https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/308/1897-10-01-The-Author-8-5.pdf 78407574648f67ce5060aa5be007815d PDF Text Text �������������������������������� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource <em>The Author</em> Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, <em>The Author</em>, 1890<span>–</span>1914, made available together for the first time.<br /><br />Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&amp;collection=&amp;type=&amp;tags=&amp;exhibit=&amp;date_search_term=&amp;submit_search=Search+For+Items&amp;sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1897-10-01 Volume 8 Issue 5 Pages Page range in volume 109–136 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18971001 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin XL he Hutbor* (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. VIII.—No. 5.] OCTOBER i, 1897. [Price Sixpence. CONTENTS. PAOB .. 109 .. Ill General Memoranda From the Committee Literary Property—1. A Case. 2. Another Cafe. 3. A Copy- right Case. 4. Publishers'Obligations. 5. A Warning from America m "Authora and Publishers" 113 Printing in the Victorian Era 117 New York Letter. By Nornian Hapgood Bad Paper 119 The American Autumn List 119 Notes and News. By the Editor WO Public Library Theft* I*» Cheapness of Books 123 A Bule for the Use of the Subjunctive Mood. Collins Robert Louis Stevenson The Autograph Fiend Sir Henry Cralk on Impressionism A Small Literary Problem. By H. Q. Keene ... Book Talk FAU By F. Howard lis IM IM 1*5 m 126 Correspondence—1. The Beturn of MSS. 2. Criticism in Conflict. 8. "Dictionary of National Biography" Dinner. 4. An Inquiry. 5. An Unpaid Magazine Article 181 Obituary 133 Literature in the Periodicals 134 The Books of the Month 133 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. The Annual Report. That for January 1897 can be had on application to the Secretary. 2. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices: Vol. I., 10s. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., III., and IV., 8*. 6d. each (Bound); Vol. V., 6s. 6d. (Unbound). 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. Morris Colleb, Barrister-at-Law. (Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C.) 3*. 4. The History of the Societe des Q-ens de Lettres. By S. Squire Spriooe, late Secretary to the Society, is. 5. The Cost Of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c, with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 2s. 6d. 6. The Various Methods Of Publication. By S. Squire Spriooe. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 3#. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill now before Parlia- ment. With Extracts from the Eeport of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. Lelt. Eyre and Spottiswoode. it. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By Walter Besant (Chairman of Committee, 1888—1892). 1*. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst Lunge, J.U.D. 2s. 6d.  ## p. 108 (#530) ############################################ 11 AD VER TISEMENTS. ^fye g>octefp of JluiJjors (§ncotpotafc5). 8ib Edwin Arnold, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. J. M. Barrie. A. W. 1 Beckett. Robert Bateman. F. E. Beddard, F.R.S. Sib Henry Bebgne, K.C.M.Q. Sib Walteb Besant. AUGUSTINE BlBBBIiL, M.P. Rev. Prof. Bonnet, F.R.S. Right Hon. James Brtce, M.P. Right Hon. Lord Burghclerb, P.C Hall Caine. Eqebton Castle, F.S.A. P. W. Clatden. Edward Clodd. W. Morris Colles. Hon. John Collieb. Sib W. Martin Conwat. F. Marion Crawford. The Eabl or Desabt. PRESIDENT. Q-EO^a-E MEBEDITH. COUNCIL. Austin Dobson. A. CoNAN DOYLE, M.D. A. W. Dubourq. Prof. Michael Foster, F.R.S. D. W. FRE8HFIELD. Richard Garnett, C.B., LL.D. Edmund Gosse. H. Rider Haggard. Thomas Hardy. Anthont Hope Hawkins. Jerome K. Jerome. Rudtard Kipling. Prof. E. Rat Lankester, F.R.S. W. E. H. Leckt, P.C. J. M. Lelt. Mrs. E. Ltnn Linton. Rev. W. J. Loftie, F.S.A. Sir A. C. Mackenzie, Mns.Doc. Prof. J. M. D. Meiklejohn. Herman C. Meritale. Bon. Counsel — E. M. Undebdown, Q.C. Rev. C. H. Middleton-Wake. Sir Lewis Morris. Henry Norman. Miss E. A. Ormerod. J. C. Parkinson. Right Hon. Lord Pirbrioht, P.C., F.R.S. Sir Frederick Pollock, Bart., LL.D. Walter Herries Pollock. W. Baptists Scoones. Miss Flora L. Shaw. G. R. Sims. S. Squire Sprigge. j. j. steven80n. franci8 storr. William Moy Thomas. H. D. Traill, D.C.L. Mrs. Humphry Ward. Miss Charlotte M. Tonge. COMMITTEE Chairman- k. W. 1 Beckett. Sir Walter Besant. Egerton Castle, F.S.A. W. Mobbis Colles. Sir W. Mabtin Conway. D. W. Freshfield. Anthony Hope Hawkins. J. M. Lely. OF MANAGEMENT. -H. Rider Haggard. Sir A. C. Mackenzie, Mus.Doc. Henry Norman. Francis Storr. S U B- CO M M I TTE E S. MUSIC. C. Villiers Stanford, Mas.D. (Chairman) Jacques Blumenthal. j. l. molloy. _ ,. . ( Field, Roscoe, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. Solicitors £ G Herbert Thring, B.A., 4, Portugal-Btreet. Secretary—G. Hebbebt Thring, B.A. 4, Portugal Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. ART. Hon. John Collier (Chairman) Sib W. Martin Conway. M. H. Spielmann DRAMA. Henry Arthur Jones (Chairman). A. W. a Beckett. Edward Rose. OFFICES: .A.. J?. WATT &c SO 1ST, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON", W.C. Published every Friday morning: price, without lieports, 9d.; with Reports, Is. THE LAW TIMES, the Journal of (lie Law and the Lawyers, which haa now been established fen .vcr half a century, supplies to the Profession a complete Record of the 1'rogress of Legal Reforms, and of all matters affecting the LecM Profession. The Reports of the Law Times are now recognise.1 the most complete and efficient series published. Offices: Windsor House, Breani's-bniMings, E 0 THE ART of CHESS. By James Mason. Price 5s. net, by post 5s. 4d. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. O. A. MACDONNELL, B.A. With Portrait and 17 niustra tions. Grown Svo., cloth boards, price 2s. 6d. net. London: Horaoe Cox, Windsor House, Bream'e-bulldlngs, E.O.  ## p. 109 (#531) ############################################ ^Tbe Hutbor* (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. Vin.—No. 5.] OCTOBER 1, 1897. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless t/iey are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. EOK some years it has been the practice to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices, Ac, for the guidance of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true oharacter, and should be left to carry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for VOL. VIII. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both "ides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the ohanoe of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged whioh has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements and that all discounts shall b« duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. L 2  ## p. 110 (#532) ############################################ no THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. I. "TTWERY member has a right to ask for and to receive J_}J advice npon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advioe roujht is such as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Com- mittee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society first—our solicitors are continually engaged upon suoh questions for us. 3. Send to the office copies of past agreements and past accounts with the loan of the books represented. This is in order to ascertain what has been the nature of your agree- ments, and the results to author and publisher respectively so far. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudulent nouses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 7. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of everything important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of oourse, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action npon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. THE AUTHORS' SYNDICATE. MEMBERS are informed: 1. That the Authors' Syndicate takes charge of the business of members of the Society. That it submits MSS. to publishers and editors, concludes agree- ments, examines, passes, and collects accounts, and, gene- rally, relieves members of the trouble of managing business details. 2. That the terms upon which its servioes can be secured will be forwarded upon detailed application. 3. That the Authors' Syndicate works only for those members of the Society whose work possesses a market value. 4. That the Syndicate can only undertake any negotiations whatever on the distinct understanding that those negotia- tions are placed exclusively in its hands, and that all communications relating thereto are referred to it. 5. That clients can only be seen by the Director by appointment, and that, when possible, at least two days' notice should be given. 6. That every attempt is made to deal with all communi- cations promptly. That stamps Bhould, in all cases, be sent to defray postage. 7. That the Authors' Syndicate does not invite MSS. without previous correspondence; does not hold itself responsible for MSS. forwarded without notice; and that in all cases MSS. must be accompanied by stamps to defray postage. 8. That the Syndioate undertakes arrangements for lectures by some of the leading members of the Society; that it has a "Transfer Department" for the sale and purchase of journals and periodicals; and that a " Register of Wants and Wanted" is open. Members arc invited to communicate their requirements to the Manager. There is an Honorary Advisory Committee, whose servioes will be called upon in any case of dispute or difficulty. It is perhaps necessary to state that the members of the Advisory Committee have no pecuniary interest whatever in the Syndicate. NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of oharge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6«. 6d. subscription for the year. The Editor is always glad to receive short papers and communications on all subjects connected with literature from members and others. Nothing can do more good to the Society than to make The Author complete, attractive, and interesting. Will those who are willing to aid in this work send thoir names and the special subjects on which they are willing to write? Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 2ist of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Office without previously communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatoh is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. . The Authors' Club is now open in its new premises, at 3, Whitehall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year P If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder. Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest  ## p. 111 (#533) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign them- selves into literary bondage for three or five years? Those who possess the "Cost of Production" are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanced 15 per cent. This means, for those who do not like the trouble of "doing sums," the addition of three shillings in the pound on this head. In other words, if the cost of binding is set down in our book at eight pounds, to this must now be added twenty-four shillings more, bo that it now stands at J89 48. The figures in our book are as near the exact truth as can be procured; but a printer's, or a binder's, bill is so elastic a thing that nothing more exact can be arrived at. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of course, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisem mts in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, ky inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. FROM THE COMMITTEE. ri^HE sub-committee appointed to inquire into I the publishing of educational works com- pleted its labours and sent in its report in July last. It was adopted by the committee of management, and ordered to be circulated among lecturers and masters of colleges and schools after the summer holidays. The sub-committee appointed in July last for the purpose of inquiring into the proposed change in the discount system has commenced its work. By Order. G. H. Thring. LITERARY PROPERTY. I.—A Case. AN author had a book, the publication of which he wanted to transfer, as his publisher was retiring from business. He went to one of the largest firms in London and offered them the publication of his work. The book was a technical work and had an established position and a firm and constant sale. After some discussion with one of the partners an offer was made to publish the book for the author on a certain financial basis, the details of which it is not necessary to mention. The author applied to the Secretary of the Society for advice, and was strongly advised by him to accept the offer, which was, in his opinion, fair to all parties. The author thereupon wrote to the publisher and asked for an agreement to be forwarded, embody- ing the terms arranged. The agreement came to hand in due course; but, on the author bringing it to the Secretary, the latter was astonished to see that one of the first clauses in the agreement was a clause for the transfer of all copyrights and all rights whatsoever and wheresoever in the said book to the publisher. Not the slightest mention had been made in the first interview between the author and publisher with regard to the transfer of the copyright, and no point had been brought forward with the exception of the point giving the publisher the right to publish, on a certain stated royalty. The Secretary pointed out the fatal disadvantage of transferring the copyright in an educational book of this kind, and stated at the same time that he was surprised that such a clause had been inserted when the point had never been mooted before. The author there- upon wrote a letter explaining his view of the matter, and the publisher at once withdrew the clause referred to, as no doubt he was anxious to obtain the publication of a book which had such a reputation and was such a good property. If the publisher at the time had desired to purchase the copyright it would have been only fair in the first instance to have stated so to the author, who could have accepted his proposition or not as he thought fit. If, in the present case, the writer of the book had not had the advice of the Society behind him he might have signed the agreement, thinking that it was properly drawn up on the basis of the previous conversation. This example shows how careful an author should be before signing the final contract. II.—Another Case. An author took a book to a well-known firm of publishers, and they, after perusal, stated that they would be willing to publish the work on a certain basis.* (The only point that it is neces- sary to mention is that the royalty was to be paid after the cost of production had been covered.) In the conversation that followed, the author mentioned that it would be necessary to have the right to see the books of the firm. To this the publishers demurred in a half-hearted sort of way, and nothing further was said on the subject at the time. In due course the agreement was forwarded to the author. In it was the usual clause for rendering accounts, but no clause was inserted giving the author the right to inspect the books if necessary. The author had read the little book published by the Society on the * They offered an exceedingly bad form of agreement, one not recommended by the Society. In this case, however, there was a special reason for the author acquiescing.  ## p. 112 (#534) ############################################ I 12 THE AUTHOR. Methods of Publishing, and had gleaned from that the absolute necessity of being able, should occasion arise, to check the accounts from the books and vouchers of the publishers. He did not know that there existed a common law right to see these books, and accordingly he drafted a clause which should cover the point. As the right existed, of course, this clause was unneces- sary. As soon as the agreement was returned with the clause, the publishers refused to have anything further to do with the publication of the book. To the ordinary mind there can only be one deduction to be drawn from this refusal. These examples are not, as has often been stated by those who wish to minimise the value of them, drawn from the imagination of the writer. The Secretary of the Society will be pleased, as in all cases published in The Autlior, to give the name of the publishers referred to to those members of the Society who desire to have such information. _ HI.—A Copyright Case. "I am a writer of poems for children,and some time since gave permission to a musical composer to set one of them to music. The composer, not knowing that the words were mine (they had been published anonymously in a collection I had made) spoilt one of the stanzas—to my thinking —by a material alteration, of which I knew nothing till after the song had been published. Meanwhile, the copyright of the music was sold to a well known musical publisher, whose name pro- mises a wide circulation both of the song and the travestied stanza. The composer, with whom I have remonstrated, is as sorry as I am for what has occurred; but what remedy have we? The publisher has, of course, no right in the words, of which the composer did not possess the copyright. Can he be required to withdraw or modify them, or at least to do so—if we are content to wait so long—as soon as the present edition is exhausted? I should be grateful for advice in the matter. Meanwhile, I trust other writers will take warning by my example, and protect both themselves and their musical coadjutors from mistakes as to copy- right by a proviso against alteration of words." A Membek of the Society. [The Secretary advised the writer of this letter as follows: That she could obtain an injunction against the musical publishers for infringement of copyright, and also could maintain an action for damages against the composer for user of her words and for consequent infringement, but that the best plan would be, if possible, to arrange for some satisfactory payment, as is usually the case with other song writers.] IV.—Publishers' Obligations. An interesting case has been recently decided in the French courts. It may be found in full in the Publishers' Circular of Sept. 11, from which we quote the decision of the court. Briefly, the case is as follows: A publisher bought of the compiler a work entitled " Vocabulaire des Vocabulaires," being a dictionary of terms used in the French language. The publisher was to give the compiler the sum of 12,500 francs, with a certain number of copies. In return, the property was to be his own abso- lutely, to alter if he pleased, and to publish in any manner that he pleased. This was in 1891. In 1892 there were troubles about charges. In 1893 the compiler consented to take 10,485 francs, instead of 12,500. In 1894, as the book was not published, the compiler brought an action to compel the publisher to produce the book, or to restore the MS., with 15,000 francs damages. On Jan. 10, 1897, the tribunal delivered its judgment. The arguments of the publisher, as quoted in the Publishers' Circular, stated that there were many errors which had to be corrected; that there was nothing in the agreement about time of pub- lication; that it would take two years to produce the book, &c. The tribunal concluded that, "con- sidering the documents and the examination ordered by this tribunal, it appears that in this case the compiler cannot be considered as a collaborator who has contributed with other writers to a work which the publisher had conceived, edited, and combined in one whole, but that it is he, on the contrary, who brought to the publisher the plan of the work at the same time as the collection of documents composing it; that the publisher cannot, therefore, deny him the title of author and allege that only an ordinary contract of hire of work has been made between him and the applicant; that if it is established that on the terms of the agreement the publisher has bought the entire and exclusive rights of the compiler's dictionary; that he has even reserved the right of adding to it such modification as he might judge fit, and to dispose of it as he pleased, it is no less true that the compiler has only ceded to him the right of printing on the tacit under- standing that he should exercise it; that the pub- lisher would not be justified in alleging that the appellant ought to have stated, with respect to the publication of his book, the rights which he intended to reserve; that it is, in fact, inadmissible that, unless stipulated to the con- trary, an author alienates his work in such an  ## p. 113 (#535) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 113 absolute fashion, that from that moment there should enter into his calculations the possibility of seeing his work neutralised, his thoughts annihilated; that the use made by the purchaser of the work become his property ought not to injure the author's interests, which survive the cession; and that the publisher who has bought has not fulfilled all his obligations when he has paid the price, but that there remains the obligation to do what he has contracted to do, that is to say, to publish, from which only clear and precise agreements could dispense him. But such stipulations do not exist in this case." The verdict was that "within a period of eighteen months from the notice of this judgment the publisher shall be bound to publish the dictionary which has been ceded to him by the appellant, and to deliver to the latter twenty com- plete copies, and this under a penalty of 50 francs per day's delay during one month, after which date judgment shall be given as well with regard to the demand for cancelling the agreements entered into between the parties as with regard to damages and the restitution of the manuscript. Condemns, also, the publisher to pay all costs. This judgment was appealed against by the publisher. Miiitre Straus, plaintiff's counsel, replying, hoped the court would maintain the judgment. After hearing M. Van Cassel, Advocate-General, the Court annulled the appeal, ordering that "that which is appealed against shall have full and entire effect; says, neverthe- less, that the penalty of 50 francs for each day of delay shall only begin to run in default of the publisher having published the dictionary and delivered twenty copies to the compiler within a period of one year, to be calculated from this day; condemns the publisher in the fine and all costs of appeal." V.—A Warning from America. The following is a curious story, and suggests a few points: 1. Did the Press Directory give no hint that the Revietc was an American organ? 2. Does the editor habitually write without any address? 3. Are all the papers submitted to the editor sent through the English publisher? In which case, who pays the postage r 4. Where can one get American stamps for inclosure with a MS.? 5. Readers will take notice that stamps must be sent with MSS. At the same time they will do well to keep a copy in case of accident. "On June 4 I sent a typewritten manuscript, which was originally a prize essay, to the Psycho- logical Review, care of Messrs. Macmillan and Co., Bedford-street, Strand, which was the address I found in the Newspaper Press Directory. On July 4 I wrote to the editor asking whether he intended to use the manuscript, and on the 23rd of the same month received the following reply (no address given); but the post mark indicated that the post card was from Princeton, New Jersey. 'Dear Sir,—We cannot attempt to return MSS. sent us which, as in your case, had no available (American) stamps inclosed. Tour paper, which we did not find valuable, is not preserved.' I have written to the editor, pointing out that the manuscript was valuable to me, and requesting that he make some effort to recover it and return it to me." "AUTHORS AND PUBLISHEES. THIS book, by Messrs. G. H. and J. B. Put- nam, professes to be a manual of sugges- tions for beginners in literature containing all kinds of information for their use. It has arrived at a seventh edition, and is now re-written with additional material. Let us acknowledge at once that up to a certain point, and within certain limitations, the book is admirable—from the publishers' point of view. The style and the e xcellent Engbsh, the manner of conveying such information as it gives, are worthy of great commendation. Yet for prac- tical purposes—the great practical purpose—of guiding the beginner as to the nature of literary property, and the best way of having it adminis- tered, the book is silent. It says nothing of the dangers which lurk in the agreement: it points out none of the tricks which the author must expect: it does not warn him of the absolute certainty that if he trusts himself, helpless and ignorant, in the hands of one who wants to make money out of him, he will be "bested"—the reader may put what interpretation he pleases upon this word. In short, it does not, at the outset, as it should, admonish the young author that in publishing, as in everything else, if a man has absolute freedom to impose what terms he pleases, with secrecy, ignorance, and long success in the confidence trick, that man will abuse the position. This is a mere commonplace. And when a book is published, pretending to be a guide for the young author, which does not recognise this cardinal fact, it is necessary to warn the young author very seriously on this point. It is, indeed, as if a man should write a book on the buying of a horse—or the sale of a house— or the acquisition of a business—and should absolutely ignore the existence of sharpers and  ## p. 114 (#536) ############################################ ii4 THE AUTHOR. rogues. Everybody understands that the thing would be too ridiculous. Yet the authors of the book before us blandly sail along the unruffled surface which they imagine, without so much as a hint that the author must expect in this business exactly what he is taught to expect in every other: viz., that advantage will be taken of ignorance, and that rogues will overreach him. The book gives many quotations from writers in favour of publishers: Howells, G. W. Curtis, Thomas Hughes, Washington Irving. But their testimonies are absolutely worthless unless the writers had been able to examine the books of the men they praise. We do not say, or hint, or suggest that their publishers were unworthy of the praise. It is only contended that the favourable opinion, any opinion, favourable or otherwise, as to the honesty of a publisher's treatment of authors is mere guess work unless the books could be examined. In other words, a publisher might cheat in his charges: cheat in his returns: cheat in the money he paid for royalties: cheat in his royalties: and yet, for all that these laudatory writers know, stand out as a most honourable and upright man Surely it is better to make agreements as in other kinds of business, those, namely, in which the facts of the case are admitted and known on both sides. And, since the author is probably ignorant, an honourable publisher cannot object to a Society which provides him with full light on every part of the commercial side of his work. On the question of publishers' risk, the book presents the usual claims made by publishers without any arguments to support them. Our position is absolutely impregnable. Any book, considered from the commercial point of view, must stand by itself. For example, it is ridicu- lous to suppose that Dickens's books should be loaded with the losses made by an incompetent publisher over his unsuccessful ventures. These writers draw an imaginary picture of a publisher losing all his capital by successive losses. Such a picture is misleading, for the simple reason that in every department of literature men are writing by the dozen whose name is a guarantee against loss: that the publishers who take risks are very few, and the books they issue that carry risk are also very few—excepting such great works as Encyclopaedias, National Biographies, Dictionaries, and such books, which the Messrs. Putnam would not mix up with general literature : and that publishers, with very few exceptions, do all prosper, while those who do the largest trade prosper the most—a thing natural in trade, but only in profitable trade. The chapter on "Publishing Arrangements" complains that authors have "paraded their grievances" before the public. Well, it was their only way to make them known, and. to warn others. He asks why Dean Farrar " appealed to the public for sympathy because his publishers had made more money than himself from the publication of a book that had been written ' to order' under their suggestion and contract, and for which, according to the statement of the Canon himself, he had been paid a good deal more than his contract price?" This is not the proper way to put it. Dean Farrar received a sum of money for a book. He did not complain of this, because he had accepted an offer. He complained of the offer made to him for the second book. Did the publishers explain to him the meaning of his first success? Then Messrs. Putnam ask, "Why should authors, presumably of adult age and sound mind, plead the 1 baby act' in regard to their contracts (or their failure to make contracts) any more than the clients of lawyers, architects, or stockbrokers?" By the use of the word "clients" they give away their case. Every man is safe if he is the "client," in any business, of a lawyer who knows the subject. He is only in danger when he acts for himself in ignorance of the conditions. The writers speak of "compensation." What do they mean? Compensation means payment in atonement of injuries. If authors were compen- sated for the injuries inflicted on them by the publishers of their books there would be a large crowd of the latter in Portugal-street. They have yet to recognise the fact that a MS. is a piece of property belonging to the writer, who may sell it or may let it out to a publisher to be administered, or may go into partnership with a publisher. We do not ask, however, for compensation, but for our own property. Then follow the pages on " publishing arrange- ments." And here there is no explanation, except one or two lame ones, of the reason why a pub- lisher should have this or that share, or what he does to earn his money. As for the lame explanations: I. The writers (p. 47) state that a royalty of 10 per cent. "on the retail price was ca culated on the basis of securing for the author an average return of half the net profits." This may possibly be true in America. In this country nothing could be more untrue or more misleading. Take an average 6*. book—exactly such as that considered in the "Cost of Production"—one with a sale, not of 10,000 copies, to which the writers object, but of 4000, which is much more common. The cost of each volume, including advertising, is as near as possible a shilling; the  ## p. 115 (#537) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. retail price is 3*. 6d., as near as possible. A royalty of 10 per cent, on the retail price means 4}d. The profit of the publisher would be 2s. i±d.! And this is what the writers of a book which has gone through six editions seem to regard as a system of high profits!! II. On the "Cost of Production," issued by the Society, the Messrs. Putnam say: Authors who hare read in the mannal of the " Authors' Society" the cost of producing a i6mo. ori2mo. volume containing a certain number of pages, are likely to assume that the figures should be precisely the same for any other volume printed in the same size and containing the same number of pages. It is necessary, however, to remind them of various possible differences which will affect the com- parison, such as the number of words contained in the page, the width of the printed text, the leading of the lines (npon whioh items depend the number of thousand eme charged for in the printing-office), the printing of the edition from type or from plates, the quality of the paper used, the quality of the material put into the cover, the character of the cover stamp (involving an initial expense for designing and for cutting, and a later current expenditure in the stamping of the covers), and a number of other similar details. It is a great pity that the writers did not look at the "Cost of Production" before committing themselves to this statement. For in that book care has been taken to give the number of lines and the number of words in the page, in order to prevent this mistake. The quality of the paper is an average quality: the price of the binding shows that it is a plain average binding: the extras, such as a small stamp, extra gilding, finer binding, are surely matters of easy arrangement with the author. The "Cost of Production" gives figures which are good working figures in getting at an estimate. After so much fault-finding, it is pleasant to recognise to the utmost the spirit of fairness which elsewhere appears in the book. The writers have not been able to shake off the conventional talk about the importance of the publisher and the fearful risks he runs: but they do recognise to an extent previously unknown some of the points demanded by the Society. For instance, as to the cost of production in a half-profit system: A fourth objection to the half-profit system which is from time to time emphasised on the part of the authors, is that the author is not in a position to verify the accuracy of the charges made by the publisher against the book, and that these charges are frequently made to include items which do not properly belong in such an amonnt or amounts whioh have been unduly increased by manufacturing commissions or " secret profit," whioh is appropriated by the publisher. The remedy for such a difficulty is to be sought in one or two directions. The author should, in the first place, at the time the publication agreement is executed, secure from the publisher an estimate upon whioh this agreement will be based, showing the amonnt that the publisher proposes to debit against the book or against the joint acoonnt, for the various items comprising the cost of its publication and VOL. VIII. distribution. The estimate for the use of such joint account should, in fact, be as precise and as full as if the book were to be undertaken at the entire cost of the author. This estimate would remain available for future reference, and in so far as the conditions of the publication (that is to say, the amonnt of the material to be printed, the style of the printing, the amonnt of changes made in the text while it was going through the press, the outlay for advertising, the oost of circulars, Ac), have not been modified under the instructions of the author or under later agreement between the author and the publisher, the final charge against the joint account should, of course, be in exact accord with the amounts specified in the original estimate, and mnst, in any case, be in accord with the rates so specified. This advice is good but incomplete. In many cases the estimate has been made a means of fraud, by inserting exaggerated figures, which then form part of the signed agreement. The estimate must be submitted to the secretary. One chapter is devoted to the shortcomings of the author. These assume several forms: (1.) A writer has undertaken to contribute a volume to a series, the length and form and price of which have been carefully thought out and fixed beforehand. He presents, when the time comes, a MS. of double the length stipulated: It would also seem hardly probable that an author having been so regardless of the preliminary conditions laid down for his work, should, when this work was com- pleted, be so unreasonable as to insist that his volume must be accepted in the precise form in which he has written it; that, whatever the conditions or the limitations of the series, his own individual literary methods and literary execution must not be interfered with; and that (his own compensation being assured under some fixed payment arrangement) the question of possible profit or loss for the publisher is a matter concerning which he need give him- self no conoern. Improbable as such a state of mind or such a method of action appears to be, as thus sot forth, I can only say that the experience of nearly all publishers and editors who have had to do with the publication of series, will show not a few examples of just such literary perversities. (a.) The practice of rewriting or reshaping work after it has been set up in type. (3.) Breach of faith in delay of delivery. Several instances are quoted of this bad practice. (4.) The production of another work by the same writer on the same subject with another publisher. (5.) The acceptance of a salary and doing no work for it. The sympathy of every man of honour must be with the publisher who suffers in any of these ways. At the same time, one would poiut out the very simple fact that by introducing the ordinary methods of business into this part of the trans- action every one of these dangers can be met. Now publishers—for which one does not blame them—are adamant in the matter of the sum or the royalties for which they acquire control of M  ## p. 116 (#538) ############################################ n6 THE AUTHOR. the author's property. Why can they not be as careful in other matters? (i.) Take the first case. In such a series there is generally an editor. Some of us have written for such series : we have all understood the limitations as to length. I cannot understand any editor worth his salt who would find any difficulty in returning a MS. to be reduced to the proper length. The danger on this side of the Atlantic seems wholly imaginary. (2.) In the second case; that of excessive corrections. The agreement in almost all cases safeguards the publisher. Some honourable gentlemen make the corrections a source of profit. They insert a clause limiting the corrections to so many shillings a sheet. But they are very careful not to connect shillings with the number of words, so that the author is in no way helped, and goes on correcting in blind ignorance, which, when profit by over- charge is intended, is carefully left without warning. Nothing is easier or simpler than to give the author a type-written copy, and to tell him that this is a first proof which he may cut up as he pleases, but that he will be allowed no more corrections. (3.) Breach of faith in delivery. In every other business transaction this would mean an action for damages. One such action brought would prevent any more such cases. Nor would any jjublisher suffer who should bring an action of the kind. (4.) The production of another wrork on the same subject. This danger is met by some publishers by a clause to the effect that the author is not to produce another book on the same subject within a stated time. But, so far, I have never yet seen a clause binding the publisher not to produce another book on the same subject within a stated time. (5.) If a publisher calmly offers a man a salary without stipulating for work, one cannot really sympathise with him if he gets no work, whatever opinion one may have of a man who would take money and do nothing for it. But on this side of the Atlantic publishers do not act with such uncalculating prodigality. In a word, these complaints, which are very seldom heard from English publishers, go to show that a man of business who complains of them does not carry on his business on business principles. The above notes were already written when the following were placed in the writer's hands. They are added to show that the objections raised by him have occurred to more than one reader. Page 8. "The interests of authors and pub- lishers are practically identical.'' This may be the case after the agreement has been entered into, but they are certainly diametrically opposed as far as the agreement is concerned. If pub- lishers advance money to their subsequent destruc- tion, it only shows they are not business men, or that their business instincts are false. They do not do this with a view of generosity to the author, but with a view of retaining the author as one of their writers during the term—so long as he does not pay off the money—of his natural life. It is a good speculation. Page 37. "Why should authors plead the 'baby act'?" Mr. Putnam compares the rela- tions between authors and publishers to ordinary business relations between stockbrokers, &c, but there is this vital difference, which he seems to have overlooked, that stockbrokers are competing keen business men with keen business men. Authors, in many instances entirely ignorant of business and incapable of transacting business, place themselves to a great extent in the hands of keen business men, who take advantage of their ignorance. Mr. Putnam is evidently writ- ing from the methods of his own firm of trans- acting business, and he appears to be entirely ignorant of the ways of those publishers who do not stand in the very first rank. Page 60. "Half-profit arrangements and charge of business expenses." The statements with regard to half-profit arrangements contained in the book certainly give the author an erroneous idea of this very disastrous method of pubUshing. Page 66. "Unless the author," &c. The whole chapter on publishing arrangements is written from the point of view of the publisher's agree- ment and the benefit likely to accrue to the publisher. There are some useful hints to authors on pp. 84 and following, on keeping books together. Also on p. 93, " Syndicating arrangements." Page 98. "Obligations under the pubUshing agreement." These entirely refer to the author's obligations. There is no mention whatever of the points an author should protect himself against with regard to publisher's obligations, which are many and varied, and often broken. He quotes instances of delinquent authors. How about delinquent publishers? Page 119. "Contract between authors and publishers," &c. He has subverted the whole paragraph. Page 149. The paragraph beginning "Here also, however." It may be possible to force a publisher to specific performance in America, but  ## p. 117 (#539) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 117 the best legal authorities doubt its possibility in England. Even if you did enforce specific per- formance, a book published by an unwilling pub- lisher might as well not be published at all. It is very seldom that publishers enter into an agreement without the MS. being fully com- pleted, or, rather, out of 100 cases, in quite ninety the MS. is complete and to hand, so that there is no danger from the procrastination of the author. Page 160. "Boards of arbitration." These would be found practically useless. PRINTING- IN THE VICTORIAN ERA. "~]VT"0 good printing has been done since I X 1550," the late Mr, William Morris was wont to say. Mr. John Southward, who has just issued a work on the subject,* contends that better printing has been done during the last sixty years than was ever done before. The progress in book printing begun soon after 1828, when Charles Whittingham became asso- ciated with the publisher and bibliophile, William Pickering. The late Henry Stevens, describing the co-operation of these men, says it was amusing as well as instructive to see each of them when they met pull from his bulging side-pocket well-worn title pages and sample leaves for dis- cussion and consideration. About 1840 Mr. Whittingham's office, the Chiswick Press, acquired an unrivalled collection of head and tail pieces, borders, and other typographical ornaments. Other printers were compelled to rival him; and the forward movement was begun which has gone on to the present day. As regards the inferiority of the printing of process blocks in England as compared with America, the author of this work is of opinion that the explanation is to be found in the weakness and insufficient inking and dis- tributing capacity of our presses, and the inepti- tude of many of our pressmen. "Already efforts are being made," he adds, " to remedy both of these shortcomings." Our general bookwork is not inferior to that of any other country in the world: This is more especially obvious in regard to cheap books, snch as reprints of non-copyright books, issued for a few pence each. They are, as a rule, in all respects, admirable specimens of typography. They are printed on thin, cheap paper, but it has generally received a fine, bnt not excessive, polish, by being rolled before printing. The printing is usually done without damping, and thus destroying the surface of the paper. The types make little or no indents- •" Progress in Printing and the Graphic Arts during the Victorian Era." By John Southward. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. 28. 6d. VOL. VIII. tion; both sides of the paper are usually smooth and glossy. The ink is black and the colour full, but not smudgy. The type used has been fresh and clear.and the plate taken from it has been sharp and deep. It may have been printed direct from linotype bars, and it may be impossible to distinguish the type from the linotype. The register is always accurate. Process blocks are freely introduced, and, as a rule, they are well, if not quite perfectly, made ready and brought up. Sixty years ago there were cheap books, but they did not show these qualities. In every element of good workman- ship the book of to-day is as superior to that of 1837 as the locomotive of to-day is to that of the time of Robert Stephenson. Mr. Southward also sketches the progress in job and news printing. His book is fully illus- trated, and itself, of course, a model of excellent production. He is enthusiastic about the Lino- type machine, which, he says, has elevated the condition of the working printer, and also made possible even bigger papers and a larger number of cheap books than we get now. NEW YORE LETTER. New Tobk, Sept. 17. TI^HE Editor's remarks on "little notices," in I a recent number of this paper, apply with even greater force to American reviewing. In this country a really capable judgment is a secondary consideration, and timeliness is every- thing. The worst part of the situation is that this idea that books are news, to be treated with the same haste that the events of every day are treated with, is on the increase, which is perhaps one reason why the Evening Post with its late reviews is the only daily newspaper in the country worth serious consideration from a literary point of view. Any one interested in the fundamental motives which influence publication in the United States should read a convincing and rather de- pressing analysis of the whole newspaper question in the October number of Scribner's Magazine. J. Lincoln Steffens, who wrote the article, is one of the most intelligent and most successful young newspaper men in the city, and he has also written enough for the magazines to know that end of the publishing business. He speaks without fear, or without softening in any way the facts which he has found out. The substance of the article is that pubhshing is not an ideal occupation, but just as much a mercenary one as any commercial enterprise, and this general point of view is worked out in careful detail showing how everything that goes into a newspaper, from the events of the day to the literary notices, is determined by the field which seems most promising; that is, the class of readers who seem to be less well provided m 2  ## p. 118 (#540) ############################################ u8 THE AUTHOR. with a newspaper fitting their taste than any other class. Whether the generalisation can be made with equal safety about the publishing houses is perhaps an open question, but the more one learns the inside of things here, the more sur- prised he is at the number of books where the author takes the risk while the publisher is pub- licly supposed to do so; at the number of books which are taken against the literary judgment of the publishers for purely business reasons ; at the number which are rejected for similar com- mercial reasons, although the publishers think highly of their literary quality; and at the num- ber of articles which leading magazines are paid for accepting. William Gillette, t'.ie dramatic author and editor, gave his idea of what criticism ought to be in a recent talk itpropos of some absurd tech- nical suggestions that had been made to him by less skilful playwrights while he was abroad. "The only criticism I care for," he said, " is the criticism of the simple man who goes to the theatre without a desire to judge what he sees. Emotions are raised in him—fear, suspense, hope, sympathy, anger—real emotions, which he does not put into intellectual terms. It is to the ingenuous man that dramatic art appeals, and if somebody could transcribe his feelings into words, and thus show whether the drama carried out the object for which it was written, that would be valuable criticism, and it would be a work of the highest intelligence." It is rather interesting to notice that the "Almanach Hachette," which published in France recently a long list of books forming a library for a young girl of eighteen years old, selected just two American books and oue about America. From England it took "Robinson Crusoe," " Gulliver's Travels," "Ivanhoe," " Bob Eoy," "Waverley," "David Copperfield "; and from America, "The Last of the Mohicans " and "Uncle Tom's Cabin." It is a pretty fair test of a book to ask whether it appeals to any other nation, and their are no two American novels which give more true and distinctive information about the history of the United States than these two, although one of them, at least, is not remark- able for its artistic form. An excellent choice was also made in the book about contempo- rary America, Mme. Blanc's "Les Americaines Chez Hies." The first fall announcements of the McClure and Doubleday Companies are watched with interest, especially because of the firm's success in other fields of publishing, which the leading men in the new venture have had. Their little sets of "Tales from McClure's" and "Little Masterpieces" at thirty cents each justify their attempt to show that cheap publishing is con- sistent with good taste. They will say very frankly in a future announcement, "We, like other men, wish to gain material success, but we want to gain it by those means which appeal to our intellectual as well as to our moral self-respect." Perhaps the book on their list which is most interesting from the point of view of originality is "Prince Uno," a fairy story written by a prominent New York business man, who wishes to remain anonymous; "Charles A. Dana's Reminiscences of the War," which Miss Ida M. Tarbell is preparing, will begin in the November number of the magazine. The interview is an idea which this magazine is adopting freely from journalism. In the last number Mr. Steffens put a good deal of art into an interview on the Klondike, and in a few- months Mr. Robert Barr will have an interview with Mark Twain. Although nobody holds in some respects a- higher place in New England literature than James Russell Lowell, the attempt to get enough money by popular subscription to save his old homestead promises to be a miserable failure. Very few of the little sums which were expected came in, and there have thus far been no large gifts from rich men. On the Scribners' list of books for next season is "This Country of Ours," by Benjamin Harrison, ex-president of the United States. Mr. Harrison is not a remarkable writer, he is not a man of imagination or great culture, but he is a man of marked business intelligence and some indepen- dence of thought, and for anyone studying the political side of the United States his book is worth reading. A new publishing house is about to begin its career in Boston called Small, Maynard, and Co. The best known member of the firm is a silent partner, Mr. Bliss Carman, rather prominent as a lyric poet. The new firm begins its work with a new edition of Walt Whitman, which is worth while, since the publication of Whitman's writings has heretofore been extremely irregular, and since the interest in him seems to be on the increase. A reader for one of the prominent publishing houses told me the other day that 90 per cent, of the matter submitted to his house was fiction. It is not, as a rule, the echo of any successful book; the idea is original, but weak, and the execution bad. A great many of the writers live by them- selves in small places, and their novels represent the work of years. Mr. Stanley Waterloo, whose works seem to be popular in London, has written an introduction to  ## p. 119 (#541) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 119 the New England edition of his first novel—" A Man and a Woman." Whether any of it has yet been made public in England I do not know, but the general purport of it is that there is no school of writers in the region of which Chicago is the metropolis. He prefers " the Chicago group," on the ground that, although the treatment of life by these Western writers varies from that found elsewhere in the country, the writers are so diffe- rent among themselves that the term " school " is somewhat misleading. Another Chicago writer, now dead—Eugene Field—is to be honoured by two clubs this season. The Caxton Club of Chicago will bring out some- thing about him, not yet decided on; and the Duodecimo Club of the same city will bring out a bibliography of his works. NOBMAN HAPOOOD. BAD PAPER. IN an interview with Mr. J. T. W. MacAlister, a well-known librarian, which appeared in the June number of The Author, that gentle- man referred inter alia to the very perishable character of the paper employed for a large pro- portion of the books of the present day. We learn that the Society of Arts have appointed a representative committee of paper-makers, librarians, and chemists, to investigate the ques- tion of the deterioration of paper, and the whole subject of perishable paper when used for books of importance or reference. The committee asks to be supplied with any instances of books pub- lished within the last thirty years which already show signs of perishing, particularly where the books have been much used. Sir H. Trueman Wood, secretary of the committee, will also be glad to have any other information bearing on this matter, which may be sent to him at the Society of Arts, John-street, Adelphi, London. THE AMERICAN AUTUMN LIST. OTJR own Autumn List will not be complete before the end of October, owing to the custom with some publishers of sending in their lists up till November, for publication in the Athenteum. The American Autumn List, how- ever, has been fully announced in one number of the Chicago Dial. The list comprises over a thousand books. In the analysis, and in the remarks which follow, books educational, medical and surgical, of reference, new editions of stan- dard literature, and holiday gift-books, have been omitted: In Biography and Memoirs there are 60 entries. In History 43 .. In General Literature 90 „ In Poetry 23 In Fiction 184 „ In Travels 28 In Art and Archaeology 19 „ In Music and the Drama 7 „ In Science and Nature 27 ,, In Politics and Economics 23 „ In Philosophy and Psychology 15 „ In Theology and Religion 85 „ In Sport 12 „ The English reader naturally asks what pro- portion of these books belong to ourselves. Of English Origin. In Biography there are 32 In History 7 In General Literature 38 In Poetry 5 In Fiction 48 In Travels 12 In Art and Archaeology 12 In Music and the Drama 3 In Science and Nature 4 In Politics and Economics 4 In Philosophy and Psychology ... o In Theology and Religion 22 In Sport 12 Of 28 36 5* 18 136 16 7 4 »3 '9 15 63 o 199 417 These figures may be incorrect to a trifling extent, but they are near enough for our pur- poses. They show that out of 616 books in the principal subjects of literature, 199 are of English origin, and 417 are of American origin. The last time that the present writer analysed an American autumn list, now some years ago, the numbers showed a much larger proportion of English origin. The reason was that while American editors could flood the market with pirated books at a wretchedly low price, the American author had no chance. The effect was to deprive the writers of fiction of the market altogether, and to make it very difficult to persuade the American public to buy any books except at a miserable price. This licence being abolished, the native author begins at once to take his place; so that we now see out of 184 new works of fiction 136 are of American writers: out of twenty-three new volumes of verse, eighteen belong to Americans: and so on. The proportion of English to American writers may be expected to become still less every year.  ## p. 120 (#542) ############################################ 120 THE AUTHOR. This is what should be looked for: the bulk of popular fiction must be redolent of the soil: the great majority of writers cannot hope to provide the fiction of the more popular kind except for their own countrymen. There is springing up, as was foretold in these pages two or three years ago, a purely American literature in America: a purely British bterature here: and an Anglo-Saxon literature, containing what is precious and Catholic out of both literatures. To these will be joined before long the literature of the other great branches of our race. It will be a great thing for an American or an Englishman to delight his own countrymen: it will be a far greater thing for him to be included in the list of those writers who belong to all who speak our language over the whole world. s»«<- NOTES AND NEWS. IBEG to inform a great many people who addressed communications to me during the months of August and September that I only received their letters on Sept. 21, owing to the neglect of a clerk at the Society's oflices, to which the letters were addressed. I hope that they will receive this statement as an excuse or explanation for my silence as to their communications. Information has reached the secretary of several attempts recently made to entrap authors by the old trick, regularly denounced in these pages, into binding themselves down for future books with the same publisher. Would any medical man dare to propose that his patient should bind himself to call in no one else; or any solicitor? The worst feature about these cases—there are at least three publishers concerned — is that they occur with first books. The victim is offered low terms—perhaps to be excused in considera- tion of its being a first book—with the condition that the publisher is to have the second book, if he pleases, on the same terms. Take the case of Charles Dickens. His "Sketches by Boz" were sold, I believe, to Bentley for ,£150: what if he had bound himself down to let that publisher have " The Pickwick Papers" for the same sum? Experience shows that the same tricks—always the same tricks—are tried on time after time: and that the same vigilance must be kept up to expose them. The Secretary can furnish mem- bers with the names of the three publishers con- cerned. . The sub-committee to examine into the Dis- ount Question has begun its work. It will be a laborious work. Meantime I refer readers once more to the " Battle of Books," in The Autlior of February, 1897. And, without instructions from the sub-committee to this effect, I may also remind readers of The A uthor, who are probably members of the Society, that the matter under discussion is one of the very highest importance to themselves, and that they ought to consider for themselves what it means. The proposal of certain pub- lishers, which appears to be accepted by certain booksellers, is this: (1) To maintain the present arrangements and prices with the retail trade, provided the latter reduce their discount from. 3<Z. to 2d. in the shilling: but (2) to issue books at a net price for which the bookseller will pay four-fifths of that price. We have to consider how such a change will affect our own interests, the interests of booksellers, the interests of publishers, and the interests of literature generally. nin The new literary journal, concerning which a good deal of whispering has gone round, will appear this month. As we all know now, it is to be called " Literature": it is to be published at the office of the Times: it is to be edited by Dr. Traill. It would seem that the journal could hardly appear at a more opportune moment: the British Review and the National Observer are extinct: so, after a brief existence, is the New Saturday; the Saturday has undergone changes; the Spectator has lost its principal pillar of support, and is practically on its trial for its future position. The Athetueum remains what it always has been, filling a place of its own from which it will not be easily dislodged. The Book- man still remains a monthly paper: the Literary Gazette has got, and will keep, its own place, and a very useful place it is. The Publishers' Circular and the Bookseller are organs of the publishing trade: The Author is the organ of the Authors' Society, and is not a review at all. None of these papers would stand in the way of the new weekly. There would seem to be plenty of room for another paper devoted entirely to Literature. There would seem to be a great future possible for such a paper. Those who remember—sorrowfully I confess that I remember — the early days of the Satur- day Review, will recall the pleasure with which one welcomed reviews of books which were obviously written by scholars who knew, and were guided by, canons of criticism. It was a time, I believe, and have been told, when criticism was at its very worst, with log-rolling—but the name had not yet been invented—and personal  ## p. 121 (#543) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 121 animosities of the most violent kind; the most blackguard abuse; and the most flagrant incom- petence. The Saturday Review came, and the •whole tone of criticism changed. Some of the earlier numbers of the new paper were violent, but no paper can be completely in advance of the time. The justice of the line taken by the writers: the ability with which the subject, as well as the book, was handled; the breadth of view: the fearlessness with which abuses were attacked: the separation of the journal from any considerations of advertisements, whether they would be attracted or repelled: the knowledge that the journal belonged to a rich man, who would not care much if it brought him but a small return—these points gave the paper, almost from the outset, a commanding position. Will the new paper be able to take up that position, and so dominate the literary world? The place is vacant: the door is open. No one, I think, understands the position better than Dr. Traill himself, as much distinguished for his journalism as for his books. On all sides we hear the same complaint. Reviews are of no use : they have lost their interest and their value. The world is no longer guided by them. A most remarkable illustration of the fact is before us all at this moment in the case of a certain book which appeared a month or six weeks ago. It was instantly seized upon by all the reviewers for all the papers. I hope that I am not understood as saying or suggesting anything against, or for, the merits of the book, when I use it as an illustration of my position. By one part of the reviewers the work was fiercely, savagely assailed; by the other part it was as cordially welcomed and praised. What is the result? A larger demand for the book than has greeted any other novel on its first appearance for many years. In three or four weeks, in the teeth of the most "damaging " assaults upon the book, the circula- tion has been 50,000, and a new edition of 20,000 is announced. The hostility, therefore, of that part of the Press has not had the slightest effect upon the demand for the book. I am not, I repeat, finding fault with either section of the reviewers. I only point out that, as the " slating" has not affected the book, it is not too much to assume that the praise bestowed upon it has also been unable to affect it. In spite of praise or blame, the public have received the book on their own judgment. I have received twenty letters all asking the same question—I have printed one—p. 132. On all sides the same question is asked: "If critics—educated men — produce judgments so diametrically opposite, what is the use of criticism?" The answer is, that judgments diametrically opposite cannot proceed from critics who work on any canons of criticism. How, then, can a literary paper proceed? The only safe way is to follow the example of the Saturday Review iu 1859 or i860—namely, to admit on the staff none but scholars and proved writers ; and to take the greatest care not to suffer any book to fall into the hands of friend or enemy of the author. The Critic of New York observes this rule most strictly, and would never allow a man to write a second time who infringed the rule. Of course, one need not in this place dilate on log-rolling and animosities. There is anothar point on which the original practice of the Saturday might be followed. It is to give importance to literature as well as to the author by assigning to each review an adequate space. It was then, and should be now, a distinction to be reviewed—to be selected for review. A journal which would follow that custom, without "minor notices" at all, would immediately become distinguished above the rest. As to the "minor notices," the world cares nothing for them: they do not help or instruct the author: they do not advance the interests of the book; they damage the paper by destroying the value of so many columns; worse still—worst of all—it is impossible for a reviewer to read books for which he is allotted only an inch or two of space: no scale of pay ever invented would enable writers of short " notices" to read the books. One has been encouraged by the occasion to make these remarks; which are, after all, mere echoes of what is said everywhere. But no doubt Dr. Traill understands the situation far better than the writer of these lines. At this point I fell in with a paper by Mr. Cecil Mead Allen in the New Century Review, called "Novelist v. Reviewer," in which he takes the side of the reviewer. He assumes, however, that those who find fault with the present con- dition of criticism do so because they themselves have been severely treated; also that they are novelists only. Both these assumptions are baseless. He also says that, "No critic would wilfully defame a good book." The converse proposition therefore follows: "No critic would wilfully praise a bad book." Apply these propositions to the book whose case we are considering. I. If it is good, no writer would defame it. But critics have defamed it. Therefore it must be bad. II. If it is bad, no critic would praise it. But  ## p. 122 (#544) ############################################ I 22 THE AUTHOR. critics have praised it. Therefore it must be good. Yet it cannot be both good and bad. Mr. Allen very justly points out that the signifi- cance of a criticism depends greatly on experience and education. Does this fact explain the reason why it is supposed that anybody can review books? So we come back to what was said at first—that the time is highly propitious for the formation of a literary organ whose staff shall be scholars, who will be free from personal motives, who will read the books they judge, and whose judgment shall carry weight. I am very pleased to publish the following letter, which speaks for itself. It will be, I believe, as new to the world as it is to me to hear that the late Charles Dickens was a contributor to the Press. That he was an excellent editor I know very well, for I wrote his Christmas story for him, either alone or with the late James Eice, for ten or eleven years—1876-1886, or 1887— with relations perfectly satisfactory. Of course, one cannot believe that his family would be hurt by the statement that he was a printer. Let us, however, correct these words, and say that the late Charles Dickens was not known to the world as a writer, save of guide-books; that he was an editor for many years; and that he was also a printer for many years. "When commenting upon the above in last month's Author, you remark that the 'late Charles Dickens, jun., was not a writer, except of one or two guide-books. He was a printer.' Will you kindly allow me to say that I think these remarks are calculated to give an entirely wrong impression of the late Mr. C. Dickens's position in the literary world. I fear also they are likrly to give pain to a large number < f your readers, and more especially to those who, like myself, knew him not merely as a personal friend or as a contributor of brilliant unsigned articles to the Press, but also as a most conscien- tious and genuinely artistic editor. As such no slovenly work ever passed muster with him, nor did any really good work ever suffer at his hands from rough and ready pruning. For ten years (dating from 1884) I was serial writer to his two magazines, All the Year Round and Household Words, and, looking back dispassionately upon the work which I placed in his hands during that time, I gratefully acknowledge how much it owes to his most thoughtful suggestions, which were invariably the outcome of genuine artistic feeling and wide literary knowledge." The following note is taken from the Daily News, with thanks to the editor for providing a piece of literary gossip so interesting:—" The oldest member of the Soeicte des Gens de Lettres is neither M. Eugene Veuillot, who is 89, nor M. Legouve.who is 90, but Mme. du Bosd'Elbbecq, who is 99. She is very sorry to have lived so long. Her experience of a very great age is given in one word—solitude. She has outlived hus- band, son, grandchildren, friends, and has, for a little quiet society, gone to live in a convent at Angers. Mme. du Bos d'Elbhecq was a prolific authoress. A list of her books would fill a column of a large newspaper. Some of them were highly successful. 'Le Pere Fargeau' still sells. It had an early sale of 36,000. She has to write every year to the secretary of the Socicte' des Gens de Lettres, to enclose a certificate that she lives. Her handwriting remains firm and legible. She works still as an authoress, chiefly writing for peasants and country folks. When she last applied for her pension, she was suffering from influenza, but has recovered. She began to work for the printers at the age of twenty, that is to say, seventy-nine years ago. She led a regular life, was never poor, never very well off, and had many kind friends. The last of her old friends, Admiral de Eibours, died two years ago. She was elected a member of the Societc fifty-three years ago." Walter Besant. —)» — PUBLIC LIBRARY THEFTS. IN the report of the Stoke Newington Public Library for 1896-7, it is stated that sixteen volumes were stolen during the year, fourteen of which wore taken from the shelves to which the readers had free access, only two being lost under the old system by which books were obtained through the library staff. Not long ago two city libraries, working also under the free access system, had to bewail the loss of some 200 volumes or more, one of the thieves being caught at a library using the old safe method, where, in trying to exercise his thievish ability, he was at once detected and handed over to the police. Libraries at Oxford, Liverpool, Cardiff, Nottingham, and other impor- tant places, which have more or less given up this risky method, have all suffered, and it is obvious that only where the authorities are pre- pared to lose many of their most valuable works, and are not particular as to the general disorder and misplacement of books on the shelves, can such a method be tolerated. One characteristic of this report is its unquestion-  ## p. 123 (#545) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 123 able honesty, as it is not pleasant to have to report the failure of a system after once it is adopted. CHEAPNESS OF BOOKS. "T HAVE long felt that a great number of I books are much too cheap. Books are published now at 28. 6d. that twenty years ago would have easily commanded 6s., and those that were once 2s. 6d. are now published at i*., which means qd. Having thoroughly debauched the British public by in- ducing them to believe and to practice the lie that nd. is only t)d., what are we to do? The British public will not repent in sackcloth and ashes, and thus retrace its steps. What is to be done? I think the only thing to be done is for the publishers to agree to revise their prices. Let them, among other things, give up the old conventions-. Haif- a-crown is a price, 5*. is a price, 6*., io*, and 15*. are prices. But you never hear of 3*. 6d., or of 6s. 6d., or of 12s. 6d. Why not '< We have grown into routiue and custom. The publishers can, I fancy, easily break through this. Let them in future make a is. book is. 6d., a zs. 6d. book 3*. 6d., a 5*. book 6s. 6d., and so on. The public will pay only is. i\d. for a is. 6d. book; they will be well pleased, and the publisher will have i^d. on the is. to the good. "The competition in the book market is quite different in character from the competition in fish, or bread, or beef. A book is a book, and on the other hand, a book is not a book. No man buys a book on history when he wants a novel, because the first is cheaper; he has in his head a quite fixed idea of the book he wants and will have; and the temptation of Qd. or is. cheaper does not make him waver (unless he is going to make a present to someone he does not care about). It appears to me that the publishers have not sufficiently regarded this side of the question. Every book has its own public."— (From a Letter.) A RULE FOB THE USE OF THE SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD. 0| INCE the publication of my "suggested 1^ rule" for the use of the subjunctive mood by beginners in literature, in the July number of The Author, I have been in corre- spondence with some who have an acknowledged literary style, and also with others who are authorities on English Grammar. The views of the former class are well repre- sented in a letter which I received from Professor Dowden—the writer of one of the ten books which formed the basis of this investigation. He writes: "Your rule seems a good one for regulating the use of the subjunctive after 'if.' But I am not sure that there are not shades of meaning brought out by its use with other verbs than 'to be'; and, although the use is rare after 'whether,' 'though,' and 'although,'the propor- tion of subjunctives is large enough to suggest that it has some use. I should accept your rule as sufficient for beginners, but, should a yearning for a subjunctive possess me, I should like to think the passion not wholly criminal. I am afraid I have written in what Milton would call the unfettered liberty of a Christian. Now I shall feel that the number of ' tongue sins,' which Baxter fixed at thirty, is at least thirty-one." The sentence, "the proportion of subjunctives is large enough to suggest that it has some use," is interesting as bearing out the views of some other author*, who, while seeming to think that it has "some use," are apparently at a loss to say what that use is. In the words of others, "instinct" or their "ear " leads them to employ this moud without being able to understand or to explain to others why, in particular cases, it seems better than the indicative. Can it possibly be for the reason which leads to the use of synonyms, to avoid, that is, the too frequent repetition of the same word? It would certainly appear to be so in some instances that have come under my notice. Another reason may be traced to the schoolroom, for one author, distinguished for the purity of his style, admits that 'the use with me is simply that I was somehow taught that it was the proper thing to use 'be' after 'if.' I did not ask for any reason, but obeyed blindly." 'J'his is not the only case where this same reason holds. Coming to the other class, the grammarians, as distinguished from authors pure and simple. Professor Skeat writes: "I can only say that you have taken very great pains — that your general rule seems to be quite reasonable—and that there is 110 compulsion or necessity for using the subjunctive mood in any case, unless one wishes to do so. Its use seems to be most agreeable when real contingency is to be ex- pressed by a sentence involving be or were. And certainly the conjunction if is the one which generally goes with it. The net result is clearly that the subjunctive is in a moribund state. Dr. Sweet says, I believe, truly that it is completely dead in the spoken language. I take this to include all but flights of oratory and speeches of an ambitious character. In common talk it  ## p. 124 (#546) ############################################ 124 THE AUTHOR. sounds terribly pedantic, and that is why we may disregard it if we please. This 'obsolescent' stage has lasted for a long time. Even in middle English the subjunctive is comparatively rare. '• I think it probable that the reason why the subjunctive of 'be' has survived other subjunc- tives is partly because that verb has peculiarities of its own. In Anglo-Saxon the future and the present of all verbs were alike with one sole exception BE. Thus ic ga, I go=(i) I am going; (2) I will go." But, ic com, I am, is present only; ic beo, I be, is both present and future, but commonly future. Later on 'I am,' and 'I be,' were both common; and the above distinction was often made. But (if I remember rightly) 'I be' died out in northern English at any rate in the indicative mood. There was great confusion. Moreover, the Anglo-Saxon for 'that I may be' was neither 'thaet ic eom,' nor yet, ' thaet ic beo,' but 4 thaet ic sy!' that is, there was yet a third form, used in the subjunctive only. This separated ' be' from all other verbs. "I think we ought all to be much obliged to you. To compile statistics is highly laborious, and is not always appreciated as it should be." Prof. Henry Sweet, the author of the exceed- ingly interesting " New English Grammar," writes: "My own practice, both in writing and speaking, is to use 'were' after ' if' to express rejected condi- tion 'if it were possible,' implying 'it is not possible.' Otherwise I do not think I use the subjunctive at all except in 'petrified phrases'— that is I say and write 'if it is possible' in all cases ... I should advise young authors to follow their own instincts about the subjunctive, that is, to write it only when they speak it; but if they must set up an artificial standard, I think they could not do better than follow your rules." It should be noted that we cannot use "was" everywhere after "if":—"I do not know whether he was there or not; if he teas, I did not see him." Here "were" would make nonsense. The author of a very well known grammar writes: "I feel inclined to put the results of inquiries into the following form: It is not now necessary to use the form of the subjunctive mood except in one single instance—in the past tense of the verb ' to be.' "You can now use the indicative of the present of 'to be' in place of the older subjunctive, without offence to the grammatical sense (of which only a minimum survives in the English nation) or to the ear. If anyone likes to say 'If he be at home I will call on him,' we have a feeling that he is unnecessarily particular, and therefore a little pedantic. But you cannot get out of the necessity of saying ' If only he were here, we should,' &c. If 'was' were used, it would at once be felt to be 'bad grammar '—that is, against all ordinary usage. "I don't myself believe that the English people will ever get out of the habit of using the subjunctive mood in this single instance, ' If I were, he were,' &c, because it seems to me to mark a real need of thought. To substitute 'was' would be to confuse two very different things, and would also be felt as a weakness— that is the feeling that it is impossible he could be here, when we say 'If he were here' would not be done adequate justice to. "Why not go in boldly for the one rule; use the subjunctive only in the past tense of the verb 'to be'—or use the subjunctive only in 'were '?" While much may be said in favour of the brief "Use the subjunctive only in were," I should hardly be summing up fairly the results of the correspondence this investigation has brought me—larger, possibly, than the foregoing extracts would suggest—without giving the "suggested rule" in a form that has met with general assent, and which may easily be remembered. I am now justified in recommending the fol- lowing to those who feel the need of some guidance beyond their "ear" or "instinct":— The subjunctive mood should be used with no other verb than "to be," and then only after "if" in cases (i) where there is real contingency, e.g., "H it be thought advisable, such and such measures will be pro- ceeded With "; (2) OR WHERE DEFINITE ASSER- TION is withheld, e.g., "It is as indispensable as any other . . . if it be not more so." Where the style is familiar the subjunc- tive SHOULD NOT BE USED AT ALL, e.g., do not write, "If he be naughty, he shall go without desert." F. Howard Collins. ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON. IN a criticism of R. L. Stevenson's collected works, the Athenteum prints the following letter it received from Stevenson himself, after it had reviewed " Kidnapped":— I wish to thank yon for your notioe of "Kidnapped," and that not because it was kind, though for that also I valued it, but in the same sense as I have thanked you before now for a hundred articles on a hundred different writers—you who fight the good fight, contending with stupidity, and I would fain hope not all in vain; in my own case, for instance, surely not in vain. What you say of the two parts in "Kidnapped " was felt by no one more pain- fully than by myself. I began it partly as a lark, partly as a pot-boiler; and suddenly it moved. David and Alan  ## p. 125 (#547) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. stepped out from the canvas, and I found I was in another world. Bat there was the cursed beginning, and a cursed end must be appended, and an old friend, Byles the Batcher, was plainly audible, tapping at the back door. So it had to go into the world, one part (as it does seem to me) alive, one part merely galvanised: no work, only an essay. For a man of tentative method, and weak health, and a scarcity of private means, and not too much of that frugality which is the artist's proper virtue, the days of sinecures and patrons look very golden, the days of professional literature very hard. Yet I do not so far deceive myself as to think I should change any character by changing my epoch; the sum of virtue in our books is in a relation of equality to the sum of virtues in ourselves; and my "Kidnapped" was doomed while still in the womb, and while I was yet in the cradle, to be the thing it is. It may not be generally known that Stevenson at one time aspired to fill a professorial chair. The Critic recently printed an article describing this incident. The position he applied for was the Chair of History and Constitutional Law at Edin- burgh University. In the summer of 1881 Stevenson's mother read in the Scotsman the announcement that the chair was vacant. She said to him: "I am sorry that that Chair has become vacant, as I have always thought it was the one position in Edinburgh which would suit you." He replied: "I have never thought of it, but you are quite right, and I don't see why I should not apply now." He at once wrote round to his influential friends soliciting their testi- monials as to his fitness for the post. Copies of these letters were bound in a pamphlet and dis- tributed among those who had the power of filling the vacancy. These pamphlets are now exceed- ingly rare. Stevenson received very eulogistic letters from Leslie Stephen, J. A. Symonds, and Andrew Lang, among others, but did not obtain the Chair. —>•< THE AUTOGRAPH FIEND- THE following is from a circular copied from an American paper, and used by the late Sir Isaac Pitman in reply to letters asking him for his autograph:— "One of the forces not duly rated in this world is the power involved in making oneself disagree- able. "The autograph hunter is the embodiment of it, and it is his crowning glory that few have attained the distinction of being cursed as he has been, for being an unmitigated nuisance; and aroused, even in the breasts of the pious, thoughts that lie too deep, not only for tears, but for words not fit for polite society. Yet it is in proportion to this supreme capacity for making oneself odious that the autograph hunter exhibits, like the Indian, the trophies of his hunt. Nor does it seem to require the brazen hardihood of age and experience. Owing to the fact that age puts by this sort of thing with other follies, it is the youth that most indulge and most exult in this lion- baiting pastime. "One of these young fiends in Brooklyn, having scarcely attained the age of eighteen, has whole folios full of autographic scalps. His waking hours are devoted to the task of plotting against the peace and comfort of the great. Having no scruples and no humanity, he smiles at the refusals of his victims, knowing well that he has settled down upon them never to depart until he shall carry with him in triumph the plunder he is seeking. To his credit, be it said, he is no respecter of persons. Bismarck and the German Emperor are made to stand and deliver as well as Mark Twain and the Sweet Singer of Michigan; Susan B. Anthony and Von Moltke as. well as Mother Goose and K. B. Hayes. He has drawn autographs from people who have regis- tered a solemu vow b3fore high heaven never to write another. Eminent lawyers have pleaded for mercy as they never pleaded for a verdict, but they have not always been let off even with a short sentence. Distinguished clergymen, at first excusing themselves on the ground that they were too engrossed in Holy Writ to furnish the secular sort, have yielded to the inevitable in order to escape eternal suffering in this world." SIR HENRY CRAIK ON IMPRESSIONISM. SIE HENRY CRAIK, K.C.B., Secretary of the Scotch Education Department, delivered an address to the boys of Glasgow High School on the 21st ult., on the occasion of the opening of a new wing of that establishment. His subject was the training for citizenship, and he advised the curbing of the emotions, and the development of the imagination. He suggested that in the nineteenth century we had specialised knowledge too much, and forgotten that balance of judgment which is the chief quality of wisdom; that in our poetry we had torn at our heart- strings too much, and carried our feelings too much upon our sleeves; that in our philosophy we had tried to solve the insoluble, pursuing perhaps some nebulous and misty produce of esoteric philosophy borrowed from Germany; and that in fiction we had neglected the early pic- turesof domestic life—which, after all, had so much of interest, so much of tragedy, so much of comedy —and rather pursued after exaggerated types of morbid ideas in which, to use a common phrase, each  ## p. 126 (#548) ############################################ 126 THE AUTHOR. man had striven to go one better than his neigh- bour. It was quite possible we might have to wait for a time before the pendulum swung back; we might have to carry further the exaggeration of emotionalism, of what was called impres- sionism. But sooner or later some reaction would come. What if we reverted somewhat to the tone of an older age; if we repeated some- thing of that much decried eighteenth century, which we thought was wanting in enthusiasm, and sacrificed too much to form? Suppose we attempted, after all our energy of effort, to garner a few of the fruits—to seek after lucidity, clearness, and simplicity in our speculations, calmness in our judgment of politics and of social questions, order and good form in our poetry, simplicity in our pictures of human life as represented in fiction? A SMALL LITERARY PROBLEM. AGENUINE, if not very important, mystery arises out of the strange twist in Sir Walter Scott's nature which led that just and honourable man to take a gratuitous delight in hoax and humbug. The endless population of Clutterbucks and Cleisbothams, indeed, could hardly deceive the most simple-minded readers; and the authorship of " Waverley," though abso- lutely denied, soon became of the sort known in France as "a secret of Punch." But Scott made a most determined effort to mislead the world in another direction. It was early in 1813, while engaged in "Rokeby" and making his new departure in "Waverley," that his fertile brain was inspired by the idea of competing with himself by an anonymous poem. In March of that year the Ballantynes brought out the "Bridal of Triermain," pains being taken to make it appear the work of a friend, William Erskine. The thing took; the critics hailed an imitation—however inferior—of the great Min- strel; and it was not until the appearance of a third edition that the true authorship became known. Had this, however, been the whole story it would have been nothing unusual. "Waverley came out about two years later, in a similar cloud of concealment and mystification; and in 1817 another poem—" Harold the Dauntless "—was launched anonymously, and the critics were once more at fault, and hailed an inferior imitation. What makes " Triermain " a special case is that it was not a frank exercise in the manner of the "Lay" and "Marmion," but rather an attempt at a new style, resembling that of Byron's tales, and apparently modelled on "Christabel," which Coleridge asserted to be written in a new form invented by himself. But the darkness deepens when we remember that "Christabel" was not published until 1816, three years later than the poem of Scott, of which the first canto, in which the Coleridge manner is most apparent, had appeared still earlier.* And yet it is hard to resist the conclusion that Scott must have seen Coleridge's poem in MS. Although of this there seems no external evidence, yet there is the strange similarity of style and manner; above all there is the name of Geraldine's father— "Roland de Vaux of Tryermaine "—which, allow- ing for slight difference in spelling, gives the exact appellation of Scott's hero. "Christabel" was written in 1797, though not published, and Scott must have seen it in MS. before 1809. It is further remarkable that—whatever may have been the opinion of contemporary critics—a great improvement in workmanship made itself manifest in Scott's new venture. The poem is not, perhaps, as well known as it ought to be, by reason of its humour, descriptive skill, and delicate technique- Altogether the unsolved mystery remains full of literary interest. Its elucidation may be commended to those ingenious philosophers who teach that genius is but a form of epilepsy, and essentially morbid. Scott dictated his matchless " Lammermoor " in a state approaching to delirium a few years later; and the mattoid sect will perhaps attempt to account for the strange incidents above noticed by the theory of a disordered constitution. One thing, at least, they may be trusted to do : if they establish no other conclusion, they will certainly add to the already existing proofs that the disease of genius is not contagious. Note —In the atanzaa introductory to Canto First the author uaeB a distinct denial of identity with the Last Minstrel:— Nor "on—beat meed to minatrel true— One fav'ring smile from fair Buoclenoh. H. G. Keene. BOOK TALE. AWORK on Klondyke, by Mr. Harry de Windt, is to be published by Messrs. Chatto and Windus under the title "Through the Goldfields of Alaska to Behring Straits." The new work by Mr. Ruskin which Mr. George Allen has unearthed, consisting of the lectures on landscape delivered to Oxford undergraduates in * The fragment first saw the light in the Edinburgh. Annual Register for 1809, no leaa than seven years before "Christabel." It was an avowed imitation (see first preface).  ## p. 127 (#549) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 127 1871, will be published with illustrations repro- duced from the author's private collection which accompanied the addresses. A story called " Poppy," by Mrs. Isla Sitwell, will be brought out this autumn by Messrs. Nelson and Co. Mr. Romesh C. Dutt, I.C.S., CLE., the late officiating Commissioner of Orissa, and author of "Civilization in Ancient India," has produced a book called "England and India," a record of pro- gress during a hundred years, 1785-1885. The preface points out that since 1837 there has been a great famine every twenty years: that while the rule of the English has been honest, it has been found necessary to call for reforms in many directions, and that other reforms await the legis- lator. What these are the book attempts to point • out. The publishers are Chatto and Windus. A second and enlarged edition of Miss Roalfe Cox's "Introduction to Folk-Lore" is in the press. The special feature of the new issue is a classified list of books designed for the use of students of the science. The publisher is Mr. Nutt. Messrs. Moran and Co., Crown Press, Aberdeen, will issue early in October an important book, "My First Prisoner," from the pen of Mr. Bartle Teeling, who has an interesting career as governor of an Irish prison and as one of the Pontifical Zouaves. The picture of Ireland and Rome of more than a quarter of a century ago will be found interesting at this moment, viewed in the light of the present political state of Ireland and Italy. The work will be published in London by the Roxburghe Press Limited. "Richard de Lyrienne," the author of the skit on Mr. Le Gallienne's book, published recently by Mr. Lane, is Mr. David Hodge, a Glasgow journalist. This is his first book. Mr. Hodge is connected with the same journal as Mr. Neil Munro, whose volume of stories of life in the Highlands of Scotland Messrs. Blackwood published some time ago. Mr. Thomas Wright, Olney, Bucks, is writing a work on "Hind Head, and Its Literary and Historical Associations." This locality is noted for the number of literary and scientific gentlemen who reside in it. Dr. Wallis Budge is editing the text of the Coptic Psalter discovered about two years ago in Upper Egypt, and the work will be published by Messrs. Kegan Paul. The manuscript was found in the ruins of an ancient Coptic monastery, inclosed in a stone box, which had been firmly fastened into the ground. The manuscript is interesting also as containing the spurious cli. Psalm. Professor George Ebers's novel, "Barbara Blomberg: a Romance of the Days of Charles V," is about to be published by Messrs. Sampson Low. Early this month Mr. Andrew Lang's book for the young, "The Pink Fairy Book," will be published by Messrs. Longmans, Green. Mr. H. J. Ford illustrates it. "Weeping Ferry, and Other Stories," is the title of a volume by Margaret L. Woods (author of "A Village Tragedy "), which Messrs. Long- mans, Green, and Co. have in the press. Golfers will get "Colonel Bogey's Sketch Book" added to their literature shortly. The author is Mr. R. Andre, of the West Herts Golf Club. Mr. F. H. S. Merewether, Reuter's special correspondent during the Indian Famine, who travelled in the stricken districts, has written an account of his experiences. This will be pub- lished by Messrs. A. D. Innes and Co., entitled "Through the Famine Districts of India." This firm also announces "The Coldstream Guards in the Crimea," by Lieutenant-Colonel Ross, C.B., of Bladensburg. Mr. Clark Russell has written a novel entitled "The Two Captains," which Messrs. Sampson Low are about to publish. Mr. James F. Sullivan has written and illus- trated a volume entitled "More Stories," which Messrs. Longmans will publish. The author of " The Devil Tree of El Dorado" has written another novel, entitled "A Studio Mystery," which Messrs. Jarrold will publish. Mr. Silas K. Hocking's serial "In Spite of Fate" is to be published shortly by Messrs. Warne. "Stories of Famous Songs" is a work by Mr. S. J. Adair Fitz-Gerald shortly to appear from Mr. Nimmo's house in King William-street. The writer has spent fifteen years, he tells, upon the work, and has gathered the histories of all the world's most famous and popular songs and ballads from all sorts of sources. Mr. Beckles Willson is the author of "The Tenth Island: being some Account of Newfound- land, its People, its Politics, its Problems, and its Peculiarities." The work is the result of Mr. Willson's special correspondence from North- western America to the London Daily Mail. Sir William Whiteway and Lord Charles Beresford will write contributions to the work. Dr. Newman Hall is writing his Life. The book will be called "Sixty Years Ago, by an Octogenarian."  ## p. 128 (#550) ############################################ 128 THE AUTHOR. Mr. F. H. Le Queux is engaged upon a new story, to be called "The Eve of the Seventh Resurrection. It will be ready for publication early in December. "Steadfast and True" is a tale of the Hugue- nots, by L. C. Silke, author of "Margaret Somerset," <fec. Published by the Religious Tract Society. 2s. 6c?. "School Life at Bartram's" is another story by L. C. Silke, author of "A Hero in the Strife," "Margaret Somerset," &c. Same publishers, i*. 6c?. The second edition of "Reflections on the Art of War," price ys. 6c?., and the fourth edition of "Sanitation and Health," cloth, is. 6c?., both books by Brigadier-General R. C. Hart, V.C., C.B. (commanding a district in India), are about to be published. There will be three serial stories in the Monthly Packet during the course of 1898: "The Gospel Writ in Steel," by Arthur Paterson, a story of the American War; "The Main Chance," bv Christabel Coleridge; and " Off the High Road,'"' by Eleanor C. Price. A second edition of Mary L. Pendered's fairy tale, "To Suniland with a Moon Goblin," has been issued by Messrs. Marshall, Russell, and Co. It is a dainty little volume, being the story of one "Queer Eye," a boy of inquiring mind, who wanders it, to strange lands, where he is shown many marvellous things by a goblin guide, whose moralising on the way is quaint and amusing. The illustrations by a child of ten are remarkably clever. Mr. Bloundelle-Burton's new novel, "The Clash of Arms," will be published on the 15th by Methuen and Co., in London, and Appleton and Co., in New York, a colonial edition also appearing at the same time. The author has, during the holiday season, revisited the scene of the novel, viz., the heart of the Vosges moun- tains, and carefully verified his description of the locality. It was in this neighbourhood, many years ago, that Mr. Bloundelle-Burton was told by an old peasant the story which forms the groundwork of "The Clash of Arms," to wit, the abduction of an English girl by a French noble- man serving under Turenne, and the implac- able vengeance with which he was afterwards pursued and brought to bay by one of her countrymen. Among Messrs Harpers immediately forth- coming publications is Mr. J. M. Graham's historical novel, "The Son of the Czar." This work, first announced in March last, but held over for the autumn season, is fixed for issue on Oct. 15. The book deals, of course, from the point of view of the romance writer, with the relations between Peter the Great and the Russian Crown Prince Alexis. And the a.uthor, while not relieving the father from entire responsibility for the tragic fate of the son, seeks to remove some of the stains which have clung to the memory of the Czar in this connection, and, above all, is careful to point to the countless provocations received by Peter from the heir to his throne. "Verdi: Man and Musician" is the title of a monograph now in the press, from the pen of Frederic J. Crowest, author of "The Great Tone Poets," "The Story of British Music," and many other accepted musical writings. The name of the composer of " II Trovatore," " Otello," and "Fal- staff," is a household word, and it is matter for surprise that no English biographer has hitherto been found to give to lovers and students of his music the romantic story of his early struggles and their successful issue, or to attempt to assign to him a position, critically, among the great masters of music. The present volume, while being a complete biography, will contain the results of lengthened research into the hitherto neglected English experiences of the maestro, and will deal with the extraordinary and diverse criticisms which his successive operas evoked from the leading musical critics of the day. The vol ume will be issued on Oct. 5, in demy 8vo. form at js. 6c?., and will contain several full-length family por- traits, including a photogravure frontispiece repro- duced from the latest portrait of the composer, with his dated autograph. "A Frisky Matron," by Percy Lysle, published by Messrs. George Routledge and Sons, has received some very favourable notices, and is going very well. Mr. James Baker, the author of "The Gleam- ing Dawn," &c, has been travelling in Scandi- navia and Finland, visiting the Lap district within the Arctic circle, and the interesting mining mountainous district round Gellivara, from whence he crossed over to Russia to be present at the Faure fetes in honour of the French President at St. Petersburg. He is writing for the Pall Mall Gazette, the Queen, Black and White, and some provincial papers. Messrs. Cassell and Company (Limited) will publish in October a volume of aphoristic poems, "Quiet Waters," by Frederick Langbridge. The book—which is intended as a sequel to the author's "Cluster of Quiet Thoughts"—will have twenty illustrations by Zillah Taylor. Miss Taylor has also designed a cover and a frontis- piece for Mr. Langbridge's "Sent Back by the Angels."  ## p. 129 (#551) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. Mr. David Nutt will shortly publish Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel John MacGregor's new volume of Gaelic Poems, entitled "Luinneagan Luaineach" (Random Lyrics). The volume will also contain several renderings of the original Gaelic into English verse by the author himself, as well as the Jubilee poems of "Victoria Maxima," lately accepted by Her Majesty the Queen. Messrs. W. Thacker and Co. will publish, on the 5th inst., a work entitled: "A Servant of John Company" (1825-1882), by H. G. Keene, C.I.E., author of "Sketches in Indian Ink," &c, and for many years a district judge in the North-West Provinces of India. Among other subjects the volume deals with: Posting Days in England, Fighting Fitzgerald, Daniel O'Connell, Reminiscences of the Indian Mutiny, Duelling in the Army and the part the late Prince Consort took in the abolition of the same, Agra, Calcutta, &c, Bishop Wilson, the Right Hon. J. Wilson, Lord Canning, Sir Henry Lawrence, Lord Dalhousie, Sir H. M. Elliot, Anglo-Indian Society in the days of the East India Company; interspersed with original stories and anecdotes of the times. The book will be illustrated by Mr. W. Simpson, R.I., the well- known artist and correspondent of the Illustrated London Neics, from original sketches by the author. The Quiver has arranged with Mr. W. Edwards Tirebuck for a new serial story to begin next November. It is to be called "The White Woman: An Adventure." "I was visiting Stratford-upon-Avon," a gentleman writes to the Standard, "and, while looking at a shop window, a boy of about ten or eleven volunteered the information (pointing to a photograph) that that was ' Shakespeare's house.' I inquired, 'Who was Shakespeare'(' and with a merry twinkle in his eye, the boy said, 'He stole the deer.' I said, 'I had not seen anything of it in the papers—was it recently—this week or last?' He replied, ' It was three or four years ago.' I inquired if that was all that Shakespeare did, and why there were so many pictures about of his birthplace?' He said,' He was a rich man, and lived in a big house.'" Mr. Fisher Unwin would be greatly obliged if anyone possessing information about books and etchings of the late Charles Keene, not mentioned in Mr. Layard's "Life," would communicate the same to him for the purpose of a forthcoming bibliography. If a sufficient number of guinea subscriptions are obtained, the Clarendon Press propose to publish, by the collotype process, a facsimile of the original MS. of the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon in Welsh, reproduced from the MS. of Bishop Richard Davies, and compared with the parallel versions of Salesbury (1567) and Morgan (1588). To this will be added an account of a draft petition for a translation into "the vulgar walsh tong," and a bond in connec- tion therewith, bound with the MS., and a disser- tation on some early Welsh versions of Holy Scripture by Archdeacon D. R. Thomas, Llan- drinio. A book of private letters, illustrating high life in the Elizabethan period, has been prepared by Lady Newdegate of Arbury, and will shortly be published by Mr. David Nutt. It is entitled "Gossip from a Muniment Room," and the correspondence is that of two Fitton sisters, one of whom married Sir John Newdigate of Arbury, and the other was maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth. Sir William Knollys, Sir Fulke Greville, Sir Richard Leveson, and Francis Beau- mont are among the correspondents introduced. The book will be illustrated from family portraits. The latest volume in Mr. Thomas J. Wise's library of privately-printed books is a collection of "Letters from Shelley to Hogg." These were written in 1810-11. Mr. St. Loe Strachey, editor of the Cornhill Magazine, has succeeded to the post of joint- editor and joint-proprietor of the Spectator, on the death of Mr. Hutton. The Progressive Review is dead.—The Angli- can, an illustrated church review, makes its first appearance this month. It is a monthly, price i*., and is published from 37, Norfolk-street, Strand.— To-morrow has not been issued for the last two months, but begins again now under a new publisher, Mr. Grant Richards. Another series of biographies, this time of "Masters of Medicine" of Great Britain and Europe, has been projected, and will appear before long. Among early volumes to appear will be "John Hunter," by Dr. Stephen Paget; and "William Harvey," by Mr. D'Arcy Power. Miss Beatrice Whitby's " Sunset" and Mr. F. W. Robinson's "Little Nin," are among the new novels which Messrs. Hurst and Blackett will issue this month. "This Little World" is the title of Mr. D. Christie Murray's new novel which Messrs. Chatto and Windus are to publish immediately. Miss Alcock has introduced Armenian history in her novel, " By Far Euphrates," which Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton are about to issue. The Rev. E. Convbeare, whose antiquarian researches in Cambridgeshire are well known, is  ## p. 130 (#552) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. engaged on a history of that county for Mr. Elliot Stock's Popular County History series. Particular attention has been bestowed on the part taken by Cambridgeshire in the baronial wars of the thirteenth century. A new work by Count Tolstoy is announced. The subject will be the tardy repentance of a man who is on a jury that condemns a young woman to Siberia for theft. This man recog- nises in the prisoner a girl whom he has wronged years before, and he eventually accompanies her into exile. "Manners, Institutions, and Ceremonies of the Hindus," by the Abbe J. A. Dubois, is shortly to be published by Mr. Henry Frowde. The work has been translated from the author's later French MS. in the Madras Government's records, with notes and corrections, and a biography of the author, by Mr. H. K. Beauchamp. Dean Farrar has written " The Herods" for a set of volumes called the Popular Biblical Library, an enterprise of Messrs. Service and Paton. This firm also announce "Our Churches, and "Why We Belong to Them," by Canon Knox- Little, Dr. Horton, and other preachers. A two-volume work by Mr. J. E. C. Bodley, on "France since the Revolution," is to be published by Messrs. Macmillan. The 6nal part of " Flora of British India," by Sir Joseph Hooker, will be issued this month by Messrs. L. Reeve and Co., who have also in hand the following:—By Mr. A. Fryer, an illustrated "Potamogetons of the British Isles "; by Miss E. M. Bowdler Sharpe, an illustrated monograph on the genus Teracolus. Dr. Jessopp has written a "Life of Donne " for •Messrs. Methuen's "Leaders of Religion" series. Mr. W. S. Gilbert is bringing his old "Bab Ballads" volume into line with his "more chastened sense of humour." The text has been revised, and a number of illustrations added. Messrs. Routledge will publish the book. A volume of poems by Mrs. Shorter (Miss Dora Sigerson) will be published by Mr. Lane this month. A monument is to be erected to the memory of Joanna Baillie at her birthplace, Bothwell, Lanark- shire. It is given by a friend of letters who wishes to remain anonymous. Mr. Owen Seaman succeeds the late Mr. E. J. Milliken on the staff of Punch. Mr. W. E. Henley's "English Lyrics" is announced by Messrs. Methuen for this month. Mr. F. G. Kitton, the well-known authority on Dickens, has discovered a number of stories, articles, and essays by the novelist. These will shortly be published by Mr. George Redway in a volume entitled " To be Read at Dusk." There will be an edition for England, and another for America, and each will contain matter that the other will not. Mr. Aylmer Gowing's new book "Merely Players" is now ready. The publishers are F. V. White and Co. Messrs. Barnicott and Pearce, of Taunton, have issued "Memorials of Wells and Glastonbury," in the shape of two cards, each with collotype views of the cathedral and the abbey respectively, with sonnets by the Rev. Prebendary Godfrey Thring, well known for his hymn "Fierce raged the tempest o'er the deep," and others, in the collection of Ancient and Modern Hymns. Those who know these monuments may note that the cards can be had for a shilling each. Mr. H. A. Salmonc, the professor of Arabic at King's College, London, has devised and is editing a unique souvenir of the Jubilee. This is the third verse of the National Anthem metrically rendered into fifty of the principal languages spoken throught the British Empire. Sir W. B. Richmond has done an emblematic design, and each page will have a decorative border. The Queen has accepted the dedication of the volume, which will be published by Mr. Nutt at Christ- mas. The long legal and political career of the late Sir John Simon, serjeant-at-law, formerly M.P. for Dewsbury, is to be treated in a memoir now being prepared by his son, Mr. Oswald John Simon. The biography of Lord Tennyson will be pub- lished on the 6th inst. It will contain poems and letters that have not yet been made public. Mr. R. H. Sherard is engaged on a biography of Herr Andree for Messrs. McClure. Under the title "Tourgueneff and his French Circle," Miss Ethel Arnold will shortly publish, through Mr. Unwin, a translation of various letters addressed to Flaubert, George Sand, Zola, Maupassant, Gambetta, and others. The volume is edited by Mme. E. Halperine-Kaminsky. The letters have been appearing in monthly instal- ments in Cosmopolis. The posthumous volume of stories by Mr. Hubert Crackanthorpe is to be published by Mr. Heinemann. "The Canon," by a Symbolist, is a work on ancient symbolism and mysticism which Mr. Mathews is to publish. It will have a preface by Mr. R. B. Cunningham Grahame.  ## p. 131 (#553) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. A volume of Pitt's letters to Wilberforce is to be published on Monday by Mr. Unwin. Lord Rosebery, who has seen them, describes the letters as "among the most interesting we possess of Pitt." Mr. Archibald Forbes's "Life of Napoleon III." will be published shortly by Messrs. Chatto and Windus. The memoirs of the late Archbishop of Canter- bury are to be published by Macmillan. Mr. J. Cuthbert Hadden has written a memoir entitled " George Thomson, the Friend of Burns: His Life and Correspondence." Thomson's cor- respondence, which was placed by his descen- dants in Mr. Hadden's hands, includes letters from Scott, Hogg, Bjron, Moore, Campbell, and Joanna Baillie. New material concerning Mary Queen of Scots is promised in a forthcoming biography by Mr. Hay Fleming, to be published by Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton. The work is founded upon documents recently discovered by Mr. Maitland Thomson, the head of the historical department in the Register House, Edinburgh. Mr. Clement K. Shorter's book on Victorian Literature will be published from Mr. Bowden's house this month. Mr. B. T. Batsford has in the press the follow- ing architectural and decorative works :—" The Influence of Materials on Architecture," by Mr. Banister F. Fletcher j "Examples of Old Furniture, English and Foreign," drawn by Mr. A. E. Chancellor; "Windows: A Book about Stained and Painted Glass," by Mr. Lewis F. Day; and "Alphabets Old and New," selected by Mr. Lewis F. Day. An illuminated alphabet, and "An Almanac of Twelve Sports for 1898," both by Mr. William Nicholson, are being brought out by Mr. Heine- mann. A new volume of poems, by the Rev. S. J. Stone, author of "The Knight of Intercession," will shortly be published by Messrs. Longman. The chief poem of the volume will be in seven cantos. The volume will be called "Lays of Iona." A new story by Miss Eliza F. Pollard, entitled "A Gentleman of England," is to be published by Mr. Addison. Mr. F. Anstey has placed with Messrs. Dent for publication his new work, entitled "Baboo Jabberjee, B.A." Stevenson's last novel, "St. Ives," which Mr. Quiller Couch is completing, will be published soon by Mr. Heinemann. The Free Quakers and the American War of Independence share the interest of a tale by Dr. Weir Mitchell, which Mr. Unwin will publish in a few days. Messrs. Methuen announce " Traits and Confi- dences," by Miss Emily Lawless; "A Creel of Irish Tales," by Miss Barlow; "Josiah's Wife," by Miss Lorimer; "A Passionate Pilgram," bv Mr. Percy White; "Lochinvar," by Mr. S. R. Crockett; and "Secretary to Bivne, M.P.," by Mr. Pett Ridge. "The Tormentor'' is the title of Mr. Benjamin Swift's new novel, which Mr. Unwin will publish. The title of Mark Twain's book has been altered to " Following the Equator." Two new stories by Mr. Henty —" With Frederick the Great" and "With Moore at Corunna "—will be published shortly by Messrs. Black. Mrs. Alice M. Dale has written a novel called "Marcus Warwick, Atheist," which Messrs. Kegan Paul will publish. It is in some measure a study of the criminal laws. Mrs. Pinsent is the author of "Job Hildred," a novel to be published by Mr. Arnold. "By the Rise of the River" is the title which "Austin Clare" has given to a volume of Northumberland tales and sketches which Messrs. Chatto are to publish. Mme. Sarah Grand's novel is to be called "Beth Book," and will probably appear at the end of this month. The publisher is Mr. Heinemann, who also announces novels by Mr. H. G. Wells, Mr. Harold Frederic, Mr. Stephen Crane, Mr. Robert Hichens, and Dr. Max Nordan. Mr. Justin MacCarthy's volume of stories, "The Three Disgraces," is due on the 28th. Mr. Lacon Watson has depicted the life of a small coterie, settled in one of the Inns of Court, in his new volume which Mr. Elkin Mathews is about to publish, entitled " An Attic in Bohemia." Miss Violet Hunt's new story, *' Unkist, Un- kind," which has been running in Chapman is Magazine of Fiction, will to-day be published in a volume by Messrs. Chapman and Hall. From the Atlanta Constitution (Georgia) :— Instead of wasting whole columns for or against authors, the critics would do well to pattern by the example of a certain Georgia literary society of which an exohange says: "There was a lively meeting of the literary club last night, at which the secretary and treasurer engaged in a wrestling match to decide which was the best poet—Tennyson or Kipling? The secretary was for Tennyson, the treasurer for Kipling. The latter threw the secretary three times, and Kipling won out."  ## p. 132 (#554) ############################################ 132 THE AUTHOR. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—The Return of MSS. WILL you allow mo to point, out in The Author a very real grievance to which even experienced writers are subject. I allude to the practice of accepting MSS. for con- sideration, by editors of reviews and magazines, and retaining them for many months, after which period they are returned to their owners as no longer available. Often such papers depend entirely for their value on being immediately taken up, and are quite valueless after the lapse of three or four months. I contend that an editor of a large periodical should either pay for the privilege of keeping MSS. by him in case he uses it, or should at once return it for use or con- sideration elsewhere. A very real hardship is inflicted on many who are unable to bear the loss of income by this very common delay in returning unaccepted work. So many journalists have seen their usual weekly contributions crowded out during the last few weeks to make room for "Jubilee" matter, whereby the paper has made a rich harvest to the loss of the everyday journalist, that I represent the opinion of many when I say—editors' drawers need prompter overhauling. . Hard Worker. II.—Criticism in Conflict. The amazing divergence of opinion expressed of late as to the literary value of certain works of fiction sets one pondering over what the true standard of excellence may be, and whether those who profess to assay with fidelity the pro- ducts from Brainland submitted to them for analysis are qualified for so responsible a trust. A daily journal which provides much service- able book "chat" for its readers, recently remarked ..." one is tempted to ask one- self ... of what possible use such con- flicting criticism can be in moulding, or at least guiding, the taste of the public in literature?" Of what use, indeed? many will feel disposed to echo. The uncomfortable fact is forced upon us that there must be something rotten in the state of Denmark when such wide clefts in critical unanimity are possible. How to unite these chasms with some more stable platform as foot- hold for the intelligent reading public is the poser now propounded. I imagine the solution thereof should be best left to the appraisers themselves. Meanwhile that body must not be surprised if the already somewhat impaired con- fidence in their judgments becomes even further oosened. Cecil Clarke. Authors' Club, S.W. 21st Aug. 111.—" Dictionary of National Biography" Dinner. In the last issue of this paper, under the head "Personal," occurs an account of Mr. George Smith's dinner " to his friends and the contribu- tors to the 'Dictionary of National Biography.'" I am surprised to find Tlie Author, like all the other papers, repeating this extremely inaccu- rate statement. As a matter of fact, the dinner was given only to one, the larger, section of the contributors. The women, some fifteen to twenty in number, who have worked upon the dictionary, many of them since the early volumes, were excluded from the invitation. And this not- withstanding a printed communication (the first in the annals of the magnum opus in which we have not been addressed as Dear Sir) received shortly before, stating that publisher and editor wished, to take an early opportunity of per- sonally thanking the workers who had assisted in bringing the conclusion so near in sight. That we have not yet mastered the man's art of dining I willingly concede (although our Jubilee dinner might seem to disprove this ancient legend, and to show we have an art of our own); but that our work should be thus publicly ignored and discounted on the score of sex seems alto- gether anomalous in this year of Jubilee, when all the nations of the world have agreed that a woman's rule over one of the greatest has been of unexampled success. From the one or two contributors who meekly repaired on July 8 to a gallery at the Hotel Mctropole, I gathered that some allusion to the absent workers was made by one or two of the "guests who were not contributors," but I did not learn that anyone proposed the toast of "Contributors who were not G-uests." More illogical productions than the cards issued to us, in common with numerous female relations of the staff, a few days before the enter- tainment, I have seldom seen. Headed by the magic words, "Dinner to the contributors, &c, &c„" they went on to request those contributors to honour their host by gliding in afterwards to "listen to the speeches." No one, I think, can have worked for years at this laborious task without feeling the most intense pride and interest in all the other far more distinguished workers, and the disappoint- ment at not sharing in the general felicitations was proportionately bitter. Charlotte Fell Smith. Great Saling, Essex. IV.—An Inquiry. Can you or any of your readers refer me to any bDok containing practical directions as to the  ## p. 133 (#555) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. l33 construction of plays, with a view to their pro- duction on the stage, a glossary of terms, a concise account of the technique of the play- wright and stage manager, &c.? I beg to take this opportunity to ask also: "Where is the best guide to correct punctuation? Last year reference was made in The Author to a work published for private circulation by some Oxford printer; and it was suggested that it might be a boon to many if the work could be obtained generally. Tyro. V.—An Unpaid Magazine Article. I wrote an article which appeared in the March number of a certain magazine. Two months afterwards I wrote to the editor to ask whether the publication of an article was, like virtue, its own reward. I was answered that it was not, and that the reward would come. Six months have now passed since the paper first appeared, and the reward has not arrived. Am I justified in writing again to demand it? Or ought I to sit down quietly and wait till I get it? M. OBITUARY. MR. SAMUEL LAING was a second Wrangler and second Smith's Prizeman in 1832, became a Fellow of St. John's, and was called to the Bar in 1837. He entered Parliament in 1852, after being for a time the private secretary to the President of the Board of Trade. In 1859 he became Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and as Finance Minister spent five years in India. On his return he resumed the chairmanship of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Board. His career as an author dated from 1863, when he published "India and China"; then followed " Prehistoric Remains of Caithness" (1865): his best known work, "Modern Science and Thought" (1885); a novel called " A Modern Zoroastrian" (1887); "Problems of the Future" (1889) ; and " Human Origins" (1892). Mr. Laing died on Aug. 6, at the age of eighty-six. Bishop Bickersteth, of South Tokio, who died in England on the 5th Aug., at the age of forty- seven, was the author of "The Church in Japan," "The Anglican Union," and "A Basis of Christian Union." The late Sir George Osborne Morgan, Bart, M.P., was the author of several legal and political work*, and the translator of "Hexameters of the Eclogues of Virgil." Mr. Richard Holt Hutton, editor of the Spectator, died on the 9th ult., after a long and painful illness. He was born at Leeds seventy-one years ago. His father was a Unitarian minister; Hutton also qualified for this ministry, but never filled a pulpit regularly, and soon relinquished preaching. For a brief period he edited the Unitarian organ, the Inquirer, and he also held the Principalship of University Hall until his health demanded a trip to the West Indies. Then he edited the National Review, a short-lived but brilliant quarterly. From this publication his book of "Essays Theological and Literary" was reprinted. These two volumes are now included in Messrs. Macmillan's Eversley Series. His other pub- lished works are: "Modern Guides of Thought," "Criticisms on Contemporary Thought," " Words- worth and his Genius," "Shelley's Poetical Mysticism," "Studies in Parliament," "Holiday Rambles" (jointly with his wife), "Scott" (English Men of Letters series), and a mono- graph, "Cardinal Newman." He also edited the works, of Bagehot. He was intellectu- ally influenced by F. D. Maurice, and at a later date was a strong admirer of Cardinal Newman. Mr. Gladstone called Richard Holt Hutton "the first critic of the nineteenth cen- tury." He "found" Mr. Swinburne, some of whose "Poems and Ballads" first appeared in the Spectator; and Arnold,Tennyson,and Mr. William Watson owed something to him as well. Mrs. Hutton (he was married twice) died two months ago. Mr. Colin Rie-Brown died on the nth ult. in his 76th year. His published works include "Glimpses of Scottish Life" and several volumes of verse. He founded London Burns Club, and was a friend of De Quincey. The late Rev. Edward Arthur Litton was Bampton Lecturer in 1866, the lectures being subsequently published under the title of "The Connection of the Church and the Old and New Testament." Among his other works was " Introduction to Dogmatic Theology on the Basis of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England." Miss Munro Ferguson, who died of influenza on the 13th ult., was a gifted lady, the author of several novels, and possessed a decided talent for verse-writing. The late Rev. Andrew Matthews, rector of Gumley, had written several works on natural history.  ## p. 134 (#556) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. LITERATURE INJTHE PERIODICALS. Mb. Robert Barr and His Public. Letters in Daily Chronicle for Aug. 24, 28, and 31. A Warning to Novelists. A Novel-Reader. New Review for September. Maeterlinck as a Mystic. Arthur Symons. Contem- porary Review for September. Are our School Histories Anolophobe? Goldwin Smith. North American Review for September. Wanted: A Philanthropist for Research. The Academy for Sept. 18. A New Criticism of Poetry. Contemporary Review for September. Novelist v. Reviewer. Cecil M. Allen. New Century Review for September. Sir Waltee Scott's Letter Bao. G. le Grys Norgate. Temple Bar for September. Gboroes Darien. Onida. Fortnightly Review for September. Mrs. Oliphant as a Novelist. Blackwood's Magazine for September. Longfellow with his Children. Alice Longfellow. Strand Magazine for September. Jean Inoelow. Helen C. Black. Englishwoman for September. When a story which has appeared in a maga- zine under one title, is published in a volume under another title, who is answerable to the public for the inconvenience that may result? A story of Mr. Robert Barr's, when sold for serial publication, was called "At War with His Workers," and ran its course under that title, but the editor wished to call the book "The Mutable Many." Mr. Barr gave his per- mission to the change, as he says, " I think an editor, who knows his public better than an author can know it, should be at liberty to make such amendments as he deems necessary in the serial he buys." But he suggested that the editor of Tit Bits (in which the story appeared) should refund 6s. to each of his readers who bought the novel under a misapprehension. Sir George Newnes immediately telegraphed a reply, in which he declined—with much good humour— Mr. Barr's proposal. Of course such an altera- tion has occurred before, witness Mr. Hardy's "Hearts Insurgent" being resolved into "Jude the Obscure." The text of much banter by "A Novel- Reader " appears to be that writers of fiction are pandering to public demand, and ciring for the ethic foundation rather than the aesthetic. The Victorian Era, according to this critic of novelists in the lump, is the Golden Age of Fiction, and there was a vague feeling abroad last June that 10,000 British novelists were sharing the Queen's triumph. On the other hand, there are not more than six novelists ("miserable usurpers") who have never congratulated America on her love of arbitration, and never advised Crete to take up arms against half the world. This little minority kes no thought of the public; for them " vast circulation" has no charm. But the faithful 10,000—to be one of them is to be great indeed, but it is difficult. One—the " successful novelist" —" must have a perfect mastery of that brisk market whereon is quoted 'the price per thousand,' and whose jargon suggests the opera- tions of the Wool Exchange. American copyright must keep no secrets from him, and the Colonies must be taught to yield him homage and profit. Above all, he must discover a trusty ' agent' who for a trifling percentage shall act the watchdog upon the shifty publisher, and shall be quick to squeeze the welcome fiver from the pirate journals of Australasia." Nor is this all. He is only on the threshold thus far; for he has next to learn how most accurately to "feel the public pulse," and it is in the triumphant performance of this delicate duty that be best displays his genius. Still, it seems he is 10,000 to six. Only six pretenders, who follow art to a great extent for art's sake; only six who are determined to drag from the English tongue all the music with which it is harmonious; only six who leap for joy at the proper snap of a phrase; to whose vision, as they write, the world of common statistics closes its windows; who think no more of literal fact than their readers, but present that which they have found in tli9 manner best suited to their artistic conscience. The "artistic conscience" is badly wanted, according to Professor Goldwin Smith, in American histories. An examination into the histories in use has convinced him that their special fault is not that they stimulate hatred of Great Britain, but that they are deficient in literary art. This is in reply to charges of Anglophobism from various quarters. Professor Goldwin Smith does not, however, among the accusers whom he combats, mention the indict- ment against American school histories which appeared in Blackwood's Magazine a year or two ago. But he makes the following statement regarding the construction of the books:— A large, and what appears a disproportionate, space is given, perhaps even in the later histories, to the Revolutionary War, and the details of that war, some of whioh, of course, are exasperating, since the royal armies unquestionably committed excesses, are narrated with disagreeable minute- ness. But it is not necessary to ascribe this to deliberate malice. The Revolutionary War does, in fact, fill rather a large space in the comparatively brief annals of the United States. Its chief actors are the national heroes and the national types of patriotic virtue. Its inoidents, or those of the war of 1812, are about the only matter by whioh an nngif ted American writer can hope to enliven his work and appeal to the imagination of young readers. It is not in American school histories alone that a disproportionate space is occupied by the annals of war. Thirst of martial glory ia nowhere extinot, and nothing is so picturesque as a battle. It is not easy to present in a form interesting to a child a Beries of political events and characters, the issues between Jefferson and Hamilton, the  ## p. 135 (#557) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. i35 struggles between Adams and Jackson, or even the political contest with slavery. Nor can an ordinary writer lend piotnresqnenesB to the progress of social improvement, of commerce, or of invention. A writer in the Academy appeals for more support being given by this country to Oriental studies. In England, he says, a few unpaid chairs at the Universities is all that has been done for advanced studies; whereas in France there are schools subsidised on the ground of public utility, at which a student can obtain the best instruction at a trifling expense; in Austria, Italy, and Q-ermany, the same work is in part done by the Imperial and Royal Academies; while in America similar institutions, founded by individual generosity, are springing up every year. As the Treasury will hardly allow the British Museum enough money to bind its books, it is useless, says the writer, to expect any help from Government. What is wanted is some means by which those versed in advanced studies can find a steady, if small, market for their wares, such as is provided in France by foundations like the Musue Guimet. The providing of these facili- ties would, the writer says, be " a way in which some philanthropic lover of learning might do much to take away England's reproach as the most unkind country in the world to scholars." At the present time no publisher will risk the expense of publishing the result of the student's researches, for they can never appeal to any but a few readers. The philanthropist is to provide a certain sum every year, to be given to the author of advanced works dealing with any branch of study that he may affect, a committee deciding on the merits of the works. .£500—say the interest on ,£20,000—would suffice for the production of one large or several smaller works every year, and yet give a handsome reward to the authors. Poetry has been used very ill by the critics, says a Contemporary Reviewer. It was always thus, indeed, but the modern methods are novel. If a writer uses a quaint epithet from Milton, he is accused of plagiarism; the actual text of a poem may be parodied, and so rendered ridiculous. Then there is the log-rolling art, "in the greatest request among the younger members of the poetic brotherhood "; and, deadliest method of modern critical ill-will, there is the conspiracy of silence, now greatly in use. The writer of the article supports the suggestion of Mr. Charles Leonard Moore—the author of a half-serious paper in an American review—that critics should adopt a scheme of assigning so many marks to the various kinds of excellence which make up a poetical whole. The result, at any rate, would be to make it more difficult for a critic who is really ignorant of the elements of his art to pose as an omniscient judge. THE BOOKS OP THE MONTH. [August 24 to Sept. 23.—201 Books.] Agar, E. 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Old Tales from Greece. 2/6.  ## p. 136 (#559) ############################################ AD VER TISEMENTS. Crown 8vo., Cloth Boards, Silver Lettering, Price 6s. A LADY OF WALES. "AStopy of the Siege of Chester, 1645." BY THE Rey. VINCENT J. LEATHERDALE, M.A. London: Horace Cox, Windsor House, Bream's -buildings, E.O. Demy 8vo., cloth boards, price 10s. 6d. IN NEW SOUTH AFRICA. Travels in the Transvaal and Rhodesia. With Hap and Twenty-sis Illustrations, By II. LINCOLN TANGYE. CONTENTS. Introductory. PART L Chapter L—The Land of Oold and the Way there. „ II.—Across Desert and Veldt. ,, IH,—Johannesburg the Golden. „ IV.—A Transvaal Coach Journey. „ V.—Natal: the South African Garden. ,, VI.—Ostracised In Africa. Home with the Swallows. PAET II.—BAMBLES IN EHODESIA. Chapter I.—Eendragt Maakt Magt. „ IL—Into the Country of Lobengula. „ III.—The Trail of War. ,, IV.—Goldmining, Ancient and Modern. „ V.—Sic Transit Gloria Mundi. „ VL—To Northern MaBhonaland. „ VIL—Primitive Art The Misadventures of a Wagon. Index. London: Horace Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-bnildings, Z.C. Crown 8vo., cloth boards, price 6s. HATHERSAGE: A Tale of North Derbyshire. . BY CHARLES EDMUND HALL, Author of " An Ancient Ancestor," Ac. RECENT VERSE. LYRICS. By Dr. J. A. GOODCHILD. Cloth lettered, price 6s. NORTH COUNTRY BALLADS. By HENRY TODD. Price 5s. TALES IN VERSE. By Dr. J. A. GOODCHILD. Cloth lettered, price 5s. SONGS OF THE CASCADES. By ERL VIKING. Fcap. 8vo., cloth boards, 8s. Od. SONGS OF THE PINEWOODS. By ARTHUR CAMP- BELL. Price 3a. Gd. THE FAIREST OF THE ANGELS, and Other Verse. By MABY COLBORNE-VEEL. Fcap. 8vo., cloth boards, 3s. 6d. "Some of the shorter lyrics are much above the average, being clear in thought and musical in expression. The merits of the collec- tion are considerable."—The Bookman, THE WANDERER EN THE LAND OF CYBI, and other Poems (1886-93). By OLIFFOBD BKOOKS. Fcap. 8vo., cloth boards, 3s. 6d. POEMS. By THOMAS BARLOW. Crown 8vo., bevelled boards, gilt edges, price 5s. POEMS. By LEWIS BROCKMAN. Crown 8vo., cloth boards, 6s. 11 The balladB are full of the spirit and directness of style proper to the ballad."—Saturday Review, "Mr. Brockman is a writer of good poetic mettle, and no doubt the reading world will hear more of him yet."—Glasgow Herald. "The graceful smoothness of Mr. Lewis Brockman's poems."— Daily Telegraph. "He Is decidedly inventive, and often highly imaginative. . . . The element of originality pervades the book. . . . His long poem, 'Ronald's Cross/ is well sustained . . . it is like the plaint of the 1 Mariner,* and it holds us."— Queen. "A reader who values cultured sentiments and flawless versifica- tion will find much to admire,"—Scotsman. London: HORACB Cox, Windsor House, Bread's Buildings. E.C. Demy 8vo., with Map and Illustrations, price 10s. 6d. AN AUSTRALIAN IN CHINA: Being the Narrative of a Quiet Journey Acros China to British Burma. Bv G. E. MORRISON 11 Mr. Morrison is an Australian doctor who has achieved probably the most remarkable journey through the Flowery Land ever attempted by a Christian. ... He was entirely unarmed and unaccompanied, save for the coolies who carried his baggage. Such a journey—three thousand miles in length—could not fall to present many curious customs and as many curious people. But it is owing entirely to Dr. Morrison's graphic manner of description, and his acutely keen observation, that his travels are such a reality to the reader. This portly volume is one of the most interesting books of travel of the many published this year. It is frank, original, and quite ungarnished by adventitious colouring."—St. James's Budget. 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Royal 8vo., price 16s. net. Sporting Days in Southern India: BEING REMINISCENCES OF TWENTY TRIPS IN PURSUIT OP BIG GAME, CHIEFLY IN THE JNADRAS PRESIDENCY. BY Lieut.-Col. A. J. 0. POLLOCK, Royal Scots Fitters. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS BY WHYMPER AND OTHERS. CONTENTS.—Chapters L, LL, and III.—ThoBear. IV. and V.—The Panther. VL, VII., and VIIL—The Tiger. IX. and X.—The Indian Bison. XL and XII.—The Elephant. XIII.—Deer (CervidB) and Antelopes. XIV.—The Ibei. XV. and XVI.— Miscellaneous.' Horace Cox, Windsor Bouse, Bream s-buildings, E.C. 1. G-XH.X*, TYPE-WHITING OFFICE, 35, LUDGATE HILL, E.C. (ESTABLISHED 1883.) Authors' MSS. carefully copied from Is. per 1000 words. Duplicate copies third price. Skilled typists sent out by hour, day. or week. French MSS. accurately copied, or typewritten English translations supplied. References kindly permitted to Sir Walter Besant; also to Messrs. A. P. Watt and Son, Literary AgentB, Hastings House, Norfolk-street, Strand, W.C. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 08 Issue 05 (October 1897) Subject The topic of the resource <em>The Author</em>, Vol. 08 Issue 05 (October 1897) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015049239455" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015049239455</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1897-10-01-The-Author-8-5 publications The Author