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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) 1899-06-01 Volume 10 Issue 1 Pages Page range in volume 3–28 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18990601 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin The Huthor. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) PamauUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vou. X.—No. 1.] JUNE 1, 1899. [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 they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. es HE 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 showld 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. Oe GENERAL MEMORANDA. y ERE are a few standing 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 advertisements 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. VOL. X. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor ! (7.) To stamp the agreement. Ill. The royalty system. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. 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.” The four main 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 there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher’s own organs and none for exchanged advertisements. Pee HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. le VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon 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 advice sought 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 Committee 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. 3. Send to the office copies of past agreements and past accounts with the loan of the books represented. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are BQ 4 THE AUTHOR. VI. Your committee would also repeat the recommendations made in their former report. These recommendations were adopted by the Committee of Management. They were also adopted by the Booksellers’ Association of Scot- land (see The Author, Aug. 1898, pp. 61 and 63). They were designed in order to give the net system a fair trial without coercion. It was there proposed. :— (1.) That books at 6s. and under shall remain as before. (2.) That, as at present, every net book shall be made the subject of a special contract, and that a bookseller shall be at liberty to take it on net terms or not, without interference with his liberty to do what he pleases with other books, his own property. (3.) That the system of sale or return shall be more extensively adopted. This method, indeed, is absolutely necessary if books are to be really published for the world and not, as now happens with a great many, which are not taken by the booksellers, only printed. Your committee desire to see in every book- seller’s shop in the country a collection of all the new books worth buying offered for sale. (4.) That the “odd” copy shall be abolished as practically useless and even mischievous. (Date) April . . . 1899. EO II.—Lorp Rvusseiy’s Bint anp Mr. Joun Murray’s Lerrer. The purport of Lord Russell’s Bill in the memorandum attached to the same is stated to be as follows :— “ An effort to check, by making them criminal, a large number of inequitable and illegal secret payments, all of which are dishonest and tend to shake confidence between man and man and to discourage honest trade and enterprise.” That such a Bill is very necessary in the present state of commercial morality there can be no doubt, and the object of the Bill is stated in very strong and clear language; but unfortunately a great many of the practices put forward in the Bill have come to be so common and a matter of such every-day occurrence that they are no longer looked upon as either dishonest or as likely to discourage honest trade and enterprise. To those gentlemen who, while dealing in com- merce, have still got shreds of a conscience left, it will be a satisfactory matter to have the methods put forward in this Bill clearly de- scribed as coming within the criminal law. Clause 9g is, perhaps, the most important clause as far as authors are concerned, as it distinctly prevents publishers who are acting as agents for authors, or literary agents who are acting as agents, from receiving—the former secret discounts from printers, bookbinders, &c., and from charging for advertisements which are not paid for, or from receiving secret discounts on large advertising accounts that are paid for ; the latter from receiving secret commissions from publishers, editors, and others for giving them the option of purchase of the works of those well-known and popular authors for whom they may happen to be acting. The very strong sus- picion of the Society has been aroused to the fact that both these faults do exist, in spite of the letter from Mr. John Murray in the Times of May 8, which we have taken the lhberty of quoting in full :—- Sir,—The Lord Chief Justice, in introducing the Illicit Commissions Bill in the House of Lords, on April 20, is reported to have said: ‘“ Again, in the publishing trade and also the printing trade I am sorry to say the evil is growing worst of all.” As this charge came upon my colleagues and myself as a complete surprise, and caused some consternation among us, I ventured to write to the Lord Chief Justice and ask for such further particulars as would enable the council of our association to investigate the case. In reply I have just received a very courteous intimation from his Lordship that his ‘‘ remarks were about the printing, not the publishing trade,” accompanied by the permission to make that intimation public. I shall esteem it a favour if you will allow me to do so by means of your columns.—I am, Sir, your obedient servant, JoHN MuRRAY. Mr. Murray’s disclaimer is very pleasing, but it is rather perplexing to find that Lord Russell’s words came upon him and his colleagues as a matter of “ complete surprise, and caused some consternation.’”’ It is, of course, possible that he and his colleagues never read the weekly review which is published from the same office as the paper in whose columns the letter appears, but if he would refer to the issue of Jvterature of Jan. 21, he will find a letter from a publisher who, in criticising Sir Walter Besant’s “ Pen and the Book,” openly stated that these discounts are made, and that ‘whatever extra terms I obtain are legally and morally mine.’ Again I have taken the liberty of quoting part of that letter :— The only implication that can be intended by furnishing such statements as the above is that the author should, on these accounts, receive the full benefits of all the advantages thus obtained. Now, because I, as a publisher of good standing and capital, can obtain certain allowances on the material I buy or on the labour I employ, should it follow that I should make the author a present of them? By no means. The author is not my partmer. I buy his literature as I buy the paper, and printing, and binding. If he desires that I should publish his book on commission, I furnish him with an estimate, which he can accept or refuse as he pleases, and the details of this estimate are made up irre- spective of what I may make in commission on the sales of the book. In ninety-nine cases out of every hundred I do not believe that I shall make a crown piece in commission on sales. I tell the author that, and try to dissuade him  THE AUTHOR. 5 from throwing his money away. If he will have it this way, why, then, my charges are such as make it worth my while undertaking the business, and giving him the benefit of my advice, experience, and staff. Whatever “extra” terms I obtain are legally and morally mine, since these constitute the only profit [ can hope to make by doing for the author what he cannot do for himself. If I make any commission on the sales I have earned them by selling the book. The publisher in this tries to vindicate his position by stating “ the author is not my partner.” Certainly not. When the publisher is publish- ing a book on commission—that is, when the author is paying entirely for the cost of produc- {ion and the publisher is getting a commission on the sales—the publisher is not the author's partner. He is more than this: he is the author's agent, and as his agent will come under clause 9 of Lord Russell’s Bill, and is not only morally, as he always was, but now legally, bound to give the author any benefit of discounts that he may obtain on the cost of production. If Lord Russell’s Bill becomes law he will be criminally responsible for not doing so. Is it possible that Mr. Murray has never heard of this practice—a practice which the writer of the quoted letter looks upon as not only legal but moral—or that he has never heard of a publisher obtaining dis- counts on other accounts ? Again, it is possible that Mr. Murray and his colleagues have not read the publisher’s letter in the Outlvok of Jan. 14 of this year. (It should be mentioned en passant that both the letter in Literature and the letter in the Outlook are written anonymously. Are the publishers who write them ashamed of the declarations they are making?) If Mr. Murray has not read this letter I beg to refer him to it, as it is of such con- siderable length that it is impossible to quote more than one or two sentences. Here, again, the publisher is talking about a commission book, a book in which he is absolutely acting as agent of the author, in which capacity he will, of course, come under Lord Russell’s Bill. It is impossible for publishers to get out of this position. In publishing commission work, or except where the publisher has purchased for a lump sum the copyright outright, the publisher is acting as the author's agent, and as such will be criminally responsible for secret discounts accepted or given in the first case from the tradesmen he employs, advertising agents, and others ; and in the second case, given to the author's agents, who are also acting in the position of agents. THe states in this letter : “My commission will barely recompense me, but I shall realise on the cost of production.” Further— Why should I give the author, an amateur, a gentleman, the advantage of the rebatement which, in my capacity as an ungenteel professed tradesman and whotesale buyer, I receive on my purchases ? The-e is no objection to him taking discounts or rebatements, or whatever he chooses to call the same; Lut he must, as agent of the author, candidly state that as he does not get sufficient on his commission he looks to be recouped from the discounts obtained on the cost of production, and he must state the amount of discounts he receives. Again— The whole alleged scandal of the cost of production of commission books lies in this: in fallaciously regarding a publisher’s “ estimate’ as a statement of the cost to him of making a certain book. It is, and pretends to be, nothing of the kind. It is an itemised statement of what it will cost the author to engage the publisher’s services. In this sentence he wantonly misstates the case. Never has an author been told, when a publisher’s estimate is forwarded to him, that this is the cost to the author for engaging the publisher’s services. The cost to the author for engaging the publisher’s services is, and always has been, embodied in the commission. The com- plaint made by the Society, and justified by these letters from publishers themselves, is not that the publisher receives discounts, a fact of which Mr. Murray and his colleagues seem to be unaware, but that when acting as an agent for an author they do not declare openly, like honourable men, the discounts that they are going to receive, but keep them secret and put them in their own pockets. In future the secret discount trans- action will be brought under Lord Russell’s Bill, and commission and profit-sharing publishing will not be such a remunerative arrangement to publishers as it has been previously. Mr. Murray, as he is so desirous of bringing the matter before the council of his association, had better ask the editor for the names of their correspondents ; or, better still, at a general meeting of the association, call upon the pub- lishers to declare themselves. These publishers can then be censured before the meeting—a most salutary course. G. H. 7. [Since this paper was written another letter has appeared in Literature, which tries to defend the secret profit system. His defence is to com- pare a publisher with some other kind of trades- man selling a patent article for the owner of the patent, and charging for the cost of production more than he paid. And he seems unable to perceive that the agent, if he tells the owner that the cost of production was so much, while it was less, is simply a liar, and, according to Lord Russell’s Bill, he is now liable to a criminal prosecution. The secrecy constitutes the fraud. Tf discounts and commission are to be allowed they must be entered in the agreement! What- 6 THT: ever sophistries may be invented to defend the practice, the defendant will find them swept away bodily and contemptuously by the Court. It is greatly to be hoped that an example will shortly be made.—Eb. | III.—A Bint anp an Estimare. The book was a crown 8vo., 289 pp. What was charged for the 1000 copies was £100 for pro- duction, £30 for advertisements, and £5 for corrections. The Secretary’s estimate was as follows: I consider that 1000 copies of the book of which you sent me a specimen could have been produced, all bound, and advertised to some £15, for the sum of £65 to £70. Certaiuly, if only 250 copies were bound at a time, you should not have paid more than £65. If anything, printing is cheaper now than ten years ago, and composition dearer. Here are my rough figures: Composition... occ ik £20 to £22 RUN ee csc eens ee toe 740 6 PRPOE oi eee ee ee 14 to 16 PAVETUIBWIE. a ee eas 15and 15 Binding (250). 2... 22.6 a 4h 3to 4 £59 £66 Sa IV.—An Acreement: wirH Nores. |Nortce.—In all cases in which publishers’ agreements are printed and commented on in The Author a copy of the paper will henceforth be sent to the firm concerned, accompanied by a letter drawing their attention to the comments and offer- mg them the opportunity of making any reply in The Author in case they should desire to do so. | (copy.) Memorandum of agreement made this day of ,18 , between (hereinafter called the publishers), on behalf of themselves and their successors of the one part, and (hereinafter called the author), of the other part, whereby it is agreed by and between the parties hereto and as follows : 1. The author shall write and prepare for publication a work to be entitled which, if printed similarly to , would occupy not less than nor more than pages. 2. The author shall deliver to the publishers the whole matter forming the printers’ copy of the work not later than , and shall duly and punctually correct all the proof-sheets thereof as supplied to him by the printers: and, in case of the author’s failure in the above respects, the publishers may annul this agree- ment by giving notice in writing to the author at any time, and thereupon the same shall cease to be binding on the publishers, but any portion of the copy delivered, whether in MS. or in print, . and the copyright therein, shall be the property of AUTTIOR. the publishers, who may arrange as they think fit for the completion and publication of the work. 3. The publishers, at any time before the publication of the work, may submit the same to . the supervision of or any other person hereafter appointed by them in his place, and, if he shall so advise, may decline to publish the same or otherwise to perform this agreement, and thereupon the copy of the work shall be returned to the author. : 4. Subject to the provisions herein contained, the publishers shall, at their own expense, print and publish the work as soon as reasonably may be after the entire copy shall have been delivered, all details whatsoever respecting the printing, embellishing, binding, publication, and sale of the same being at their discretion, and the publishers may from time to time reduce the price of the copies remaining in hand of any edition, or waste the remaining copies without being liable to account to the author for the copies so wasted. 5. If the expense caused by the author’s correc- tions of the press alterations or addition made on the proof-sheets (other than such as may be made at the request of the publishers), shall exceed on an average 10s. per sheet of sixteen pages, such excess shall be born by the author, and may be deducted by the publishers from any. moneys which may become payable to him under this agreement. 6. The author shall not prepare or edit for any publishers other than the publishers any other work which shall be an expansion or abridgment of the work or part of it, unless he shall first have offered to the publishers in writing the option of publishing such other work upon such terms aa shall, mutatis mutandis, correspond with the terms herein contained, and the publishers shall not have accepted such offer within four weeks. 7. Upon the expiration of four calendar months from each thirtieth day of June after the publica- tion of the work, so long as may be necessary, an account shall be taken of the number of copies of the work sold during the year ending with that thirtieth day of June. And so soon as the account shows a net profit on the edition, 60 per cent, of that profit shall on or before the first day of January following be paid by the publishers to the author. 8. For the purpose of ascertaining the actual net profits of an edition, the proceeds of such number of copies as shall have been sold shall be credited to such edition at the price actually obtained therefor, with any moneys received for the benefit of the work for foreign rights of translation or otherwise, less all trade allowances and the publishers’ commission; and against such editions the following items shall be debited,  THE AUTHOR. viz., all expenses of every description incurred in the printing, embellishing, binding, publica- tion, advertising, warehousing, and insurance of such edition, or incurred otherwise in con- nection therewith, and also interest at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum upon any balance of such expenditure not yet recouped by the sales. g. The publishers shall be entitled at their discretion to present copies of every edition of the work to editors of periodicals, teachers, and other persons through whom in their judgment publicity will be gained, and to reserve nineteen copies for themselves, and copies so presented and reserved shall not be taken into account as copies sold. 10. At any time after the delivery of the copy of the work, or of any part thereof, the author will, at the request and cost of the publishers, assign the entire copyright of the work, and all benefits and advantages thereof, to the publishers, or toa trustee for them, or to their successors and assigns, or otherwise, and in such form as the publishers may reasonably require, but such assignment shall not prejudice the rights of the author to share in the profits of the work as herein provided. 11. The author shall indemnify the publishers from and against all proceedings and expenses whatsoever, in consequence of the publication in the work of any pirated, libellous, seditious, or other unlawful matter furnished by himself. 12. If the publishers shall think fit to publish a new edition either in full or by way of enlarge- ment, abridgment, or otherwise, the author, if living and not disqualified by mental or bodily infirmity, shall, whilst entitled to the benefit of this agreement, have the option of preparing such new edition. But if he shall be then dead or disqualified as aforesaid, or shall not in writing undertake to prepare such edition within four weeks after being requested so to do by the pub- lishers or their agent; or if having undertaken it he shall not carefully and completely revise, correct, and prepare such new edition as far as in him lies within six months from the same date (or within some other time as may be agreed upon between himself and the publishers), the publishers shall thenceforth be at full liberty either themselves to buy up the interest of the author therein (the value of such interest in case of difference to be ascertained by arbitration as hereinafter provided) or to dispose of the copy- right for the joint benefit of themselves and the author, or to publish new editions, either abridged or otherwise, from time to time, and for that purpose to employ such editors or editor, and at such remunerations as they may think proper, VOL. X. 7 which shall be charged to the work as part of the expenses of its publication. 13. Upon any edition being out of print, the author, whilst he continues entitled to the benefit of this agreement, may call upon the publishers to prepare a new edition ; and if the publishers shall not, within four weeks after they shall have re- ceived a written request to that effect, agree thereto, the author may require the publishers to assign to him the whole remainder of the copyright in the work, and they shall thereupon, at his reqv est and expense, assign the same to him absolutely. 14. Any notice or request under this agreement shall be sufficiently given or made by posting the same in a registered letter addressed in one case to the publishers, or in the other to the author, at the above-named, or at such other, address within the United Kingdom as may from time to time be notified by the author to and received by the publishers. Every such notice or request shall be deemed to have been given or made on the day on which the same would in the ordinary course of post be received by the person to whom it shall be addressed. 15. In the construction of this agreement, and so far as may be consistent with the context, the term “the publishers ’’ shall be held to mean the publishers or their assigns; “the author” shall (save as regards literary or editorial work) be held to include his executors, administrators, and assigns ; “the work” shall be held to mean the book with regard to which this or present agree- ment is entered into, and any future edition thereof ; “copyright” shall be held to include all rights in regard to the printing or sale of the work, or of any translation or abridgment thereof in the United Kingdom, or in any British colony or dependency, or in any foreign country. 16. The present publishers and their suc- cessors for the time being shall be bound by and entitled to claim the benefit of this agreement as if they had signed the same. 17. None of the provisions herein contained shall be in any wise affected by the circumstance of the publishers, or any of them, whether in their official or private capacities, being inte- rested in the profits of the printing, binding, or publishing firm by whom any edition or editions of the work may be printed and bound or pub- lished, or of the papermakers by whom the paper for the work may be supplied, or of any other business or employment, the products or results of which may be used for the work or any purpose connected therewith. 18. If any dispute, question, or difference shall arise between the publishers and the author. touching these presents or any clause or thing herein contained, or the construction hereof or c 8 THE AUTHOR. any matter in any way connected with these presents or the operations hereof, or the rights, duties, or liabilities of either party in connection with the premises, then and in every or any such case the matter in difference shall be referred to two arbitrators or their umpire, pursuant to and in all respects conformably to the provisions in that behalf contained in the Common Law Procedure Act, 1854, or any then subsisting statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. And the cost of the reference and award shall be in the discretion of the arbitrators or umpire, who may direct to and by whom and in what manner the same or any part thereof shall be paid, and with power to tax or settle the amount of costs to be so paid or any part thereof, and to award costs to be paid as between soli- citor and client; and that submission to refer- ence, and any award made in pursuance thereof, may, at the instance of either of the parties to the reference and without any notice to the other of them, be made a rule of order of any division of the High Court of Justice. The agreement printed above refers to the publication of an educational book. It is im- possible to repeat in detail the general warnings which apply to the publication of educational works, which have been already printed in The Author at different times, but im the comments on the agreement the point of view of the educa- tional writer will be borne in mind. With regard to the parties to the agreement the old remark must be again repeated, that it is a mistake in an agreement for an author to bind himself to the successors of a publisher, as the contract for publication should always be a personal contract, and the author, therefore, should not be bound for an indefinite period to his agent. As this contract purports to convey the copyright to the publishers, it was no doubt on this account the words were inserted, but the author should never assign his copyright. With regard to clause 1 little need be said, except, perhaps, that it is a little dictatorial, and leads one to draw the conclusion that the pub- lishers intend to be master of the situation. Clause 2 is an exceedingly bad clause from the author’s point of view. It is fair that the author should bind himself to correct the proof sheets punctually as supplied by the printers, but it is not fair to the author that the publishers should be able to annul the agreement arbitrarily by a mere notice in writing, and it is worse still from the author’s point of view that the publishers should have the right to make any arrangement for the completion of the book, holding the copy- right of whatever portion of the book in MS. or in print the author happens to have delivered. Such a clause should not stand in any agreement that has any right to be called equitable between the parties. For the publishers to have the right to obtain arbitrarily other hands to finish the book is indeed putting the author in a serious bondage. Clause 3 is again a very serious one for the author. Having gone to the great labour of writing an important educational work he may have it submitted to anyone the publishers may think fit to appoint. In dishonest hands it would give the publishers very great power of deter- mining the agreement if, after they had entered into it, for some reason or other they did not care to carry it out. This clause should, therefore, not stand. It would be so easy to make an arrangement for the MS. to be reviewed, if, indeed, such arrangement were necessary, by some person whose nomination would be agreeable to both parties. The beginning of clause 4 is reasonable, but the remainder of the clause is again entirely opposed to the author’s interest. Ina case of division of profits it is very important that the author should know beforehand how the book is going to be brought out, in what shape and form, and at what price. To allow the publishers arbitrarily to reduce that price in the imdefinite words of this clause, or to waste the remainder copies, may not only be detrimenta! to the author’s reputation, but to his pocket. Does this valuation of price mean reduction of the published price or the wholesale price? In a profit-sharing agreement the author ought to contract that the book is not sold wholesale below a certain price and not remaindered within at least two years from publication, and then the option of purchase should be given to him. That the publishers should be protected from the excessive corrections of an author is quite fair, but that clause 5 should take its present form is not at all satisfactory. Certainly the words “other than printers’ errors” should be inserted. In clause 6 if the author is forbidden “ from expanding or abridging the work,” and thereby to some extent from damaging the sale of the book, it is only fair that the publishers should under- take not to publish a book of a’similar character. For full details of the explanation of this clause the reader must be referred to the former articles in The Author on the publication of educational works, and the control of the educational market. Clause 7, the account clause, isa bad one. If. the book was published in the autumn the pub- lishers would retain the profits of the book for a year and three months at least. It has often  THE AUTHOR. 9 been pointed out before in these columns, and must again be repeated, that this retention of the author’s money for so long a period is very useful in covering the expenses of the publishers’ office. Clause 8 is again an extraordinary clause. It is impossible to know what the words, “ pub- lishers’ commission,” refers to in a half-profit agree- ment. The author has no control whatever over the advertising of the book, and no control what- ever over the binding, printing, embellishing, &c. As is often the case where a publisher is his own printer, the author cannot, on investigation of the accounts, even have the satisfaction of seeing the printers’ vouchers, and thus have some check that the items charged are correct. It is therefore of the more importance that an author should know what is going to be charged for the cost of pro- duction before he enters into an agreement of this kind, so as to be able to calculate whether there may be some prospect of a financial success. Why should the publisher net 4 per cent. on the expenditure? Under this arrangement if the publisher were his own printer the higher he could raise the cost of production the more satis- factory it would be for himself. In clause g, again, the publishers have an abso- lutely free hand as to whom they shall circularise with copies of the book. It is not a good thing for an author to hamper a publisher’s action, but, on the other hand, he should be able to check wasteful circularisation. It is hardly necessary to discuss clause 10 from an author’s point of view, except to repeat that an author should never assign the copyright, and that in an educational or technical work this point is of the greatest importance, much more so than in the publication of a work of fiction. Again the reader must refer to the articles on the publica- tion of educational books. For an educational and technical work, a contract giving the pub- lishers a licence to publish a limited edition with the option of renewal, is the only satisfactory form of contract. It should be pointed out also that if the author does transfer the copyright, he ought to bind the publisher to keep the book on the market, to have his name attached, and not to publish in any altered form without his consent. In clause 12 it will be seen that the publishers practically are taking the whole control of the author’s work, and that he is allowed practically no voice in the matter. The publishers, of course, should not have the right to publish the book in an abridged or enlarged form under any circum- stances without the sanction of the author. It is the author of a technical work of this kind who should decide, after periodical editions, if it is necessary to enlarge, or abridge, or alter, to VOL. X. bring the book up to date. On no account should the author allow a publisher to have the power of making alterations in his book by other hands. Clause 13 may stand. To clause 14 there seems to be no particulary objection. Clause 15 has the same objection to it that applies to the parties to the agreement, and the same excuse for its being inserted is also valid. Clause 17 is a difficult clause from the author’s point of view, and reminds one of Lord Russell’s Bill which is just now before Parliament. Is the clause inserted to cover the members of the firm, in case of being interested in the printers’ or binders’ business, &c., they should take profits to the detriment of the author which are not included in the account ? Anauthor should look very carefully into a case of this kind before signing the agreement which contains it. With regard to clause 18 it is only necessary to state that arbitration is a3 a rule a very expen- sive method of settling disputes. That from the publishers’ point it is satisfactory as this legal method very seldom comes into the papers. From an author’s point of view it is unsatisfactory, as the publisher thereby shirks publicity. With all the drawbacks of legal action, it is on the whole perhaps the best way of settling disputes, and is generally considerably the cheapest. An author of a learned technical or scientific work should seriously consider before signing this form of agreement, as it is possible that the work of his brain may be tampered with by other hands, and the right of being an arbiter of his own property pass from his control. V.—tTue Sixpenny Book. Let us return to the sixpenny book. It seems to be assumed that a new and a very advantageous departure has been discovered. That is to say, it is assumed that where one person would give 4s. 6d. for a book, a number sufficient to make as good a return, or even a better return, to author, publisher, and bookseller, would be found to buy the same book at sixpence. What should be that number? With a book pretending any popularity, the cost of production and advertising would not be more, in general, thana shilling : in large editions after the first, much less than a shilling. The author has, say, a 20 per cent. royalty, or 14s. per volume. On the sixpenny book the general royalty appears to be 2d., or 3d., or #d., in most cases the first. How many copies at sixpence will make up the royalty paid on 6s.? The answer to this difficult sum is twenty-four. In other words, if 5000 copies would he circulated at6s., it would ce 2 10 THE, AUTHOR. require 120,000 copies to put the author in as good a position as he was before. It remains to be seen whether the new move will multiply buyers by twenty-four. Another point. The buyers are the booksellers. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to get through the piles which now. cumber their counters. Another point still. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to get rid of any higher priced books at all when people have once begun to think that sixpence is the proper price. Now, the bookseller pays for his sixpenny book very nearly 33d. a copy. How many copies must he get rid of before he can get £100 for himself ¥ Putting his expenses at only £100 a year, how long before he can lay aside £200 for himself and his expenses? In many places he has to sell his sixpenny book at 43d. Now, if he sells it at 43d., he must get rid of 64,000 copies a year, or 213 copies a day! Is this sale likely to be realised by a country book- seller ? If, then, the system succeeds to a certain extent for the publisher and the author, should it end in landing the bookseller either with a mass of unsaleable ‘books or in depriving him of the people who were accustomed to pay a higher -price, the result will be disastrous to literature. It is an axiom that must never be forgotten, especially by ourselves, that what affects the bookseller injuriously affects literature inju- riously. It is to the best interests of author and bookseller that books should have every chance of being offered to the public: a selfish policy, in the supposed interests of the middleman, of squeezing the lean author with one hand aud the leaner bookseller with the other must be combated. Authors are only beginning to look into the man- -agement of their own affairs for themselves. It is high time that booksellers, who have nothing -whatever to fear and everything to gain by so doing, should also unite, sink their differences, and declare for a voice in the administration of the literary property of which they are the sole buyers and exhibitors. Let us therefore agree in regarding this move- ment as an experiment only. Itis one made on a large scale: there are 120 sixpenny books in Simpkin and Marshall’s list, viz., seventy copy- right and the remainder non-copyright. The result of the experiment will in a few weeks answer the question: of the prudence or the mistake of the experiment. One can only hope ‘that, if it should prove to be the latter, it will not ‘be another nail in the coffin of the long-suffering bookseller. —oOoOToOS- VI.—TELLING THE SToRY. The following letter explains itself. It was addressed to the Glasgow Herald, where it appeared on May 20 :— Elmlea, South Stoke, Reading, May 18, 1899. Sir,—I greatly regretted to gather from your “ Literary Notes and Gossip” of a recent issue that the writer apparently took umbrage at some remarks of mine in The Author relative to those reviews or notices of novels in which the whole of the plot is disclosed. The writer com- menced with a paragraph which appeared to be a thinly- veiled attack on the Society of Authors. It has been more than once observed that attacks of this kind are very com- mon among the contributors of literary notes to provincial papers. Why any journalist should attack the Society of Authors is beyond my poor comprehension, for the dividing line between writers of books and writers in newspapers is so fine as to be imperceptible. Authors never attack the Institute of Journalists. Indeed, it has been more than once suggested that the two societies should join forces. Journalists write books; authors write for newspapers. The interests of authors and journalists are almost identical. I have been a member of the Society of Authors almost since its foundation, and can assure you and your readers that it has done excellent work for those who gain their living by writing. The Society deserves the most loyal support of all literary men. To come now to the story-telling reviewer. Tho writer of your literary notes described me as not being a “ power- ful advocate,” and even ‘‘ weak” enough to believe that the kind of review of which complaint was made was often written in kindness to the author. My reply to this is that I had no reason nor wish to make a slashing attack on anybody, and that in my opinion a temperately worded statement of facts is as a rule far more powerful and effective than a vigorous onslaught. I tried to state fairly both sides of the question, and to avoid so far as possible saying anything which would be in the slightest degree offensive to editors, reviewers, or others interested. I entirely agree with the writer of “ Literary Notes” that it is “no part of a reviewer’s business to assist, either overtly or tacitly, in the circulation of a work which, in his trained judgment, is not meritorious.” I also agree with him that a reviewer who offers an estimate of a work should also indicate some of the reasons upon which his opinion is founded. But these opinions do not touch the chief point in my article, which was, and still is, that in a number of reviews practically the whole of the story con- tained in the book is told, often without any attempt at criticism. Having no reason to suppose that any critic would knowingly injure the sale of a book (unless it was a bad one), I wrote the article in question at the request of the Committee of the Society of Authors. I hoped that the matter would have been considered and discussed in academic fashion, and without acrimony. The writer of “Literary Notes” appears to think that the matter is not worth talking about; that the “cause of complaint is reduced to practical insignificance.” His remark has led me to examine my review book. Out of the fourteen reviews of my last novel, which have appeared up to the time of writing, seven tell practically the entire story. It is, of course, impossible for me to say to what extent novel readers would be prevented from reading a book by knowing in advance how it ends. “But I have questioned many novel readers on the subject, and they one and all say that they do not like to know how.a book-is going to end, and rarely read a novel if they have previously read the whole of the plot in a review.—I am, &c., Joux Bicerptes  THE AUTHOR. PARIS NOTES. Ae event of the moment is the opening of the new Salon. M. Falguitre’s much talked of statue of Balzac, which promised beforehand to prove one of the central attractions of this genuinely jin-de-siécle exhibition, has fallen short of popular expectation. The refusal of the Société des Gens de Lettres to accept M. Rodin’s design for the aforesaid statue had greatly whetted public curiosity ; if the clever sculptor of the characteristic busts of Mirabeau, -Puvis de Chavannes, Castagnary, César Franck, Rochefort, and many other well-merited successes failed to satisfy the critical admirers of Balzac, surely something reaching an extraordinarily high artistic level was required. Such, at least, was the general conviction; and when M. Falguiére accepted the honour denied his friend, public interest was stimulated to its highest pitch. Under these circumstances, the only alternative was a brilliant success or a signal failure. M. Fal- guiére bravely undertook the ordeal, and failed —since he did not produce a masterpiece. M. Rodin’s idea of a typical Balzac was an exaggerated and intensified representation of the prominent characteristics of the outer man; and his work was refused. M. Falguiére, therefore, conscientiously set to work with the idea of avoiding all exaggeration, and fell into the opposite extreme ; the Balzac who sits with crossed legs, the lines of his Herculean frame dissimulated beneath the famous robe de bure it pleased him to assume, the effect of whose deep- set eyes, leonine scalp, and characteristic pro- truding under-lip, have also been deftly lessened and rendered null by being smoothed down to the trite inanition of the ordinary human coun- tenance, is no worthy monument of the great author of the “ Comédie Humaine,” whose fiery, passionate individuality Paul Bourget has etched with such delicate psychological tact. ‘“ C’est un Balzac, mais ce n’est pas Balzac,’ wrote Léon -Plée, on the morrow of the opening of the Salon; and public opinion has indorsed and verified his ‘judgment. The petition, recently filed, demand- ig the intervention of the nation “to open the gates of the Panthéon to the ashes of Honoré de Balzac” on the occasion of the celebration of his hundredth anniversary, sufficiently proves the strong posthumous influ- -ence that the great French writer still exercises over the minds of the present generation. Toe recent death of the dramatic author ‘Edouard Pailleron, member of the French Academy, occasioned a profound sensation here. For upwards of thirty years his house has formed one of the fashionable rendezrous of the Tl literary celebrities of Paris, and an invitation: to his famous Monday receptions formed quite an event in the career of many a rising author. In 1863. Pailleron married the daughter of the cele- brated Charles Buloz (founder and director of the Revue des Deux Mondes, one of the leading French periodicals of the present day) ; and the various dwelling-places inhabited by the pair were rendered famous by the multitude of artistic and literary treasures with which they were surrounded. Yet, despite his brilliant literary and social renown, Edouard Pailleron’s career was nota happy one. He suffered acutely from a too susceptible amour propre. The sparkling success of ‘‘ Le Monde ott on s’ennuie,” which marked the apogee of his literary career, could not blind him to the fact that his methode and fame were essentially ephemeral and contemporary. The fear of falling short of the public expectation his masterpiece had aroused rendered him sterile; and for ten years he remained idle, enviously watching the triumphs achieved by the rising generation of dramatic authors. When he finally decided to produce the “ Cabotins,’ the younger /iterati unfortunately remembered too vividly the biting satires with which Pailleron had frequently annihilated their pretensions to be over-merciful. They fell upon the “ Cabotins”’ tooth and nail; and, though the public applauded and the play occupied the play- bills for five hundred nights, the hostility of the- Press increased fourfold the misanthropical bitterness of the unfortunate author. His later efforts were still less successful, and augmentedi his natural melancholy. ‘I await death with- out fear, but without impatience,” he once re- marked to a friend. A presentiment of his approaching end haunted him. On visiting the spacious vestibule of the magnificent hotel in which he died eighteen months later, he said, with a sad smile: “Quelle belle chapelle- ardente on ferait ici, pour un auteur drama- tique!” His funeral was quite a fashionable- function. Apropos of politics, the following criticism one Zola’s works is reported to have been found among the two hundred and forty pages of mis- cellaneous jottings written by Captain Dreyfus during his detention. It shows us the hero and victim of the affaire in a new light, viz., that of a thoughtful literary critic. We append a trans- lation of the paragraph, as we believe it will yrove interesting to the majorit of our } 8 J readers :— “The ecole naturaliste was founded under the influence of the literary doctrines of Taine. Zola is its most brilliant representative, and he asserts having been inspired not only by Taine 12 LAE but.also by the works of the physiologists of the Claude Bernard school! _ The theory of the experimental novel is the most colossal error possible to be conceived. M. Zola has never perceived the difference existing between experiments actually conducted in a laboratory and the pretended experiments of a novel, where everything passes in the author’s brain. On this ground we are forced to condemn the scientific pretensions of M. Zola. “The psychology of his novels is very limited. In his desire to furnish scientific data, Zola has completely overlooked the influence of the soul— the psychological side of the question. All that can in general be said of his bonshommes is that they are either brutes or fools. But one thing that no one can deny to Zola is imagination. His movels are sometimes heavy and coarse poems, ‘but they are, nevertheless, poems; his descrip- tions are graphic, living. In short, Zola is incap- able of making his creations live, since he is totally lacking in a sense of the psychological ; but he has imagination, the gift of stirring the masses, of giving visions sometimes dispropor- tionate to the nature of the thing seen, and of representing grand ideas.” The publication of M. Zola’s new work, entitled ‘ Mécondit¢, in the Awrore, lends an additional interest to the above criticism. And still further apropos of literature and polities may be mentioned the legal disbanding of the celebrated Ligue de la Patrie Francaise, that patriotic nursling of the literati of France, on the ground of its being an association unautho- rised by law. The members went merrily to their doom—a fine of sixteen francs apiece, with the application of the law Berenger; and one of the dailies termed the hearing of the case an “‘agreeable”’ séance, an adjective well applied as regarded M. Jules Lemaitre’s elegant and witty speech in defence of the League, which was re- ceived with the applause it merited. M. Francois Coppée, honorary president of the condemned association, was likewise in evidence, gaily occu- pying the seat of the clerk of the court; though wu relapse of his chronic malady prevented his presiding a little later at the annual banquet of the Révue idéaliste. This contretemps inspired his representative, M. Stéphen Li¢geard, author of the “Grands Ceeurs,” with a happy improvisa- tion in honour of the absentee which was warmly applauded. The preface of M. Maurice Loir’s late publi- cation, entitled “Au Drapeau,” is written by M. George Duruy, whose course of lectures on History and Literature at the Ecole Polytechnic has been abruptly suspended on the plea of his having irritated his pupils’ susceptibilities by AUTHOR. his anti-patriotie tendencies. In speaking of the French flag in the preface above mentioned, M. Duruy declares it to a bright symbol of the noblest pages in the history of France, recalling the grandeur of the réle she has played in the world, her triumphs and reverses, her glories and disasters—alike impossible to be forgotten—and the services she has generously rendered in the cause of the emancipation of nations. Still speaking of the French flag, he continues: “ It speaks to us of honour, courage, abnegation, and disdain of death—in short, of all the masculine virtues which have imbued the souls of the in- numerable Frenchmen fallen in its defence. And this is why, when the regiment passes, we should piously uncover our heads before the flag, ‘comme devant le Saint Sacrement de la Patrie!’” All we have ourselves seen and heard of M. Duruy is in keeping with the elevated tone of patriotism here displayed; yet this eminent Frenchman is now debarred from exercising his usual functions because he is not sufficiently patriotic —or rather, sufficiently prejudiced—to suit the exigencies of party politics. During the past month the chroniclers of the Société des Gens de Lettres at the various literary functions, have had no reason to complain of lack of copy. The occasion of the two-hundredth anniversary of Racine was brilliantly commemo- rated at his birthplace, La Ferté Milon, where a pious pilgrimage was made to Port Royal by the Raciniens, while the Parisian dramatic, literary, and ecclesiastical world each celebrated the anni- versary of the great tragic poet after its own fashion. The celebration of the forty-ninth anniversary of Balzac at Tours was a much quieter and le:s fashionable function; the weather was still more unpropitious than it had been on the occasion of the Racine celebration, and the “‘Couronnement de Balzac” (by M. Henri Chollet) was read in the rain to a dripping audience by M. Desmonts. The inauguration féte of the Pierre Dupont monument at Lyons was more favoured, botb as regards weather and audience, and M. Roujon’s comparison of the work of the Lyonnais poet to “an early dewdrop sparkling among the foliage of an ancient Druidical oak in the sun of France,” was much applauded. The unveiling of the Louis Veuillot monument in the basilica of the Sacré Cceur has also taken place during the past month. The celebrated polemist had composed his own epitaph in verse some time before his death, which occurred in 1883; and it is in accordance with the desire therein expressed that the motto—‘* J’ai cru, je vois ’’—is engraven on the marble haut-relief now raised to his memory. DarracorTe DENE.  THE AUTHOR. 13 NOTES AND NEWS. " ET me very seriously invite all members of L the Society to the paper (see p. 4) entitled “Tord Russell and Mr. John Murray.” It is there shown that after the passing of Lord Russell’s Bill every publisher who furnishes a false account; who takes secret commissions or discounts: will be liable to a criminal prose- ~ cution. In other words, we shall then be legally entitled not only to put him in a crimimal court if he is detected, but to call him what some of us have been rebuked for calling him, a thief. He will be at last a thief in the eyes of the law, all sophistries swept out of the way. Mr. Thring speaks of “ very strong suspicion.” Teall it “certainty” for the following reasons :— (1) We have publishers’ accounts showing prices of printing, paper, &c., far higher than any estimates in the Society’s hands. (2) It is certain that publishers do not pay more than they are obliged to pay to printers, paper makers, binders, &e. (3) We have the avowals made by publishers themselves as quoted by Mr. Thring. (4) We have the draft agreements put forward by the Publishers’ Association in which they claim as aright to put in their own pockets whatever they please or may like for discount. The amount of the percentage is purposely left open. (5) We observe the careful omission in these agreements of any protest against secrecy. Con- sidering the protests of the Society against secret profits, what can be inferred from this omission except the determination to continue a secret practice actually carried on ? Are we to believe that these claims are suddenly put forward as a new thing ? (6) We also observe the omission of any protest against charging for advertisements in their own organs or by exchange, a practice which enables the publisher to put into his own pocket what- ever he pleases. One would only add to these considerations the fact that though the charge of making secret profits has been brought forward over and over again, the committee of the Publishers’ Associa- tion have never by a single word shown their disapproval of the practice. That they received Lord Russell’s words with “ consternation,’ one can understand ; that painful “ surprise” was also an emotion called up by these words one can understand as well. I have been asked about the “Method of the Future.’ I am happy to say that, so far, it promises well. I have only heard of one exception to the complete satisfaction of those who are trying it. It will take time for writers to realise how small, if any, is the risk run by anyone who has acquired any kind of a name; and for those who can achieve a popular success, the immense difference which this method makes to the author. But there can be no doubt that a commission publisher, who is nothing else, and has no books of his own to run in opposition to the author's own book, offers the only way out of the many difficulties which afflict the “author, publisher, and bookseller ’’ question—a question in which the publisher’s object is apparently, so far as we can judge by his proposals to the bookseller, and his “equitable agreement ” with the author, resolved, if he can, to keep the bookseller in the gutter, and to push the author in with him. —— I think that the present situation, which means the practical cessation of any demand for other than six-shilling books, ought to be seriously taken into consideration by those who are bringing out books for the autumn season. It should lead them, at least, not to be too sanguine. There will certainly be some measure of decline in the demand—even for popular writers : how great the malign influence of the sixpenny book will prove, it is impossible to say : booksellers themselves are unable to make any forecast except as regards their own subscription. This there is every reason to expect will be small. The circulating libraries will continue, one supposes, and will take their usual number: but if 6d. a week will pur- chase fifty-two of the best books every year, who will go on paying two or three guineas for a sub- scription? Let us, therefore, be prepared for the worst. Perhaps the general forebodings will prove to be of exaggerated gloom. —— It has been often observed that a dropping fire of abuse directed against the Society of Authors is kept up in the columns of certain country papers by the contributors of “ Literary Gossip.” Cuttings are sent to the office of the Society con- taining these misrepresentations. Is it not almost time that the Committee should take up the matter, and take action of some kind? When an editor allows the appearance of libellous expressions deny- ing the truth of statements made by the Committee in their reports and papers, it really becomes necessary to consider what action should be taken. Meanwhile a little examination may be profitably conducted into the source and origin of these mis- “John Bickerdyke” in representations, As iy THE AUTHOR. another column points out, the Society of Authors does not attack the Institute of Journalists; “indeed, many are members of both. Nor does the Institute in its organ attack this Society. Who are, then, the journalists who go out of their way, week by week, to calumniate the work of this Society, or to misrepresent its methods and to deny its importance? And why do editors admit these attacks ? Surely they might first ask themselves what is the reason why the Society is continually attracting writers more and more, enlisting new members, and keeping its old members. It is not for nothing that fifteen ‘ hundred men and women first combine, and then maintain a combination. There must be some reason. It is not honour and glory, for it is not a distinction to belong to a society whose numbers are unlimited, and whose qualification is simply the authorship of one book at least, gcod or bad. Any man of the world must understand that such a combination means the attempted advance of material interests, and that the maintained com- bination means a successful attempt. Perhaps a simple remonstrance addressed to the editors of the papers concerned would open their eyes to the unworthy use that is made of their columns. So ‘Lhe Professor or Instructor in the Art of making Literature turns up from time in unexpected places. He is now heard of as practising ina certain industrial centre. I do not name him nor do I give his address; in confidence that his ways . and works will before long be proclaimed aloud by the trumpet of Fame. Meantime it is, of course, disgraceful ignorance not to know any- ' thing about the immortal works by which he has - achieved the right of instructing aspirants. He reads and reviews short stories and “ novelettes :” he advises alterations and amendments for 2s. a thousand words. He gives lessons by corres- pondence in “ belles lettres, poetry, essay writing and general literature ”—this accomplished man ! —the “entire course” of the weekly lessons for one guinea. These lessons “‘ comprise a thorough grounding in the rudiments of authorship ; such as style, plot, description, characters, incidents, &c., with revision of exercises and general advice.” He also offers single lessons on special points, e.g., “How to write a Short Story: a Novelette: a Romance: an Essay: a Play: “ Humorous Writing and how to go about it,” and other important branches. The learned professor modestly withholds information as to his own qualifications and previous history. Now, opinions are divided as to the possible advantages of instruction and assistance in writing, but one thing is quite certain—-that he who would teach Verse ;”- must first show that he is himself a competent: master, It is now some years since attention was called to a magazine conducted entirely in the interests of aspirants to literary fame, called in the pro- spectus authors. The magazine is called Lloyd’s Magazine. It appears quarterly: its price is ninepence: and it may be obtained—one knows not where. But it does exist, because the pro- spectus quotes opinions from more than thirty papers, all of which speak in laudatory terms of the magazine. However, the point with which we are concerned is that of the relations between the editor and the author. ‘The editor, then, is also an adviser; he offers a ‘professional opinion” for nothing. A _ “ professional ” opinion is that of a professional man. He is therefore either an author — in which: case it would be well to know what books he has written, and on what subjects: or he is a critic—in which case one would like to be referred to his critical works, and to know semething of his literary record. He is also ready to read and give practical advice in the placing of MSS. for a sniall fee—z.e., he is-an agent. He undertakes the printing and is also a publisher. As such he should tell us what-works he has published. As adviser, as agent, publisher, critic, friend, this incomparable person should be invited to reveal himself. His name is Mr. Leonard Lloyd. He has an office at 60, Queen Victoria-street: and he modestly declines interviews, “except by special arrangement.” If, however, an aspirant sends a MS. which arrives at the honour of being accepted, he must not expect the customary honorarium which other editors offer with lavish hand, or the con- trary. Not at all: he must sign an agreement by which he promises to buy so many “dozen copies of the magazine.” The number of copies is not named. As the price of the magazine is gd., a dozen copies will cost 9s., and twenty dozen copies will cost £9. How much is the aspirant prepared to pay for the honour and glory of appearing in Lloyd’s Magazine? It is a perfectly simple transaction. The gratification of vanity by this appearance—this spectral and illusory semblance—of literary success: the skeleton in the closet in the shape of so many dozen copies of the magazine hidden away: the dread that this short cut to glory, this easy climb of the rocky Parnassus, may be discovered by envious friends—what are these considerations worth ? Let the aspirant work out this sum carefully before he sends his MS. and signs this agreement. Meantime, let him send his work  THE round to those editors who -reverse the traus- ‘action and actually pay for an accepted MS. It must be added that Mr. Leonard Lloyd offers a choice. The aspirant may, if he prefers, contribute to the London and New York Swumer Annual on the same terms, viz., of buying dozen copies of this production. WaLterR BESAN?. ees LITERATURE AS A PROFESSION. N another column will be found a somewhat | bitter attack upon myself as a person guilty of persuading people that literature isa profession which anyone may undertake with the hope, or reasonable expectation, of gaininz by its means a large and substantial income. I cannot find that I have in any place written or said anything that can justify this charge. Yet it seems to be extensively believed. I was told the other day by a publisher who had not seen the letter of “ X.,” that by my optimistic words about the literary profession I was drawing hundreds who had no natural aptitude into dis- appointment and failure. There are also, we may remark, many hundreds who attempt other professions with a similar result. Let me, there- fore, restate my case. (1) It was until recently believed by most that Literature is a starving and a beggarly profession. (2) This belief was fostered carefully by persons interested in concealing the facts con- nected with the commercial side of Literature. (3) It isencouraged by the yearly presentation of Literature as the one profession which has humbly to beg for alms. (4) When, some years ago, I said in public that there were then fifty persons at least engaged in literary work whose income went into the four figures, there was hardly a paper in the country that did not question the statement with contempt. Yet it was true. These things represent, and explain, the common belief. What are the facts? (1) There are now many hundreds of suc- cessful writers in all branches. Thes2 are dramatists, novelists, writers on art and music, essayists and leader writers, scientific writers, specialists, religious writers, writers of educi- tional books, writers of children’s books, and others. Out of these I could name at this moment many more than fifty whose works bring incomes which run into four figures. (2) Besides these there is a whole army of AUTHOR, = VS men and women who live by the pen, including those engaged upon the better kinds of journal- ism. (3) Out of this army the Royal Literary Fund -only relieved and assisted twenty-two persons last year in want of temporary assistance ! Only twenty-two! The Fund cannot now spend half its income. It will therefore, we hope, discontinue the yearly dinner and the yearly appeal. (4) Every year sees the appearance of one or more new. successes in the drama or in fiction. Every year one witnesses the continued success of old favourites. (5) Every year two or three new publishers enter the trade. And, what is more to the point, they all seem to get on. The bankruptcy of a publisher isa rare thing. It has happened, so tar as I can remember, only four or five times m the last twenty years. (6) In every club where men of letters are found at all there appear every year more who attempt the profession. And with one exception here and there they all seem to get on. Not to make fortunes, but to get on, as in other walks in life. (7) The great prizes of the profession—fame, honour, and income —are becoming every day greater and more numerous. (8) From these and other considerations, I maintain that literature, as a profession, is no more precarious than any other. I do not say that large incomes are within the reach of all, but that they are there for those who can arrive at them. If we state the success of cer- tain lawyers, do we therefore “encourage”? too many? The fact, no doubt, does encourage too many in every profession ; yet the facts must be stated. Now, there is this great difference between a profession and a trade—that the latter need not cease with the death of the practitioner. The pro- fessional man stands alone. His success does not depend upon goodwill, connection, old-standing, or family reputation: it is his own. Therefore, in order to succeed in a profession, a man must possess, first, the natural aptitude or genius for bis work: and, next, such qualities as are required to win popularity. A man, in order to become a successful lawyer, must have the kind of intellect that is above all things essential for success in the law. Thus, if he desires to become a successful pleader, he must not be a shy or nervous man: he must be of ready wit, of good manner, an able speaker, a lucid expounder. Apply the same conditions to literature. The aspirant must have the first essential qualification, what is called the eift of the pen. Next, if he is to become popular, he 16 THE AUTHOR. must possess in addition certain other gifts which “{ need not specify. Now, as it is quite possible to be a good lawyer yet to have no clients, or a good physician yet to ‘have no patients: so it is quite possible to pro- duce fine literary work which will appeal to few readers. The early history of Browning furnishes an illustration if any were wanted. A man may not command, even by very good writing, a wide “audience: by good writing, however, he will ‘certainly acquire a limited audience: the writer who fails to get a hearing at all must be a bad writer. It is a'so true that there are writers who ‘ command a wide audience, yet fail in many of the “most important points which go to make fine ‘ literature. To say all this, which I have been saying over and over again for years, is to state, and to restate, the simplest axioms, to my mind. Yet I ‘am constantly told that I encourage people in the belief that large incomes can be readily made by writing. Nothing has ever been said in The. Author about anybody’s income: we do not here touch on personal matters, otherwise the proof or illustration of my position would be easy. Moreover, what is advanced con- cerns, not novels only, but literature of all kinds. I have been accused of thinking and speaking of novels only: that is not so. I include all branches of literature: novels are not the most lucrative branch: they fall, for instance, very far short of educational books, and still farther short of plays. The compila- tion of a popular hymn-book is reported to be worthy the attention even of a company pro- moter. Thirty or forty years ago a popular book of Family Prayers was a gold mine. That mine is now said to be worked out. And at this day a book adopted by the Board schools for the earlier standards would be an endowment for the daughter of a millionaire. “X.” thinks that it is a bad thing for litera- ture to be many sided. I cannot agree with him. I think it is a very good thing that a novelist, a poet, a dramatist, should also write essays, articles, reviews, biographies —- everything. There are instances, living and dead, of the best literary men and women doing this without injury to their special work. To sum up. My critic must not contend, because he himself has been so far unsuc- cessful with the general public, that litera- ture is worse than any other profession: nor that it is worse paid. On the other hand, he need not feel humiliated by want of success. His work may be very good—the work of this writer, if I may so far betray confidence, 7s very good— so good that his disclosures astonish me. But in every profession it is more than natural aptitude —or genius—that is wanted to gain the popular ear, and to, take the place of a popular favourite. ee ANNUAL DINNER. . was held at the Trocadero Restaurant on fe Annual Dinner of the Society of Authors _ Thursday the 4th May. members and guests were present :— i Beckett, A. W.,and Guest. Aberdeen, The Right Hon. the Earl of, P.C., G.C.M.G. Adamson, J. R. Ameer Ali, The Hon. Mr. Justice. Appleton, W. W. Armstrong, E. A. Ball, Sir Robert, F.R.S. Beddard, F. E., F B.S. Bell, Mackenzie. Benson, E. F. Besant, W. H., D.Se., F.R.S. Besant, Sir Walter Besant, Lady. Beville, Mrs. Charles. Birrell, Augustine, Q.C., M P. (Chairman). Bonney, The Rev. T. G, E.B.S. Bourchier, J. D. Bourdillon, F. W. Brown, Hadyn. ‘Bryden, H. A. Bury, Prof. J. B., Litt. Doc. Campbell, Lady Colin. Campbell, Miss Montgomery. Carr, Mrs. Carlisle. Carter, Mrs. Castle, Egerton. Caulfield, Miss. Charley, Sir William, Q C., D.C.L. Clodd, E. Colles, W. M. Colles, Mrs. Conway, Sir Martin. Cordeux, Miss. Curtis, Miss Ella. Daily Chronicle. Daily Graphic. Daily Mail. Daily News. Daily Telegraph. De Soissons, S. C Dobson, Austin. Dodd, Frank H. Dowsett, C. F. Dubonurg, A. W. Danlop, Mrs. Durand, Colonel, C-B., C.I.E. Dyer, Sir W. Thiselton. Earl, A. Earl, Mrs. Edmonds, A. R. The following Edmonds, Mrs. A. R. Ellis, Mullett. Free, Rev. R. Garland, Hamlin. Garrison, Mrs. Gill, Upcott. Gowing, Mrs. Aylmer. Grohman, W. A. Baillie. Guimarzens, M. L. Gunter, Lieut.-Col. Haggard, Captain E. A. Hawkin, R. C. Hawkins, A. Hope. Henslowe, Miss. Herman, G. E. Holman, H. Martin. Hornung, E. W. Hornung, Mrs. Humphrey- Desmond, Mrs.8. Jacobs, W. W. James, Miss W. M. Johnson, Henry. Jones, The Rev. Prebendary Harry. Kelly, C. A. Keltie, J. Scott, LL.D. Kenealy, Miss A. Kenealy, Edward. Kinns, Rev. Dr. 8., D.D. Larner, Miss A. Lefroy, Mrs., and Guest. Legge, Francis. Little, J. Stanley. Little, Mrs. Archibald. London, The Archdeacon of. Lowndes, Mrs. Belloc, and Guest. Louis, J. Marsh, Richard. Marsh, Mrs. R. Massingham, H. W. Mathews, C. E. Maxwell, The Right Hon. Sir Herbert, Bart. McKinney, B. G. Metcalfe, H. C. Moberly, Miss, and Guest. Morning Post. Moscheles, Felix. Murray, Oscar. Newbolt, Henry. Norman, H. Oppenheim, E. P. Pall Mall Gazette. Parker, Gilbert.  eat? “President of Parker, Mrs. Gilbert. Parker, Mrs. Paterson, Arthur Pemberton, Max. Pengelley, Miss Hester. Phipson, Miss Emma. Pollock, Sir Frederick, Bart., LL.D. -Pollock, Lady. Pollock, Miss Edith. Prelooker, Jaakoff. “President of the Royal Col- lege of Physicians. Institute of Painters in Water Colours. Reeves, The Hon. W. P. ‘Rhodes, H. D. ‘Rhodes, Miss. Rogers, A. “Russell, Rollo. St. James’s Gazette. Sargant, Miss A.. Seaman, Owen. Shepard, H. Shorter, Clement. Skeat, The Rev. W. W. Smith, Dr. Barnett. Smith, Mrs. Burnett. Spanton, John. Spender, Harold. Spielmann, M. H. THE AUTHOR. 17 The Standard. Stanley, H. M. Sterry, Ashby. Stillman, W. J. Swan, Miss Myra. Tayler, H. Stanley. Temple, Lieut.-Col. R. C., C.LE. Temple, Sir Richard,K.C.S.I. The Editor The Daily Tele- graph. The Times. Thorpe, W. G. Thring, G. H. Thring, Mrs. Townend, T. 8. Tuer, Andrew. Tuer, Mrs. Tweedie, Guest. Warner, F. Waterfield, M. Watt, A. S. Watt, Mrs. A. S. Westminster Gazette. White, Arnold. White, A. Silva. Wilkins, W. H., and Guest. Wright, C. T. Hagberg. Young, Gerald. Zangwill, I. Mrs. Alec., and Sprigge, S. 8. Dear Srr,—Reports of functions, of whatsoever kind, are generally written by experts, presumably for the instruction, elevation, or amusement of the ‘man in the street; but there is something to be said in favour of a reversal of the usual process. _Why should not the man in the street sometimes express his opinion of a function which he may have attended as a guest, not as a professional member of the celebrating caste? As I am alone at the moment, and there is no one to allege any just cause or impediment why I should not express any opinion I please, I propose to write you this short note and tender it in lieu of the prosaic conventional report of the annual dinner of the Society of Authors. First of all, let me say a few words about myself. Iam not an author, though I occasion- ally write cheques. I attended the banquct with pleasure, for I like meeting people whose names are well known, and having the opportunity of picking the brains of those who are intellectually my superiors. I was not selected to respond to the toast of “The Guests,’ although being, figuratively speaking, a babe and suckling, I might doubtless have uttered many words of wisdom. I was probably the only unknown man in the room, but I have one great claim upon your kind consideration. I buy books. Were it not for me, and men like me, there could ke no Society of Authors to dine, or, rather, there could be no dinner for the Society of Authors. The dinner was good; the soup in particular was excellent, as I am-sure le Nain de Sang would have said had he been present—I refer to the contributor to Lord Rosebery’s ideal paper. Sorbet before beef I regard as a weak concession to a foolish fashion ; but we will let that pass, as, indeed, I did at the dinner itself. I do not know who was deputed to arrange the menu, but I hereby take off my hat to him; and [ agree with him, too, in his selection of champagne. Mrs. Alec Tweedie has lately recorded her father’s decided opinion that sweet champagne is better than dry. Iam on the side of Dr. George Harley, and am glad to hail as a sympathiser the man who ordered your dinner. With regard to the speeches—well, I confess that when I entered the Oak Room of the Trocadero and surveyed the assembled celebrities, my first wish was that it might be possible to compute the total amount of grey matter there gathered together; it must have. represented many pounds avoirdupois, and I looked forward with some apprehension to the after-dinner I had never dined with the Authors before, and I know that although a man may have the pen of a ready writer, it by no means follows that he has the gift of tongues. I went to see the lions feed, as the Archdeacon of London subsequently said for me, but I was rather nervous as to what might happen when they began to roar. I give you my word, Sir, I was very agreeably surprised. There was not one speech which did not contain at least one happy thought happily touched off. Augustine Birrell struck the keynote when proposing the health of the Queen, advancing Her Majesty as a conclu- sive argument in favour of the royalty system. In proposing the toast of the evening, too, his remarks were made to a rippling accompani- ment of laughter in which it was infinitely pleasant to participate. I liked the quotation trom Lord Halifax with which he began, that “it must be more than an ordinary provocation that can tempt a man to write in an age overrun with scribblers as Egypt was overrun with flies and locusts. That worst vermin of small authors has given the world such a surfeit that instead of desir- . ing to write a man would be more inclined to wish for his own ease that.he could not read.” It was an admirable peg on which to hang an admirable speech. Happily phrased, too, were many of his points: that incorporation by law is no detriment to a useful and honourable society ; that your general meetings are analogous to the Council of Nicea; that you exist, not to earn dividends for yourselves, but to look after the speaking. 18 THE. AUTHOR. interests of your brothers; that you are nota mutual admiration society, but an educational one, wisely confining your attentions to your own fraternity ; and that you stand boldly upon your right to instruct your members in the conduct of their own affairs. There was delicate relief in his reference to Tennyson who could not read Browning, to Browning who did not read Tenny- son—mark the difference—and to Matthew Arnold, who thought very little of either. Is this last a fact? And in the best possible taste was his elegiac tribute to Lord Herschell, a member of your old Copyright Committee, and one of the few who really understood the question of copyright. Gilbert Parker’s reply was dignified and apt. I have a weakness for crystallisations, and the great novelist gave me one which I carry in my memory. It is his summary of the reasons which compel people to write. These are: (1) to satisfy their own instincts; (2) to earn their daily bread; and (3) to serve the general intelligence. Three very good reasons too, say I. Sir Frederick Pollock kindly proposed the health of myself and some others. Inadvertently he did me an injustice. He said that it was difficult in that assembly to find any guest to respond who was not an author, and he did not callon me. I notice, by the way, that the editor of the Daily Chronicle has not yet used the story given him by Sir Frederick Pollock as a test of humour, and as it isa good story I commend it to Mr. Massingham’s recollection, and leave it there for the present. Sir William Thiselton Dyer spoke in excellent taste, and the Archdeacon of London also replied with a courtly courtesy that made me reflect that in spite of its crises and dissensions our Church still possesses most princely gentlemen. The Hon. W. P. Reeves declared himself to be on the horns of a dilemma. An after-dinner -speech he asserted should not occupy more than from five to ten minutes. 4itro’ If he adhered to the rule, his toast — Imperial interests—must suffer. If he broke the rule his audience must suffer. He broke the rule, but nobody repined, and so we reached the -oration of the evening, Lord Aberdeen’s reply. He spoke with dignity, and to the point. Upon his speech Ido not even propose to comment, ‘seeing that it was reported at length in every daily paper. His comments on the Pacific Cable scheme, and on the action of your Society with regard to Canadian Copyright were exactly such as he might have been relied upon to make. -Here I will only quote his tribute to your Society as “the unquestioned repository of the theughts and feelings of the leading’ authors of the day.” I tender my thanks, not only to my host, but to all the members of your Society, for an intelli- gently pleasant evening, and I should like to say that one erroneous impression, shared by others besides myself, has been removed from my mind. Thad an idea that the Society of Authors was composed of novelists who assumed that in fiction was comprised the whole of literature. That idea IT have now abandoned, and I am genuinely glad that I can do so. Anthony Hope, E. F. Benson, Gilbert Parker, and Hamlin Garland sat at the high table; but so, too, did Austin Dobson, Sir W. Thiselton Dyer, Sir Herbert Maxwell, Sir Richard Temple, Sir Frederick Pollock, Sir Robert Ball, Sir Martin Conway, and Mr. H. M. Stanley.. And that is fairly representative of the authors whom I am glad to have met. A list of the distinguished people present should form very interesting reading, and I shall always like to remember that among them was—Yours faithfully, V. E. M. ec THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS CON- GRESS AT ROME. ‘T AST year this interesting annual congress I jj Was held at Lisbon, and climatic reasons and the Queen of Holland’s coronation delayed the gathering until late autumn. This year being at Rome, climatic reasons pressed the meeting time into early spring, and so it came about that the Rome congress so swiftly followed that of Lisbon ; but, if the congress met in April, the journeyings of the congressists, after their “works ”’ were completed, ran on well into May, and so this account appears apparently a month overdue. The number of delegates amounted to 398, representing eighteen nationalities, the English delegation consisting of seventeen members. The French as usual outnumbered even the Italian delegation. The list of “works and festivities,” to quote the English translation of the official programme, was interesting. Let the “works” come first. The English delegation held a_ preliminary meeting under the presidency of Mr. P. W. Clayden, and it was arranged that Mr. Atkinson, of the Manchester Guardian, should speak on the Relations of Journalist and Proprietor; Sir Hugh Gilzean-Reid on Legislation, and the writer on Artistic Copyright; and, owing to the much- regretted absence of Miss G. B. Stuart through illness, I was elected as hon. secretary to the  THE delegation for the Congress. Sir Hugh Gilzean- Reid was elected hon. president for the Congress, thus presiding over its first session. The recep- tion of the polyglottic delegates by Signor Bon- fadini and his Italian confreres in what he called their modeste demeure (really a most palatial Press club) was intensely cordial, he referring the English to the fact that here (in Rome) was the house where Sir Walter Scott had lived, and here Shelley had written some of his most glorious work. On the following morning their Majesties the King and Queen of Italy opened the Congress in the Historic Halls in the ancient Capitol. A little doubt was filling the minds of all, as to how this royal opening would pass off. There was the awkward fact that four of the delegates for Lombardy were still in prison, and fears of a demonstration against the King were prevalent, but, thanks to the assuaging diplomacy of the president, Herr Singer, of Vienna, the opening ceremony passed off quietly, and Herr Simger’s address was warmly applauded, especially when he said the International journalists had taken the world for their empire. The King and Queen gave no formal reply, but descended from the dais and chatted freely with the chief delegates, thanking Herr Singer for his address, and conversing for some time—the King in French, the Queen in English—with the English president and secretary, Her Majesty especially dwelling upon the ubiquity of our correspondents. The real work of the Congress began at the next meeting, but this was arrested for a moment by the president referring in sympathetic words to the death of M. Albert Bataille of the Figaro, who hid done so much for international journa- lism; and yet again by M. Monetar calling attention to the fact that four delegates were absent through force, an incident that aroused warm applause. Herr Singer, with ready tact, stated the statutes of the association forbade their discussing such a circumstance. But he hoped, with all respect to the laws of the country of which they were the guests, by the grace of the Royal prerogative these members would now be at liberty—a tactful statement that evoked much enthusiasm. M. Victor Taunay then read his report on the adoption of a card of identity for journalists travelling abroad, and with careful restrictions it was agreed t» prepare such a card. Owing to the sudden death of M. Albert Bataille his joint rapporteur, M. Beraza, asked leave to postpone his report on Legislation for the Press in various countries, and after some discussion this was agreed to, thus ¢utting out one of the most important subjects for debate of the Congress. AUTHOR. 19 Artistic CopyRicHt. M. Morel Retz, better known as ‘‘Stop,” the caricaturist, brought on the question of Artistic Copyright, quoting instances of work being altered, of being used for other subjects than that intended by the artist, of being used again and again, clichés being sold and resold, discrediting the artist by the uses to which his work was put. M. Morel Retz proposed that the artist, even when he had sold his work, still retained the right that it should not be altered or modified ; that such an article should be inserted in the next revision of the Berne Convention, and, finally, that those interested should form professional syndicates to safeguard this moral right, and to defend it before the tribunals. Often in this International Congress English justice and legislation is proved to be in advance of the continental laws, and I had the pleasure of pointing out that the English artists and photo- graphers had already societies that ably defended them from such infringements as M. “Stop” so bitterly bewailed; but the English section was entirely in accord with him, although it could scircely be possible for any paper in England to print an illustration of the battle of Trafalgar and call it ‘“‘ An Engagement before Cuba,” an instance suggested by “Stop,” whose proposals were accepted by the Congress. Postat TARIFF FOR JOURNALS. M. Torelli Violier then read his report on the Postal Union tariff for journals, which, he said, seemed framed to prevent papers going out of their country of origin, in spite of the fact that journals were the best means of advertising a country and the products of that country. He pointed out that in France a paper circulated for two centimes, but it cost five to send it out of the country ; the same thing obtains in England, and, after an able speech, he proposed that it was to the advantage of all countries to increase the circulation of their journals abroad, and the present postal rates paralysing that circulation, the Committee of the Central Bureau should take up pourparlers with the different Governments with the aim of reducing this foreign postal rate for journals, to which the Congress heartily agreed. At the next sitting it was agreed to place a plaque on M. Bataille’s tomb as “the friend of journalists of all countries,” and the secretary, M. Taunay, read the report on Telegraphic Abbre- viations, and the suggestion that a General Code should be established. Mr. Clayden pointed out that the English papers would hardly be likely to adopt a code that all would know, as many journals had a code of their own, and a general code would probably be “milked.” After some a THE AUTHOR. discussion it was agreed to offer a reward of 1000 francs for the best code, the number of 4000 to 5000 words being suggested. A subject which caused the hottest discussion—the excited all- shouting-at-once incidents of Bordeaux seemed about to be reproduced—was that of the issuing of the Official Bulletin. The division was upon whether this should be issucd direct from the Bureau or by the medium of La Presse Internationale, a journal which has so well served the Inter- national journalists. The French section were very excited upon this; and all nations agreed M. Max Serpeille, the editor of La Presse Inter- nationale, had done good service. At last it was agreed to issue a bulletin for a year under the control of the Bureau, but by the medium of La Presse Internationale. Leeat Posrrion or JourNALISTS. The final subject debated was the Legal Posi- tion of Journalists. One French member insisted journalists were partners, not employées. Mr. Atkinson gave instances of recent legal decisions in England, and stated that written contracts were increasing. M. Maillard suggested that artists should be included in any proposed legis- lation, and it was decided the Bureau should elaborate a rule from the present general usages, especially with regard to the indemnities due to journalists dismissed summarily. This ending the business of the Congress, it was decided to hold the next Congress in Paris in 1900. The sittings had been full of interest, but there is still that lack of order of debate that so deteriorates the effect of both speeches and subjects. Two rules should, at least, be adopted : (1) No speaker, save proposer, to speak more than once on one subject ; (2) No conversation or promenading be allowed in the congress hall. These two rules would immensely raise the tone of the debates; and the rule of translating a résumé of all important matter should be adhered to. Tue Socran Events. But if the debates were interesting, what can I say of the social events, the journeyings through Italy and seductive Sicily? The Rome Press Association had a herculean task to arrange for their 400 guests; and the entertainments offered in Rome were thoroughly artistic, as the concert in the delightful salons of the Arts Club, and the gala performance of “ Puccini’s Boheme” at the Costanzi Theatre. But what more deeply interested their guests were the excellent opportunities to visit the late excavations in the Forum and on the Palatine hill. The English section had as guide to the Forum the director of the excavations, Signor Bomi, R.I.B.A., whose warm and deeply learned enthusiasm made a tour of the Forum with him a memorable pleasure. Excursions to Tivoli, Terni, &c., were arranged ; but the weather, that had been excessively cold and wet, and even foggy, marred these journeys, and this weather followed the congressists even to Naples, where the Press Association had arranged a warm- hearted reception, banquets and theatres, a special excavation at Pompei, and an interesting run to Baie. The same weather conditions attended those journalists who were fortunate and bold enough to venture on joining the Sicilian expedition. Tickets for this had been allotted by nation and ballot. Three fell to England, but I started as the only English journalist, on board the Gallileo Gallilei, with Jules Claretie and his son as cabin chums. Torrents of rain greeted us on entering Palermo, and marred a right royal reception, and at the banquet in the evening I, the sole Englishman, had to disown bringing Thames weather to Sicily; but the next day the weather was brilliant, and for a fortnight Sicily and her people gave of their best with fervid hospitality to the foreign journalists. Prince Scalea with his son Prince Pietro Lanza at the head of the journalists, professors, and notables of the island, and the whole population outdid even Sicilian hospitality, and everything was arranged with really marvellous exactitude. Signor Mauceri had arranged a saloon train that took us to all points of interest, and the enthu- siasm was so great this had to creep through the packed masses of peasants and people bring- ing presents of fruitand flowers to the “strangers.” All the mighty ruins of Greek, Roman, Norman, and Saracen, were visited, under learned and most hospitable guidance. In the Greek theatre of Syracuse 12,000 awaited our arrival, and some of the choruses of Aischylos were sung by maidens on the old Greek stage. The learned Professor Salinas of the Palmero Museum gave himself up to us, and I had much talk with him about Professor Freeman, and with him visited Segesta and Selinunte and Solunto, whose ruins outdo Athens herself for greatness and beauty. I was pleased to find on speaking of Mr. Free- man’s work at one of the dinners, that he is well remembered. The journey up Etna’s slopes, amidst the warm-hearted villagers, will never be forgotten, nor our reception at Messina and Catania. With M. Taunay, the indefatigable general secretary, and one or two others, I was the guest of the Prince and Princess Scalea (the princess is one of the characters in Mrs, Lynn Linton’s novel, “Tone”), and with their son we made excursions; wild rides over a very stiff “Lorna Doone” country, down sulphur mines, and to the Villa Eleanora, — THE AUTHOL. 21 that is packed with art treasures collected in the island; and I also went on—the sole congressist —to Tunis, striving to land on Pentelleria (Shakespeare’s “‘ Tempest ” island). The tempest was too great for even the mails to go ashore, but we reached Tunis safely, and I had the pleasure of a most interesting chat with Sir Harry Johnston, of African fame ; and that night sat alone on the topmost ruins of Carthage, and watched the sun set in the Western mountains—so vividly described in Flaubert’s “Salambo.” Surely a fitting ending to a Jiterary expedition, in which, on the Palatine hill, we had been told that Julius Czesar was the first journalist. Perhaps the readers of The Author will forgive this space given to Sicily. If it induces any to visit that intensely lovely and marvellous island, they will, I know, thank me when amidst its wondrous beauties. James Baker. ect CORRESPONDENCE. T.—Is LireRATURE A PrEcARIOUS PROFESSION? T cannot be helped, I imagine, but it is rather | a pity that the successful author should end in believing that success, especially from a financial point of view, is easy, provided only that the writer has the desirable qualities of knowing his business and working hard. Sir Walter Besant is always saying that the man of letters can do as well as the doctor or barrister, and seems to think this means something. Sooth to say, it means nothing, for the poor barrister and poor doctor are miserably poor indeed. There is too much of this encouragement to enter the profession— far too much; and I maintain it is not good for those in it or those still out of it that this suc- cessful optimism should be preached in a trade journal. But I would prefer to put down some facts rather than theories, and I will take the facts from my personal experience. I have written twenty-six books, and, while none have been literary failures, only one can be called a financial success. My best year in fourteen years of literary life gave me £380, and a good lump of that was for revision work. My last two years gave me £180 and £151. Yet most men imagine I make £600 or £700 year, and I think the Editor of this paper (who will know my name) must acknowledge that I stand among the first fifty of fiction writers, if not higher than that. £711 pounds for three years’ work is not good pay, and none of the trade will call it good. I object very strongly to The Author being made a journal for the undue encouragement of the lite- rary aspirant. We have: still our Grub-street, even if it is less tinged with the old Bohemianism, and the conductors of. The Author might take a tip from the trades unions, and refuse to enlist more apprentices than the business will carry. The normal increase of writers is more than enough without this encouragement, and, as the standard of average writing tends to rise, those who are in the second-class of fairly good men are ousted by many who can do a little work that is just passable, and can be bought at the lowest price. This is where competition touches us. Our. prices may still tend to increase, but we sell less. Sir Walter Besant is encouraging the already over- large class of those who can write marketable stuff. It is this which forces novelists into journalism, and makes them general hacks. The many-sidedness of the literary life is not a normal development, but the result of pressure which daily grows more tremendous. c — Tl.—Tue Srxpenny Boox. I have read with interest your remarks on the use—i.e., profit—of the sixpenny edition to pub- lisher, author, and reader. To the publisher the sixpenny edition must be “a thorn in the flesh,” as the profit accruing from it will not amount to much in any case, and if the author has a royalty on it, the publisher’s profit will be so much smaller. In comparison with the large profit made by the publisher on the three- and-sixpenny and six shilling editions, the six- penny popular—even if it zs popular—cannot count for much. Of course more copies of the cheaper edition are sold, but not in the propor- tion of seven and nine to one, which would be necessary to make an equal profit. At the same time, the people who can afford to pay 3s. 6d. or 6s. for their books do not often buy. They subscribe to libraries instead, and skim through the latest “strong”? novel, and perhaps also some of the magazines. Most of the people who can afford to buy books very seldom care either to buy or read them. It is true of books as of everything— “For easie things, that may be got at will, Most sorts of men doe set but little store.” Most of the lower middle-class read. They are workers, and reading is well-nigh their sole re- creation. They can keep up their intellectual vigour by thoughtful reading. In country places, more particularly in purely rural and agricul- tural districts, ideas do not run riot, to say the least of it. They cannot afford to pay 3s. 6d., much less 6s., for books more than twice or three times during a year. The sixpenny book they might indulge in oncea month. Think! Once 22 THE AUTHOR. a month for a new set of thoughts and a new topic of conversation. You speak of libraries. In the country there are few libraries, except, perhaps, in connection with the Sunday-school of the place. In the provincial towns, of course, there are free libraries; but, as a rule, the book you want is “not known,” or is “ out,” or “ has been mislaid.” The 6d. edition is the greatest boon to country people. My own stock of books contains quite 30 per cent. of sixpenny books—Lubbock’s “ Pleasures of Life,” ‘“‘ Extracts from Tennyson,” “Lorna Doone,” “Robert Elsmere.” These, I, for one, could not have afforded in a more elabo- rate edition. Very few workers or country people could. Do many people, except those with reputed literary tendencies, buy the more expensive editions? Ido not see many beoks in the houses round, except those which have descended from father to son. As a worker, with not too much surplus cash for luxury, it seems to me that even if the 6d. edition does not increase the number of readers, it enables those who care for reading to buy books oftener than they would otherwise be able to do. Sidney Smith gives voice to the sentiment of many when he says, “ We wish the Row would put books more within the power of those who want them most and use them best” ; and I think the 6d. edition is a step in the right direction. M. C. A. U1.—‘ Tue Exrravacant Dinner.” I. I have been asked by my friend, Mr. John Bickerdyke, to support “ Diane’s”’ contention, and I do so with pleasure, as it seems to me particularly desirable that a body such as our- selves should set.an example in this respect. In future let the price of the dinner be 33. 6d. or 5s., and let all those who wish wine pay for it as an extra. On grounds of policy our annual trades- union dinner ought not to have the appearance of a gorgeous “ society ” function in which none but the wealthy can participate. Mackenzir BELt. II. May I be allowed to indorse the opinions of “ Diane” ? Would not two dinners annually at 5s. each be more conducive to the enjoyment and general good fellowship of a greater number of authors? Or, if some of the members prefer the guinea dinner, could not others be arranged at a ‘lower price ? ANNABEL GRAY. ‘ III. . I am quite on all fours with “Diane ” as to the desirability of reducing the charge for tickets at the annual dinner of our Society. To the big stars of the literary firmament no doub: the present price is immaterial. But how about the _ minor constcllations to whom guineas are elusive and precious? Iam bold enough to suggest an innovation. Why not try a picnic next time—for choice a water one? (I write as an abstainer.) It should promote an all-round harmony and freedom from conventionality delightful to con-. template. Speeches delivered from the stern of the chairman’s boat would possess elements of novelty not to be despised. I venture to com- mend this idea to the earnest consideration of the Committee. Oxp Birp. Authors’ Club. “GOD IS LOVE’—A NOVEL.” T the request of Mr. Mullett Ellis, and by A permission of Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son, the following correspondence in a case much commented upon is published here. In Oct. 1898, Mr. Burleigh published “ ‘God is Love’—a Novel,’ by Mr. T. Mullett Ellis. Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son refused to sub- scribe for any copies of this book. Mr. Ellis then had an interview with Mr. Kingdon, the Departmental Manager of Messrs. Smith and Son, and was informed by that gentleman that he objected to the title of the book, and that he would not allow it to be exposed upon the railway bookstalls for that reason. Whereupon Mr. Ellis addressed the following letter to Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son :— To Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son. Dear Sirs,—Referring to the conversation I had with your Departmental Manager, Mr. Kingdon, on Saturday, the 15th inst., I am constrained to write you a letter of remon- strance against your intention of putting my book, ‘“‘ God is Love’—a Novel,” under the ban of your firm. The great house of W. H. Smith and Son occupies an unique position in relation to English literature. Not in the metropolis only, but throughout the country, your, firm enjoys a monopoly in the supply of books and newspapers through its contracts with the railway companies. You have hundreds of bookstalls, occupying more favoured positions than the shops which other booksellers can obtain, con- venient to millions of railway travellers, who form, in fact, the bulk of the reading public, and the advantages which your enterprise and energy have conferred upon the people we are all prepared to fully recognise. If you were an ordinary firm of booksellers you would have the right to deal in those books only which you choose, or even to devote yourselves to the special encouragement or disconragement of books of some particular creed or opinion, but holding-your anomalous position (thongh you shave undoubtedly a strictly-legal right to buy and sell as you deem proper, and, therefore, to exclude any book you like), I submit that thers are circumstances which render it incumbent upon you not to so exercise your right as to act,  THE AUTHOR. 23 virtua ly, as the Censors of English Literature. You have done this before, eg., in the case of ‘‘ Esther Waters,” and you have provoked in consequence the indignation and the protest of a great number of “men of light and learn- ing,” including such authors as A. Conan Doyle, Sarah Grand, Hugh Chisholm, William Archer, W. J. Daw- son, Mary Jeune, and many others, whose letters, pub- lished in the Daily Chronicle, were echoed by the entire Press. Mr. Kingdon was kind enough to sta‘e his objection to stock my book. His objection is to the title: to the use of the words, “‘ God is Love’—a Novel,” upon the cover of my book. Yet a considerable number of booksellers have taken it into stock without deeming the title an objection. I can realise Mr. Kingdon’s individual feeling, and can even honour him for his stern views; but I refer you to the general argument of this letter as a reason why you: firm should not exercise such an extreme of private judgment, either in my own or any other case. The position which your monopoly has conferred upon you has largely contributed to the general gradual exter- mination of the small bookseller. He cannot compete with the superior positions you occupy on the platforms of rail- ways, at the very doors of the modern reading room—i.e., the railway carriage. Your bookstalls are upon lands peculiarly held and obtained. It was never intended that lands acquired by force by railway companies under special Acts of Parliament should be in part let to private firms for the purposes of trade, and your tenancy is another reason why your business should be conducted with a large and open mind, and why, if you abuse your extra- ordinary privileges, Parliament must ke called upon to interfere. It has not b2en suggested that your firm, bearing, as it does, the name of one of the most distinguished politicians of recent years, a strong party man, universally respected, has ever endeavoured to utilise its power to discourage the sale of journals of political opponents; but, obviously, if you boycott books, you have an equal right to boycott newspapers, and your right of veto may be exercised not in literature only, but in politics—monstrous cor- sequence ! If the intellectual life of England as presented in our Literature is to have a Censor at all, I submit with defe- rence that he should not be one of the business staff of a trading firm, however high its standing. Even amongst scholars opinion as to the merits of various works of fiction singularly differs. Instance occurs in the last and the current issue of The Nineteenth Century magazine, where “Helbeck of Bannisdale” is under review by two learned gentlemen, both Roman Catholics. Father Clarke, S8.J.. characterises this novel as ‘‘a libel,” ‘‘ a gross burlesque,” *acalamny.” Father Bernard Vaughan “has risen from its perusal with a feeling of deep gratitude to Mrs Humphry Ward”; and St. George Mivart concludes his eulogistic review of the same book with “thanks for the great treat she has afforded mein her profoundly inte- resting and fascinating work.” If such men holding the same religious faith differ thus, how difficult must your position be when you act as judge for the whole world of English readers ! I am not anxious at the present moment to defend the moral or religious tone of my own book, although, should necessity arise, I am prepared to do so. A matter of much greater consequence devolves upon me, viz., to protest, as a humble member of the great body of British authors, against your exercise of the power of boycott atall. It is intolerable. It was hoped that the “‘ Esther Waters’’ con- troversy had settled this question four years ago, and the literary world generally believed that you would not again put yourselves in opposition t> the idea of Free Trade in Literature or attempt to dictate to the public what they should or should not be allowed to read. But we counted too early upon having won this right of the Liberty of the Pen—a freedom we dreamt we had attained centuries ago. Let me quote the words of Mr. Conan Doyle upon the subject : « Through the huge monopoly which they (Messrs W. H. Smith and Son) hold, the firm is practically a public institu- tion, and is far too great a thing to be managed on tie lines of individual caprice or intolerance.” And again in a sub sequent letter he writes: “The question is not one o this novel or that. Itis whether our literature is to conform to the standard of the Glasgow Baillie or whether it is to claim the same privileges as every great literature of which we have any record. Ifa book err in morality let the law of England be called in. But we object to an unauthorised judge who condemns without trial and punishes the author more heavily than any court could do.” (Conan Doyle, May 3rd, 1894.) Let me remind you, too, of a memorial of ‘“ indignant protest’ sent you by a number of your own subscribers, which concluded thus : “ By taking the action you have we are of opinion that you have added to your work as distributors of books the office of Censor of morals, and have in part frustrated the objects for which we joined your circulating library—the largest in the country.” When I remember that besides putting the novels of George Moore under your ban, you once boycotted also the work of Rudyard Kipling, I have demonstrated my point. I accordingly appeal to you, with every expression of consideration and courtesy, notwithstanding these plain words of protest, to reverse your decision and to remove my book from your ban. Reserving the right of publication of this letter,—I remain, dear sirs, yours faithfally, T. MutuetT Ev.is. Hogarth Club, Oct. 17th, 1898. : To this letter Messrs W. H. Smith and Son forwarded the following reply, here published by their permission. [Should have been dated Oct. 21, 1898.) Please address all communications to the Firm. 186, Strand, London, W.C. 189 Private. Dear Sir, We beg to acknowledge your letter of Oct.17. You are mistaken in thinking that Mr. Kingdon refused your work “God is Love” because of the title. He did, it is true, express personal objection to the title; but he declined to take the book into stock purely as a matter of business. It is quite impossible for us to take on sale at the bookstalls all the novels that are published, and we are compelled to select those which we think most likely to have a ready sale. We can hardly think that you would suggest that we are bound to place on the bookstalls everything that is tendered to us. This is no case of censorship, and no disrespect was intended towards your book. Mr. Kingdon, we believe, informed you that we should supply to purchasers who might order it, and such of our library subscribers as wish for it can have it in due course. Yours truly, W. H. Surry anv Son. T. Mullett Ellis, Kaq., Hogarth Club, 175, Bond-street, W. a4 THE AUTUOR. Messrs. Smith’s letter was directly challenged by Mr. Ellis as follows : To Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son. Dear Sirs, I thank you for your kind reply to my letter. Mr. Kingdon not only expressed personal objection to the title, but he gave that as his reason for not taking the book into stock. If you make inquiry, I think Mr. Kingdon will not fail to confirm this, and that he said, “he could not permit a novel with such a title to appear amongst other books on your stalls.” Tn response to your other remark which calls for reply, I would not presume to say that you should place on the bookstalls everything that is tendered you. That opens too great a question to be dealt with briefly, but having regard to the unique and dominant position your firm occupies, the exclusion of books on the ground of the personal objection of one of your departmental managers is unfair generally to authors, and it is for this reason I addressed myself upon the subject to the Society of Authors. Thanking you for the expressions with which you con- elude—I am, gentlemen, yours truly, T. MuuuettT ELtis. Messrs. Smith did not continue the correspon- dence, but Mr. Kingdon does not deny the accu- racy of Mr. Ellis’s statement, and the book was not exposed for sale. This exclusion from the stalls was regarded by the Press generally as in effect a boycott of the book. Oct. 24, 1898. speck BOOK TALK. “VW Nthe Dawn of Empire” is the title of Mr. Joseph WHatton’s new historical novel, which is to be published by Hutchinsons early this month. It is a work upon which the author is said to have been engaged for some years, and deals with one of the most romantic periods of English life and enterprise, when Sir Walter Raleigh was the most interesting figure at the Court of Elizabeth. Sir Walter’s chief ambition was the conquest of Guiana and the discovery of its supposed capital, ‘“‘ the golden city of Manoa.” Mr. Hatton finds much of the romance of his story in the history of Sir Walter’s two disastrous expeditions to Guiana; but to the ordinary novel reader the secret courtship and marriage of Sir Walter, and the love story of his protégé, David Yarcombe, will, no doubt, be the most attractive. The love story of Sir Walter Raleigh, with anything like “ chapter and verse,’ will be new as well in fiction as in historic records. It is over two years since Joseph Hatton pub- lished his last novel; so he makes up for this by producing two in 1899. ‘When Rogues Fall Out” is running in the syndicate of Tillotson’s newspapers, and will be published in volume form during the first or second week of September, from the press of Messrs. Pearson in London, and Lippincotts in America. Meanwhile “ By Order of the Czar,” at 6d., is repeating its original success in volume form. The forthcoming issue of Mr. Ruskin’s “ Pree- terita,’ will contain a new fragment, namely, another part of “ Dilecta.” This was set up in type long ago, but fur some reason Mr. Ruskin kept it from the press. Mr. George Allen, who will publish it, will also publish in the autumn an illustrated work on Turner, including many of Mr. Ruskin’s criticisms hitherto printed for private circulation only. The delegates of the Oxford University Press, following a popular fashion, are about to publish a new issue of the “ Oxford English Dictionary” in monthly parts of eighty-eight pages each, the first to appear on July 1. About half of the dictionary has now been finished, and the work will be completed probably by 1909. The pro- prietors of the Times, also, are issuing the “ Century Dictionary ” on special terms. For the forthcoming “ Irish Anthology,” edited by Mr. T. W. Rolleston, Dr. Stopford Brooke has written an introduction, and also a notice of Thomas Moore; Mr. Lionel Johnson deals with Mangan, and Mr. A. P. Graves with Sir Samuel Ferguson, while other contributors are Professor W. McNeile Dixon, Dr. George Sigerson, Dr. Douglas Hyde, D. J. O'Donoghue, W. B. Yeats, and George Russell (A. E.”). The anthology is on the plan of Mr. Humphry Ward’s “Selec- tions from the English Poets,” and will be pub- lished in the autumn by Messrs. Smith, Hider and Co. The toast of “ Literature” was omitted at the Royal Academy Banquet this year. Sir William Crookes’s reply to the criticisms evoked by his address to the British Association last year, predicting a scarcity in the world’s supply of wheat, will be published shortly by Mr. John Murray. “ Fiona Macleod” has declared, through Messrs. Constable, apropos of statements regard- ing her identity, that she is not any of those with whom she has been “ identified”’; that she wishes to preserve absolutely her privacy, upon which her very writing depends, that she writes only under the name of “Fiona Macleod,” and that her name is her own. A practical book on embroidery by Mr. Lewis F, Day and Miss Mary Buckle, who is accom- plished in the art, will be published shortly by Mr. B. T. Batsford, illustrated by reproductions of needlework.  THE AUTHOR. 25 May 20 was the centenary of the birth of Balzac ; May 23 that of the birth of Thomas Hood. Upwards of £300 has already been contributed to the William Black Memorial Fund, in sums ranging from 1s. to £25. Generous offers of help have been received from America, where an influential committee has been formed. Dona- tions should be sent to the honorary treasurer of the fund (Lord Archibald Campbell), care of Messrs. Coutts, 59, Strand, London. As we have previously announced, a proposal that the memo- rial should take the form of a lifeboat for the West Coast of Scotland has been received with much favour. Oban, however, is desirous that it should take the form of a recreation hall for that town. Mr. Sutherland Edwards is writing the life of Sir William White, and wiil be glad if those who possess letters will forward them to him, care of Messrs. Cassell and Co. -A life of Dante, by the Rev. J. F. Hogan, of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, will be pub- lished by Messrs. Methuen. From the Oxford University Press will shortly come the second series of Dr. Edward Moore’s “‘ Studies in Dante,” dealing, among other subjects, with Dante asa religious teacher, Beatrice, and the genuineness of the “Questio de Aqua et Terra.” Mr. John Burnet, Professor of Greek in the University of St. Andrews, has edited <Aristotle’s ‘ Ethics,” a feature of the edition being that parallel passages from the Eudemian Ethics are printed under the text to which they refer. This will be published by Messrs. Methuen, who also announce an elaborate edition of the “ Captivi” of Plautus, by Mr. W. M. Lindsay, Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford. Memorial tablets to Keats and Charles Lamb were unveiled in the new public library at Edmonton (where they both resided), on April 29, by Mr. Frederic Harrison. Forthcoming novels include “ Ione March,” by Mr. Crockett, which has run serially as “A Woman of Fortune” (Hodder and Stoughton) ; “The White Woman,” by Mr. Edwards Tirebuck, a story of the adventures of a popular contralto (Harper); “Rupert, by the Grace of God,” a historical novel, by Miss Dora McChesney (Mac- millan) ; “The House by the Lock,” a Thames- side story, by Mrs. C. N. Williamson (Bowden) ; “Peter Binney, Undergraduate,” a humorous story of Cambridge University life, by Mr. Archibald Marshall (Bowden). Canon Knox Little has written a volume of « Sketches and Studies in South Africa,” a country which he visited recently. Messrs. Isbister will publish the book, which discusses federation and other political topics, and is dedicated to Mr. Rhodes, of whose work the author is an ardent admirer. “The Tendency of Religion,” by Colonel R. Elias has lately been published by Messrs. Chap- man and Hall Limited. Mr. Edward Jenks, Reader in English Law at the University of Oxford, has written a work on Modern Land Law, which the Clarendon Press will issue shortly. Professor Saintsbury’s volume on Matthew Arnold, for Messrs. Blackwood’s new series on English Men of Letters, will shortly be published. es BOOKS AND REVIEWS. NDER this heading it is proposed to make a little experiment, viz., to select every month those books which seem to have attracted the greatest notice, and to extract in brief the most distinctive points of the reviewer. It is intended to offer a guide, to a certain extent, for the reader and the buyer—perhaps, also, for the bookseller. It will at once be conceded that the experiment is one liable to many dangers and to some suspicion. The work is, therefore, confided to a journalist who has no log to roll, no school to defend, and no fads and hobbies of his own. His instructions are to take his extracts only from papers which are known to influence readers: to avoid any review which his knowledge of the Press leads him to believe written by a personal friend or a personal enemy. It is hoped that a strict impartiality will become the characteristic of these columns. Those who are behind the scenes generally know who are the authors of important notices. One must not be too severe with a reviewer who praises a friend ; but care will be taken not to quote him. Lord Charles Beresford’s Tue BrHAK UP OF CHINA (Harper’s, 12s.) is on all hands regarded as of great value and importance, not so much because of the policy he recommends, as, in the words of the Times, for the information he has so diligently collected, and the vivid picture its mere representation affords of the existing situation in China. Tur Lire or Winitam Morris, by J. W. Mackail (Longmans, 32s.), although much dissected by critics, has been welcomed as, on the whole, to quote the Times again, “a, good biography, which may take a permanent place among the books that posterity will select out of the enormous literary production of our time.” Tun AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND LeTTERS oF Mrs. M. oO. Ww. OLIPHANT, edited by Mrs. Coghill (Blackwood, 21s.), 18 26 THE described by the Chronicle as “one of the most pathetic u of all biographies, as “a history of sacrifice,” by the Spectator. Mr. Justin McCarthy’s Remrniscances (Chatto and Windus, 24s.), a work which brings before us, says the Daily Telegraph, ‘most of the leading men in politics and lite- rature who have occupied commanding positions in this country duriog the last forty years,” is in every quarter described as delightful and spirited. With many of Mr. Percy Dearmer’s regulations in THE Parson’s Hanpspooxk (Richards, 3s. 6d.), the Times “should expect most clergy to differ, of course with all due respect, but quite as many of them show a common- sense which is agreeably surprising.” Tur REFORMATION SETTLEMENT, EXAMINED IN THE Licur or History Aanp Law, by the Rev. Malcolm MacColl (Longmans, 7s. 6d.), is described by the Guardian as “a subs‘antial volame of between six and seven hundred pages, full of egent reasons and telling fast, spiced (it need not be said) with excellent anecdote.” Canon MacColl’s point of view on the Church crisis will be indicated when we say that in the “introductory letter” to Sir William Harcourt, with which this volume opens, he urges that great possibilities of statesmanship are thrown away for the sake of what is, after all, a very small matter, ‘the alarm caused by the doings and sayings of a com- paratively small number of clergy,” being ‘‘ out of all pro- portion to the bare facta.” Literature says itis ‘‘a clever and penetrating criticism of many modern fallacies, political, historical, religious,’ but ‘rot by any means a final pro- nouncement on difficult points of historical controversy ”; and the Spectator, after pointing out defects, and remarking that he proves the accuracy of Bishop Thirlwall’s statement as to the liberty of belief and of teaching on the question of the Presence of Christin the Eucharist, congratulates Canon MacColl on having produced a book which is calculated to promote sound thinking on the relations between Church and State, and to dissuade the candid reader from partici- pation in efforts towards the reduction of the ancient and clearly established liberties of the Anglican clergy.” Essays In PsycurcAL ResEarcu, by A. Goodrich Freer (Redway, 7s. 6d), is recommended by Literature as baing worth reading by all who interest themselves in “ occult ” phenomena. Hector C. Maspherson’s ADAM SmitTH (Oliphant, 1s. 6d.), according to Literature, is ‘the best volume in the Famous Scots series that we have seen.” Letters oF THoMAS CARLYLE TO HIS YOUNGEST Sister (Chapman, 6s.) the Telegraph calls “ exceedingly pleasant reading,” while the Daily News says they show us the philosopher of Chelsea by his best side. Henry Georce Lippery, D.D., by the Rev. H. L. Thompson (Murray, 16s.) is described by the Daily News as a “‘very readable and interesting memoir” of the Dean, containing recollections of Thackeray, Earl Granville, Gladstone, and others, and the Telegraph casts a reflection upon the length of other biographies by saying of this one that “for once in a way the reader turns the last page wishing for more.” Mr. Ashton Rollins Willard’s History or MopEry IraLuiAN Art (Longmans, 18s. net), “if it contains here and there a hasty judgment,” strikes Literature “ as on the whole spirited, accurate, and just.” Arpor V1T&, by Godfrey Blount (Dent, 12s, 6d. net.), is important, says Literature, “not only for the craftsman, who will find in its pages an intelligible basis of con- ventionalised art, but also for all who realise the direct connection between art and life.” AUTHOR. AN INTRODUCTION TO THESTUDY OF 1HE RENAISSANCE, by Mra. Field (Smith, Elder, and Co., 6s ), ‘‘ although,” says Literature, essentially elementary, on the whole Mrs. Field is a ‘‘safe guide, and any disagreement with her cpinion regarding a detail here and there ia soon forgotten in contemplation of the extent of her labours.” VANDYCK'’s PicTurRES AT WINDSOR CASTLE (Bell, £6 6s.) is a work in which Mr. Ernest Law writes “ with vivid appreciation throughout,” says Literature, “ of the originals of the thirty admirable reproductions which have been pre- pared in photogravure by Mr. Franz Hanfstaengl.” ‘As many of the pictures have seldom been reproduced before,’ remarks the Daily News, ‘‘the volume should be an indis- pensable addendum to every private or public art library,’ an opinion which is also expressed by the Times. A PALADIN OF PHJLANTHROPY, AND OTHER PAPERS, by Austin Dobson (Chatto, 6s.), range over a variety of subjects, says Literature—from Goldsmith, and Gay, and Luttrell, to memories of Old Whitehall and changes in the neighbourhood of Charing Cross—‘and they make as interesting reading as can be desired for anyone blessed with a touch of the antiquarian spirit and with a love of eighteenth century books.’ Mr. Dobson, says the Times, has treated these old heroes and their London haunts “in a manner which will maintain his reputation, and enhance theirs.” Tue ErcuinGHam Letrmrs (Smith, Elder and Co., 6s.), by Mrs Faller Maitland and Sir Frederick Pollock, is “ an entirely original and new kind of book,” says the Guardian, “itis more than a novel, inasmuch as it gives us, by the way, all sorts of charming little scraps of poetry and fancy, subtle criticiam of books, and flying commentary upon men and manners.” ‘‘ Read in the right fashion,” says the Times, ‘it will serve to amuse for many a day,” and the “yight fashion,” appears to be as “studious recreation ” (Daily Chronicle). The Spectator notes that “ epistolary formula in fiction had already been worn pretty thread- bare when Wilkie Collins apparently gave it its coup de grace,” buat “it has been reserved for Mrs. Faller Maitland and Sir Frederick Pollock to lend the convention fresh life and charm by a division of labour which imparts to this volume a great deal of the character of a bond fide corre- spondence.” Of Max Beerbohm’s More (Lane, 4s. 6d.) the Telegraph says “it would be well if every ‘earnest worker’ would read one of these essays before getting up in the morning ; thera would perhaps be less philanthropy, but it would be far sounder”; while Literature observes that in Mr. Beer- bohm’s hands “the knack of graceful impertinence is ra‘sed by dint of sheer mastery to the dignity of a serious art.” THE GREEN Winpow, by Vincent O'Sullivan (Smithers, 3s. 6d. net), provides, says Literature, “the exhilarating spectacle of a decadent essayist dashing his angry heart against the desolations of the world,” but the essays are “ sufficiently well written to entertain those whose mental balatce they do not disturb.” Mr. W. B. Yeats always seems to the Guardian “to have more of the gifts which make a poet than any of his fellows,” and his collected Pomms (Unwin, 7s. 6d.) are also welcomed by the Chronicle, which says that while Mr. Yeats is Irish of the Irish, ‘he uses our language as the great English poets use it,’ so that “apart altogether from the thought and temperament, anyone might think that the language was the work of one of our own great poets.” The Chronicle even goes so far as to say that “up to now Ireland has produced hardly a single post who could use English with poetic power.’ Mr. Yeats’s  t & iz a Coe Bae > Bo PI tea ee fe THE THE Winp AmonG THE Rexps (Mathews, 3s. 6d.), says Literature, ‘“‘has the remoteness, the melancholy of all postry, inspired by spiritual passion.” Maxwell Gray’s poems, THE Forest CHare. (Heine- mann, 5s.), are described by Literature as “ healthy, cheerful, and sometimes old-fashioned in their subjects,” and ‘“‘ well worth perusal by all who are seeking among our modern bards a singer who has a true ear for melody and is wholly free from affectations.” Tus PuHinirprines AND Rotunp Asout, by Major G. J. Younghusband, who visited the islands during the war (Macmillan, 8s. 6d. net), contains ‘‘a deal of valuable facts and sound reflections,’ says the Spectator; “ a very amusing book,” says the Times; presenting, according to the Datly Chronicle, the chain of events in the Philippine drama “ skilfully, interestingly, and usefully.” HoLLAND AND THE HOLLANDERS, by D. S. Meldrum, (Blackwood, 6s.), “is just the kind of book that every visitor should read before he goes,” says the Daily New: ; will prove to the intelligent tourist, according to Literature, an invaluable supplement to Motley and Baedeker, * giving a clear and vivid picture of the Holland of to-day, a detailed account of the fight against the invading waters, and of the life of the people in every class of society.” Mrs. Archibald Little’s IntTImMAtTz CuinaA (Hutchinson, 21s.) is described by the Chronicle as ‘‘a graphic word- picture of the doomed race.” “The very perfection of a guide book” is how the Daily Telegraph describes Highways AND Byways IN DONEGAL AND ANTRIM, by Stephen Gwynn (Macmillan, 6s.), which Literature cannot recommend as a guide book per se. “ But we do recommend the tourist to read it before he starts; it will provide him with plenty of information and enjoyment, especially if he reads it at a table.” Tue Baru Roap, by Charles G. Harper (Chapman, 12s.), “is full of interesting material, and bubbles over with good spirits,” says the Telegraph; “an eminently readable book and handsomely illustrated,’ says the Spectator. Tue TEMPERANCE PROBLEM AND SociaL REFORM, by Joseph Rowntree and Arthur Sherwell (Hodder and Stough- ton, 6s.). Literature does not remember seeing any state- ment so intelligently put of the bearing of the drink question on general social conditions asin this book. “ The elimination of private profit is, broadly speaking, the object which the authors have in view, and their facts and sugges- tions should certainly be in the hands not only of social reformers but of all electors who wish to form a judgment on the subject.” Fiy Fisuina, by Sir Edward Grey (Dent, 7s. 6d. net), is a modern book on trout fishing which gives the Daily Chronicle “ unqualified delight.” It is described by Litera- ture as “a collection of notes, disciplined under various headings, and of autobiographical reminiscences, told with unaffected and wholly inoffensive egoism by one whose eyes and ears are quick to observe rural sights and sounds.” The Spectator finds the charm of the book “ in the skill the author shows in recalling the detail of pleasent sensations.” In Mr. G. A. B. Dewar’s SourH Country Trour Srreams (Lawrence and Bullen, 5s.) Literature says that the information about expenses may be found a little meagre,-but otherwise the author provides the angler with ‘all he needs to know as to the rivers of the southern counties.” : GoLF AND GOLFERS; by Horace Hutchinson (Longmans, 18s. net.), is “ a very fine book,” says the Chronicle, and the AUTHOR. 24 Times says itis of the kind of book about golf that is ‘‘ made to be read with pleasure and studied with profit.” Our GARDENS, by Dean Hole (Dent, 7s. 6d. net.).—‘‘When Dean Hole speaks of gardens, all who love them pause to hear,” observes the Daily Chronicle, while the Duily Telegraph calls it a “ most pleasant” book of essays. Sir John Lubbock’s book “ On Bups AND STIPULES” (Kegan Paul, 5s.) discusses the question: Why have some of the Rock Roses (Helianthemum) stipules while others have not? This leads him on, says Literature, “to interesting matter about the construction of buds and the other functions of stipules.” Mr. Grant Allen’s novel Miss CAyugeYy’s ADVENTURES (Richards, 6s.) is praised by the Spectator, which wonders ‘“‘ what terrible literary penance Mr. Grant Allen will enjoin on himself for this uncompromising concession to conven- tional sentiment and orthodox morality.” The Telegraph thinks that ‘“‘in the charming, clever and original’ Miss Lois Cayley, Mr. Grant Allen has done much to reconcile us to the New Woman, and adds that through all the adven- tures runs “ a very pretty love story of devotion, endurance and trast which is good in a prosaic and sceptical age”’; while the Daily Chronicle describes this story of a Girton girl as “‘a very amusing book, written with much bright- ness.” Mr. Crockett’s novel, THz Buack Douauas (Smith, Elder, and Co., 63.), is said by Literature to be picturesque, and there is “‘no reason why it should not be as popular at the libraries as any of its predecessors” from the same hand. Criticisinz ON THE EpGEr oF THE Empire, by Edgar Jepson and Captain D. Beames (Heinemann, 6s.), the Telegraph says that to the average Englishman the Pathan and the Sikh are still unknown quantities, peculiar baings surrounded with mystery and misconception, and that this fact will lead many people to real these tales, which are “of extreme interest, vivid, descriptive, and unique in originality and attractiveness.”’ A Mopgern Mercenary, by K. and Hesketh Prichard (Smith, Elder, and Co., 6s.), contains, says the Chronicle, some excellent character drawing, and is on the whole “a bright and credible story.” Raaeep Lapy, by W. D. Howells (Harper, 6s.), is “ the portrayal of a group of normal, or at any rate ordinary New Englanders, mostly middle class in station, simple in their pleasures, and ingenuous in their speech’’; it has in full measure, says the Spectator, ‘‘ the sovereign qualities of fascination and distinction,” and is a delightfully wholesome and engaging romance. The Chronicle notes that “the habit of elaborately analysing the trivial is growing upon Mr. Howells,” but he is a master of the trick, and the work of a man who isa master of anything must always be worth reading.” THe Awkwarp AGE, by Henry James (Heinemann, 6:.). The Spectator regrets to see Mr. James “ carrying into practice that misguided opinion, by which somany modern writers of fiction are obviously actuated, that normal and wholesome themes being exhausted, a novelist can only disp'ay originality or achieve artistic results inthe delinea- tio. ui the detestable.” The Telegraph describes it as a story of the modern life of modern people who seem to have no gooi instincts at all. They are smart and selfish and scheming. “Bat it has a great charm” ; “ the people are real and have personalities, though they are so unpleasant.” The Daily News says “it requires a@ severe mental wrestle to follow the story”; the Chronicle says that Mr, Henry James “gets cleverer and still more him “at his most subtly clever”; while Literature sees 28 psychological, at his most overwhelmingly copious, at his most exasperatingly deliberate.” Tur Passtnc oF Prince Rozan, by John Bickerdyke (Burleigh, 6s.), the romance of a swindler on the Stock Exchange, the Spectator says, has “at least the qualities of animation and excitement.”’ In Anne MAULEVERER (Methuen, 6s.) “ Iota” (Mrs. Mannington Caffyn), has contrived, says the Chronicle, “to leave with us a most delectable addition to the heroines in modern fiction—no one will want to miss a word of the book—and she has established herself, in our view, as one of the leading women novelists of the day,” while the Spec- tator says that if it is impossible to commend the novel “ag an elevating or entertaining study of humanity, as a storehouse of eccentric, affected, spasmodic and extra- yvagant modes of expression it should prove invaluable to the student of literary degeneracy.” On THE EncE oF A Precrpicn, by Mary Angela Dickens (Hutchinson, 6s.), is a story of suspended memory ina beautiful girl, who while in this state exactly reproduces the fine tragic acting taught her by an evil and ugly friend. The hero, having been in love with the former all through, on her recovering her memory and identity marries the female villain. ‘‘ Miss Dickens writes with ease and fluency,” says the Spectator, “ but the novel will not add to her reputation.” The Telegraph considers ita ‘clever romance,” and the Chronicle says there is in it “a sound exciting bit of drama for those who like a book ‘with a spine to it.’ ” Racueu, by Jane H. Findlater (Methuen, 6s.), a story “ full of pathos and real human feeling” (Telegraph) is “a clever and interesting piece of work,” says Literature, by one possessing “a faculty of creating out of simple materials a powerful and abiding impression.” pect OBITUARY. R. JOSEPH ARTHUR GIBBS, author of “A Cotswold Village,” died suddenly on May 13 from failure of the heart after an operation. Mr. Gibbs was only thirty-one. He was educated at Eton and Christchurch, Oxford, and began in literature with some notable articles on the laying down of cricket grounds, which appeared in the Field and afterwards in book form. “A Cotswold Village,” which will be remembered as one of last season’s successful books, is a delightful picture of English country life. Mrs. Emma Marshall, the well-known writer of historical novels for girls, died at her residence at Clifton, aged seventy. Mrs. Marshall used to say, “At least I have never written a line that could do anyone any harm.” Her novels were usually written around the character of a historical personage, “ Penshurst Castle,’ for instance, being associated with Sir Philip Sidney, and “Under the Dome of St. Paul’s” with Sir Christopher Wren. Among others of her many works may be mentioned ‘ Winchester Meads,’ THE AUTHOR. “In Edward Colston’s Days,’ “ Bristol Dia- monds,” and “Under Salisbury Spire.” Mrs. Marshall had been ill for seven weeks; an attack of influenza developed, as so often happens, into pneumonia, which proved fatal on May 4. Mr. Benjamin Vincent, who died at the age of eighty-seven, was for forty years librarian of the Royal Institution, and for many years edited Haydn’s Dictionaries of Dates and Biographies. He was a friend and a relative of Faraday. Mr. Charles Henry Coote, of the British Museum, who died on April 30, was a first autho- rity on old maps, and among other literary work, in 1886, with Mr. E. Delinar Morgan, he prepared for the Hakluyt Society “Harly Voyages and Travels to Russia and Persia.” He contributed many articles to the ninth edition of the “ Encyclopedia Britannica,’ and to the “ Dic- tionary of National Biography.” “THE AUTHOR.” SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. 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