https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/486/1903-10-01-The-Author-14-1.pdf 70cbe83bcc8951ce88eff9c98294def4 PDF Text Text ���������������������������� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource <em>The Author</em> Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, <em>The Author</em>, 1890<span>–</span>1914, made available together for the first time.<br /><br />Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&amp;collection=&amp;type=&amp;tags=&amp;exhibit=&amp;date_search_term=&amp;submit_search=Search+For+Items&amp;sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1903-10-01 Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages Page range in volume 1–28 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19031001 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.) FOUNDED BY SIR WALTER BESANT. Vou. XTV.—No. 1. THE TELEPHONE. + THE Telephone connection has now been estab- lished, and the Society’s number is— 374 VICTORIA. —————_+—>—+_____ NOTICES. + OR the opinions expressed in papers that are K signed or initialled the authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the opinion of the Committee unless such is especially stated to be the case. THE Editor begs to inform members of the Authors’ Society and other readers of The Author that the cases which are from time to time quoted in The Author are cases that have come before the notice or to the knowledge of the Secretary of the Society, and that those members of the Society who desire to have the names of the publishers - concerned can obtain them on application. —_*+——+—_ List of Members. THE List of Members of the Society of Authors, published October, 1902, at the price of 6d., and the elections from October, 1902 to J uly, 1903, as a supplemental list, at the price of 2d. can now be obtained at the offices of the Society. It will be sold to members or associates of the Society only. —_t——+—__ The Pension Fund of the Society. THE investments of the Pension Fund at present standing in the names of the Trustees are as follows. : This is a statement of the actual stock ; the Vou, XIV. OcTOBER Ist, 1903. [PRIcE SIXPENCE. money value can be easily worked out at the current price of the market :— DOMME oie services £1000 0 0 iiocal Loans 3... 500 0 0 Victorian Government 3 % Consoli- dated Inscribed Stock ............... 291 19 11 War lvan 2.3 201-953 Total, 2 36 £15993. 9. 2 Subscriptions. 1903. Jan. 1, Pickthall, Marmaduke » Deane, Rev. A.C. . Jan. 4, Anonymous : + Heath, Miss Helena » Russell, G. H. ; Jan. 16, White, Mrs. Caroline » Bedford, Miss Jessie Jan. 19, Shiers-Mason, Mrs. Jan. 20, Cobbett, Miss Alice : Jan. 30, Minniken, Miss Bertha M. M. Jan. 31, Whishaw, Fred : : PRS eeHrocesoosorseoogonoocse od hh SOOWMMAH OOOO PEFFRSOSCSOSOSSSSSSOSCSCOSCCSCS Feb. 3, Reynolds, Mrs. Fred 5 Feb. 1iy7lincoln, ©, ‘ 5 Feb. 16, Hardy, J. Herbert . : 5 » Haggard, Major Arthur . 5 Feb. 23, Finnemore, John . 5 Mar. 2, Moor, Mrs. St. C. . 0 Mar. 5, Dutton, Mrs. Carrie 15: Api. 10, Bird, CP... : : ‘ 10 Apl. 10, Campbell, Miss Montgomery . 5 May Lees, R. J... : : : 1 S Wright, J. Fondi 5 Donations. Jan. 3, Wheelright, Miss E. 010 6 3 Middlemass. Miss Jean » 010 0 Jan. 6, Avebury, The Right Hon. The Lord . : : 37) 0-0 » Gribble, Francis : 010 0 Jan. 13, Boddington, Miss Helen . 010 6 Jan. 17, White, Mrs. Wollaston Let 0 » Miller, Miss E. T. . 0 5.0 Jan. 19, Kemp, Miss Geraldine 010 6  £ s. a. Jan. 20, Sheldon, Mrs. French 0 5 0 Jan. 29, Roe, Mrs. Harcourt 010 0 Feb. 9, Sherwood, Mrs. : 010 6 Feb. 16, Hocking, The Rey. Silas 11.0 Feb. 18, Boulding, J. W. 010 6 5, Ord, Hubert H. - 010 9 Feb. 20, Price, Miss Eleanor 010 0 » Carlile, Rev. aC. 010 O Feb. 24, Dixon, Mrs. 5 0 0 Feb. 26, Speakman, Mrs. - 010 0 Mar. 5, Parker, Mrs. N ella 010 0 Mar. 16, Hallward, N.L. . J 1.0 Mar. 20, Henry, Miss Alice . 0 5 0 » Mathieson, Miss Annie . . 010 0 ;, Browne, 'T. A. (“ Rolfe Boldre- wood”) . : : _ tL 20 Mar. 23, Ward, Mrs. Humphry _. 10 0 0 Apl. 2, Hutton, The Rev. W. H. 2 0 0 Apl. 14, Tournier, Theodore 0 5 0 May King, Paul H. : : 2 010 0 Wynne, Charles Whitworth .10 0 0 » 21, Orred J. Randal 148 June 12, Colles, W. Morris . -10 0 0 » Bateman, Stringer . . 010 6 » Anon 0 5 0 The following members have also made subscrip- tions or donations :— Meredith, George, President of the Society. Thompson, Sir Henry, Bart., F.R.C.S, Rashdall, The Rev. H. Guthrie, Anstey. Robertson, C. B. Dowsett, C. F. There are in addition other subscribers who do not desire that, either their names or the amount they are subscribing should be printed. —_—_—_+——_+______ FROM THE COMMITTEE. —_——_—_—_ ++ HE last meeting of the Committee before the vacation was held at 39, Old Queen Street, Storey’s Gate, 8.W., on Wednesday, July 8th. Twelve members and associates were elected, Their names and addresses are set forth below. Other matters connected with the business of the Society during the vacation, and with the Besant Memorial were settled. Tn addition it was decided to take up a case on behalf of one of the members against a prominent publisher who had failed to meet his account. This case has since been settled—the publisher has paid up in full. THE AUTHOR. Cases. Tye last issue of the cases taken up by the Society on behalf of its members was published in the June number. That took the list for the present year down to the middle of May. The present record therefore covers the four months, June, July, August, and September. Thirty cases have been taken up. Of these, thirteen have been for the return of MSS. ; nine for the payment of money due; two for money and accounts ; four for accounts only; and the remaining two for matters connected with literary property and copyright. Tn ten cases, owing to the prompt attention of the editors to the secretary's request, the MSS. were at once returned and forwarded to the authors. In the other three cases the editors were unable to find the MSS. As there was no evidence forthcoming of neglect, or in fact that the MSS. had actually reached the office, the cases could not be taken further. Of the cases for money, five have been successful. The remaining four are still open, but there is every prospect that they will terminate satisfactorily. In one case however, it is probable that the editor will become bankrupt. Of the claims for account two have been terminated, the accounts having been rendered ; and two are still open. The two cases of money and accounts, owing to the fact that no satisfactory answer could be obtained, were placed in the hands of the Society’s solicitors. One case is still pending in the Courts. In the other case (against a well known publisher), the amount was paid with costs. The other two cases referred to as dealing with literary property have terminated satisfactorily. — July Elections. Ady, Mrs. Henry (Julta Ockham, Ripley, Surrey. Cartwright Corby, Miss E. Esker, Killucan, West- meath. Freed, Thomas, A. H. . Box 76, Nelson, New Zealand. Hodgson, Mrs. Wil- By-the-Sea, Exmouth. loughby Keene, Mrs. . Quetta, Balmenstan, India. 25, St. Thomas Street, Grosvenor Square, W. Grosvenor House, Gros- yenor Square, South- ampton. Ardblair Castle, Blair- gowrie, N.B. Korbay, Francis - Mocatta, Mrs. Mary A. Oliphant, Capt. P. L. K. Blair (Philip Laurence Oliphant)  ee ee THE AUTHOR. 3 Rogers, Mrs. Fanny . Cape Town, South Africa. Russell, Fox : oo Garden Court, Temple, E.C. Shepheard-Walwyn, Dalwhinnie, Kenley, H. W., F.Z.8., F.E.S, Surrey. Vacaresco, Madame . 17, Rue de P Arcade, Paris ; Vacaresis, Roumania. Oo? OUR BOOK AND PLAY TALK. + POPULAR edition of Sir Lewis Morris’s “Epic of Hades,” at 1s. 6d. nett, is announced by Messrs. Kegan Paul & Co, for October 1st. Though twenty-seven years have elapsed since the publication of this poem, which has gone, we believe, through forty-five editions, this is the first edition to appeal to the masses, who it is hoped will appreciate the great reduction in price now made. Sir Lewis Morris has decided to include the story of “ Niobe,” which has hitherto been published separately, in the present issue, the entire text of which he has finally corrected. The poem in question has a new introduction in verse specially written by the poet. A new and augmented edition of Dr. Richard Garnett’s, ‘The Twilight of the Gods,” has been issued by Mr. John Lane. The dedication reads : ‘To Horace Howard Furness and George Brandes. Dabo duobus testibus meis.? The first edition of these tales was published in 1888. It contained sixteen stories, to which twelve are added in the present impression. This volume is the most personally illuminating, the most characteristic Dr. Garnett has given us . and that is to say it is well worth reading, and worth buying for our “ best books” collection. The Syndicate of the Cambridge University Press propose to publish in the course of the autumn a comprehensive work on the “ History of Classical Scholarship,” which has been prepared by the Public Orator, Dr. Sandys. It extends from about 600 B.c. to the end of the Middle Ages, and Consists of more than thirty chapters distributed over six books, dealing with the «“ History of Scholarship in the Athenian and the Alexandrian ages ; ”“ The Roman age of Latin and Greek Litera- ture” ; “ The Byzantine Age” ; and “ The Middle Ages in the West of Europe.” The text, which fills six hundred and fifty crown octavo pages (exclusive of the index), will be accompanied by chronological tables, facsimiles from Greek and Latin manuscripts and other illustrations, Colonel Haggard’s new book, “ Sidelights on the Court of France,” will be issned immediately by Messrs. Hutchinson, the period treated of being that from the reign of Francis I. to the death of Louis XIII., and of course including Henry of Navarre. Prominence ig given to such characters as Diana of Poitiers, Marguerite de Valois, Richelieu and Mazarin. The book is very fully illustrated. Professor Skeat has this year re-issued his text of “ Havelock the Dane” ; it was formerly printed for the Early English Text Society, and ‘has ever since been the standard edition. ‘It is now issued by the Clarendon Press in a revised and augmented, but cheaper form, with a preface that contains all the important criticisms of the poem up to the present date. Professor Skeat is also greatly interested in looking over the sheets of the « English Dialect Dictionary ” and making a few suggestions by way of addition. This important work, edited by Pro- fessor Wright, of Oxford, is making satisfactory progress. It is now in type nearly to the end of the letter Y. Professor Skeat takes special interest in it, as he was the founder, first secretary, and finally the director of the English Dialect Society, which in the course of twenty-four years (1873— 1896) collected and printed some eighty volumes, thus providing sufficient material to make a founda- tion for Professor Wright’s further labours, A good deal of Professor Skeat’s time is taken up with attempts to discover or verify the etymolo- gies of difficult English words, with the view of rendering some small assistance to the editor of the “ New English Dictionary.” A few of the latest results have lately been printed for the Philological Society of London, but have not yet been issued, Dr. Alexander Rattray’s new work, “Divine Hygiene, or the Sanitary Science of the Sacred Scriptures” (Nisbet & Co., two vols.) is well through the printer’s hands, and may be expected soon. Besides the main theme, the object is the advocacy of the Holy Bible as the great educational handbook for humanity ; our pioneer informant in many subjects ; sole teacher in others ; and its science and philosophy, though humanly speaking ancient, not antiquated as often represented, but advanced. Though professionally treated it is popularly written, strictly Evangelical, practically exhaustive, and a vindication of Christianity. Mr. Ferrar Fenton, F.R.A.S., is about to issue a translation of the “ Psalms, Solomon, and Sacred Writers,” in the original metres, but in modern English ; and also his “Complete Bible”  4 in modern English. The publishers are Messrs. S. W. Partridge & Co., of Paternoster Row, London, E.C. Their Majesties, King Edward and the German Emperor have intimated that they will be pleased to accept presentation copies. Mr, Justice Condé Williams, of the Supreme Court of Mauritius, who read _a paper some time ago at the Royal Colonial Institute on “ The Future of our Sugar Producing Colonies,” is about to publish an autobiography under the title of “From Journalist to Judge.” Judge Williams was editor of the Birmingham Daily Gazette in succession to Dr. Sebastian Evans, and was for a short period a member of the staff of the Zimes in Paris. His judicial experiences extend to South Africa, the West Indies and Mauritius. From Journalist to Judge” will be published by Mr. G. A. Morton, of 42, George Street, Edin- burgh. “Romantic Tales from the Punjab” (Con- stable), is the second and final instalment of a body of Indian stories collected by the Rev. Charles Swynnerton, on the North-West frontier of India, of which “Indian Night’s Entertainment ” (Stock), published ten years ago, was the first. Tt consists of the more important legends, and is adorned with over one hundred illustrations by native hands. The longest and most important legend is that of Raja Rasalu, consisting of twelve separate stories, each complete in itself, as spoken and sung by one or other of the three Punjabi bards, Sharaf and Jama of the Rawal Pindi District, and Sher of the Hazara District—with the exception of the first and last stories of the twelve, which, though mainly attributable to Sharaf, contain a few details from other story-tellers. The rest of the legends in the book, as “ Hir and Ranjha,” are also of great importance and most interesting ; while as well there are several short stories, a careful introduction, and an appendix containing many notes, and a selection of Punjabi verses in original from “ Hir and Ranjha,” with literal translations, and notes philological and explanatory. Professor G. F. Savage-Armstrong, author of “Stories of Wicklow” and “Ballads of Down,” is completing a novel which deals with Irish life in the nineteenth century. He is also writing miscellaneous poems for publication in volume form. Miss Rosa Nouchette Carey’s new novel “A Passage Perilous” (Macmillan) has made an excellent start, the sales of the first edition before publication being most satisfactory. THE AUTHOR. Miss Evelyn Sharp’s latest story, to be pub- lished immediately by Messrs. Macmillan, is called “The Children Who Ran Away.” It is meant to appeal to children about the same age as those who liked “The Youngest Girl in the School.” This latter popular story, by the way, is probably going to be translated into Italian. Miss Sharp’s “ ‘Three Story Readers,” published last spring, are doing well. They consist of very easy stories (original, of course), for children who only just know how to read, and the stories are just stories, and not directly instructive in any way: nothing about them suggests the lesson book. Hope Rea, author of “Tuscan Artists,” “* Dona- tello,” etc., has just completed for Messrs. George Bell & Son, the “ Rembrandt” for their miniature series of the Painters. Hope Rea has arranged to spend the coming winter in Italy for the purpose of farther study and research connected with Italian art, and to supplement the material already acquired for a larger work on medieval and early Renaissance Art, which this writer has had on hand for some time. The Clarendon Press is publishing “ Selected Drawings from old Masters in the University Galleries, and in the Library at Christ Church, Oxford.” Part I. contains twenty drawings exactly reproduced in collotype. They are chosen and described by Mr. Sidney Colvin, Keeper of Prints and Drawings in the British Museum. Messrs. Macmillan & Co. have decided to make their edition of “Thackeray’s Works” absolutely exhaustive. They have secured the services of the well-known Thackeray expert, Mr. Lewis Melville, author of the “Life of William Makepeace Thackeray,” etc. With his assistance they pro- pose to include in this edition a great number of scattered pieces from Thackeray’s pen, and illus- trations from his pencil, which have not hitherto been contained in any collected edition, and many of which have never been reprinted. Mr. Melville is also collating the volumes with the original editions, and providing bibliographical introductions and occasional footnotes. Mrs. Stepney Rawson’s new noyel will be pub- lished by Messrs. Hutchinson. It is a romance of the Romney Marsh and of Rye Town. The action takes place about 1820, and deals with the warfare of the landowners and the harbour folk of the Marsh at Rye, and also with the shipbuilding industry there, which has since dwindled. There is a strong love interest, and the story principally hangs on the personality of a young designer of boats and ships, who is apprenticed to the chief shipbuilder of the town.  THE AUTHOR. 5 Mrs. Rawson, who is peculiarly sensitive to the atmosphere of Place, has devoted herself to this little corner of Sussex which she finds packed with delightful traditions. She has written a number of stories of new and old Rye; these she hopes to publish in volume form later on. Mr. Hume Nisbet has been travelling for the past two years, and has been collecting material for future work. His next romance “The Trust Trappers ” will be published by Mr. J ohn Long in the spring of 1904. It deals with millionaires and corner syndicates. Besides being engaged upon an Australian romance, Mr. Nisbet is writing his auto- biography as author, artist and traveller. The author of “ A Colonial Tramp” has gone through many adventures by land and sea. This auto- biography will be profusely illustrated by himself. A new edition of “ The Care of Infants” by Dr. Sophia Jex-Blake will be published immediately by Mr. George Morton, of Edinburgh, as the first edition of 5,000 copies has been out of print for some little time. Mr. Bram Stoker’s new novel “The Jewel of Seven Stars” will be published this month by Mr. Heinemann. It is something in the vein of “ Dracula,” and part of it deals with the mysteries of ancient Egypt. Mr. Arthur A. Sykes’s collection of humorous and satirical pieces from Punch will be published this month by Messrs. Bradbury and Agnew, under the title of “Mr. Punch’s Museum, and Other Matters.” Mr. Sykes has previously brought out two volumes of reprints from the same source— “A Book of Words,” and “ Without Permission.” The book will also contain “ Life’s Little Pro- blems,” a semi-burlesque series which appeared in Pearson's Magazine a short while ago. Miss Edith ©. Kenyon is publishing a book through the Religious Tract Society entitled “A Queen of Nine Days, by her Gentlewoman Margaret Brown.” The central figure is Lady Jane Grey, and the story is told by a young lady who enters her service and remains faithful to her. Rita’s next novel “The Jesters,” will appear in the early autumn. Messrs. Hutchinson & Oo. will publish it. Rita purposes spending the winter in South Cornwall to complete further work on which she is engaged. Miss O’Conor Eccles has recently published through Falion & Co., of Dublin, a “ Reading Book on Domestic Economy for the Use of Irish Schools,” which is to be adopted by the Board of Education. It takes the form of a little story, and contains such simple, practical instructions as a good mother of the working-class would give her young daughter. : The Department of Agriculture has presented a copy to every village library in Ireland. The Technical Schools of France and Belgium have long had delightful illustrated primers dealing with Household Management, Hygiene, Gardening, Dairy Work, and rural life generally, treated on similar lines ; but, so far as we know, the volume referred to is the first of the kind introduced into schools in the United Kingdom. Mr. J. Beattie-Crozier’s “Civilisation and Pro- gress’ has been translated into Japanese by a Member of Parliament of Japan. We understand from Mr. Leonard Williams that he has been elected a corresponding member of the Royal Spanish Academy. ‘Fishing in Wales,” by Walter M. Gallichan (Geoffrey Mortimer) which was published a few months ago, is to be re-issued in a new edition, with a map and index. This author is writing a handbook on “ Angling” for Messrs. Pearson’s Popular Series; and he is publishing a volume on “Seville” in the Medieval Towns Series during the autumn. Early this month Mr. G. A. Morton will publish a book by Mr. Robert Aitken entitled “ Windfalls,” the contents being “Some Stray Leaves Gathered by a Rolling Stone.” Mr. Frankfort Moore’s new novel, “ Shipmates in Sunshine” (Hutchinson), is an open-air story, the action taking place on board ship and in the West Indies. Mr. Cutcliffe Hyne’s “‘McTodd” is a volume of stories published the other day by Messrs. Macmillan. McTodd is a ship’s engineer, Scotch, drunken, pugnacious, uncertificated, but a good mechanician. He relates his various adventures in the far north, on whaling trips, on shipboard, or in towns that reek of fish-curing. Need we say that McTodd has a conscience—of a kind ! Miss Jetta S. Wolff has just published “Les Francais d’Autrefois,” Vol. I.—a short history of France, intended for learners of the language (Edwin Arnold). Miss Wolff has also lately written a series of object lessons in practical French, with a companion yolume containing translations and notes, ‘intended as a hand-book for teachers (Blackie & Son). These, and a new collection of her little stories from the “ Lives of Saiuts and Mariyrs” (Mowbray), will appear shortly. Madame Mijatovich has been busy with the preparation of a second edition of her work, “The History of Modern Servia,” which was published a good aany years ago. She has now brought the history up to the accession of King Peter. Madame Mijatovitch is translating the Servian  6 popular ballads on “ Kralyevitch Marko” (the King’s son Marko), who is the national hero of the Servians. «The Padre,” by Rose Harrison, author of “Esther Alington,” honorary secretary of the Children’s Protection League, will be ready in October. This is a story “ dedicated to all who live and work and love the Brotherhood.” _ Price 35. 6d. Itis being published by Richard J. James, 3 & 4, London House Yard, E.C. It is authoritatively announced that six years ago the late Pope Leo XIII. charged Count Soderini with the task of writing a history of his pontificate. While leaving the Count entire freedom of judg- ment, the Pope placed numberless documents hitherto wholly secret at the writer’s disposal, and also dictated much material in explanation of his acts. Mr. F. Marion Crawford is acting in col- Jaboration with Count Soderini in the preparation of the Anglo-American edition, which will be published in London and New York by Messrs. Macmillan & Co. The work will appear in all countries in 1904. Mrs. Humphry Ward has signed a contract with Messrs. Harper for her new story, which will begin to appear in Harper’s Magazine in June next, The original play written by Mrs. Ward, in collaboration with Mr. Louis Parker, is to be produced during the winter season in New York, with Miss Eleanor Robson in the leading part. “ Bleanor” is also to be produced in New York during November, and Mrs. Ward is now revising the play. Anthony Hope has finished a story, which will be published by Messrs. Hutchinson next year, entitled “ Double Harness.” Anthony Hope’s new comedy, “ Captain Dieppe,” founded on a story of his, and written in collaboration with Mr. Harrison G. Rhodes, is to be produced in America this autumn. Mr. Cosmo Hamilton has just published, through Messrs. Hurst and Blackett, a book called “‘ Cupid in Many Moods.” Isbister & Co. is bringing out, at an early date, a novelised version of the play produced last September at the Comedy Theatre, “The Wisdom of Folly”; and a serious effort of Mr. Hamilton’s, “We of Adam’s Clay,” occupies a large portion of this month’s Smart Set, afterwards to make its appearance in book form simultaneously here and in America. Mr. Cosmo Hamilton’s dramatic version of Kipling’s “Story of the Gadsby’s” is the next production at the Haymarket. At present this busy author is hard at work on some commissions for plays. In two plays Mr. Hamilton is col- laborating with his wife, Miss Beryl Faber, the actress. THE AUTHOR. Mr. H. V. Esmond’s new comedy, “ Billy’s Little Love Affair,” is going well at The Criterion Theatre. It is preceded by Miss Rosina Filippi’s charming playlet, “The Mirror.” On Thursday evening, September 10th, 1903, Mr. Beerbohm Tree produced at His Majesty’s Theatre Shakespeare’s historical play,“ Richard IT.” It is a brilliant revival in every sense of the word. Mr. Tree has specially acknowledged his indebted- ness to Mr. Percy Anderson, who has designed and supervised the costumes; and to Mr. G. Ambrose Lee, of the Heralds’ College, who has directed the heraldry and ceremonial. We understand that some pupils of the Brussels, Antwerp and Bruges high schools are coming over to see this revival of “ Richard II.” The play has been selected as a subject for examination this year by the Belgian educational authorities. a PARIS NOTES. ee bee winter season seems likely to be one of great activity in the literary world, while the length of the theatrical programmes is alarming. So many new plays are announced that dramatic critics will certainly not have much rest. The recent death of M. Gustave Larroumet is a great loss to the world of letters. For some years M. Larroumet lectured on French literature at the Sorbonne. He wrote in the Revue Bleue,, the Revue des Deux-Mondes, the Revue de Paris, and the Temps. His work on the life and theatre of Moliére is a most complete criticism, but the book which was perhaps his greatest success was the one he consecrated to Marivaux. The death of another literary critic is just announced, a man whose name is perhaps nob widely known, but who was one of the interesting personalities of the Sainte-Beuve literary circle. M. Jules Levallois, who has just passed away, was Sainte-Beuve’s secretary. He worked, not only at the ‘‘ Lundis,” but also at the invaluable book on Port-Royal. In his day, M. Levallois was a great. authority on current literature. In the paper founded by Adolphe Guéroult he wrote the “ Variétés littéraires,” and his book reviews were considered as highly as Sarcey’s dramatic criti- cisms, Jules Levallois had almost outlived the group of literary friends he knew in the days of Sainte-Beuve, the de Goncourt brothers, Barbey d’Aurévilly, Alphonse Daudet, Hector Malot, Flaubert, About, and others. He retained his keen intelligence to the last, and_was as bright and active as a young man. He was a voracious reader, and only a few months ago he expressed  THE AUTHOR. 7 his thankfulness that his eyesight was so good, He was then collecting a provision of books in the library of a mutual friend, and regretting that in our times people had given up reading, He belonged essentially to the old school, to the days when men had time to meet together and “ talk literature,” and his conversation was worth listen- ing to. One felt in his presence something of the atmosphere of the men of intellect with whom he had associated, for his memories and reminiscences were a part of himself, and gave a great charm to all that he said. A most interesting book has recently been pub- lished entitled “ Idées Sociales et Faits Sociaux.” It contains several lectures which were given last winter at the house of the Baroness Piérard. “ Le Socialisme et son Evolution” is the title of the lecture by M. Souchon, who tells us that the idea of socialism is as old as humanity. He traces it back to the Grecians and Romans, and shows the various stages through which it has passed. “ L’Organisation Professionnelle” is the practical side of the question, and this is a very thoughtful article. The most interesting chapter in the book is the one by M. Riviere, “Vingt Ans de Vie Sociale.” This is not so much an exposition of theories as a statement of experiences. M. Riviére is a practical man, who for the last twenty years has been watching the results of his own experi- ments, and who has discovered for the wheels of his machinery an excellent receipt for oil; “ Beaucoup de patience, non moins de fermeté, pas mal de respect pour la liberté de louvrier, avec addition de justice généreuse, affectueuse méme.” A volume of short stories and sketches by M. Georges Clemenceau, entitled “Aux Embus- cades de la Vie,” is well worth reading. There are in all some fifty stories arranged in three divisions: “Dans la Foi,” “Dans l’Ordre Etabli,” and “Dans l’Amour.” The subjects are all delicately handled, the stories themselves light, but there is much to read between the lines. In “Le Fétiche de Mokou- bamba,” we have a poor negro who is converted and reconverted times without number to the various beliefs and religions of the people who take an interest in him. Then there is a story of a German pastor who is unfortunate enough to wake up to the idea that there is no devil. His wife is horrified and thinks it her duty to leave him, and the members of his congregation decide that he must be an atheist. There is a most amusing story, too, of a poacher, which serves to show up the absurdity of certain laws. Another excellent study is “Justin Cagnard,” a type of the man who works mechanic- ally. He is described as a “ produit de l’accu- mulation quotidienne du labeur ancestral obstiné dans le méme sillon. Il était le rouage d’une machine dont l’impulsion venait uniquement de la Vitesse acquise des anciens. II n’était ni intelligent, puisqu’il ne concevait rien au deli de son métier, ni béte puisque’il suivait avec suects la routine des affaires... .” The whole volume is full of the thoughts and reflections of a keen observer of human nature, “Chez les Rois” is another book of short stories by Adolphe Aderer. The first of thege stories is, however, not fiction. It is entitled “ Meyerling,” and is supposed to be a true account of the celebrated tragedy of the Archduke Rudolf, The other sketches in the book are more or less improbable. ‘ In “Sébastien Trume,” the new novel by M. Sauvage, we are introduced to a number of indivi- duals who are all in search of Utopia. Among them we havea man devoted to the occult sciences, a priest, a professor who is also a philosopher, an anarchist and a young man who listens to the theories and ideas of all the others, and can come to no conclusion about life and_ its meaning. When he is in despair, he is fortunate enough to fall in love with a young girl, who proves to him that in spite of all worries and difficulties life is well worth living. “Les Gens de Tiest,” by George Vires, is a book without any strong plot, and is only interesting as a study of life and customs in a quaint little Belgian town. “ Les Oiseaux s’envolent et les Fleurs tombent ” is the poetical title of the novel recently published by M. Elémir Bourges, one of the members of the Goncourt Academy, We are told that M. Bourges Spends about ten years in writing a book, and certainly these five hundred pages must have required a great amount of time. The scene is laid in Russia about the year 1845, and the whole story is full of action. It is distinctly melo- dramatic, treating of jealousy, the abduction of a child, and of a boy who is a Grand Duke, but grows up to manhood, believing himself to be a very ordi- nary individual. He is discovered asa Communist after the war of 1870, and destined by his parents to marry a princess, who proves to be the very girl with whom he has already fallen in love. The whole book is full of startling incidents, inter- spersed with a certain amount of philosophy. M. de Réenier’s novel « Mariage de Minuit,” is disappointing. One expects, perhaps, too much from a poet, and the tone of this book is distinctly common-place. It is just the story of a young orphan girl left without any means of support. A coasin takes compassion on her and offers her a home. This cousin is a widow and a woman of the world, Her reputation is not spotless, and the young girl’s,position is therefore extremely  8 difficult. The characters are well drawn, but most of them are 80 uninteresting and vulgar that one regrets making their acquaintance. On the whole, there does not seem to be any raison d’ étre for a book of this kind. M. André Hallays has recently published a book entitled “A travers la France.” It is com- posed of notes taken during a ramble through Normandy, Touraine, Burgundy, and Provence. It is full of historical anecdotes and legends belonging to the places visited, so that it is an invaluable guide to anyone making a study of provincial France. : “Une Vie d’ambassadrice au siecle dernier,” by M. Ernest Davdet, is the biography of the Princess de Lieven, the celebrated woman who was so well known in French, Russian and English political circles from 1825 to 1857. The book is as interesting aS any novel, giving as it does so many anecdotes about the men and women of that epoch. Seyeral new writers are coming to the front, and among them M. Charles Recolin. “ Le Chemin du Roi,” by this author is a decided success. It is a story in which all the characters live. ‘Fhe theme is by no means new but it is worked out well. Andrette Jouanollou comes of a family which for more than four hundred years has lived in the Pyrenees. Her father is an artist whose two great interests in life are his daughter and his pottery. Andrette has been educated well, and has great talent as a poetess. A young farmer iS in love with her, but she ig romantic and dreads the thought of a prosaic existence. Just at this critical time a Parisian comes to the little village. He edits a review, and is in search of information concerning certain legends. The schoolmaster introduces him to Andrette, and the sequel is that the village girl, with her fresh, romantic ideas, marries the blasé Parisian. The story reminds one of the “ Princess. of Thule,” but the French story is more subtle and the analysis of character more delicately treated. Among other new novels recently published are “Te Rival de Don Juan,” by M. Louis Bertrand ; “Tes Paradis,” by Auguste Germain ; “La Com- tesse Panier,’” by M. de Comminges 5 “ Marilisse,” by M. Marcelin ; ‘Mademoiselle de Fougeres,” by Ernest Daudet ; “ Un Menage dernier eri,” by Gyp 3 * Flamen,” by Mme. Caro. Mile. Hélene Vacaresco has ] yolume of poems entitled “ Lueurs et among which are some gems. In the action brought by M. Léon de Rosny, the Orientalist, against MM. Boex, to restrain them from using the name of J. H. Rosny in signing their literary work, the plaintiff was non- suited, The Court held that as the brothers ust published a Flammes,” THE AUTHOR. Rosny had used that pen-name for seventeen years without any protest from M. Léon de Rosny, and that as their publications were of an entirely different nature from his, there could be no con- fusion caused by the brothers Rosny continuing to sign the name they had adopted. A literary convention has been concluded between France and Montenegro for a period of ten years. The two governments undertake to prevent any illicit reproduction of artistic and literary works on their respective territories. M. ‘Liebler has made arrangements with M. Henry Bataille for the production of this author’s new five-act play, “ Mademoiselle de la Valliere,” in se York. he piece is to be put on in London also. The principal play at the Sarah Theatre this winter will be “ La Sorciére,” by M. Sardou. The scene is laid in Toledo during the troubled times of the struggles with the Moors. The first night is announced for the end of November. M. Bour, who ran the International Theatre in Paris last year, has now taken over the Trianon Theatre and made arrangements for producing some extremely interesting new plays. He opens with one by M. Paul Loyson, the son of Pere Hyacinthe. M. Porel has a very long programme for us this season, and Madame Réjane has some important creations. Among the new pieces are “ Antoinette Sabrier,” by Romain Coolus ; “La Meilleure Part,” by MM. Pierre de Coulevain and Pierre Decourcelle ; “Tes Menottes,” by MM. Simon and Xanrof. ‘he Odeon Theatre opens with “ Resurrection,” and is soon to produce the French version of «The Second Mrs. Tanqueray,” and later on «“ Plorise Bonheur,” by M. Brisson. Auys HaLLarD. Bernhardt —__—__-—> + LITERARY, DRAMATIC, AND MUSICAL PROPERTY. —— Dumas Translations. N announcement has appeared in many of the literary papers that Messrs. Methuen & Co. have commenced the publication of a new English translation of the novels of Dumas, under the editorship of Mr. A. R. Allinson. The notice states that Mr. Allinson’s competence is un- questioned and that he is assisted by a group of able scholars, and ends with these words, “It is a bold scheme, and we hope Messrs. Methuen will have an immense success with it.”  aeons “matter: out of the 18th section THE AUTHOR. 9 We should hope so too, did not a letter lie before us, written by the editor, inviting the co-operation of one not unknown as a writer and translator, on the following terms—a remuneration of 2s. per thousand words, printer’s estimate of length to be taken as final, and the translation to be issued in the name of the editor (Mr. Allinson) as being generally responsible for the whole series, If we work out the sum more completely, we find that a novel of 200,000 words would bring the translator £20. We do not know whether this “bold” offer emanates from the firm of Messrs. Methuen or from Mr. Allinson. But will it be accepted ? We trust not. For if the “able scholar” is writing for a liveli- hood, he will hardly attain it at this price. If for pleasure, it is not fair that he should undersell his fellow members of the profession of letters in the labour market. It is to be observed that the translator will not even gain the merit of his work which Mr. Allinson proposes to appropriate. ———+—_ The Serial Use, Tux following point merits the attention of members of the Society :—An author wrote an article for an American magazine called Outing, a periodical holding a strong position in the United States, and copyrighted on both sides of the Atlantic. The member, so far as he was concerned, had no intention whatever of transferring to the magazine a larger portion of his property than the right to produce in serial form in that paper. The article was published in due course. Imagine his astonishment, however, when, at a later date, it re- appeared in an English magazine. He put his objection before the Editor of Outing and com- plained of the use thut had been made of his MS. The Editor pointed out to him that although perhaps he had not intended to convey the whole serial use, yet he had altered the receipt that had been forwarded to him in his own hand- writing from “ All rights to your MS.” to “The right of serial use, of your MS.” without in any way limiting the serial use. The member then referred the matter to the Secretary of the Society in order to obtain a decision as to his exact legal position, and was informed that, under the circum- stances of the case, the Editor of Outing was acting entirely within his rights. The point to which the attention of members must be called is (1) to be careful when they enter into contracts with editors of magazines as to the rights which they sell ; (2) to take the of the Act by making an express contract ; and (3) to limit the express contract to serial use in one issue of the magazine. Tt was not long ago that Mr. Longman, at the meeting of the Publishers’ Association, complained of this sale without limitation of serial rights, and the serious loss that might result to a publisher who purchased the copyright without knowledge of this contract. The point was dealt with in detail in The Author. ot Nethersole +. Bell. Ty the above-named case, an action was brought by Miss Olea Nethersole for infringement of her rights ina play called Sapho,” which was written by Clyde Fitch, the well known American dramatist, and taken from Monsieur Daudet’s novel. The defendants also produced a play called “Sapho,” and put forward in their defence that their play was written in Australia in 1899, before the date of Mr. Fitch’s play, and was an adaptation from an English translation of the novel. The first point to be decided in this, as indeed in every question of infringement of copyright, is how far one play corresponds with or appears to have been taken from the other. This point must be settled on general principles, and for this reason the matter was referred to a theatrical expert, Mr. Seymour Hicks. The second question to be decided is whether the evidence shows that both plays were taken from an original source, or whether one play or, at any rate, great parts of it were taken from the other. Mr. Seymour Hicks’ report has not been set forth in any of the papers, but it would appear that he had no doubt in his mind that the play of the defendants contained great portions of the action of Mr, Fitch’s play. The second question then had to be determined. Whether it was possible that the defendants could have written their play from a common origin, or whether there was any deliberate adaptation from the other work. Mr. Justice Farwell, in summing up, came to the conclusion that he was unable to accept the explanation of the defendants that nothing was taken from Mr. Fitch’s play. He found it impossible to think that so many similari- ties were merely coincidences, and he gave jude- ment for the plaintiff with costs, Every verdict in a case of this kind adds some fresh argument, and some further evidence as to the manner and method by which a case of infringe- ment should be determined. Therefore the judgment should be studied, As, however, an infringement of copyright is not essentially a matter of law, but of fact, the ultimate verdict must in most cases be doubtful.  10 Springfield *. Thame. THs was a case of infringement of copyright of a different kind from that set forth in Nethersole v. Bell. The plaintiff wrote an article on a piece of news, describing an escape from drowning of Dr. MacHardy, Professor of Ophthalmology at King’s College Hospital. The article was produced, subject to considerable editorial alteration, in the Daily Mail, and also appeared in the W estminster Gazette and in the Daily Chronicle. The Evening Standard reprinted the article with very slight alteration from the Daily Mail version, and the plaintiff demanded full payment, but was refused on the ground that the article had not come direct from him. The defendants, however, offered the sum of 2s. 6d., which was not accepted. It is an exceedingly difficult matter to give a fair exposition of a case of this kind, unless it is possible to quote the original paragraph as written by the plaintiff, the paragraph in the Daily Mail, and the paragraph that appeared in the Avening Standard, but the Judge, Mr. Justice Joyce, evidently came to the conclusion that the editor of the Daily Mail had so altered the paragraph that although he had taken the piece of news from the plaintiff he had virtually made the paragraph his own by the alteration. But the plaintiff had been paid for the use the editor of the Daily Mail had made of his work. The cutting from the Evening Standard was merely a statement of a piece of news, though his Lordship seemed to think that if the Daily Mail had inserted the plaintiff's “copy” verbatim et literatim, and the Evening Standard had then printed the paragraph, they would have been liable. The Judge therefore came to the conclusion that the plaintiff’s action must fail. The Referee, the following week, making fun of the eccentricities of Copyright Law, wrote as follows :— “Now that an English Judge has decided that a sub- editor altering a word or two in a paragraph becomes the author, the Incorporated Society of Authors is going to get rid of its committee of original writers and fill up the vacancies with sub-editors. “THE NEw CoPYRIGHT. “The greatest author on the earth Sent in a par. of passing worth, J, changing ‘sailor’ into ‘tar,’ Became the author of the par.” ———————__+——_+_____ CIVIL LIST PENSIONS. — HE following is the list of pensions for 1902 to March, 1908. This statement always draws the attention of members of the literary profession, as one of the first objects of the Act is to reward those who, “ by their useful THE AUTHOR. discoveries in science and attainments in literature and the arts have merited the gracious considera- tion of their sovereign and the gratitude of their country.” It is instructive to follow the extent to which these purposes have been fulfilled :— 1902.— May 8. Miss Rhoda Broughton, in consideration of her merits £ as a writer of fiction ... me a wae ae 18 Mrs. Adelaide Fanny Eyre, in consideration of the services of her late husband, Mr. Edward John Eyre, the Australian Explorer and Governor of Jamaica 100 William Raymond Fitzgerald, George Francis Fitz- gerald, and John Jellett Fitzgerald ... ane ... 100 During the minority of any one of them, and in recognition of the services rendered to Science and Education by their late father, Professor George Francis Fitzgerald, F.R.S.: in trust to their mother, Mrs. Harriet Fitzgerald. Mr. Worthington George Smith, in consideration of his services to Archeology and Botanical illustra- tion, and of his inadequate means of support ore September 12. Mrs. Zaré Elizabeth Blacker, in recognition of the services of her late husband, Dr. A. Barry Blacker, M.D., who lost his life through his devotion to medical research ae oe ae ees 120 October 21. Mr. Justin McCarthy, in recognition of his services to literature... or ae Be x -- 250 Mrs. Margaret Duncan Adamson, in consideration of the services rendered to Philosophy by her late husband, Professor Robert Adamson, and of her straitened circumstances ges ee ee ie Miss Florence Buchanan, in consideration of her scientific researches and consequent failure of sight, and of her inadequate means of support .. 50 December 20 Miss Beatrice Hatch... aa si ae 23 Miss Ethel Hatch ves ees cae ae se e: Miss Evelyn Hatch ee cae aoe a cus In consideration of the services of their father, the late Rev. Edwin Hatch, in connection with Ecclesiastical History, and of their straitened circumstances, such pensious to be additional to their existing pensions. 1903.—March 25. Mr. James Sully, in recognition of his services to Psychology --- es ee oon Sos oe Mr. Alexander Carmichael and Mrs. Mary Frances Carmichael, jointly and to the survivor of them, in recognition of Mr. Carmichael’s services to the study of Gaelic Folk Lore and Literature ... io oe Miss Mary Elizabeth Maxwell Simpson, in considera- tion of the eminence as a chemist of her late father, Professor Maxwell Simpson, and of her straitened circumstances ... Oe ves a8 ove ee Miss Bertha Meriton Gardiner, in consideration of the eminence of her late husband, Mr. 8. R. Gardiner, asa historian .. ets see i ase on Mrs. Jane Earle, in consideration of the services of her late husband, Professor John Earle, to English Literature and Philology AS aes sk DO. 105 40 78 Tol «ee ee  THE AUTHOR. 11 A MUSIC PUBLISHERS’ PROFITS. te WRITER in The Vocalist, a paper whose opinion no doubt thrills the musical world, has thought fit to criticise an article that appeared in the January, 1903, number of The Author. This article to which readers are particularly referred was entitled “ A Musical Agreement,” and set forth one ef those antediluvian documents which the musical publisher is still in the habit of imposing on the author of music. The comments accompanying were drastic, but well deserved. The end of the article set out a few figures of the cost of musical publication and of the musical publisher’s profits. The writer in The Vocalist, like a skilful advo- cate, ignores the terms of the agreement and the caustic remarks—perhaps he catches a scintillation of truth—and proceeds to expose to his own satis- faction the falsity of the figures. In his trite criticism he sneers at the writer—‘a little know- ledge may prove a dangerous thing.” He then proceeds to show not only how impossible it is for a music publisher to make a fortune, but how for an absolute certainty he is bound to become bank- rupt. The retort is obvious, “if a little knowledge is a dangerous thing,” “too much learning hath made him mad.” Please note his figures, the following is an extract from his luminous statement— “When a song is published, the first thing to be done is to place it on the market, which may be done in three different ways, according to the intention of the publisher, whose common experience is that although the first is a sine quad non, the two others are essential to commercial success. “(1) By empowering a traveller to tour the country with a copy of the song in question amongst his samples, soliciting orders for ‘the latest novelties,” from the retail trade, i.e., the music seller. (2) By engaging popular singers to warble the strains of ‘the latest novelty’ at their public engagements, before their highly expectant audiences. ** (3) By advertising this latter fact in the columns of a daily newspaper, which is usually done on the front page of The Duily Telegraph. “Now these three things are usually made to work together, “We must therefore calculate, although somewhat toughly, the cost of carrying out these operations. “Cost of No. 1.—A traveller's expenses cannot work out at much less than £6 per week; his remuneration is probably from £1 to £3 a week fixed wages, plus a 10 per cent. commission ; but whatever his system of remuneration, it must surely amount to not less than £4 a week, judging by the superior class of man that must necessarily be engaged in this work. This works out at £10 a week, or allowing for a period during which the weekly expenditure is withheld while on holiday, £400 a year cost to the publisher, Now, assuming that the traveller has ten novelties constantly going, and calculating that one half of his usefulness is to push novelties, it means £200 is spent in ‘pushing’ say twenty novelties a year ; in other words the proportionate share of each song towards this expense is £10 a year, “Obviously this is but a rough calculation, but it is based on the facts as known by practical experience, “The cost under heading No. 2 is by no means easy to apportion, for although a publisher knows quite well that a good hearing is absolutely necessary to secure orders from his customers, the singers also know quite as well that their services have such a distinct market value that they are able to command high prices ‘for taking up ’ new songs, It is quite true that some singers sing songs simply because they suit the voice, or because the songs are artistic and appeal to their better feelings, but such cases are compara- tively rare, and the majority of singers still sing royalty songs for royalties’ sake. Far be it from me to say that if a singer has assisted to earn money for the publisher and the royalty owner, he or she is not fairly entitled to some of the spoil. But the risk to the publisher under existing _ conditions is, nevertheless, considerable, for it is well known how useless it is to try any one or two singers for one or two dozens (this has become the trade term for professional assistance)—if it be done at all it should be done thoroughly, and a gross of programmes is perhaps the very fewest that can be of any material service, Now, supposing the price per programme be taken at an average of seven shillings, this means casting about £50 as bread upon the waters, hoping to find it after very many days of patient watchine and waiting. . “So far the cost of making each song known to the public is £60. “ Cost under heading No. 3.—We now come to what may at first sight seem to be the least necessary, and the least profitable expense in connection with farming songs, ie., advertising the fact of its being sung by a certain singer at a certain place on a certain day in a certain paper. Whether this be profitable or no, I am not prepared to express my candid opinion ; it is sufficient that custom has made it almost absolutely necessary. Now, the cost of advertising In Lhe Daily Telegraph (the recognised medium) is about 5s. for the insertion of each song ; six insertions a week, therefore, amount to £1 10s. (no reduction on taking a quantity), or for—say three months, £18. “It will thus be seen that in addition to the initial cost of printing 2,000 copies of a song (which, bear in mind, the writer of the article in The Author generously puts at £15) other expenses amounted to £78, It is not for one moment suggested that a publisher expends as much on exploiting each of all the songs he publishes, but on an average it may be taken as a reasonable estimate of the expense he incurs in the case of songs that he reasonably hopes to sell.” It will be seen this man of knowledge takes £78 as a not unreasonable figure for advertising one song. His words are “on an average,” ete, The case must not be overstated, say then £60. He accepts the cost of production, quoted in The Author of January—£15 for 2,000 copies— with a sneer. “ Many publishers,” he says in the early part of this article, “ would be only too pleased to publish a song on these terms.” We will accept the same figure, So far, then, in our efforts to save the publisher from bankruptcy, let the cost of production be limited to £75: £15 printing, etc., for 2,000 copies, £60 for advertising and marketing.  12 He then continues : ** “We leave for the present the question of rent, salaries, And other incidental expenses of maintaining the up-keep of an office, which are part and parcel of the machinery of publishing a song, for each song clearly has to bear its share of these expenses, which, it is needless to say, are heavy. So far we have dealt only with the expense of what is known as “placing a song on the market,” and it can easily be seen that the mere printing of copies is but a trifle compared with the greater expense of dealing with the copies when printed. Now let us turn to the more important question of selling them. Happy, indeed, is the man who positively knows that he will certainly sell 1,500 of the 2,000 copies he has made, even if two, or, if you will, ten years are allowed for doing it. Why, the actual experience of pub- lishers is, that on an average, taking large houses (which can always command some gort of sale) with the small, only one song in twenty ever exceeds a sale of 1,000 copies, and songs which reach a sale of 5,000 in a year are quite excep- tional, and it is safe to say that out of every fifty songs published in London, at least forty never see a second edition, and of the other ten only one or two go into a fifth edition. So much, then, for the numbers. But what of prices? The contributor to Zhe Author calculates that the net return is ls. 2d. per copy. This ignorance is tantalizing to the publisher, and provokes exasperation. Why, the novelty rate is never higher than one-sixth of the marked price (4s.) which, of course, is only Sd. each, and very many novelties are sold in the present days of keen competition at one-eighth, which is only 6d. each. We will not mention lower rates, although they are known to most music publishers. This rate, obviously, is not permanent ; if it were, the publisher could not continue his business for six months, unless he carried it on as a hobby, or were actuated by philanthropic motives. No! as soon as a song shows vitality, and * is asked for” over the music-seller’s counter, then a ray of hope does indeed enter the counting-house, for he is able to raise his prices, and when the music-seller orders what he requires, he has to pay in the early days of success 10d. per copy ;_ but if the song has reached a certain height of prosperity, he pays an even shilling, provided he can order a quantity at a time ; if, however, he requires only a few, then the contributor to The Author is actually correct, the publisher really and truly receives ls. 2d. entire. Tn the above I have, perhaps, exposed certain trade secrets; but there are few people who are nowadays not more or less acquainted with them. I may be pardoned, therefore, if I have exposed one of the most fallacious statements ever uttered in a respectable paper of any status or standing. But I have not exhausted the subject by any means, and, although I must not presume on the space allotted to me, I must breathe a sigh over bad debts and long credits which, in the music trade, are without parallel elsewhere. These have to be provided for, however, and, even in the case of most cautious publishers they are a very serious item.” He is tantalised and provoked to exasperation. To ease his mind he blurts out strange trade secrets, that seemingly pervert all the politico-economical doctrines of supply and demand. For in this remarkable trade a large demand with infinite capacity for supply—reproduction is simple and expansive-—makes the product dearer, not cheaper. But his figures are no doubt correct. Again, to give his figures every advantage, in order if possible to save him from the ruin, which, according to the statement, must be the unenviable THE AUTHOR. end of “all those rash enough to produce songs, let it be supposed that the average price of each song is 10d., and that 1,500 out of the 2,000 are sold (an absurd estimate, according to his figures). He would then realise 15,000 pence, or 1,250 shillings, or £62 10s. On each song, therefore, he loses £75 — £62 10s. = £12 10s. Therefore, on the 40 songs out of the 50 he loses 40 x 124= 40 % 25 = LOO" = £500. It is evident that the bankruptcy court must claim its victim. For if the publisher’s actual figures are taken, his loss must at the lowest computation be half as large again. It cannot be that, to save himself from this pre- ordained destruction, he sucks the blood of the composer. Perhaps other members of this generous class of philanthropic tradesmen who, so it is rumoured, make their contracts by word of mouth across their dining tables over the nuts and wine, may repudiate with indignation such a statement. But what does the musical composer say ? i MAGAZINE CONTENTS. ear BLACKWOOD’S MAGAZINE ONTAINS a graphic description by Mr. Reginald C Wyon of what he has seen in Macedonia, and other articles in the number are : The Homes and Haunts of Edward Fitzgerald. By his grand-niece, Mary Bleanor Fitzgerald Kerrich. ‘An Irish Salmon River. By Sir Herbert Maxwell. The Man Who Knew. A short story by Perceval Gibbon. Personalia : Political, Social, and Various. By Sigma. Translations from Leopardi. By Sir Theodore Martin, K.C.B. Scolopaxiana : How to Walk for and Shoot Snipe. Marco Polo. By Charles Whibley. Lord Salisbury ; Humiliation ; Musings Without Method. ‘A Malay Deer Drive. By George Maxwell. The Fiscal Crisis. Tur CORNHILL MAGAZINE. Barlasch of the Guard (Chapters xxviiii—xxx.). By Henry Seton Merriman (concluded). In Guipuzcoa, II, By Mrs. Woods. The Old Colonial System and Preferential Trade. By Sidney Low, L.C.C. “Rachel.” By Hugh Clifford, C.M.G. Some Recent Speculations on the Constitution of Matter. By W. A. Shenstone, F.R.S. The Pleasures of Fishing. By Stephen Gwynn. “ Sportie.” By Miss Constance B. Maud. ‘A Visit to “ Le Procts Humbert.” Doggerel Ditties. By Dogberry. BRON AISI  Sos THE AUTHOR. 13 A Pastoral. Poetic Justice. The Lapse of the Professor. By the Rev. H. G. D. Latham. By W. Basil Worsfold. By Arthur H. Henderson. FORTNIGHTLY REVIEW. Mr. Balfour’s Economic Creed. Lord Salisbury. By Sidney Low. The Evolution of French Contemporary Literature. By Octave Uzanne. The Fiscal Problem— () Article by Professor W. T. Hewins. (2) Sir Robert Peel and Mr. Chamberlain. Spender. (3) Will a Preference Tariff oppress the Poor ? By David Christie Murray War Commission Report. By Major Arthur Griffiths, The Macedonian Question. By H. N. Brailsford. Legend and Marie Bashkirtseff, By Prince Kara- georgvich. French Friendship and Naval Economy. By Archibald 8. Hurd. Children’s Prayers and Prayer Manuals. H. Cooper. What Ireland Really Needs. By Sampson Morgan. A Maker of Empire. S. F. Bullock. The Questioners. By Herbert Trench. Theophano: The Crusade of the Tenth Frederic Harrison. Correspondence— (1) The Coming Ireland. (2) Mankind in the Making, By Harold By Edward Century. By Lady Bathurst. By Sir Wm. Bennett, LONGMAN’S MAGAZINE, Nature’s Comedian (Chapters vii., viii), By W. 5 Norris, Wagers. By D. H. Wilson. Last Year. By A.C. S. A Michaelmas Move. By Chas. Fielding Marsh. Loafing-time. By Fred. Whishaw. Jellyby’s Plot. Egyptian Irrigation Works, A.M. Inst.C.E, Scholarship Howlers. By G. Stanley Ellis, At the Sign of the Ship. By Andrew Lang. By Lawrence Gibbs, MACMILLAN’S MAGAZINE, John Maxwell’s Marriage (Chapters xxix.—xxxii,), By Stephen Gwynn. Wreckage of Empire. By Hugh Clifford, C.M.G. The Sayings of Sir Oracle. Borough Councils and Rising Rates, Emmel, Ph.D. Hope. The Amusements of the People. Some Opinions of a Pedagogue. A Toiler’s Romance. The Irregulars of the N avy. By W. J. Fletcher, By Aloys N, By J. G. Leigh. By 8. T, Irwin. THE PALL MALL MAGAZINE, Phil May ; the Manand the Artist (with his last sketches in pen and pencil and coloured plates). The Brighton Road and the Motor Car. By C. G. Harper, (Illustrated by the Author.) The Discoverers of Radium. (With Portraits.) Hotels and Hotel Life in New York. (Ilustrated.) Literary Geography : the Lake Country. By William Sharp. Stories by Maurice Hewlett, John Oliver Hobbes, Sir F. C. Burnand, U, L. Sil berrad, and other well-known writers. . THE WorwD’s Work. Gladstone in his Last Days. Unpublished Sketch by A, S. Forrest. (Coloured frontispiece.) The March of Events: An Editorial Comment. (With full-page portraits of Mr. Gladstone (never before pub- lished), Mr. John Morley, M.P., Mr. Herbert Gladstone, M.P. (from special sittings), and the Hon. Whe Dp, Smith, M.P.), Mr. Balfour's Economics. German Agriculture under Dawson. Mr. Morley’s Life of Gladstone. C By Alfred Emmott, M.P. Protection, 3y W. H. By Augustine Birrell, K Why the Navy Costs so Much, The Day’s Work at W. H. Smith & Son’s, Sculpture by Machinery. (Illustrated.) The Poor Man’s Cow. By Home Counties, (Illustrated.) The Trade Union Congress. A Teetotal Island. By Charles T. Bateman, What Theatres Cost. By Fitzroy Gardner. Russia in Manchuria. By Alfred Stead. (Illustrated.) The Art of Swimming. By Montague A. Holbein, Cllustrated.) The Social Life of the Soldier, (IUustrated.) The Royal Commission and the War Office. Ocean Sanatoria. By Eustace Miles. The National Physical Laboratory. Carpenter, Ph.D. Gymnastics for Girls. Clustrated.) The Coming of the Motor Cab. (Illustrated.) The Books of the Month, (With portraits of Mr. James Lane Allen, Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler (Mas. Felkin), Dr, William Barry, Mr. Bernard Shaw.) The World of Women’s Work. Among the World’s Workers, By Archibald 8. Hurd, (ustrated.) 3y Horace Wyndham. By W. C. H. QUARTERLY REVIEW. The forthcoming number will contain the following articles among others :— Sophocles and the Greek Genius, The Religion of Napoleon I. By J. Holland Rose. The Novels of Mr, Henry James. Our Orchards and Fruit-Gardens, By W. E. Bear. The Time-Spirit in German Literature. By Walter Sichel. Leo XIII. and his Successor. Richard Bagot. Impressions of South Africa, 1901 and 1903. The Journal of Montaigne. Macedonia and the Powers. The War Commission and Army Reform, Wilkinson. Lord Salisbury. Protective Retaliation, Mr. Morley’s Life of Mr, Gladstone, ——1—~@—- TRADE NOTES. eee Land and Water (1902), Ltd. N | OTICE has been given that a petition for the winding up of the above company was on the 7th ult. presented to the Court by Spalding and Hodge, Ltd., of Drury Lane, London, creditors of the company, and that the said peti- tion will be heard betore Mr, Justice Buckley, at the Royal Courts of Justice, on the 27th inst. (Second Article.) By By Spencer 14 THE AUTHOR. WARNINGS TO THE PRODUCERS OF BOOKS. —— + — ERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property :— I. Selling it Outright. This is sometimes satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained, But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. Il. A Profit-Sharing Agreement (a bad form of agreement). Tn 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 without the strictest investigation, (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. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (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. “(.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor ! Ill. The Royalty System. This is perhaps, with certain limitations, the best form of agreement. 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 the truth. From time to time very important figures connected with royalties are published in Zhe Author. IY. A Commission Agreement. The main points are :— (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production, (2.) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. General. All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned. Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. Never sign any agreement without competent advice from the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The 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.) Always avoid a transfer of copyright. ——__+—>_+__"__ WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. Saar EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some com- _ petent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 8. There are three forms of dramatic contract for plays in three or more acts :— (a.) Sale outright of the performing right. This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters into such a contract should stipulate in the contract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills, (b.) Sale of performing right or of a licence to perform on the basis of percentages on gross receipts. Percentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain a percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts in preference to the American system, Should obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) Sale of performing right or of a licence to perform on the basis of royalties (‘.¢., fixed nightly fees). This method should be always avoided except in cases where the fees are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The other safeguards set out under heading (0.) apply also in this case. 4, Plays in one act are often sold outright, but it is better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one-act plays should be reserved. 5. Authors should remember that performing rights-can be limited, and are usually limited, by town, country, and time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is of great importance. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot print the book of the words. 8. Never forget that United States rights may be exceed- ingly valuable. ‘hey should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in the beginning. 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object is to obtain adequate publication. As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete, on account of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con- tracts, those authors desirous of further information are referred to the Secretary of the Society. ——+——_—__—_ WARNINGS TO MUSICAL COMPOSERS. —-—~> + — ITTLE can be added to the warnings given for the assistance of producers of books and dramatic authors. It must, however, be pointed out that, as a rule, the musical publisher demands from the musical composer a transfer of fuller rights and less liberal finan- cial terms than those obtained for literary and dramatic property. The musical composer has very often the two rights to deal with—performing right and copyright. He  THE AUTHOR. should be especially careful therefore when entering into an agreement, and should take into particular consideration the warnings stated above. a HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. —_— + 1 VERY member has a right toask 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. — The Secretary of the Society is a solicitor, but if there is any special reason the Secretary will refer the case to the Solicitors of the Society. Further, the Committee, if they deem it desirable, will obtain counsel’s opinion, All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publishers’ agreements do not fall within the experi- ence of ordinarysolicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society. 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past accounts, with a copy of the book 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 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 reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of your calling in promoting the independence of the writer, the dramatist, the composer. 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members’ agreements and their preservation in a fire- proof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as confidential documents.to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers: —(1) To read and advise upon agreements and to give advice concerning publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. Fuller particulars of the Society’s work can be obtained in the Prospectus. 7. No contract should be entered into with a literary agent without the advice of the Secretary of the Society. Members are strongly advised not to accept without careful consideration the contracts with publishers submitted to them by literary agents, and are recommended to submit them for interpretation and explanation to the Secretary of the Society. This 8. Many agents neglect to stamp agreements. The must be done within fourteen days of first execution, Secretary will undertake it on behalf of members. 9. Some agents endeavour to prevent authors from referring matters to the Secretary of the Society ; sO do some publishers. Members can make their own deductions and act accordingly. 10. The subscription to the Society is £1 4s. per annum., or £10 10s. for life membership. 15 THE READING BRANCH. ——>—» EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this N branch of its work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated as a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. includes not only works of fiction, but poetry and dramatic works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of competence and experience. The fee is one guinea, —————__+—~— NOTICES. —+—~>—+—_ HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 5s. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for Zhe Author should be addressed to the Offices of the Society, 39, Old Queen Street, Storey’s Gate, S.W., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish, i Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other subjects whatever. Every effort will be made to return articles which cannot be accepted. —1—~ +. The Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and he requests members who do not receive an answer to important communications within two days to write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery Lane, or be sent by registered letter only. AUTHORITIES, —+—~>—+ HERE has been some mention in the papers , since the last issue of The Author of Russian copyright, and it has been suggested that it is possible to obtain protection in that country. Inquiries we have made do not confirm this state- ment. Even the Russian author himself cannot always obtain security, as different laws with regard to copyright hold in different portions of Russia. To begin with, the author who publishes in Russia, in order to obtain any protection must be a Russian. This is a sine gud non. Even then he does not always obtain what he wants. We understand, however, that Russia is taking  16 steps (this understanding, like the proposal for copyright legislation in the Empire, has been prominent for many years) to consolidate all the local laws with a view to subsequent amendment. It is to be hoped that this development will be realised at no distant date. An article will be found in another column dealing with the commercial aspects of authorship, and refuting the contention of those who find that it suits their interests to deny the right of literature to have a commercial side. It was largely for the benefit of authors in their endeavour to understand the commercial possibilities of their work, and to secure the benefits from it which business-like methods afford, that the Society of Authors was founded, and has carried on its work ever since. Its members include men and women belonging to - all the three classes of writers into which the article in question divides authors, and the work which it carries on for individuals benefits authors as a whole, whether they be its members or not. From this point of view we would urge all writers to consider whether they are justified in accepting the advantages which the Society has gained for them without seeking to extend and increase those advantages for themselves and for others by joining the Society. -. We must record, if somewhat behind time, the marriage of Mr. Anthony Hope Hawkins, our late chairman, to Miss Elizabeth Sheldon, on the Ist of July. A number of present and former members of our committee combined with the President of the Society in presenting Mr. Anthony Hope Hawkins on the happy occasion with a silver punch- bowl and ladle as some token of their friendship and good wishes and appreciation of the services he has rendered the Society. The Society of Authors has never had a chairman who has been more devoted to its work, or has, by his unfailing courtesy, tact, and sound judgment, done more to promote its efficiency and success. All connected with it will, we are sure, unite in congratulations to Mr. Hawkins, coupled with the selfish hope that he may long be able to spare time to assist in its mavagement, and thus lighten the labour of his suCcCeSSOrs. Mempers of the Society have no doubt seen the letter which appeared in the papers towards the end of July, signed by the President and Chairman of the Committee, referring to the proposed public memorial to Sir Walter Besant. We are glad to have the opportunity to correct a THE AUTHOR. slight mistake which occurred in that letter. It stated that the sum of £340 was raised from among members of the Society only. This is not exactly true, as on looking through the list, we find two of the subscribers were not members of the Society. Messrs. A. P. Watt & Son, of which firm Mr. A. P. Watt, for many years Sir Walter Besant’s literary agent and finally his literary executor, is senior partner, made a subscription of twenty-five guineas. This amount is included in the sum of £340. Aw offer was made, by a firm whose only excuse can be that they do not hold the highest position in the rank of publishers, of £10 for an original novel of 60,000 words from the pen of a writer not altogether unknown for his ability, but unfortu- nately notorious for his chronic impecuniosity. The offer was, we are glad to say, rejected, If the work was worth printing at all, it was worth more than the amount stated. THE list of elections from October, 1902, to July 1903, will be published during the course of the month, as a supplement to the list of the Society already published. The cost of the Supplementary list will be two- pence. 1 OBITUARY. —— R. WILLIAM WESTALL, the Novelist, died on Wednesday, the 9th of September, at the age of sixty-nine. He had been a supporter of the Society almost since its foundation. He joined in 1888. He was a writer of many novels, and although none of them ever became a great popular success, yet he was a sound craftsman and a careful worker, and knew well how to write an interesting book of incident and adventure. It is sad to have to chronicle the death of the older members. WE regret to announce also the death of the Rev. Prebendary Godfrey Thring, who had been a member of the society for nearly ten years. As a hymn writer he was exceedingly well known, some of his verses being the most popular in Hymns Ancient and Modern. His Church of England Hymn Book is now in the third edition.  THE AUTHOR. THE PERIL OF SHAKESPEAREAN RESEARCH. —_1—@—+—_ OR some years past scarcely a month passes without receipt of a communication from a confiding stranger, to the effect that he has discovered some piece of information concerning Shakespeare which has hitherto eluded research. Very often has a correspondent put himself to the trouble of forwarding a photograph of the title- page of a late 16th or early 17th century book, on which has been scrawled in old-fashioned script the familiar name of William Shakespeare. At intervals, which seem to recur with mathematical regularity, I receive intelligence that a portrait of the poet, of which nothing is hitherto known, has come to light in some recondite corner of the country, and it is usually added that a contem- porary inscription settles all doubt of authenticity. I wish to speak with respect and gratitude of these confidences. I welcome them, and have no wish to repress them. But truth does not permit me to affirm that such as have yet reached me have done more than enlarge my conception of the scope of human credulity. I look forward to the day when the postman shall, through the generosity of some appreciative reader of my biography of Shake- speare, deliver at my door an autograph of the dramatist of which nothing has been heard before, or a genuine portrait of contemporary date, the existence of which has never been suspected. But up to the moment of writing, despite the good intentions of my correspondents, no experience of the kind has befallen me. There is something pathetic in the frequency with which correspondents, obviously of un- blemished character and most generous instinct, send me almost tearful expressions of regret that I should have hitherto ignored one particular docu- ment, which throws (in their eyes) a curious gleam on the dramatist’s private life. At least six times a year am I reminded how it is recorded in more than one obscure 18th century periodical that the dramatist, George Peele, wrote to his friend Marle or Marlowe, in an extant letter, of a merry meeting at a place called the “Globe” (which some take tobe a tavern). At that surprising assembly there were present, I am trustfully assured, not merely Edward Alleyn, the actor, not merely Ben Jonson, but Shakespeare himself, and together these cele- brated men are said to have discussed a passage in the new play of “ Hamlet.” The reported talk is at the best tame prattle. Yet here, if anywhere, I am often told, is Shakespeare revealed in uncon- stramed intercourse with professional associates. Are such revelations numerous enough, I am asked, to exeuse a biographer for overlooking this one ? 17 Unfortunately for my informants’ argument, the letter in question is an 18th century fabrication of no intrinsic brilliance or wit. It bears on its dull face’ marks of criminality which could only escape the notice of the uninformed. It is not likely to mislead the critical. Nevertheless it has deceived many of my uncritical correspondents, and largely for this reason it has constantly found its way into print without meeting serious confutation. It may therefore be worth while setting its true origin and subsequent history on record. Nothing that I can do is likely in all the circumstances of the case to prevent an occasional resurrection of the bodiless and spiritless creation, but at present the meagre spectre appears to walk in various quarters unimpeded, and an endeavour to lay it here may not be without its uses. Through the first half of 1763 there was published a monthly magazine called the Theatrical Review, or Annals of the Drama, an anonymous miscellany of dramatic biography and criticism. It ceased at the end of six months, and the six instalments were re-issued as “ Volume I.” at the end of June, 1763; that volume had no successor.* The Theatrical Review, a colourless contribution to the journalism of the day, lacked powers of endurance. All that is worth noting of it now is that among its contributors was at least one interesting personality. He was a young man of good education and independent means, who had chambers in the Temple, and was enthusiastically applying himself to a study of Shakespeare and Elizabethan dramatic literature. His name, George Steevens, acquired in later years world-wide fame as that of the most learned of Shakespearean com- mentators. Of the real value of Steevens’s scholar- ship no question is admissible, and his reputation justly grew with his years. Yet Steevens’s temper was singularly perverse and mischievous. His con- fidence in his own powers led him to contemn the powers of other people. He enjoyed nothing so much as mystifying those who were engaged in the same pursuits as himself, and his favourite method of mystification was to announce anonymously the discovery of documents which owed all their existence to his own ingenuity. This, he admitted, was his notion of “fun.” Whenever the whim seized him, he would in gravest manner reveal to the Press, or even contrive to bring to the notice of a learned society, some alleged relic in manuscript or in stone which he had deliberately manufactured. His sole aim was to recreate himself with laughter at the perplexity that such unholy pranks invariably * Other independent publications of similar character appeared under the identical title in 1758 and 1772. The latter collected the ephemeral dramatic criticisms of John Potter, a well-known writer for the stage,  18 aroused. It is one of these Puck-like tricks that has spread confusion among my correspondents. The Theatrical Review, in its second number, offered an anonymous biography of the great actor and theatrical manager of Shakespeare’s day, Edward Alleyn. This biography was clearly one of Steevens’s earliest efforts. It is for the most part an innocent compilation. But it contains one passage in its author’s characteristic vein of mischief, which requires close attention in this place. Midway in the essay the reader was solemnly assured that a brand-new contemporary reference to Alleyn’s eminent associate Shakespeare was at his disposal. The new story “ carries with it ” (he was told) “ all the air of probability and truth, and has never been in print before.” “A gentleman of honour and veracity,” ran the next sentences, which artfully put the unwary student off his guard, “ in the com- mission of the peace for Middlesex, has shown us a letter dated in the year 1600, which he assures us has been in the possession of his family, by the mother’s side, for a long series of years, and which bears all the marks of antiquity.” The superscription was interpreted to run, “For Master Henrie Marle livynge at the sygne of the rose by the palace.” There followed at full length the paper of which the family of the honourable and veracious gentle- man “in the commission of the peace for Middlesex ” had become possessed “ by the mother’s side.” The words were these :— “ FRIENDE MARLE, “1 must desyre that my syster hyr watche, and the cookerie booke you promysed, may be sent by the man. I never longed for thy company more than last night ; we were all very merrye at the Globe, when Ned Alleyn did not scruple to affyrme pleasantely to thy friend Will, that he had stolen his speech about the qualityes of an actor’s excellencye, in Hamlet hys tragedye, from conversations manyfold which had passed between them, and opinyons given by Allen touchinge the subject. Shakespeare did not take this talke in good sorte; but Jonson put an end to the stryfe with wittielie saying, ‘“ This affaire needeth no contentione; you stole it from Ned, no doubt ; do not marvel ; have you not seen him act tymes out of number”? “Believe me most syncerelie, “ Harrie “ Thyne “G, PEEL.” The text of this strangely-spelt, strangely- worded epistle, with its puny efforts at a jest, was succeeded by a suggestion that “G. Peel,’ the alleged signatory, could be none other than George Peele, the dramatist, who achieved reputation in Shakespeare’s early days. Thus the freakish Steevens baited his hook. The sport which followed must have exceeded the impish angler’s expectations. Any one familiar with the bare outline of Elizabethan literary history should have perceived that a trap had been set. The letter was assigned to the year 1600. Shake- speare’s play of “ Hamlet,” to the performance of THE AUTHOR. which it unconcernedly refers, was not produced before 1602 ; at that date George Peele had lain full four years in his grave. Peele could never have passed the portals of the theatre called the “ Globe’; for it was not built until 1599. No tavern of the name is known. The surname of the peisoas to whom the letter was pretended to have been addressed, is suspicious. ‘ Marle” was one way of spelling “ Marlowe” at a period when forms of surnames varied with the caprice of the writer. The great dramatist, Christopher Marle, or Marloe, or Marlowe, had died in 1593; but “Henrie Marle” is counterfeit coinage of no doubtful stamp. The language and the style of the letter are obviously undeserving of serious examination. They are of a far later period than the Elizabethan age. Safely might the heaviest odds be laid that in no year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth ‘did friende Marle promyse G. Peel his syster that he would send hyr watche and the cookerie booke by the man,” or that “ Ned Alleyn made pleasante affirmation to G. Peel of friend Will’s theft of the speech in ‘Hamlet’ concerning an actor’s excellencye.”’ From top to toe the imposture stands confessed. But the general reader of the eighteenth century was confiding, unsuspicious, greedy of novel information. The description of the source of the document seemed to him precise enough to silence doubt. The Theatrical Review of 1763 succeeded in launching the fraud on a quite triumphal progress. Again and again, as the century advanced, was G. Peel’s declaration to “friend Marle” paraded, without hint of its falsity, to the gaze of purblind snappers-up of Shakespearean trifles. Seven years after its first publication, the epistle found admis- sion in a somewhat altered setting into so reputable a periodical as the “Annual Register.” Burke was still connected with that useful publication, and whatever information the “ Register” shielded, was reckoned to be of veracity. ‘‘G,. Peel” and “friende Marle” were there suffered to play their pranks in the best society in the year 1770. In 1777 there appeared an ambitious work of reference, entitled “‘ Biographia Literaria; or a Biographical History of Literature,” which gave its author, John Berkenhout,a free-thinking physician, his chief claim to remembrance. Steevens was a friend of his, and helped him in the preparation of the book. Into his account of Shakespeare, the credulous Berkenhout introduced quite honestly the fourteen-year old forgery. The reputed date of 1600, which the supposititious justice of the peace had given it in the Theatrical Review, was now suppressed. Berkenhout confined comment to the halting reminiscence, ‘‘ Whence I copied this letter T do not recollect, but I remember that at the time of transcribing it I had no doubt of its authenticity.”  THE AUTHOR. Thrice had the trick been worked effectively in conspicuous places before Steevens died in 1800. But the evil that he did lived after him, and within a year of his death the old banner of imposture was waved by a living hand more vigorously than before. A correspondent, who concealed his identity under the signature of “Grenovicus,” sent Peel’s letter to the Gentleman’s Magazine in 1801, and it was duly reprinted in the number for June. ‘“Grenovicus” had the assurance to claim the letter as his own discovery. ‘‘To my knowledge,” he wrote, “ it has never yet appeared in print.” He refrained from indicating how he had gained access to it, but congratulated himself and the readers of the Gentleman’s Magazine on the valiant feast he provided for them. His act was apparently taken by the readers of the Gentleman's Magazine at his own valuation. Not that the discerning critic elsewhere remained altogether passive. Isaac D’Israeli denounced the fraud in his “ Curiosities of Literature,” but he and others did their protesting gently. The fraud looked to them too shamefaced to merit a vigorous onslaught. They imagined the misbegotten epistle must die of its own inanity. In this they mis- calculated the credulity of the general reader. “Grenovicus” of the Gentleman's Magazine had numerous disciples. Many a time during the past century has his exploit been repeated, and “@, Peel” has emerged from the shades of a long- forgotten book or periodical to disfigure the page of a modern popular magazine. I have met him in all his impudence in at least one collection of Shakespeareana published during the present century. His occasional re-interment in the future from the time-honoured jungle of the ‘‘ Annual Register ” the Gentleman’s Magazine may safely be prophesied. In those dusky retreats the forged letter lurks unchallenged, and there will always be some explorers, who, being strangers to exact know- ledge, will from time to time suddenly run the unhallowed thing to earth and bring it forth asa new and unsuspected truth. Perhaps forgery is too big a word to apply to Steevens’s insolent concoction. Others worked at later periods on lines similar to his ; but, unlike his disciples, he did not seek from his misdirected ingenuity pecuniary gain or even notoriety; for he never set his name to this invention of “Peel” and “Marle,” and their insipid chatter about “ Hamlet ” at the “Globe.” It is difficult to detect humour in Steevens’s endeavour to delude the unwary. But the perversity of the human intellect has no limits. This ungainly example of it is only worth attention because it has sailed under its false colours without serious molestation for one hundred and forty years. Sripney Lug. 19 THE COMMERCIAL ASPECTS OF AUTHORSHIP. —_+———_ UTHORS may be classified in various ways, according to the point of view from which they are regarded. For the purposes of this paper they may be divided roughly into three classes : (1) Those who live by tlieir work. (2) Those who supplement by their work incomes derived from other sources sufficient to enable them to live without writing. (3) Those who. write without relying on the profits of their work to any appreciable extent. There are also men and women not yet ranking as authors who aspire to belong to one of these classes. Hach of the three classes defined above may again be divided into two sections, the one consisting of those who pay to their business relations with business men publishing their writings as close attention as they can, and the other of those who do not. The object of an autbor in paying attention to business is usually to make the full profit which is his due. This, however, need not be his only motive, for in some cases a writer is chiefly concerned with gaining access to the largest possible number of the public in order to make his opinions known, or for other reasons, and then the methods by which his work is circulated, and the considera- tion and supervision of details connected with this may be of importance to him. The largest pro- portion of those who from indifference to pecuniary considerations or other causes do not make as large a profit as they are fairly entitled to do, naturally belong to the third of the classes sug- gested. There are, however, many of them to be found in the second, and a smaller proportion in the first. On the other hand, there are some who obtain full value for their literary wares, who might by their position be supposed to be in- different in the matter. The eminent statesman who writes on “Fiscal Fatuity” in a heavy magazine, and the lady of title who publishes an article in a lighter periodical on “Ought Girls to Chaperon their Mothers ?” may be looked on by some of their fellow-contributors as essentially amateurs, but they are as a rule not only desirous, but thoroughly able to obtain very good prices. Their competition may be regarded by some writers as not quite fair, but it is at least as honourable as that of those who endeavour to obtain publication by underselling others to whom payment is a more necessary consideration than to themselves. It is to writers who neglect, and possibly despise, the business side of the author’s calling that this paper is primarily directed, and particularly to any who may not avail themselves of the assistance in such matters which the Society of Authors  20 supplies. They are principally to be found outside its ranks; but the circulation of Zhe Author is not confined to members, nor has the society in establishing and strengthening the commercial position of authorship benefited its members only. That authorship should have a commercial position, or a commercial aspect at all, is treated by some as undesirable. This view is put forward both by those who wish to make as much money as possible by exploiting the author’s work, and by others who claim that art should be pursued “for art’s sake,” and see something degrading in an author bargaining for the best price obtain- able, as if he were a mere capitalist or artizan, or any other person seeking a livelihood. ‘ Art for art’s sake” is an attractive ideal programme con- densed into proverbial form, but like many charming ideas it is more frequently recommended to others than carried into practice by those who preach it. Even they who claim to pursue “art for art’s sake? and gain the reputation of actually doing so, may to some extent be deceiving themselves and others. “ Art for amusement’s sake” is quite a different thing, and so is “art for notoriety’s sake.” Either can be quite harmless to those immediately concerned, but may to some extent affect fellow artists injuriously. At the last dinner of the Incorporated Society of Authors, Mr. Rider Haggard made a speech in which incidentally he proclaimed his opinion that Milton, when he accepted £10 for “Paradise Lost,” did so for no other reason than because it was the best price he could get. Turning to our own times and mentally reviewing the names of those held eminent in the artistic professions, we should find it difficult to discover many who pursue a different policy. We might, indeed, among the ablest writers, painters, sculptors and actors of to-day light upon some who are not keen men or women of business, and who conse- quently do not get for their work the bes! price possible. We should find both among those out- wardly most successful and those less so, many doing their best work without regard for the question whether their best work in an artistic sense would be most popular or most lucrative, but we should not find or expect to find them giving away their productions for less than the market value vis they had succeeded in establishing for them. It would, therefore, be impossible to say with truth that in the professions selected above as entitled to be termed artistic, the best workers were indifferent to pecuniary *value or would repudiate the existence of a business side to art. They would not obtrude it nor should anyone else. The Author, however, is the organ of a society THE AUTHOR. which concerns itself principally with the business aspects of authorship, and these aspects are necessarily conspicuous in its pages. If, however, it is conceded that authorship has its commercial side, which is not altogether undeserving of consideration, it may be worth while to ask whether authors who are indifferent in business matters can in any case justify their attitude. They are not to be found in great numbers, per- haps, in the class of professional writers, but all must recognise the fact that loose business methods may substantially diminish the circulation of the author’s work if it is his ambition to increase the number of his readers, and that from a pecuniary point of view they can increase the profits of no one except the publisher. It has, however, been pointed out that there are authors to whom their literary work as such is not essential to their liveli- hood. A considerable bulk of literature is put upon the market by these, while some of it is of high value, both from a pecuniary point of view and otherwise. Many scientific writers, compilers of educational books, travellers and biographers, for example, are to be found among authors who do not live by their pens, as well as among producers of fiction, poetry, and lighter literary work. It is among these that the business possibilities of authorship are most frequently neglected, and if they are reminded of them, they have many reasons to give for their indifference. In the first place they may say that the matter is their concern, and the concern of no one else. In this they are only partly right. To object to one person under-selling another savours of trades unionism and of protective policies, regarded by some as leading to objectionable interference with the freedom of contract. There is, however, an undeniable hardship inflicted upon all in a weak position (7.e., those who have to work to live and who are struggling to do so), when others in a stronger position (i.e., those subject to no such necessity) under-sell them, or by acquiescing in lax business ways, make it difficult for any to insist upon stricter methods. These are the principal results of easy going ways, where the relations between the author and the publisher or editor are concerned. ‘Those, however, who are under discussion may say on the other hand: “We pursue a course which suits our objects. We desire to obtain public notice, for perfectly honest reasons. We write upon topics which we seek to make widely known, and we can best make them known by giving the terms asked by those who can secure a large circulation for us.” To such as these it may be pointed out that stricter methods will enable them to secure what they desire with greater certainty. Price is not the only important point which is stipulated for‘in a literary  THE AUTHOR. 21 contract. The conditions under which the work will be placed upon the market, the manner in which it will be advertised, and other details also of importance have to be provided for, and the contract to publish will not be carried out with less energy, because the author understands and expects to be informed of the steps which are taken to secure the desired result. Even those, there- fore, to whom the possible money value of literary work is of no interest cannot afford to neglect the business side of literature, if they are in earnest in writing at all. Those who are not in earnest are recommended to become so, or to leave litera- ture alone. In any case the commercial aspects of author- ship are worthy of the study of all writers. It has already been said that such matters need not be made obtrusive, but it may also be observed that the more carefully they are attended to, the less likely they are to be forced into prominence. It is the author who is loose in his business arrangements in their early stages who finds himself later on obliged to make them public in a court of law, or to forego advantages to which his indifference is less absolute than he supposed. H, A. A. $$ GOLLANCZ vy. J. M. DENT & CO. ————1— OME of our readers may have noticed in the daily papers some months ago the report of a law case of interest to authors under the above title. It has not previously been mentioned in The Author because the case decided in the Courts covered only part of the area of controversy between the parties. All matters in dispute were ultimately satisfactorily settled with the assistance of the Society, and the points of interest to authors may now be referred to. The essential facts are as follows: Mr. Gollancz was the editor of “The Temple Shakespeare,” published by Messrs. J. M. Dent & Co.; he also occupied till 1901 the position of general literary adviser to that firm, and was editor of the “ Temple Classics,” etc. The documents embodying the terms under which the parties were working together were informal, and the recent actions arose out of the obscurity of some provisions of these documents. The moral of the case is the old caution which can never be urged too strongly on authors: that their business arrangements should be clearly and accurately defined, however close, as in the present instance, may be their relations with their publishers. When Mr. Gollancz sought and obtained the help of the Committee in 1901 his relations with his publishers had become very strained, and, shortly afterwards, Messrs, Dent gave him notice to put an end to his engagement as their literary adviser, and Mr. Gollancz felt obliged to take action against them. The questions that arose in this action will be dealt with presently, In the following spring (1902) Messrs. Dent announced the production of a “Temple Shakes- peare for Schools,” edited, not by Mr. Gollancz, but by Mr. Oliphant Smeaton and other writers. Mr. Gollancz deeming this to be an infringement of his rights, protested, and, failing to obtain redress, commenced an action for an injunction and damages in the Chancery Division. By one of the clauses of the agreement as to “The Temple Shakespeare,” it had been agreed that, in the event of a cheaper or other form of edition of any or either of the plays of Shakespeare being thought desirable by Messrs. Dent, it should form the subject of a new agreement with Mr. Gollancz on proratd terms. A School Edition had been long in contemplation in pursuance of this agreement, and before the breach between the parties a definite arrangement had been come to as to the amount of royalty to be paid to Mr. Gollancz. As Messrs. Dent persisted in bringing out “The Temple Shakespeare for Schools,” the Chancery action was proceeded with, and came on for hearing before Mr. Justice Swinfen-Eady on March 26th and 27th, 1903. The defence raised by the publishers was that the clause quoted above only referred to a cheaper or dearer edition of “The Temple Shakespeare,” but the judge overruled this contention, and, adopting Mr. Gollancz’s view of the meaning of the agreement and of his arrange- ments with Messrs. Dent, gave judgment in his favour for damages and costs. Mr. Justice Swinfen-Eady in his judgment remarked that the School Edition, as ultimately brought out by Messrs. Dent, although not an infringement of the copyright of “The Temple Shakespeare” (which, in fact, is vested in the pub- lishers) was intended to have the benefit of the reputation of that work. In fact, it was necessary for Mr. Gollancz (as this remark of the judge shows) to establish that he had no connection with the School Edition which bore the name of “The Temple Shakespeare.” Meanwhile, Mr. Gollancz’s action for wrongful dismissal was awaiting hearing in the King’s Bench Division (where work is more in arrear than in the Chancery Division). The main points in this action, which are of general interest, were two: first, whether Messrs. Dent had any right to put an end to Mr. Gollancz’s engagement as their literary adviser which, on the wording of the letters that had passed, appeared to be (what Mr. Gollancz had always understood it to be) a life contract ; and, secondly, whether “The Temple Cyclopedic Primers,” a series planned by Mr.  22 Gollanez and published by Messrs. Dent, were to continue to be treated as “School Books” pro- cured by Mr. Gollancz for the publishers, so as to entitle him to a stipulated royalty thereon. In the result, satisfactory terms of settlement of all disputes between the parties were arrived at with- out this case coming on in Court, so that the deci- sion of the Court was not obtained on these points, one of which would have been of much general interest—i.e., the meaning and extent of the expression “School Books.” By the terms of settlement, however, the justification of Mr. Gollancz’s action was fully recognised by the publishers paying, in addition to all costs, a sub- stantial sum as compensation, and agreeing to continue the payment of royalty on the Primers, as arranged for by Mr. Gollancz. SPECIAL INSURANCE SCHEME. oo i HE Directors of the Legal and General Life Assurance Society are prepared to grant to members of the Society of Authors the following reduction from the tariff rates of endow- ment and whole-life assurance, viz. : 10 % (ten per cent.) off the first premium paid. 5 % (five per cent.) off each subsequent premium, The distinctive features of the Society are : (a) Perfected maximum policies by which life insurance is provided at the lowest possible cost. For example: Age 30, £1 16s. 0d. per £100 insured. Age 40, £2 10s. Od. per £100 insured. Age 50, £3 14s. 4d. per £100 insured. (0) With-profit endowment assurance, payable ‘at any age, or previous death, to which the Society allots the largest bonus of any Insurance Company, viz., 88s. per cent. compound. Thereby a £100 policy increases as follows : Duration 10years. 20 years. 30 years. 40 years. Amount £120 £144 £172 £206 Special quotations for old-age pensions may be had on application to the City office, 158, Leaden- hall Street, E.C., where any further information may be obtained. The directors will be glad to afford every facility for the working of the scheme, which they think will be of advantage to the members -of the Society of Authors. J. P. B. BLAKE, City Branch. 158, Leadenhall Street, E.C. THE AUTHOR. A GOOD BOOK. —— + V E are glad to welcome a new—the fifth— impression of Professor Raleigh’s manual, “The English Novel.”* Modestly described by its author as a little book on a great subject, it gives in its two hundred and eighty pages a singularly effective sketch of the history of this branch of literature from Malory to Scott, with critical studies of the chief English novelists before the appearance of the author of “‘ Waverley,” these two purposes being “connected by certain general lines of reasoning and specula- tion on the nature and development of the novel.” The historical sketch is adequate, the criticism generally penetrating and just, but it is in the connecting lines that we have found most pleasure. No book dealing with literary principles can fail to contain something of interest to authors, and the great expectations with which we approach any contribution to the subject by so eminent an authority as Professor Raleigh are fully realised. in so brief a note as this it is impossible to attempt to criticise this little manual ; we prefer to praise it in general terms and recommend it to the attention of literary men. Most books of the kind lose sight of the historical purpose and tend to become only critical studies ; Professor Raleigh contrives in the space at his disposal to keep both his objects prominently before him. His style is admirably simple and direct, and one lays aside the book with a clear knowledge of the steps by which the novel has risen to what it is, and also with the memory of many illuminating phrases emanating from a finely critical mind, and delicately and humorously couched. The pedigree of the English novel, as set forth here, derives from the novella of the Italians and the romance of chivalry ; the successive stages are represented by the “ Gesta Romanorum,” Malory’s “Morte Darthur,” Lyly’s “ Euphues” (strictly speaking, the first original prose novel written in English), the novellet or love pamphlet of Greene and Nash, “‘ The Character ”’ ; the realistic accounts of adventure represented by Defoe; the picaresque, the autobiographic, the Schools of Terror, repre- sented by Mrs. Radcliffe and Maturin, and of Theory represented by Godwin, the story of domestic satire, and lastly the union of the novel proper with the romance which was effected by Sir Walter Scott. Professor Raleigh avoids the confusion which is a frequent demerit in genealogies of this kind, and he chronicles vividly the conflict that was waged *«“The English Novel,’ by Walter Raleigh; fifth impression, popular edition : London, John Murray, 1903, 3s. 6d.  THE AUTHOR. between prose fiction and the drama, ultimately won for the novel in the eighteenth century, and the later conflict between verse and prose for “ the prerogative possession of romantic themes,” when prose was again the victor. We wish we had space to quote some of the many remarks that have arrested our attention and appealed to our reason during our perusal of this book. It is Professor Raleigh’s merit that they are propounded unostentatiously, and as a matter of course, but from some points of view perhaps this merit may be regretted, for many more popular reputations have been upreared on less sound foundations. With the last one in the volume we may conclude, confident that its truth is sufficient apology for its triteness : “‘ Quod semper et ubique et ab omnibus is the saving creed of a novelist.” 2 TWO KINDS OF AUTHOR. —_—t—— + “PYFNHE Truth about an Author’’* is an anony- mous satire on the profession of letters, so skilfully accomplished that it would not be hard to take it seriously and to be vastly annoyed that it should have been written, in spite ofitsgenuine humour. It narrates the career of one who, starting in the Inferno of provincial journalism, attains at length to a kind of suburban purgatory, and emerges at last into a peculiar paradise of poultry, Dalmatian dogs, and little grey mares in phaetons. Itis, in short, a criticism of the literary life elaborated from the pages of a ledger, but unless our critical sense is sadly at fault, it is written by one who, however greatly he may have regarded literature merely as a trade, had the wit to see the irony of his own attitude and that of his admirers. Heischarmingly candid : ‘“ Ofcourse,” he says, “when I am working on my own initia- tive, for the sole advancement of my artistic reputation, I ignore finance and think of glory alone. It cannot, however, be too clearly under- stood, that the professional author . . . is eternally compromising between glory and something more edible and warmer at nights....I am _ not speaking of geniuses with a mania for posterity.” It is obvious, indeed, that he is not. He is, or pretends to be, one of that admirable and daily increasing class which frankly, with no esthetic pretensions to the contrary, provides sustenance for the melodramatic appetite of the English general reader. He admits that he was never urged to write except by impulses not usually esteemed artistic. But he sits down to write his first novel under the ‘“ sweet influences (sic) of the * “The Truth About an Author” : Constable, 1908. 23 Goncourts, Turgenev, Flaubert, and Maupassant.” Such a galaxy of names would certainly arouse the suspicions of the class to which he claims to belong, yet, after all, it is said that our most notorious female fictionist battens in secret on Shakespeare, Milton, and the Bible. For ourselves, we regard “The Truth about an Author” as an admirable piece of invective, but those who con- template literature, as the wise contemplate matri- mony, simply as a profitable if unpleasant meétier, will be able to find some valuable information in the author’s remarks about journalism. At any rate, the book is a relief after the silly and serious guides that profess to teach the literary art, and only succeed in exposing the dreariness of an existence that the lack or decline of artistic enthusiasm has reduced to a meticulous drudgery. A very different kind of personality is exhibited in an article called ‘“‘ Letters to a Young Writer,” published in Cornhill for July, 1903. The author of the article, at the outset of his literary career, had the good fortune to meet a mature craftsman, who lavished the wealth of his experience on his pupil with a most breezy and unpedantic generosity. The extracts from his letters are all too few—some day, we hope, the recipient, in the interests of youth and literature, may be induced to give us a larger tale—but they are all admirable, enthusiastic, great-hearted, and full of a golden common-sense, a charming and spontaneous humour, that might well have been dated from Vailima. He was always ready to read and criticise the work of his young friend, and his criticisms are invari- ably delightful and of solid value. Here is one: ‘* But how about that ball? There is a long description of a ball, and in the long description there is nothing new except when she asks him to dance with her. But by God you are not justified in describing the band.” And another, after some advice about the financial side of letters : ‘J do not care whether you are or are not angry with me for putting this matter plainly. I do care that you should not be discouraged by what I have said. You must not lose your head either in success or disappointment. Every art requires a long apprenticeship. If youallowthe commercial attitude of your art to press too heavily upon you, the art will be injured.” And again : “ Don’t lay yourself out to be smart. any demi-god or set. Don’t write to vex or to please any mere mortals. just to make yourself cry and laugh and swear.” One is tempted to continue re-quoting the quotations of his disciple, despite the fear of the Procrustean surgery of editors. ‘The words of this critic, “‘as keen as he was gentle,” were, to follow the disciple’s phrase, as humbling as they were bracing. “What can be said of a man who Don’t write against Don’t write for any demi-god or set. Write  24 believed in one before one was a man_ oneself, before anybody else dreamt of doing so? Nothing ; for he is dead and gone and cannot hear, nor ever know. But I like to think of him on those enchanted seas of his, overhauled by an argosy laden with his own letters, dashed off and forgotten when he was here; for he will be the first to appre- ciate them, spontaneously and impersonally as of old, and I can almost hear him laugh.” That is how the disciple’s tribute to his master’s memory ends, and the words are no mean proof that all the cheering counsel he received of old was effective in developing a writer of English, and of winning a fast and unforgetful friend. Someone, —is it Nietzche ? has said that it is impossible. to think of a fine personality without experiencing a sense of liberation, a certainty that humanity can never become wholly and rigidly sordid. One feels, as one reads the extracts from the haphazard letters of this nameless writer, that he was one of those who possessed that total lack of bitterness which is the true wisdom, that frank, unpatronising kindliness which alone can, in the real sense of the word, educate ; and that even though the literary fruit of his life’s work be unenduring, yet his memorial has not perished with him. Sr. Joun Lucas. oo —__- CONCAVE AND CONYEX. eas T fell to my lot a few days ago to read a novel for a publisher. As is his practice when submitting books to my opinion the publisher had carefully removed from the copy the name and address of the author and anything which might furnish me with a clue to his identity, thus leaving it to me to pass judgment solely upon the merit of the work and reserving to himself the power to take into consideration such other points as “name” and “public” and the rest. The book was light comedy ; it had no startling originality of plot, but such as it possessed was ingeniously planned and dexterously handled. I gave my employer an outline of. the story, a general criticism of its style and treatment, my advice—in this case to accept the book—and my estimate of the com- mercial possibilities of the work ; and I concluded my letter by suggesting that it would be kind to advise the author to secure his dramatic rights in the story, and offering to furnish any information desired about the formalities to be observed in that connection. I have assisted at these formalities on more than one occasion ; they are extravagantly farcical, and need not be detailed here ; but however farcical the author has, upon their completion, secured his play right in the manner prescribed by law, and THE AUTHOR. there is an end of the matter, and in all probability the play is never heard of again. It is a common-place that a good novel does not make a good play, and the reason is obvious ; there is as great a difference between the literary and the dramatic presentation of an idea as there is between the concave and the convex surfaces of an egg shell ; a novel is one thing, a play something else ; both are composed of the same material but they are intended to be regarded from opposite points of view. That there are authors who write and communicate to the public both plays and novels, I am, of course, aware, and J am disposed to think that the writer whose anonymous manu- script has suggested these reflections to me, is one of the most prominent among them. Still, the ability to treat a subject twice, from the inside point of view which is the novelist’s business, and from the outside point of view as the audience see it which is the dramatist’s business, is not common. Such authors will, however, support my contention that the play and the book are two substantive pieces of work, bearing no closer relationship than that they deal in their respective fashions with the same theme, and owing no obligation the one to the other. My anonymous acquaintance has written an amusing story, the material of which might be used to make a successful trifling comedy, and I, being a conscientious man, have suggested that he shall take advantage of the ridiculous methods per- mitted by our legislature and secure his dramatic rights. Yet all the time I have a conviction that his chances of success as a dramatist are in inverse proportion to his chances of success as a novelist, and that if the law of probabilities holds good I am recommending him to commit a sort of suicide. The lessee of one hall in London told me that the number of plays produced for copyright purposes on his stage was more than three hundred a year, and that he could not recall the name of one which had been reproduced elsewhere ; at any rate my friend will join a numerous company. But I shall be told that there is always the possibility of huge profits, and that the author will be foolish if he does not protect his dramatic rights by the prescribed method, inasmuch as he will then be doubly safe when some intelligent person sees the dramatic potentialities of the novel ; he will be the owner of the play in which he has statutory play right, and also able to invoke the more doubtful assistance of an injunction against infringement of copyright on the precedent of the decision in the case of Warne v. Seebohm. Quite so; but it seems to me that the whole thing rests upon an unsound foundation. Rights in property presuppose the existence of property ; in the case in point the existence of any is doubtful. The plays knocked up for purposes of technical  THE AUTHOR. representation have not, and are not even intended to have, any commercial value ; they are blown together with the object of meeting certain legal requirements, and so of anticipating any attempt by a bond fide dramatist to use for his advantage any of the produce of the novelist’s brains. If this safe-guarding of property, created in a manner not specifically defined, but at all events created incidentally and not by first intention, is the object of the law, then I think it might be achieved in some less contemptible and clumsy fashion; the English law might be altered to conform with that obtaining in the United States, by which p: tential dramatic rights are protected by the pub- lication of the novel; our present system isunworthy, and if devised only in the interests of the novelist, it is also needlessly expensive and troublesome. If, moreover, the subject were to be dealt with logically and consistently, all novelists should be warned to protect their interests and produce dramatic versions of all their novels “ for copyright purposes” ; doubtless some enterprising person would then appear and devote his attention exclusively to this business: he need never be out of work in these days. Until such an agency is actually opened, things will probably remain in their present absurd condition, and the validity of the protection which novelists flatter themselves they have secured by their technical performances will not be too closely examined. Is it, again, to the best interest that it should be secured at all? I know it is a heresy, but speaking as one who aspires to be a novelist and who has not taken to writing for his health, I confess I can see another side to the matter. An interesting volume might be compiled, with some such title as ‘The Foundations of Fiction,” tracing the common origin of all novels. It would be a difficult matter for any novelist to establish a claim to be the originator of any idea, or even situation ; and if a dramatist utilised the theme of my excellent novel and manufactured therewith his excellent play, I am prepared to hear his counsel argue that as the producer of a substantive work of art of commercial value his client is entitled to all the fruits of his labour. More, if the play were a great one I can conceive its being a public misfortune that its communication to the world should be pre- vented by the existence of my own dramatic version of the theme concocted “tor copyright purposes,” and produced in the perfunctory manner which apparently satisfies the law. That the dramatist would make handsome pro- posals to me for a division of the profits accruing from his play, and that I should deal handsomely with him, of course goes without saying. Iam the most sweetly reasonable member of a sweetly reason- able fraternity, but the amiability and indifference 25 to sordid considerations which characterise British novelists is not the subject of this somewhat heretical note. It is written with the object of advising novelists to consider seriously the validity of the protection they fancy they secnre by this formal dramatisation of their novels, and of eliciting some expression of opinion as to whether it is really in their own interests and—what is perhaps of more importance—in the interests of the community at large, that it should be done at all. V. BE. M. 0 —— © — THE WOMEN WRITERS’ CLUB, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. ——~<—+—— “VT J\ARLY in the year 1902 a movement was set S Hy on foot to start a society of women writers and journalists in Melbourne. The informal preliminary meetings were held at the rooms of Miss C. H. Thomson, The Rialto, Collins Street. The idea gradually took shape, and on May Ist the new club came into existence. Admission to membership is confined to women who are or who have been actively engaged in literary work of any description. The Society began with every encouragement from editors, brother journalists, black and white artists, and the reading public. Mr. Donald Macdonald, the well-known South African war correspondent, came forward with an offer of a lecture on “ War and Peace.” Thanks to the lecturer and to the assistance given by Miss M. G. Bruce as honorary secretary, this brought in a comfortable sum with which to furnish the club rooms. The membership for the first year was 45. The Society has its abode in Flinders Buildings, Flinders Street. Meetings, social and literary, have been held during the year, the most noteworthy being when, last June, the club had the honour of entertaining and admitting as its first visiting member Miss Catherine H. Spence, of South Australia, who was a veteran literary woman long before her name became associated with pro- portional representation. Besides serving as a bond of social union the club hopes to be able to extend a friendly hand to visiting writers, whether from the neighbouring states or from other lands. There is a plentiful supply of magazines and the nucleus of a small library of such works of reference as will be found useful to professional writers. The first committee elected included Mrs. Cross (Ada Cambridge), Mrs. Donald Macdonald, Mrs. I. Aronson, Mrs. Baverstock, Miss Ethel Castilla, Miss F. F. Elmes, Mrs. Sadleir Forster, Miss Henrietta McGowan, Miss C. H. Thomson, Mrs. Evelyn Gough (hon. treasurer), and Miss Alice Henry (hon. secretary). 26 A CAPE LETTER. —+——+ — EGISLATION for the protection of works of art has at last been introduced into the Parliament of this Colony. At the present time, no artistic copyright whatever is in existence here, though literary and musical works have been protected by two Acts, dated respectively 1873 and 1888. For some years past, the Copyright Section of the Cape Town Photographic Society —number- ing among its members several prominent painters —has been endeavouring to secure the termina- tion of this discouraging state of affairs; and, after the war had temporarily paralysed all such legislation, an effort was made to obtain the introduction of a bill during last Session. Parlia- ment, however, was at that time too busy wrangling over racial questions, and the Bill has had to stand over until the evening of the present Session. 1t has now passed its second reading in the Lower House, and its promoters have every hope that it will complete its course before Parliament rises. The Bill, as printed, defines a work of art as “ painting or drawing and the design thereof, or a photograph and the negative thereof, or an engraving,” and secures the copyright of such works for fifty years from date of publication or of registration, whichever of these events may first occur. Registration is made essential to obtaining copyright, but works which have been registered in the United Kingdom are, without further legislation, protected for the period speci- fied in the Imperial Act concerned. The latter provision, which is of course of great importance to English proprietors, may, at the Governor’s discretion, be extended to the other British Colonies, and to foreign countries similarly favoured in the Kingdom. Some minor clauses of the Bill deal with fraudulent signature or disposal, and with alteration, of artistic products ; and another prohibits the exhibition of any portrait executed on commission, if its subject, or the artist’s client, shall object thereto. Mr. G. Crosland Robinson, who is one of the gentlemen connected with the above matter, has been elected President of the South African Society of Artists, in succession to Mr. J. 8. Morland, who has left the Colony. The first annual session of the South African Association for the Advancement of Science was held this year, in Cape Town. Many instructive papers were read, and several interesting excur- sions organised during the proceedings, a full report of which is now in the Press. The Colonial Government has made a grant of money to cover the costs of this publication. THE AUTHOR. “Cape Colony for the Settler,” by A. R. E, Burton, F.R.G.S., issued by the Government, through Messrs. P, 8. King & Co., London, and J. CG. Juta & Co., Cape Town, is a handbook of the physical and industrial conditions of the Colony, each electoral division of which is separately treated. This volume, which contains a number of plates, including eight maps, is intended for the special purpose indicated in its title, and does not supersede the late John Noble’s “ Official Handbook” of the Colony, although, within its scope, more completely up-to-date. “Basutoland: Its Legends and Customs” (London: Nichois & Co.), is the title of a little volume by Mrs. Minnie Martin, the wife of a Government Official in the territory named. The book contains much interesting information con- cerning the history and mode of life of the Basuto people, together with a brief description of the physical features of their beautiful country, whilst the final chapters consist of native folk-tales brimful of quaint superstition. “The Union-Castle Atlas of South Africa” (London, The Union-Castle Mail Steamship Co., Ltd. ; Cape Town, J. C. Juta & Co.), is a large octavo containing twenty-one double-page map- plates, excellently printed in colours ; in addition to which there are forty-two pages of letterpress relating to the geography, climate, resources and history of the country. English publishers have recently issued two novels by South African writers on South African subjects. These are “A Burgher Quixote,” by Mr. Douglas Blackburn, and “ The Story of Eden,” by Mr. Dolf Wyllarde. Little that is worthy of note has been produced by local publishers since the date of my last letter. To meet a need caused by the all-affecting war, Messrs. Juta have published a small treatise by Mr. W. A. Burn, entitled “Claims against the Military. The Law as to Requisitioning, and the Hague Convention on Laws and Customs of War.” In this, the terms of the Hague Conven- tion are printed both in the original French, and in English. One of the local productions connected with Mr. Chamberlain’s visit to South Africa was the first part of “The Commission and ‘Travels of H.M.S. Good Hope,” a brochure written by R. Moore, a member of the warship’s crew. The author’s action, however, proved to be out of harmony with the Navy Regulations, and his literary career was suspended by a sentence of imprisonment. An illustrated guide-book of the Cape Peninsula and environs, entitled “Cape Pleasure Resorts,” a few educa- tional works, and a few volumes of Law Reports and Parliamentary Debates, complete the list of book publications. New magazines continue to  THER AUTHOR. appear in comparatively large numbers. Among these are the following monthlies:—The South African Medical Record, Catholic South Africa, Civil Service Review, the Twentieth Century,—A Magazine of Commerce, and De Goede Hoop—a non- political illustrated paper, in the Dutch language. From Durban, we hear of a new weekly paperentitled Indian Opinion, published in the English, Gujarati, ‘Tamil and Hindi languages, in the interests of the British Indians of Natal. The MS. of a “ Life”? of Sir Richard Southey has just been completed by the Hon. Alexander Wilmot, author of a number of historical and general works on South African subjects. The late Sir Richard Southey was for many years a prominent Colonial statesman and volunteer officer, seeing much service in the Kaffir Wars, and holding various diplomatic posts. His later appointments included those of Colonial Secretary, and of Governor of Griqualand West. The book will be published by Mr. T. M. Miller, of Cape Town. A prize of 10/., offered by the Guild of Loyal Women of South Africa, for a South Africa Patriotic Poem, has been awarded to Miss Ethel M. Hewitt, who dates from London. The competitors num- bered about seventy, and the judging was under- taken by Lady Gill, wife of the Astronomer Royal, and Mr. Rudyard Kipling, who was at the time on one of his visits to the Cape. After prolonged negotiations between the parties concerned, the case of Sass v. Wheeler has been settled out of Court, the defendants agreeing to pay over the sum of £75. This case was recorded in The Author many months ago. Messrs. Wheeler represented Mr. McKee Rankin and Miss Nance O'Neill, whose right to perform “Magda” in South Africa was challenged by Mr. Sass. The death has occurred of Mrs. Sarah Heckford, author of “A Lady Trader in the Transvaal” (London, 1882), and well-known in the late Republic by her energy as an educational reformer, as well as by her literary work. Another lady associated with literature has lately passed away in the person of Mrs. Alexander Scott, one of the historic “settlers of 1820,” and a sister of Thomas Pringle, the South African poet, for whose verse she is said to have maintained a great affection to the end of a long life. SypNEY YORKE Forp. Cape Town, August 19, 1903. 27 DR. JOHNSON AND BOOKSELLERS’ PROFITS. —————+ — HE following extract from a letter of Dr. Johnson to the Rev. Dr. Wetherell, dated March 12th, 1776, may be of interest to readers. It runs as follows : “Tt is, perhaps, not considered through how many hands a book often passes, before it comes into those of the reader; or what part of profit each hand must retain, as a motive for transmitting it to the next. “We will call our primary agent in London, Mr. Cadell, who receives our books from us, gives them room in his warehouse, and issues them on demand; by him they are sold to Mr. Dilly, a wholesale bookseller, who sends them into the country; and the last seller is the country seller. Here are three profits to be paid between the printer and the reader, or in the style of commerce, between the manufacturer and the consumer; and if any of these profits is too penuriously distributed, the process of commerce is interrupted. “We are now come to the practical question, what is to be done? You will tell me, with reason, that I have said nothing, till I declare how much, according to my opinion, of the ultimate price ought to be distributed through the whole succession of sale. “The deduction, I am afraid, will appear very great : but let it be considered before it is refused. We must allow, for profit, between thirty and thirty-five per cent., between six and seven shillings in the pound; that is, for every book which costs the last buyer twenty shillings, we must charge Mr. Cadell with something less than fourteen. We must set the copies at fourteen shillings each, and superadd what is called the quarterly book, or for every hundred books so charged we must deliver an hundred and four. ‘“‘ The profits will then stand thus : “Mr. Cadell, who runs no hazard, and gives no credit, will be paid for warehouse room and attend- ance by a shilling profit on each book, and his chance of the quarterly book. “Mr. Dilly, who buys the book for fifteen shillings, and who will expect the quarterly book if he takes five and twenty, will send it to his country customer at sixteen and sixpence, by which, at the hazard of loss, and the certainty of long credit, he gains the regular profit of ten per cent., which is expected in the wholesale trade. “The country bookseller, buying at sixteen and sixpence, and commonly trusting a considerable time, gains but three and sixpence, and if he trusts a year, not much more than two and sixpence ; otherwise than as he may, perhaps, take as long credit as he gives. 28 THE AUTHOR. “With less profit than this, and more you see he cannot have, the country bookseller cannot live; for his receipts are small, and his debts sometimes bad. oO “Thus, dear sir, I have been incited by Dr. ’s letter to give you a detail of the circulation of books, which, perhaps, every man has not had opportunity of knowing ; and which those who know it, do not, perhaps, always distinctly con- sider, “Tam, &e., Sam. JOHNSON.” SS CORRESPONDENCE. —— To the Editor of THE AUTHOR. Srr,—An article appeared in the Daily Mail for September 15th, signed “ Stanhope Sprigg,” giving some particulars touching _ publishers’ readers. As a publisher’s reader myself, I should like to point out that the statements contained are incorrect. I say nothing of the objectionable task that a publisher’s reader may have of sitting in judgment on fellow craftsmen, but I should like to point out that the remuneration is not, as stated, £1 1s. per MS. The writer in the Daily Mail seems to consider that £1 1s.a MS. is low. Ihave much pleasure in informing him, from bitter experi- ence, that many of the publishers do not pay more than 10s. 6d. a MS., and some as low a 6s. 8d. or three for £1. Thinking this information may be of interest to some of your readers, I beg to remain, yours faithfully, isle + BOOK PURCHASERS AND BOOKSELLERS. (Reprinted from the Zimes of Sept. 18th.) Sir,—The following actual experience may perhaps help to explain the difficulty in obtaining the books they want which is a constant experience in the lives of a large number of readers through- out the British Empire. A well-known London firm of booksellers who supply books to the Colonies seriously protested against our annoying practice of adding a complete list of our Colonial Library to our lists of new and forthcoming volumes which we issue from time to time. The serious objection to this practice—at least the objection seriously urged—was that the firm in question constantly received orders for the volumes in our Colonial Library, and, “of course,” they did not have them in stéck. If we could not vouch for this as an actual fact, surely such an attitude would be incredible. The ostensible business of the firm in question is bookselling. Yours faithfully, ARCHIBALD ConstTaBLE & Co. (LIMITED). 2, Whitehall Gardens, S.W., September 16. — A LITERARY FRAUD. Str,—The following paragraph appeared in a well- known, influential weekly paper. Its authenticity does not admit of a doubt, and the high position of the periodical isan assurance that the information is bond fide. ‘“T could give you the names of several men, and women too, who are féted and flattered and made lions of on the strength of books not a line of which they have written, or could write if they would. I myself have just completed a novel of 120,000 words, which will swell the reputation of a certain popular lady writer.”’ Other instances, which I need not particularize, of similar malpractices have fallen under my own notice. Of course, the perpetrators of these frauds are pledged to silence and secrecy. The person who is writing for a livelihood naturally will not divulge names ; the celebrity who is fattening on the hack’s brains laughs in his sleeve at the uncritical, gullible public, and enjoys ill-gotten gains. It is altogether a disgraceful and debasing business ; a detestable crime so difficult to prove and punish. Of course, the rage for names, stimulated by papers devoted to personalities; the craving to read something by an author who has perhaps startled the public with daring revelations of gush or indiscretion, may account for these spurious imitations. May be, a series of judicious personal paragraphs, unveracious interviews, or audacious logrolling may have lifted a commonplace romancer into dazzling eminence, so that an extraordinary demand has sprang up for the gifted writer’s books, and as time and opportunity have limits, the pro- ductions must be continued by the hacks engaged for the purpose. I have quoted the actual words of one in this article, but there must be hundreds of others ; unknown scribes, who, unable to launch their own ventures, are at this moment encouraging the greed of known authors and publishers. Is it not possible for this fraud to be stopped or checked ? If not, it will continue to flourish and increase, till the time may come when all lucky authors who have made hits may live in leisured ease on immense incomes solely derived by this specious fraud. Is it not of sufficient importance to engage the attention of the Society of Authors ? Is it not a disgrace to literature, a stigma on the profession, and a trial to all honest, literary effort ? IstporE G. ASCHER. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 14 Issue 01 (October 1903) Subject The topic of the resource <em>The Author</em>, Vol. 14 Issue 01 (October 1903) Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1903-10-01-The-Author-14-1 publications The Author