts<br /> in preference to the American system. Should<br /> obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed<br /> date on or before which the play should be<br /> performed.<br /> SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE<br /> TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e.,<br /> fixed nightly fees). This method should be<br /> always avoided except in cases where the fees<br /> are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The<br /> other safeguards set out under heading (b.) apply<br /> also in this case.<br /> 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is<br /> better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum<br /> paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely<br /> important that the amateur rights of one-act plays should<br /> be reserved<br /> 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can<br /> be limited, and are usually limited, by town, country, and<br /> time. This is most important.<br /> 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but<br /> should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is<br /> of great importance.<br /> 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a<br /> play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager<br /> holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot<br /> print the book of the words.<br /> 8. Never forget that AMERICAN RIGHTS may be exceed-<br /> ingly valuable. They should never be included in English<br /> agreements without the author obtaining a substantial<br /> consideration.<br /> 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully<br /> drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced.<br /> 10. An author should remember that production of a play<br /> is highly speculative : that he runs a very great risk of<br /> delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract.<br /> He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in<br /> the beginning<br /> 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market<br /> is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object<br /> is to obtain adequate publication.<br /> As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on<br /> account of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con-<br /> tracts, THOSE AUTHORS DESIROUS OF FURTHER INFORMA-<br /> TION ARE REFERRED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY.<br /> HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY.<br /> WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS.<br /> TEVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the<br /> Secretary of the Society of Authors or some com-<br /> petent legal authority.<br /> 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for<br /> the production of a play with anyone except an established<br /> manager.<br /> A VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive<br /> advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub-<br /> lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his<br /> business or the administration of his property. If the<br /> advice sought is such as can be given best by a solicitor,<br /> the member has a right to an opinion from the Society&#039;s<br /> solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel&#039;s opinion is<br /> desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel&#039;s<br /> opinion. All this without any cost to the member.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 254 (#670) ############################################<br /> <br /> 254<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> Communications for The Author should be addressed to<br /> the Offices of the Society, 39, Old Queen Street, Storey&#039;s<br /> Gate, S.W., and should reach the Editor NOT LATER<br /> THAN THE 21st OF EACH MONTH.<br /> All persons engaged in literary work of any kind,<br /> whether members of the Society or not, are invited to<br /> communicate to the Editor any points connected with their<br /> work which it would be advisable in the general interest to<br /> publish.<br /> COMMUNICATIONS AND LETTERS ARE INVITED BY THE<br /> EDITOR on all subjects connected with literature, but on<br /> no other subjects whatever. Every effort will be made to<br /> return articles which cannot be accepted.<br /> 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright<br /> and publishers&#039; agreements do not generally fall within the<br /> experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple<br /> to use the Society.<br /> 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past<br /> accounts, with a copy of the book represented. The<br /> Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new<br /> or old, for inspection and note. The information thus<br /> obtained may prove invaluable.<br /> 4. BEFORE SIGNING ANY AGREEMENT WHATEVER, send<br /> the document to the Society for examination.<br /> 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society<br /> you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you<br /> are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are<br /> advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the<br /> independence of the writer.<br /> 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception<br /> of members&#039; agreements and their preservation in a fire.<br /> proof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as<br /> confidential documents to be read only by the Secretary,<br /> who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :<br /> -(1) To read and advise upon agreements and to give<br /> advice concerning publishers. (2) To stamp agreements<br /> in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep<br /> agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to<br /> agreements.<br /> 7. No contract should be entered into with a literary<br /> agent without the advice of the Secretary of the Society.<br /> Members are strongly advised not to accept without careful<br /> consideration the contracts submitted to them by literary<br /> agents, and are recommended to submit them for inter-<br /> pretation and explanation to the Secretary of the Society.<br /> 8. Many agents neglect to stamp agreements. This<br /> must be done within fourteen days of first execution. The<br /> Secretary will undertake it on behalf of members.<br /> 9. Some agents endeavour to prevent authors from<br /> referring matters to the Secretary of the Society; so do<br /> some publishers. Members can make their own deductions<br /> and act accordingly.<br /> THE SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY begs to give notice<br /> that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post,<br /> and he requests members who do not receive an<br /> answer to important communications within two days to<br /> write to him without delay. All remittances should be<br /> crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery Lane, or be sent<br /> by registered letter only.<br /> AUTHORITIES.<br /> THE READING BRANCH.<br /> M EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this<br /> branch of their work by informing young writers<br /> of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and<br /> treated as a composition is treated by a coach. The term<br /> MSS, includes NOT ONLY WORKS OF FICTION, BUT POETRY<br /> AND DRAMATIC WORKS, and when it is possible, under<br /> special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The<br /> Readers are writers of competence and experience. The<br /> fee is one guinea,<br /> W E have received a publication from the<br /> Canadian Society of Authors, entitled<br /> “ A Bibliography and General Report.&quot;<br /> It contains a list of the members, together with<br /> a list of the works that they have produced.<br /> That the Society is in a healthy condition, and<br /> that the membership includes the names of those<br /> best known in Canadian literature speaks well for<br /> its future activity.<br /> It is pleasant to see three members of the Cana.<br /> dian Society, Sir Gilbert Parker, M.P., Mr. John A.<br /> Cooper, and Mr. J. Castell Hopkins, are also<br /> members of our Society. The Honorary President<br /> of the Society is Professor Goldwin Smith, whose<br /> writings have for so many years marked with<br /> distinction the literature of the Dominion and of<br /> the Empire. The Acting President is the Hon.<br /> G. W. Ross, the Premier of Ontario, whose reputa-<br /> tion has been made in politics rather than litera-<br /> ture. His political position cannot fail to be of<br /> great importance to the Society on the vexed<br /> question of Canadian copyright. On this point<br /> he is, we understand, in full accord with the<br /> Canadian Authors Society and our own Society.<br /> Amongst the names of those well known through-<br /> out the Empire are Dr. Drummond of Montreal,<br /> Dr. Louis Frechette. Mr. Clive Phillipps Wooller.<br /> Sir James Le Moine and Mr. Ernest Thompson<br /> Seton.<br /> NOTICES.<br /> THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of<br /> the Society that, although the paper is sent to them<br /> free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a<br /> very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great<br /> many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest<br /> ös. 60. subscription for the year.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 255 (#671) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 255<br /> It is hoped that at no distant date the Society, some of the United States publishers paid to<br /> born while the literature of the Dominion is still English authors for the use of their stories what<br /> young, will foster such a spirit amongst the they called a honorarium. But though this was<br /> Canadians, and take such practical steps to protect the usual custom, it appears that a certain<br /> the property of its members by aiding Imperial American firm took some of Mr. Kipling&#039;s work<br /> copyright, unhampered by trade restrictions, that and reproduced it without proper acknowledgment.<br /> the School of Canadian Literature will be worthy Sir Walter Besant, Mr. William Black, and Mr.<br /> of the country that produced it, and maintain the Thomas Hardy wrote to the papers defending the<br /> high standard that marks its infancy.<br /> dealings of the American house in the matter of<br /> the publication of their own writings. Mr. Rud-<br /> yard Kipling&#039;s method of retort was the ballad<br /> above referred to, in which he called the tbree<br /> In a paragraph from the Sunday Sun, headed<br /> great writers mentioned the “Three Great<br /> “ Authors and Publishers,&quot; the following statement<br /> Captains.&quot;<br /> is made with reference to the literary agent :-<br /> The poem opens with the following lines :-<br /> “I learn, however, that the latest move of the literary<br /> agent is to arrange with some publishing house to take the<br /> “At the close of a winter day,<br /> first reading of all manuscripts that come in his way, and Their anchors down, by London town, the three great<br /> to receive in return a fee or a salary.&quot;<br /> captains lay;<br /> And one was Admiral of the North from Solway Firth<br /> The writer in the Sunday Sun objects, and to Skye,<br /> rightly so, to the course taken by the literary And one was Lord of the Wessex Coast and all the lands<br /> agent in receiving a salary from the publisher,<br /> thereby,<br /> And one was Master of the Thames from Limehouse to<br /> but his objection rests on the grounds that the<br /> Blackwall.<br /> literary agent is thereby less likely to deal effec. And he was Captain of the Fleet-the bravest of them all.”<br /> tually with the author&#039;s MSS., firstly by oftentimes<br /> submitting them to the wrong publisher, or<br /> Later on in the same ballad he draws into his<br /> secondly by making a lenient contract with the<br /> verse the names of the three writers in a triple<br /> publisher owing to the fee he receives. If what<br /> pun.<br /> The lines run as follows:-<br /> the writer states is true, there is a much more<br /> serious side to the case, namely, that the literary “We are paid in the coin of the White Man&#039;s Trade-,<br /> agent is in a confidential position to the author The bezant is hard, ay, and black.&quot;<br /> who employs him, and in such a position is not<br /> Of the three great Captains one only is left.<br /> only legally but morally wrong in accepting com-<br /> Their works will, no doubt, be with us long after<br /> mission from any one but his employer, whether<br /> de ner<br /> the little di<br /> the little dispute has been buried in oblivion. It<br /> the honorarium-as no doubt he would term it-<br /> is almost forgotten now, at any rate at the present<br /> is by direct payment or an unwritten agreement time it<br /> time it has no significance, but this note may<br /> based on the interchange of business. It is not a<br /> be of interest to those who read with delight<br /> question of expediency; it is a question of morals. Mr<br /> . Mr. Kipling&#039;s poem yet fail to grapple its exact<br /> It is impossible that any respectable literary<br /> agent would have dealings with a publisher on this<br /> meaning and its exact purport.<br /> basis. Rumours have been floating about bearing<br /> out to a certain extent the statement of the writer<br /> in the Sunday Sun. Has any direct evidence been Mr. Pett Ridge in his usual amusing manner<br /> forthcoming ?<br /> deals with the question of “ Literary Gents and<br /> If the writer in the Sunday Sun has such Literary Agents in the English Illustrated Maga-<br /> evidence to produce, the Secretary of the Society zine. In the course of certain remarks he states<br /> will be glad to hear from him at 39, Old Queen as follows :—“Young women are fond of declaring<br /> Street, Storey&#039;s Gate.<br /> that there is a ring in literature. This does not<br /> mean that they expect to find there opportunities<br /> for matrimony, but that in their opinion the work<br /> The deaths of Sir Walter Besant and William is in the hands of the few ; hence they adopt<br /> Black take away two of three actors in a miniature schemes of great ingenuity, as, for instance, the<br /> literary drama which called forth one of Mr. addressing of stories to the wives of bachelor<br /> Rudyard Kipling&#039;s virile efforts. All those inte. editors, or enclosing with the script a bunch of<br /> rested in Mr. Kipling&#039;s writings have read the violets. Not by this means does the literary agent<br /> ballad of “ The Three Captains,” but few under- place the wares of his clients.&quot;<br /> staud its application.<br /> We wonder how far the schemes of the ladies are<br /> In the days before the American Copyright Act successful. Editors are but human.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 256 (#672) ############################################<br /> <br /> 256<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> Mr. Pett Ridge does not inform us whether at<br /> DUMAS PÈRE (1802–1870).<br /> any time photographs are also enclosed. Is it<br /> possible that he has had pleasant, or, maybe,<br /> bitter experience ?<br /> T seems likely that the birth centenary of<br /> Alexandre Dumas on the 24th of this month<br /> will receive more notice in England than in<br /> France. Here the air is full of Dumas literature;<br /> It is hardly fair to English readers to mention in Paris the recent Hugo doings have apparently<br /> the Baconian theory. It acts no longer as a red exhausted for the time the possibilities of cele-<br /> rag to a bull, but rather as a soporific. The following bration. But as the two men were born so near<br /> cutting from the Baltimore Neu&#039;s, where the subject together, as they were fellow-workers at the begin-<br /> seems to have lost but little of its freshness, may, ning and close friends ever afterwards--&quot;a friend-<br /> on account of the many theories put forward, waken ship which ” (Dumas wrote) “ has survived exile.<br /> a flash of interest. It runs :<br /> and will, I trust, survive death”-it is almost a<br /> pity that they could not have been bracketed<br /> Some of the latest theories promulgated are as follows :-<br /> (a) That Bacon and Shakespeare were one and the same<br /> together for commemoration. Doubtless, to the<br /> man ; (b) that Bacon wrote the Shakespearian plays while pious devotee of the poet such a suggestion would<br /> in prison, serving a sentence of one year for profanely be little short of profanity. In this country, how-<br /> cursing and swearing on the public highway ; (c) that the ever, we are not much given to Hugolatry, either<br /> name Bacon was merely Shakespeare&#039;s nom-de-plume,<br /> assumed because the bard was a ham actor ; (d) that<br /> because our admiration for the literary artist is<br /> Shakespeare, being ashamed of his plays, blamed Bacon; tempered by some qualms about the man, or<br /> (e) that Shakespeare invented the Baconian theory in order because we do not take kindly to apotheosis, or<br /> to mislead his creditors ; (f) that the real author of the simply because we prefer to be amused rather than<br /> plays was Bacon&#039;s father-in-law, a saloon-keeper, named<br /> George W. Ferguson ; (g) that Shakespeare sold out his<br /> edified. With our good Dumas there are no diffi-<br /> i<br /> play writing business to Bacon after writing half of the culties of this sort. Nobody in France has thought<br /> plays; (h) that Shakespeare and Bacon were partners; of deifying him, or of adding him to the permanent<br /> (i) that they were not : (i) that maybe they were ; (k) that glories of the nation : no one can pretend that he<br /> nobody knows whether they were or not.<br /> preached to the world, and no one can deny that<br /> in his day and generation he amused and thrilled<br /> it very successfully.<br /> All honour, then, to the author of La Reine<br /> The following note has been received from a Margot and Les Trois Mousquetaires, to the writer<br /> correspondent :-<br /> of the best impressions of travel that were ever<br /> “ May I point out,&quot; he writes, “ a branch of the penned, and the most charming bric-à-brac about<br /> collecting mania that, whatever its other merits, everything and nothing that ever came in useful<br /> at least promises to add to the revenue of the to fill a printed page. Primarily the most remark-<br /> author. For long enough collectors have bid able thing about Dumas is his encylopædic cha-<br /> against one another for Burns&#039;s MSS. and for the racter : dramatist, conteur, novelist, historian--<br /> original drafts of Byron&#039;s poems, but the supply of nothing came amiss to him, and the marvel is, not<br /> these is necessarily limited, and there is not that much of his work failed of the highest excel-<br /> enough to go round. Some more modern victim lence, but that so little of it fell below a good<br /> of the collecting habit ? has, therefore, evolved average readable quality. Before all else he was<br /> an appetite for the original script of the more a dramatist, and-in the opinion of M. Sardou,<br /> popular of the current books. The worse the than whom no better authority can be wished-<br /> * copy&#039; from the compositor&#039;s view, the better it the best all-round homme de théâtre of the nine-<br /> is from the collector&#039;s. Deletions and erasions he teenth century. That faculty was in him innate ;<br /> pays for in extra pounds sterling, and instead of the others, which came afterwards, grew out of it.<br /> demanding type-written matter, he quotes prices It may be said, of course, that the twenty-five<br /> at least 80 per cent. higher for drafts in the volumes of the Théâtre of Dumas represent what<br /> original pencil or ink. For storage purposes, the is now mostly lumber, and that, with the exception<br /> MSS. are bound ; and when placed on shelves, a of the three or four standard comedies included in<br /> copy of the printed work is put beside them as a the répertoire of the Français, his plays are seldom<br /> bandy translation to words which are more than or never performed. This, however, is no measure<br /> usually ill-written. Already there is an upward of dramatic importance — Shakespeare, for that<br /> tendency in the prices asked and given.”<br /> matter, is seldom seen on the stage. The question<br /> is rather of the extent to which subsequent drama<br /> has undergone his influence. Granting that for<br /> mechanism the theatre is more indebted to Scribe,<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 257 (#673) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 257<br /> for analysis and philosophy to Balzac, it remains carried them to their full capacity of popular<br /> true that in the whole sphere of emotional effects appreciation : herein lay the quality of his genius.<br /> no one can touch Dumas. The Tour de Nesle, Henri III. was not the first essay in romantic<br /> for example, has been a prototype, in the way of drama, but it was the first that made an impres-<br /> suggestion, for melodramas by the score: it is sion : how effective a basis of fiction inight be<br /> even more certain that Antony and the group of laid by the juxtaposition of the abnormal and<br /> plays allied to Antony have a long and distinct the commonplace had been illustrated by Soulié<br /> progeny in the modern social drama, beginning (Mémoires du Diable) and by Eugène Sue (Atar<br /> with Dumas fils and Emile Augier, and ending- Gull) before Dumas did the same thing more<br /> if haply it has ended—with the “problem” play largely in Monte Cristo. Years before Le Chevalier<br /> of recent memory. Under different forms the d&#039;Harmental and La Reine Margot, French writers,<br /> substance of all these is the assertion of egoism influenced by Scott, had woven history and romance<br /> and the treatment of moral laws—one in particular together. Prosper Mérimée in his Chronique du<br /> -as a question of society instead of the Decalogue. règne de Charles IX., and Victor Hugo in Notre<br /> To say that the elder Dumas originated this—and Dame ; but neither of them, however much they<br /> if not Dumas, then one must step back over the might appeal to artistic or critical taste, hai<br /> French Revolution to Beaumarchais-is not to say the verve or vividness or geniality which are<br /> that he did so consciously. His nature did not necessary for a really popular work, and whiclı<br /> tend to problems, and he felt things rather than characterise the best of Dumas&#039; historical<br /> understood them. But most vividly he did feel romances. .<br /> the young France of 1830, and his dramatic gifts In saying that he is popular, meaning thereby<br /> made him the best interpreter of that “incan- that he has the qualities of popularity, one admits<br /> descent ” age. With the next generation another -as cheerfully as Dumas himself did when he said,<br /> stage was reached in the evolution of the modern “Moi, je suis vulgarisateur.”—whatever superfine<br /> spirit-a development, not a reversal. Much as critics may find to sneer at in his unstylish style,<br /> has been said of the contrasts between père and his exaggeration and lack of reserve, his redun-<br /> fils, the inheritance of the younger Dumas from dancies and repetitions, to say nothing of his<br /> the elder is so patent that it would be better to free plagiarism, and his wholesale collaboration.<br /> discard, as regards them, such labels as Romanticist Against such defects it might be enough to urge.<br /> and Realist.<br /> the advantages of resourcefulness, ease, lucidity,<br /> From the dramatist arose the story-teller, by and so forth. But neither defects nor qualities<br /> which we understand the metteur en scène in book will explain the popularity of Dumas unless we<br /> form of varivus episodes of travel and imagination, take into account also the more than conventional<br /> which reached their climax in the famous Comte de bond between the writer&#039;s self and his writings<br /> Monte Cristo. It was in his capacity as a conteur, the feeling that here we have no detached artist<br /> first displayed in the early Impressions de Voyage, contemplating and polishing his work—things<br /> that Parisians recognised Dumas as possessing the which Dumas never did—but a man, or let us say<br /> esprit they esteemed so much. They did not, it a good fellow, who, having himself hugely enjoyed<br /> is true, set equal value on his erudition, when he the creation of his characters and incidents, is<br /> produced a solid book on France in the middle anxious that others should share the enjoyment<br /> ages. But this was only a coup d&#039;essai-a pre- with him. It is a truism to speak of an author<br /> liminary canter before starting on that course of as identified with his works : in the case of Dumas<br /> dramatic-historical fiction in which he came in an it is also a truth.<br /> easy winner. It is necessary to say “dramatic” In the same way with the reproach of impro-<br /> as well as “historical,” for the novels of Dumas risation, of which one has heard a good deal, and<br /> present a series of stageable scenes, divided and which, in this instance, appears to mean partly<br /> spaced out—here the conteur comes in—by descrip- that the production was too hasty, partly that.<br /> tive passages which serve to the story as scenery there was too much of it. The haste, however,<br /> serves to a theatrical piece. Every novel of adven- was not always so great as it seemed. That Dumas<br /> ture lends itself more or less to dramatisation, but was phenomenally rapid in execution is well known,<br /> none so conspicuously as his, because none have but it is forgotten that the conception was often,<br /> been written so palpably with memories of the with him, an affair of weeks, months, and some-<br /> theatre behind and prospects of the theatre in times even years. Once the conception was clearly<br /> front.<br /> arranged, the execution—the mere writing, pause-<br /> For one thing, then, all Dumas&#039; work is dramatic; less, unrevised, unpunctuated—did not count with<br /> for another, it is essentially popular. Alike in plays him as anything. And as to his abundance, or super-<br /> and in novels, happy in the moment of his arrival, abundance, summarised in the axiom that no one<br /> he assimilated the ideas or efforts of others, and has ever read all that Dumas wrote—not even<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 258 (#674) ############################################<br /> <br /> 258<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> Dumas himself-that belongs to the dispensations boundary between Virginia and North Carolina in<br /> of Nature : it would be as idle to talk of the 1728, and at his death owned a hundred and<br /> excess, the defect and the mean, as it would be seventy thousand acres of the best land in the<br /> to censure an apple-tree for being overladen with former state. He had been educated in England<br /> fruit. on the supposition that if the apples had and elected to the Royal Society. He kept a<br /> been fewer they might have been of more journal which Professor Moses Coit Tvler has<br /> excellent quality. A vain expectation.<br /> called “one of the most delightful literary legacies<br /> A. D. which that age has handed down to us,” and which<br /> has, indeed, a charm comparable to that of “ Pepys&#039;s<br /> Diary&quot; itself. One of Colonel Byrd&#039;s daughters<br /> AMERICAN NOTES.<br /> was “ Beautiful Evelyn Byrd,&quot; who figures in<br /> Miss Johnston&#039;s romance &quot; Audrey,&quot; which, by-the-<br /> bye, holds its own against even “ The Hound of<br /> T HERE has been a very large output of novels the Baskervilles” as the best selling book in<br /> this spring, but very little else of any America.<br /> account. On the other hand, what is Another work of no slight historical interest is<br /> known as “library business,” which, of course, Dr. James K. Hosmer&#039;s “ History of the Louisiana<br /> covers many works of heavier calibre, is reported Purchase,&quot; a subject which has lately been brought<br /> to have kept up remarkably well. On the question before European readers in Mr. J. H. Rose&#039;s<br /> of the effect that woight be produced on the sale of excellent “Life of Napoleon.” The work is com-<br /> fietion if the public libraries stopped purchasing mendable both as history and literature. In<br /> we incline to the view recently expressed by “ Reconstruction and the Constitution,&quot; Dr. J. W.<br /> Mr. Frank Norris rather than that held by the late Burgess, of Columbia University, completes the<br /> Frank R. Stockton. We believe that the overplus “ American History &quot; series to which he had pre-<br /> of fiction read is an evil; but we do not think that viously made important contributions. “ The New<br /> it would be increased by the suggested remedy (not England Society Orations,&quot; collected and edited by<br /> that Mr. Stockton, being a novelist, looked at the Cephas and Eveline Warner Brainerd, may also be<br /> matter in this light). The author of “ The Octo- mentioned in this connection, also another con-<br /> pus” complains bitterly of the predominance of the tribution to the national story, Mr. James Curtis<br /> super-amiable, embodied in the person of the Ballagh&#039;s “ History of Slavery in Virginia,&quot; which<br /> amiable young girl, in American fiction of to-day, forms the new volume of the “ Johns Hopkins<br /> and maintains with some reason that it is not the University Studies.&quot;<br /> normal, but deviation from the normal, that makes Although one may be permitted to question the<br /> for interest in literature. But perhaps he is unduly publisher&#039;s claim that Aaron Burr is to-day “by<br /> pessimistic when he goes on to deplore the growing far the most mysterious, interesting, and attractive<br /> imitativeness of the national literature which he character in American history”--there must be<br /> attributes to its preoccupation with well-bred some who do not even know his name—there will<br /> people. Surely the great vitality of present-day certainly be many readers who will be glad to hear<br /> fiction, at least in America, is a sufficient answer about the man who killed Mrs. Atherton&#039;s hero<br /> to this foreboding of a decay of originality in the from so well-accredited a biographer as Mr. Charles<br /> nation.<br /> Burr Todd.<br /> Before touching upon the aforesaid fiction we The only other biographical achierement which<br /> will notice a few books in other departments of we feel called upon to record here is the life of a<br /> literature which seem worthy of attention. A book naval celebrity, John Ancrum Winslow, of Alabama<br /> which is likely to continue to be much read is fame.<br /> Mr. Carnegie&#039;s “ Empire of Business.&quot; It is Coming to publications which are more imme-<br /> hardly, perhaps, necessary to dwell upon its con- diately concerned with the present, we may call<br /> tents here ; but it may be of interest to note the attention in passing to “ Democracy and Social<br /> ingenuity shown by the publishers (Doubleday, Ethics,” by Miss Jane Addams, of Hull House,<br /> Page &amp; Co.) in making to customers an offer by Chicago, as a temperate exposition of the socialistic<br /> which they induce them to take two years&#039; sub- panacea. Of kindred interest are three books deal-<br /> scription to “ The World&#039;s Work&quot; in combination ing with the subject of Trusts. Professor John<br /> with monthly payments for the book.<br /> Bates Clark believes that if regulated they may<br /> Another work issued by the same publishers become something less than an evil, and would, to<br /> should be of interest to English readers. This cite his sub-title, “curb the Power of Monopoly<br /> is the reprint by John Spencer Bassett of “ The by a Natural Method.” The author of &quot;Com-<br /> Writings of Colonel William Byrd, of Westover, in mercial Trusts,&quot; on the other hand, favours<br /> Virginia, Esq.” This gentleman surveyed the a laissez faire policy in dealing with these<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 259 (#675) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 259<br /> combinations. Dr. Le Rossignol, in his introductory pleased at the way in which the drafter of the<br /> sketch, called “Monopolies, Past and Present,&quot; Declaration of Independence is treated by this<br /> writes somewhat vaguely about returning to old author.<br /> ideals, and is, perhaps, the least satisfactory of the A book which has received a very hearty wel-<br /> three writers.<br /> come is “ The Thrall of Leif the Lucky,&quot; by Miss<br /> Mr. Peters, a Baptist clergyman of New York, Ottilie Liljencrantz. The scene of this story of<br /> has entered the lists with some success against Viking days shifts from Norway to Greenland,<br /> Mark Twain, who had charged the Jews with and from thence to the unknown American coast,<br /> incapacity for patriotism. In “The Jew as a and has the charm of decided freshness. It has<br /> Patriot” a highly creditable record of civic virtue been elaborately illustrated by Mr. and Mrs. Troy<br /> is presented on behalf of the Hebrew race both in Kinney, of Chicago.<br /> America and Europe.<br /> A story of a less remote period which is arousing<br /> In view of the Rhodes bequest, and the close much interest is “Dorothy Vernon of Haddon<br /> connection it seems destined to bring about Hall,&quot; in which Mr. Charles Major has struck<br /> between Oxford and people on this side, Mr. out quite a new line. The tale is of Elizabethan<br /> Corbin&#039;s impressions of the University (&quot; An days, and Mary Queen of Scots comes in for very<br /> American at Oxford &quot;) will be read with interest. severe treatment at the writer&#039;s hands.<br /> M. Paul Bourget, the French novelist, has lately, Emerson Hough&#039;s “ Mississippi Bubble” is<br /> it may be remembered, communicated to the world another historical romance which has caught on.<br /> his experiences of the same centre of culture. John Law, the Scottish speculator, is, of course,<br /> Among recent essayists we must reckon Mr. the hero ; and two English ladies have much to<br /> Charles Dudley Warner, who has reprinted various do with his fate. This writer is thought to be<br /> literary and social papers under the title “ Fashions stronger in the delineation of masculine charac-<br /> in Literature”; Mr. Hamilton W. Mabie, whose teristics than in dealing with the subleties of<br /> “ Works and Days” is of ethical and didactic feminine psychology.<br /> import; and Mr. Richard Burton (“Forces in Kate Douglas Wiggin&#039;s “ Diary of a Goose<br /> Fiction&quot;), who thinks we make too much nowa Girl&quot; also takes the reader to England. It is in<br /> days of technic, and are too fond of making lighter vein than most of the romances we have<br /> imaginary creations less human beings than spoken of. “ The Misdemeanours of Nancy,” by<br /> “ more or less colourless exponents of a principle, Eleanor Hoyt, is likely to be much discussed.<br /> a class, a theory.”<br /> Miss Anne Douglas Sedgwick has followed up<br /> Miss Clara Morris&#039;s stage memories have now her previous successes with a story of heredity<br /> been followed by Mr. Henry Austin Clapp&#039;s called “The Rescue,&quot; the scene of which is laid<br /> “ Reminiscences of a Dramatic Critic,” which in Paris.<br /> extend over a period of a quarter of a century. Mr. Chatfield Taylor, of Chicago, has written a<br /> Under the heading of Poetry we have as usual novel which is much talked about. It is called<br /> but little to chronicle ; but it may be announced “ The Crimson Wing,&quot; and is to be dramatised by<br /> that ping-pong has found its laureate in the Mr. E. E. Rose.<br /> person of Mr. Burges Johnson, whose “ Bugle Miss Marie Van Vorst has had to change the<br /> Song &quot; has some felicitous lines.<br /> title of her new novel to “ Philip Longstreth.&quot;<br /> Before plunging into the whirlpool of Fiction, Some one else seems to have used “ The Sacrifice<br /> we may just advert to the fact that among other of Fools.”<br /> books in some demand are Goldwin Smith&#039;s “Com- Messrs. Scribner, who have issued so many of<br /> monwealth or Empire,” F. Schuyler Matthews&#039;s the recent successes, are bringing out Clara<br /> “ Field Book of American Wild Books,&quot; and a Morris&#039;s “A Pasteboard Crown.” We shall soon<br /> book by the veteran Charles Warren Stoddard, be able to judge whether she excels as much in<br /> the Loti of America, entitled “In the Footsteps romance as on the stage and the platform.<br /> of the Padre.”<br /> Mr. Stewart E. White&#039;s “ The Blazed Trail ” is<br /> “ The Valley of Decision,” by Mrs. Edith a rattling good story, and American enough, we<br /> Wharton, is quite a new departure for her, and should think, to content Mr. Frank Norris. So<br /> to some extent also in American literature. It is again, in another direction, is “ Morchester,&quot; a<br /> less of a novel than a study of the conditions of life political novel of the Eastern States, and Mr.<br /> in Italy towards the end of the eighteenth century. William Sage&#039;s tale of the Civil War, “ The<br /> Mrs. Gertrude Atherton&#039;s &quot;The Conqueror&quot; is Claybournes.&quot;<br /> being much talked of, and exciting some criticism. Mrs. Henry Dudeney&#039;s “Spindle and Plough &quot; is<br /> It was begun as a biography of Alexander Hamilton, complementary to her “Folly Corner.” It is a<br /> but ended as a romance with the soldier-statesman study of the eternally interesting conflict in women<br /> as its hero. Admirers of Jefferson are not greatly between the instincts of sex and maternity.<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 260 (#676) ############################################<br /> <br /> 260<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> M. G. W. Cable has broken new ground with Francis Richard Stockton will also have a niche,<br /> “ Bylow Hill,” his first Northern story, as also it but much lower down, among American writers<br /> might be thought had the author of “ Uncle who will be remembered. “ The Lady of the<br /> Remus,&quot; to judge from the title of his latest Tiger ” will suffice to keep his memory green, even<br /> work. “The Making of a Statesman,” however, if “ Rudder Grange ” be forgotton. Nor was his<br /> a novelette, is accompanied by a collection of short last work,“ Kate Bonnet,&quot; lacking in that vivacity<br /> stories of Georgia Life of the old kind.<br /> which so eminently characterised the man. We<br /> Some discussion has been going on in the do not think that any of the various stories we<br /> literary journals as to whether such a thing exists have read of Stockton are sufficiently worthy of his<br /> as the « New Humor.” We dare not venture an reputation to warrant quotation here.<br /> opinion on so difficult a question. We may note, Paul Leicester Ford was a successful man of<br /> however, that Mr. E. J. W. Townsend has brought letters, but not to be compared with Stockton,<br /> out a new “Chimmie Fadden&quot; book (“ Chimmie much less with Bret Harte.&quot; We have not heard<br /> Fadden and Mr. Paul”), and has been able to defend who is to take his place as editor of “ The<br /> without difficulty the naturalness of his creations. Bibliographer,” to which he had already made<br /> Of established American writers we may mention contributions of some interest. A story from his<br /> that Mark Twain has brought out “ A Double- facile pen will appear in the July “Century.” A<br /> Barrelled Detective Story,&quot; and that George Cary more important work had been almost completed<br /> Eggleston has written in “Dorothy South” another when he came to his tragically sudden end.<br /> masterly study of the Southern States. We have Another name which must be added to our<br /> space only to mention the names of a few other obituary is that of Dr. Thomas Dunn English, the<br /> books which are in some considerable demand : writer of the once popular “ Ben Bolt.&quot; He died<br /> “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch,” Mr. Dixon&#039;s in April.<br /> “ The Leopard&#039;s Spots,” Miss Glasgow&#039;s “ The<br /> Battle Ground,” Robert Shackleton&#039;s “Many<br /> Waters : a Story of New York.” A first book of<br /> PARIS NOTES.<br /> some promise is Mrs. Banks&#039;s “Oldfield,” another<br /> Kentucky novel.<br /> Paper-bound fiction has, we understand, almost THE close of the season has been particularly<br /> ceased to have any sale. There has long been<br /> brilliant in the French literary world, and<br /> noticeable a falling-off in this market.<br /> some most interesting and valuable works<br /> Bret Harte&#039;s swan song had quite the old ring. have been published.<br /> “Openings in the Old Trail” recalls memories of The memoirs, biographies, and letters which<br /> “ The Luck of Roaring Camp,” “Flip,” and have recently appeared are as fascinating as any<br /> those other creations in which he showed himself novels, and are quite as eagerly read.<br /> probably the greatest master of the short story in A most important work has just been edited by<br /> the English language. He was never much at the Comte d&#039;Haussonville, entitled “ Souvenirs<br /> home away from these Western scenes. The story sur Madame de Maintenon. Mémoire et Lettres<br /> of how “The Heathen Chinee &quot; was evolved from de Mlle. d&#039;Aumale.” It opens with an introduc-<br /> an admiration for · Atalanta in Calydon” is, we tion to the last period of the reign of Louis XIV.<br /> suppose, too well known to be repeated here ; but Mlle. d&#039;Aumale was the daughter of a poor<br /> we may perhaps refer to the history of an earlier nobleman, who was a captain in the regiment of<br /> poetic achievement. At the age of eleven, Berry. She entered the school of St. Cyr at the<br /> Francis Bret Harte had printed in the Sunday age of seven, and when twenty-two years old was<br /> Atlas of New York some verses headed “ Autumn chosen by Madame de Maintenon to be one of her<br /> Musings &quot; ; and he used to tell what consternation secretaries. She gives us a full account of her<br /> this produced in his family. It seems that the patroness, and as—thanks to her position-she<br /> conception of a poet which prevailed in the was intimately acquainted with the celebrated<br /> domestic circle was founded entirely upon “ The woman whose influence was so great over the<br /> Distressed Poet” depicted by Hogarth, a book of King, she tells us many incidents which show<br /> whose drawings was in the possession of Mr. Harte, Madame de Maintenon in quite a new light.<br /> senior! Bret Harte was in the best sense of the Renan&#039;s letters to his mother, “ Lettres du<br /> word an American, typical of his race, cultured but Séminaire,” is also a most interesting work. The<br /> not exclusive, tender-hearted but not sentimental, letters were written between the years 1838.and<br /> Cosmopolitan yet racy of the soil. He was person- 1846, and commence with the boy&#039;s first epistle to<br /> ally a most striking-looking, not to say handsome, his mother in Brittany, on taking up his abode in<br /> man. He ranks with Hawthorne and Poe as the the college for priests in Paris. He is at that<br /> most original of American writers.<br /> time fifteen years of age, extremely conscientious<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 261 (#677) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 261<br /> and religious. He describes in detail the life in friend of many of the most influential men of her<br /> the college, and has the highest opinion of his times, including Talleyrand. She was most beau-<br /> professors and spiritual directors. At the age of tiful, witty, and intelligent, and, being imprisoned<br /> twenty, as the day approaches for the preliminary at the same time as André Chenier, her beauty<br /> ordination service, he is troubled by doubts. inspired the poet with those celebrated verses<br /> “ Considerations,&quot; he writes, “which I had not entitled “ La Jeune Captive.” M. Lamy&#039;s “ Intro-<br /> sufficiently weighed, when examined again between duction,&quot; which forms about half of the volume,<br /> God and my conscience, make me dread taking enables us to enter thoroughly into the romantic<br /> a step, the importance of which I thoroughly story of the heroine, and to take a keen interest<br /> realise.”<br /> in the Memoirs penned by her.<br /> Later on he commences the study of Hebrew, “L&#039;Étape,” by Paul Bourget, is a novel written<br /> and is fascinated by it.<br /> with a purpose. It is a kind of allegorical example<br /> Gradually, and by reading between the lines of of the theory maintained by the author. There<br /> these letters to his mother, one realises the change are three extremely dramatic episodes in the book.<br /> that has come over him.<br /> It is the history of a fainily brought up with no<br /> In the last one, written at the age of twenty- religion. The father is an upright, honest man,<br /> three, he says : “I only know one vocation for who believes he is doing his duty in bringing up<br /> a man, and that is, to realise the ideal of his his children rationally. Each of them suffers<br /> nature. ... What honest man would not approve through this education, and in two cases out of<br /> avd respect me for sacrificing to my conscience three a catastrophe is the result.<br /> the greatest happiness of my life?” Renan&#039;s M. Bourget&#039;s theory is that we cannot break<br /> deep affection for his mother is expressed in nearly away from old beliefs and old traditions and<br /> every phrase of the letters. His first meeting customs without great danger. We must advance<br /> with Berthelot, then a student like himself, and by stages or étapes, and we ought not to burn<br /> destined to become one of the greatest savants of our bridges behind us, as they are needed by those<br /> the age, is described. The two young men struck who come after.<br /> up a friendship like that of David and Jonathan. Madame Henry Greville&#039;s death occurred just<br /> The devoted sister Henriette is also spoken of as her latest novel had been commenced as a serial<br /> frequently in this volume, and several names are in one of the French daily papers. Another novel<br /> mentioned which have since become world-famed. had recently been published : “ La Mamselka.” It<br /> The first volume of Madame Juliette Adam&#039;s is the story of a Russian Becky Sharp, who in her<br /> memoirs has recently been published, under the anxiety to attain her own ends does not sbrink<br /> title of “Le Roman de mon Enfance et de ma from crime.<br /> Jeunesse.&quot; In her family she played the part of M. Schuré has now published the second volume<br /> peacemaker from an early age. Her grandmother of his “Théâtre de l&#039;âme.” The author&#039;s dream is a<br /> was an Orleanist, her grandfather an Imperialist, theatre which shall be a great educating and moral<br /> and her father an ardent Republican, who, in force. “Les Enfants de Lucifer,&quot; “ La Seur<br /> order to carry out his principles of equality and Gardienne,” and “ Roussalka ” are among the<br /> fraternity, would have liked his daughter to marry pieces in this book.<br /> a working man.<br /> The chief event at the close of the theatrical<br /> The miracle was, that with all these opposing season was the arrival of Madame Yaworskaïa and<br /> influences at work on her, Madame Adam should, her Russian company, and her series of perfor-<br /> at quite an early age, have possessed such sound mances at the Antoine Theatre. Madaine Yawor-<br /> judgment. Her description of the état d&#039;âme skaïa is a daughter of General de Hubbenet, and a<br /> of the bourgeois class, before and during the niece of a former minister of the Empire. Her<br /> Revolution of 1848, is particularly interesting. husband, Prince Bariatinsky, accompanied her,<br /> Another volume of memoirs worth reading is the and it was with one of his plays that the Russian<br /> one just edited by M. Etienne Lamy, “Mémoires theatre in Paris opened.<br /> d&#039;Aimée de Coigny.&quot;<br /> Another piece given by this company was by<br /> This book should be of interest to the English, Gorki, but the most interesting performance was<br /> as the descendants of the elder branch of the certainly Madame Yaworskaïa&#039;s interpretation of<br /> de Coigny family belong now to the English “ La Dame aux Camélias.” She is an admirable<br /> nobility. Gustave, Duke de Coigny, married, in actress, and throws herself heart and soul into the<br /> 1822, the daughter of Sir Henry Hamilton. One part she is playing.<br /> of the daughters of this Duke de Coigny married<br /> ALYS HALLARD.<br /> Lord Stair, and the other one Earl Manvers. Aimée<br /> de Coigny, who was one of the Grandes Amour-<br /> euses of the Revolution days, was an intimate<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 262 (#678) ############################################<br /> <br /> 262<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE WOMEN her words, Mrs. Clifford closed, and Miss Ireland<br /> WRITERS.<br /> Blackburn rose to inform the company that about<br /> five hundred invitations had been issued, and one<br /> hundred and eighty or two hundred accepted,<br /> M HE Women Writers held their annual dinner among whom there were six not distinctly con-<br /> 1 at the “Criterion” on Monday, June the 9th. nected with literature. A picturesque figure<br /> Mrs. W. K. Clifford was the Chairwoman on among the fashionable, artistic, and un-noticeable<br /> this occasion, and after an excellent dinner she rose gowns was that of Miss Cornelia Sorabjii, in her<br /> to propose the health of their Majesties. One verse native clinging garments; with an absence of all<br /> of the National Anthem was then sung by a lady rustle and &quot; frou-frou” of silken skirts she moved<br /> present, but as it was not joined in by the rest of about, evidently keenly observant of this large<br /> the company, excepting a very small number, it gathering of her Western sisters. Mrs. Humphry<br /> had not a very exhilarating effect. Mrs. Clifford Ward, Mrs. Harrison (&quot; Lucas Malet&quot;), Mrs. Alec<br /> went on to say that as a Coronation favour there Tweedie, and Miss Beatrice Harraden took the<br /> would be no speeches. Now this was distinctly ends of different tables, as well as Mrs. Belloc-<br /> disappointing, because, although it is true that Lowndes, Miss E. Thorneycroft Fowler, Mrs.<br /> women do not, as a rule, speak well or readily on Stannard, and many others. After dinner, little<br /> such occasions, not having, we presume, inherited animated groups were formed, which strayed in-<br /> a facility in making after-dinner speeches from their formally into the adjoining room, and dispersed at<br /> mothers, however much they may have acquired a fairly early hour. Nearly all those present were<br /> aptness in “curtain lectures&quot; from the same “ labelled” with little cards, on which their names<br /> source—yet, at the same time, it is decidedly were neatly written, so that young and ardent<br /> interesting to hear what they wish to say, and to candidates of literature were enabled to worship at<br /> note the point of view they take. Mrs. Clifford, whichever shrine they most affected. We over-<br /> however, made a short speech, or rather an address. heard one exceedingly naïve young person say<br /> She had written it beforehand, and read it from that since her first book had been accepted and<br /> the paper erected in front of her. This reading published, she had travelled about in search of<br /> out alone destroys the spontaneity and the inspiration, but had unhappily received none !<br /> quick turn of wit that springs into existence from It is to be hoped she went home well stocked with<br /> the lips of a ready speaker ; the eyes fastened on ideas after meeting so many of the craft.<br /> the page miss the flash of delighted acquiescenee<br /> ARTHUR HOOD.<br /> or indignant protestation from the observant eyes<br /> around, and the words flow on in their carefully<br /> prepared channel, quiet and even as the waters in<br /> a made canal, without any of the buoyancy and the<br /> THE AUTHORS&#039; CLUB.<br /> rush and sparkle of a natural stream. Then, too,<br /> Mrs. Clifford&#039;s words were too weighted with that<br /> rather ponderous seriousness with which women N Monday, June 16th, the Authors&#039; Club gave<br /> workers regard themselves and their doings, right a dinner to the Hon. Alfred Lyttelton, K.C.,<br /> and proper enough no doubt, but a trifle out of M.P,<br /> season after a sociable gathering. She spoke of Sir Conan Doyle, the Chairman of the Club,<br /> the high importance of work, and she maintained presided. The primary motive, no doubt, in<br /> that, if the work was good, it was of no consequence asking Mr. Lyttelton to be the guest of the evening<br /> whatever what became of the worker, either in was to give a dinner to a good fellow and a good<br /> this world or the next-a predication that seemed cricketer, and to one who had, as Chairman of the<br /> somewhat to scare some of the milder members. Concessions Commission, distinguished himself<br /> She warmed to enthusiasm over the mysteries of in South Africa.<br /> the craft — the mysteries of the poet, of the Mr. Lyttelton could only in a secondary degree<br /> historian, of the fictionist, and of the journalist, be reckoned an author, as he himself readily<br /> and she dwelt upon the pleasures of the enchanted admitted in his speech.<br /> palaces into which these happy persons could retire After the loyal toasts, Sir Conan Doyle proposed<br /> at will. In our own minds we thought, perhaps the health of the guest of the evening<br /> profanely, that she might have touched also on Sir Conan Doyle has a faculty of dealing with<br /> that other mystery, namely, the acceptance of some everything he touches in a large, healthy, straight-<br /> of the present-day writings, some of the journalism, forward way ; even the simplest action with him<br /> some of the rhymed couplets—for here be mysteries has some connection with the eternal verities,<br /> indeed. With a kindly hope that young aspirants and on these lines he spoke with regard to Mr.<br /> might in the zenith of a future fame remember Lyttelton&#039;s carcer, and the part that cricket had<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 263 (#679) ############################################<br /> <br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> 263<br /> taken in it. He referred to the much criticised Scriptural goat; in the second it is placed among<br /> lines of Kipling&#039;s about “the flannelled fools,&quot; and the sheep, i.l. passed on by the sub to his chief.<br /> . stated that he entirely agreed with the point of This is all supposition, as I know no editors nor<br /> view that Kipling took, that cricket should be the publishers ; but I would like to add that if hang-<br /> means to the end, and not the end itself. He put ing committees would treat artists as well in<br /> forward as examples the cases of many cricketers carefully studying their work as editors seem to<br /> who bad given their lives for their country in the treat their contributors, artists would not grumble.<br /> late South African War. He further pointed out At the R. A. a minute decides the fate of three<br /> how the career of the guest of the evening bad pictures ; and yet people grumble at an editor<br /> been developed and strengthened along the same keeping a MS. six weeks! Moral, to authors:<br /> lines. He complimented him on the arduous Remember we are all human, even editors.<br /> duties that he had completed in South Africa, and<br /> Yours faithfully,<br /> at the same time complimented Mr. Chamberlain :<br /> B.<br /> on the ability with which lie chose his agents-<br /> always the mark of a great man.<br /> II.<br /> Mr. Lyttelton made a very pleasant and inte-<br /> resting speech in reply. He laughingly referred<br /> SIR,-Permit me to narrate some of my ex-.<br /> to the fact that the chairman had written a large<br /> hat the chairman had written a large periences of the above.<br /> white book which had been read by nearly every- 1. There is a certain magazine which directs<br /> body, while he had written a large Blue-book in its “Notice to Contributors” that MS. must<br /> which had been read by hardly anybody. He also “never be rolled.” In an evil hour I sent a<br /> stated that while out in South Africa he had contribution to this magazine. It was returned<br /> indulged in the game of cricket, which, he hoped, in a few days rolled in such a way as to render it<br /> would become the national game in South Africa, practically useless to me. I ventured to address<br /> as it was in England. He heartily supported à polite letter of remonstrance to the editor. But<br /> Sir Conan Doyle&#039;s views with regard to the use of that “ bloated aristocrat” did not deign to notice<br /> cricket and sport generally as aids only towards it. There is, I suppose, one law for editors and<br /> life training and life work.<br /> another for contributors.<br /> The health of the other visitors was proposed,<br /> 2. There is another editor who accepted a story<br /> and Lord Harris replied.<br /> of mine two years ago, but has not published it<br /> The gathering was a large one. Among the yet. He keeps putting me off with bland but<br /> members present may be mentioned, beside the delusive promises.<br /> Chairman, Sir Henry Bergne, K.C.M.G., Mr. E. 3. Yet another editor has in his possession two<br /> W. Brabrook, C.B., Mr. Percy White, Mr. E. W. MSS. of mine, which he accepted some eighteen<br /> Hornung. Mr. E. H. Lacon Watson. and Mr months ago. He resents as SO many personal<br /> Carlton Dawe.<br /> insults my modest requests that he will publish<br /> theni,<br /> I could multiply instances, but let these typical<br /> CORRESPONDENCE.<br /> cases suffice.<br /> Several other gentlemen have lost the MSS.<br /> which I forwarded for their consideration. I have<br /> EDITORS AND CONTRIBUTORS.<br /> no remedy, for they took good care not to<br /> acknowledge their receipt.<br /> SIR,_Conscience obliges me to come to the<br /> SCRIPTOR QUIDAM.<br /> rescue of the characters of editors. Never have I<br /> lost a MS., never have I had one torn, and only<br /> once have I discovered pencil comments. My only<br /> III.<br /> grievance is that sometimes the pencilled number SIR,-Many of the correspondents of The Author<br /> has been scribbled with a twopence-a-dozen black have frequently vented their grievances against<br /> lead which will not rub out; but this is a very editors for unreasonable detention of their MSS.<br /> small matter. As to payment, I have received it Of course, writers who are not as yet on the<br /> the following month to publication, the following favoured heights of fame and fortune have<br /> quarter, and after a year. My MSS. have been grumbling propensities. We like to “tune our<br /> kept weeks, months, and years before rejection or distresses and record our woes.” It is a privilege of<br /> acceptance. But I never worry an editor-I send our uncertain profession. At the same time, editors<br /> a MS. and pray for its acceptance ; sometimes it ought not to bear the entire brunt of our<br /> returns at once, sometimes after a long period—I complainings. I have a great respect for these<br /> imagine in the first instance it is treated as the elevated individuals whose decision can either<br /> <br /> <br /> ## p. 264 (#680) ############################################<br /> <br /> 264<br /> THE AUTHOR.<br /> plunge a literary aspirant into the lowest depths The cost of production, like &quot; the flowers which<br /> of despair or raise him to the dizzy height of bloom in the spring, tra, la,&quot; has nothing to do<br /> elation. I almost stand in awe of a person whose with the case. Extravagant sums may have been<br /> pen, &quot;mightier than the sword,” is such an instru- expended on sumptuous bindings, illustrations, or<br /> ment of potential importance. Consider for a paper, and any of these expenses may have been<br /> moment the results to a nation or to mankind incurred several times over, owing to the fasti-<br /> which may turn on a phrase, or on a word! And diousness of the taste of the wealthy American.<br /> yet, with this knowledge of his importance and and these, though increasing the cost, do not add<br /> responsibility, thousands of unsolicited MSS. are to the market value. This test therefore fails.<br /> poured on his desk by heedless writers who The next test is the price the public would pay,<br /> naturally expect them to be accepted and actually if they had the opportunity of purchasing, and<br /> paid for, and who are chagrined and even angry this a book-dealer could estimate ; but if the books<br /> when they are kept for a few months! Have they were of such a character that the public would not<br /> no consideration or thought for an editor&#039;s position buy, we have to fall back on their value as old<br /> and momentous, grave duties ? It is not easy to materials only, and I think they should be<br /> discover demerit and faults. One has to be schooled estimated as so many pounds of paper at so much<br /> to the task ; and it is difficult for editors to value a pound, and so much more for 1,000 sheets of<br /> the literary worth of an outsider&#039;s MSS. when their board for use in some other form.<br /> critical powers and time may have to be expended Neither literary merit nor the estimation of the<br /> on their own! Let us make allowance for them. proprietor under such circumstances seem to be<br /> And no one can expect the method and pre- material in arriving at what is required—viz..,<br /> n editor&#039;s sanctum which are common “ the fair market value.”<br /> to a merchant&#039;s office. How can his high in-<br /> W.R.<br /> tellectuality or splendid endowments concern<br /> themselves with the vulgar, trivial details of an<br /> MISLEADING MEMORIAL TABLETS.<br /> orderly arrangement of papers ? The idea is pre-<br /> posterous. If a MS. is mislaid, lost, laid aside,<br /> Sin,Renewed attention has been directed of<br /> forgotten, or unread, one ought to excuse him and<br /> late to the inaccuracies so often displayed in the<br /> not to blame him. His thoughts have a higher<br /> wording of medallions affixed to certain spots in<br /> Wording of medo<br /> range and sweep than these petty methods.<br /> the metropolis associated with illustrious writers<br /> I conclude this paper with an actual letter from and others.<br /> an editor who kindly takes a few months about<br /> It has been pointed out by a diligent researcher<br /> making up his mind :-&quot;I have not used your<br /> how the absence of the all-important word &quot;site&quot;<br /> article — and I am quite unable to say when we<br /> from the tablets renders them worse than valueless<br /> shall do so. The other MSS. are still under con-<br /> as reliable indicators. Four notable cases are<br /> sideration, but I have asked our reader to look at<br /> instanced-namely, the inscriptions purporting to<br /> them immediately.&quot;<br /> denote the actual dwelling places of John Dryden,<br /> But I am in no hurry. I can wait. Within in Gerrard Street, Soho ; Hogarth, in Leicester<br /> six months or a year I may know the result. I<br /> Square ; Turner, in Queen Anne Street; also No. 24,<br /> patient and resigned: don&#039;t complain. i Holles Street, Cavendish Square, claimed to be the<br /> honour editors too much.<br /> birthplace of Byron. The latter must be regarded<br /> LUNETTE.<br /> as the most conspicuous example of error, for<br /> the walls have been twice razed since the interest-<br /> ing natal event it is desired to chronicle, and<br /> AMERICAN DUTY ON BOOKS.<br /> on both occasions the deceptive statement per-<br /> SIR,—The “intricate question &quot; which came petuated. This is a pity, as the record attached in<br /> before the Society on this subject does not appear<br /> the year 1900 is something quite unique as a com-<br /> to present much difficulty when analysed.<br /> memorative design, with its handsome bronze bust<br /> Books are dutiable articles when sent to America: and elaborate setting of Portland stone.<br /> dutiable articles are to be &quot; appraised at their fair Surely it would be no very difficult task to<br /> market value.”<br /> rectify the several omissions, as well as any others<br /> These books, you state, had no market value, as which may exist ? Thus the mistakes would be<br /> they were for private circulation only, and not for no longer continued to the deception of future<br /> sale ; but the material forming 500 books must generations.<br /> have some market value, if only as waste paper to<br /> Yours faithfully,<br /> pulp up again, and what a stranger would give<br /> CECIL CLARKE,<br /> for them is their fair market value, and is the sum AUTHORS&#039; CLUB, S.W.,<br /> on which duty should be levied.<br /> June 19th, 1902.	https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/355/1902-07-01-The-Author-12-12.pdf	publications, The Author