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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) 1900-09-01 Volume 11 Issue 4 Pages Page range in volume 61–80 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19000901 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 4.] SEPTEMBER 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. - CONTENTS. PAGE 61 : : ... 62 ... 64 Memoranda ... Literary Property- 1. On Titles 2. Copyright in Speeches 3. Merivale v. Harvey ... Paris Letter. By Darracotte Scott American Letter. By John Russell Davidson Notes and News. By the Editor... PAGE Another Benefactor .. 72 The Ideal Editor . American Publishers' Association ... Reflections ... Correspondance --1. Good and Bad English. 2. Walter » Lene. 3. English Authors in the United States ... Book and Play Talk... Books and Reviews ... ... ... 79 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. The Annual Report. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices : Vol. I., 108. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., III., and IV., 88. 6d. each (Bound); Vols. V. to VIII. (Unbound), 6s. 6d. 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. MORRIS COLLES, Barrister-at-Law. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 35. 4. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE, late Secretary to the Society. IS. 6. The Cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 28, 6d. (Out of print at present.) 6. The Various Methods of Publication. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. Eyre and Spottis- woode. 1s. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By Walter BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888–1892). 15. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst LUNGE, J.U.D. 28. 6d. 10. The Addenda to the "Methods of Publishing." By G. HERBERT THring. Being additional facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “Methods." With comments and advice. 28. 11. Forms of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Association ; with Comments. By G. HERBERT THRING, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. 1S. The Empire Translation Bureau, 25, PRINCE'S STREET, HANOVER SQUARE, W. All kinds of LITERARY WORK undertaken by Gentlemen of the highest University education. AUTHORS' MSS. TYPEWRITTEN (Williams Machine). Rates vary according to the intrinsic difficulties of the MSS. submitted. Write for prospectus. ## p. 60 (#90) ############################################## ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Authors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT. GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL. SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. AUSTIN Dobson. SIR LEWIS MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. Miss E. A. ORMEROD. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIELD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BEBANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD PIR- AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, M.P. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE RIGHT Hon. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH. JEROME K. JEROME. E. ROSE. CLERE. J. Scott KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONES. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. SHAW. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMs. P. W. CLAYDEN. THE RIGHT HON. W. E. H. LECKY S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. THE HON. JOHN COLLIER. THE REV. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM Moy THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. Sir A. C. MACKENZIE, Mas.Doc. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGB. THE Right Hon. THE LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel - E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A, HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. A BECKETT. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. GILBERT PARKER. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E. ROSE. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN. FRANCIS STORR. D. W. FRESHFIELD. 'SUB-COMMITTEES. ART. Hon. JOHN COLLIER (Chairman). I SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A. W. À BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLES. GILBERT PARKER. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). F. C. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. : SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD ROSE. Solicitors, FIELD, Roscoe, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. C G. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. GA. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. THE ART of CHESS. By JAMES MASON. Price 58. net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Broam's-buildings, E.C. | ## p. 61 (#91) ############################################## The El u tbor. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. XI.-No. 4.] SEPTEMBER 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. M HE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all 1 remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the “ Cost of Production." IV. 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. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jocts whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. TERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property :- I. THAT OF SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of agreement). In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part 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. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. VOL. XI. 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 3. 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 con- tract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills. I 2 ## p. 62 (#92) ############################################## 62 THE AUTHOR. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES or old, for inspection and note. The information thus on gross receipts. Percentages vary between obtained may prove invaluable. 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain a 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- porcentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts posed document to the Society for examination. in preference to the American system. Shoald 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed are fighting the battlos of other writers, even if you are date on or before which the play should be reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing performed. the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE dence of the writer. TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of fixed nightly fees). This method should be members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof always avoided except in cases where the fees safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who other safeguards set out ander heading (b.) apply will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) also in this case. To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely due according to agreements. 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 THE READING BRANCH. time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but M EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction isM branch of their work by informing young writers of of great importance. its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a as a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, print the book of the words. technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully NOTICES. 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 M HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. I Society that, although the paper is sent to them free He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very the beginning. heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object 68. 6d. subscription for the year. is to obtain adequate publication. Communications for The Author should be addressed to As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn account of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con. Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the tracts, those authors desirous of further information are 21st of each month. referred to the Secretary of the Society. 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 whicb it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. T VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the LITERARY PROPERTY. advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici. tor, the member has & right to an opinion from the 1.-ON TITLES. Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him WING to the fact that during the past two Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. or three months certain cases have been 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright placed before the Secretary of the Society and publisher's agreoments do not generally fall within the of Authors touching the infringement of property experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple in titles of hooice it he in titles of books, it has been thought well to to use the Society 2. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past repeat in substance, with certain additions, an accounts with the loan of the books represented. The article that appeared in The Author in 1898. ## p. 63 (#93) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 63 • The first statement it is necessary to make is of the plaintiffs, which product was a well-known that, speaking generally, there is no copyright in marketable commodity. titles. This statement, however, cannot be taken In order to obtain this property, one or two as absolutely true, as in the case of “ Dick v. points therefore are clear : Yates," which went to the Court of Appeal, where (1) That the product must be actually selling the title“ Splendid Misery ” was under discussion, on the market and must bave established a posi. the Master of the Rolls made the following state. tion on the market by continuous sale. ment: (2) That products with similar names must be “Now I do not say that there could not be similar products. copyright in a title, as for instance in a whole This latter statement would appear self-evident page of title or something of that kind requiring if confusion had not frequently arisen in cases invention. However, it is not necessary to decide placed before the Secretary. For instance, a book that. But, assuming that there can be copyright of poems could not be confused with a philosophical in a title, what does copyright mean? It means treatise, nor a work of fiction with a book of the right to multiply copies of an original work. sermons, even though the names were the same. If you complain that a part of your work has There are also one or two minor points which been pirated you must show that that part is are very difficult of decision, and are too intricate original, and if it is not original you have no to be dealt with in a short article. copyright. How can the title . Splendid Misery' The case in the American court above referred be said to be original when the very same words to makes it clear that if the book is out of copy. for the very same purpose were used nearly eighty right, it does not follow there is no trade mark in years ago ?” the title. But with whom the right of commencing This case was fought out mainly on tae basis, an action would lie might need some ingenuity to “Is a title copyright, and the question of trade determine. mark law on which the right of property in a title A further point arises for consideration. When rests, though dealt with, was dealt with as a a book has been produced and is out of print, and secondary point. The reason for this course in the author is deliberating, or states that he is this particular case is clear on the facts as re- deliberating, about producing the second edition, ported. Those who desire the reason are referred how far would the author have the right of to the report. stopping the production of a similar book under a · Again, (1) speaking generally, it cannot be similar title ? said there is copyright in a title. Though each case must be decided on its (2) If there is copyright, then the title must separate facts and its separate peculiarities, the claim distinct originality. broad general rule would hold that as it was impossible to buy the first book in the open That, however, there is property in a title is market, it was impossible that any of the public quite clear, and the law bearing on the right of could be deceived, and therefore the production such property comes under, and is in some way of book No. 2 could not possibly be a fraud. analogous to, trade mark law, but titles cannot be This is an imo. This is an important point, as cases have been registered like trade marks. known to occur where authors have practically The real question to consider is whether the abandoned their book, their title, and their rights, infringement amounts to a common law fraud on but have tried to revive both on seeing another the public. book produced with a similar name. This is distinctly pointed out in the case which It might be useful to quote again a case that is printed in the August number of The Author, was quoted in a former article, as it illustrates to which the reader is referred. Although decided one or two of the most important points with in the American courts, it is a case of great regard to property in a title. importance, and brings into prominence the solid Messrs. Hogg in 1863 registered an intended principle on which this question rests. There the new magazine to be called Belgravia. In 1866, Chancellor of the University of Oxford obtained such magazine not having appeared, Mr. Maxwell, an injunction against the defendant for publish in ignorance of what Messrs. Hogg had done, ing a Bible termed the Oxford Bible, which was projected a magazine with the same name, and not the “ Oxford Bible” as known on the market incurred considerable expense in preparing it and and published by the Clarendon Press. The extensively advertising it in August and September plaintiffs could not possibly have any copyright as about to appear in October. Messrs. Hogg, either in the Bible or title, and this is the point it knowing of this, made hasty preparations for is desired to make especially clear, but the defen- bringing out their own magazine before that of dant had no right to sell a product as the product Mr. Maxwell could appear, and in the meantime ## p. 64 (#94) ############################################## 64 THE AUTHOR. accepted an order from Mr. Maxwell for adver- tory way of leaving the question. It gives more tising his (Mr. Maxwell's) magazine on the covers scope and adaptability, and prevents the stiffen- of their own publications; and the first day on ing that is often produced when a matter is which they informed Mr. Maxwell that they statute-bound. G. H. T. objected to his publishing a magazine under that name was Sept. 25, on which day the first number II.—COPYRIGHT IN SPEECHES. of Messrs. Hogg's magazine appeared. Mr. The House of Lords gave its decision on Aug. 6 Maxwell's magazine appeared in October. Under in the appeal of Walter v. Lane, which referred these circumstances, on a bill filed by Mr. Maxwell, to the publication by Mr. John Lane in book form it was held that Mr. Maxwell's advertisements of nearly verbatim copies of Lord Rosebery's. and expenditure did not give him any exclusive speeches as they were reported in the Times. The right to the use of the name Belgravia, and that appellants, who sued on behalf of the proprietors he could not restrain Messrs. Hogg from publish of the Times, were granted an injunction by Mr. ing a magazine under the same name (the first Justice North, but he was reversed by the Court number appeared before Mr. Maxwell had pub- of Appeal (see report in The Author for Decem- lished his); and on a bill filed by Messrs. Hogg, ber last). Mr. Justice North's judgment has now that the registration by them of the title of an been restored by the House of Lords. intended publication could not confer upon them The following is a summary of the LORD a copyright in that name, and that in the circum. CHANCELLOR's opinion. We have to thank the stances of the case they had not acquired any editor of the Daily Chronicle for permission right to restrain Mr. Maxwell from using the to use their report: “I should very much name as being Messrs. Hogg's trade mark. regret if I were compelled to come to the con- This case was, contrary to “Dick v. Yates," clusion that the state of the law permitted one decided almost entirely on the aspect of the trade man to make profit and to appropriate to himself mark. Certain papers register titles, and pro- the labour, skill, and capital of another. And it duce periodically dummy copies in the hope of is not denied that in this case the defendant seeks obtaining some kind of property. Anyone who to appropriate to himself what has been produced has studied the question would at once know that by the skill, labour, and capital of others. In the this labour is wasted, and that this kind of pro- view I take of this case, I think the law is strong perty can only be claimed when a title has enough to restrain what, to my mind, would be a become associated with a certain commodity by a grievous injustice. The Copyright Act confers continued public circulation. what it calls 'copyright,' which means the right How can a paper of which one copy only is to multiply copies, which it confers on the authors published even every day claim to be such a of the books first published in this country. That public commodity ? the publication in question, namely, ' Reports of The contention is absurd. Lord Rosebery's Speeches,' are simply copies of From the most practical point of view, there what was first printed in the Times is not denied. fore, it is best for the author not to name the And further, it has not been, and cannot be, denied title of his book until his book is produced, if he that they were originally as in the Times, a sheet considers that there is any particular power in or sheets of letterpress, and came within the the words he is using. definition of the Act as a book. The speeches, Those who through personal experience have therefore, and the sheets of letterpress in which come across the question of title for the first they were contained, were books first published in time consider the matter as a difficulty but this country, and I confess, upon looking at the defi. recently discovered, which needs immediate nition and the right conferred, I am wholly unable amendment; they may, however, rest assured to discover why they are not protected by the statute that the question of legislating more fully on the from being pirated by unauthorised persons. point has been deeply and thoroughly discussed I do not understand the explanation the Court and considered by all those who have attempted of Appeal gives of the application of the word to legislate on copyright or who are interested in "author' to such publications as directories, the affairs of authorship. It is not a simple or red-books, maps, &c. If the maker of a direc- one-sided question. It is exceedingly complicated tory, red-book, or map is an author, one has to and has many sides. - analyse what the distinction between the author At present no remedy has been devised suffi. as thus referred to, and the author of a spoken ciently satisfactory to embody in any of the speech. If the producer of such a book can be Copyright Bills, and the solution of each case is an author within the meaning of the Act, I am based upon the common law. On the whole, it unable to understand why the labour of reproduc. may be considered that this is the most satisfac- ing spoken words into writing or print and first ## p. 65 (#95) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 65 publishing it as a book does not make the person qualities, but because, as I have endeavoured to who has so acted as much an author as the person point out, neither the one nor the other are con. who writes down the names and addresses of the ditions precedent to the right created by the persons who live in a particular street. The judg. statute. That right, in my view, is given by the ment of the Court of Appeal rests solely on the statute to the first producer of a book, whether use of the word "author,' and I cannot help that book be wise or foolish, accurate or inaccurate, thinking that some confusion has been created of literary merit or of no merit whatever. It is between two very different things. One, the said that in the view I have suggested there would proprietary right of every man in his own lite. be as many copyrights as reporters. I do not see rary composition, and the other the copyright, the difficulty. Each reporter is entitled to report, that is to say, the exclusive privilege of making and each undoubtedly would have a copyright in copies created by the statute. The question is his own published report. But where is the solely whether this book (to use the language difficulty ? Suppose à favourite view—a dozen of the statute), printed and published and exist. artists take independently their own representa- ing as a book for the first time, can be copied tion of it. Is there any reason why each should not by someone else than the producer of it, by those have his own copyright, or even a photograph, who have not produced it themselves, but have where each photograph is taken from the same simply copied that which others have laboured to point, and in the same state of the light, would create by their own skill and expenditure. It is be identical in all respects. There is, of course, admitted, apparently, by the Court of Appeal no copyright in the view itself, but in the supposed (and, indeed, insisted on as part of the reasons picture or photograph there is. It may be there for their judgment) that the owner of an unpub. is a confusion of thought between the difficulty lished manuscript, although not the author of it, of proof of the piracy and the existence of piracy. acquires copyright in it by first publishing it. There, as I have said before, no such difficulty And I observe that it is said Lord Rosebery had arises, since it is admitted that the report of no copyright in his speech, and, although he these speeches is not the result of independent could have acquired copyright in it by putting it labour, but is taken from the Times. I think into writing and printing and publishing it, he the judgment of Mr. Justice North was right, did not do so. Here, again, the implied proposi. and that the only answer sought to be given to it tion is that the only person who could gain copy. by the Court of Appeal was the restricted use of right in his speech is the person who spoke it, the word author' with which I have endea- and that the word original must by construc- voured to deal. I, therefore, move your Lord. tion be read into the statute—that the true ships that the judgment of the Court of Appeal analogy is the true and first inventor of the be reversed with costs, and the judgment of Mr. Patent Laws. I think the analogy is a false one. Justice North restored." But if it were strictly pursued I think it would Lords Davey, James of Hereford, and Bramp- not be favourable to the defendant. An importer ton concurred, but Lord Robertson differed, hold. of a foreign invention is, for the purpose of the ing that, however skilful or well qualified a Patent Laws, an inventor, and, as Lord Brougham reporter might be, he could not be considered an said, there were two species of public benefactors author within the meaning of the Act. -the one, “those who benefit the public by their The injunction to restrain the publication was ingenuity, industry and science, and invention made perpetual, and the respondents ordered to and personal capability; the other, those who pay costs. benefit the public without any inçenuity or inven- tion of their own by the appropriation of the III.—MERIVALE v. HARVEY. results of foreign inventions. Now, the latter is This case has come before the Court of Appeal. a benefit to the public incontestably, and therefore The plaintiff, Mr. Herman Merivale, agreed to they renderthemselves entitled to be put upon some. write for the defendant, Mr. Martin Harvey, what if not entirely the same footing as inventors. a play connected with the exploits of Don I might paraphrase Lord Brougham's language Juan. Disputes arose with regard to the pro- by asking whether those who preserve the duction of the play and the plaintiff's fees, memory of spoken words which are assumed to be and eventually the plaintiff brought the action, of value to the public are not entitled to the claiming damages from the defendant for his analogous merit which Lord Brougham attributes breach of contract in refusing to accept the play. to the importer of foreign inventions ? I have The defence was a denial of the contract, and the not insisted upon the skill and accuracy of those submission that the non-fulfilment was brought who produce in writing or print spoken about by the plaintiff's own conduct. Defendant's words. It is not because I think the less of those counter-claim was for damages for alleged libel, ## p. 66 (#96) ############################################## 66 THE AUTHOR. which was contained in a letter written by plain sittings awakened much enthusiasm. “Let us tiff to Mr. Acton Bond. The jury (see The honour and féte Joseph Lister," wrote Dr. de Author for June) found a verdict for the plaintiff Fleury on the morrow of the banquet given in on the claim for £500 damages, and with regard the British savant's honour by the Medical to the counter-claim they found there was no Faculty of Paris ; " ..innovators who libel. The defendant now appealed. bring about such complete and magnificent Sir Edward Clarke, in the course of his argu- upheavals in the sphere of our activity are rare. ment, said he would agree, in order to avoid a new The work of this scientific son of the great trial on the counter-claim, that Mr. Merivale Pasteur is of incalculable import; scientific should submit to a verdict against him in regard surgery dates from him." to the alleged libel for £50.-Mr. Chambers said As to the Philosophy Congress, a full report of if this order was coupled with a withdrawal of all communications read therein will shortly be all imputations on the defendant he would accept published in four volumes respectively entitled : it.—Sir E. Clarke assented to this, and the court « (1) Philosophie générale et metaphysique; (2) gave judgment for the plaintiff on the claim for Morale; (3) Logique et Histoire des Sciences; £500, and for the defendant on the counter. (4) Histoire de la Philosophie." Subscriptions claim for £50. There were to be no costs of the for the same are being received by the secretary, appeal. M. Xavier Léon, 5, rue de Mezières, Paris. Great poco Britain is represented on the list of the Honorary Committee of the Philosophy Congress by the PARIS LETTER. names of MM. Balfour, Herbert Spencer, and Stirling. 4, rue des Beaux Arts. NHE great Exhibition is, financially, a failure. A PRODIGIOUS IMAGINATION. I Nevertheless, congresses, lectures, and The great Balzac was not particularly successful soirées de gala abound. The extraordi. as a dramatist. Undeterred by this fact, an enter- nary alternations of the thermometer appear prising playwright has already announced a new merely to affect the attendance—not the duration play taken from “ Cousin Pons," the copyright —of the various ceremonies. The seventh Inter of the Balzacian novels having expired on the national Press Congress (which has, I believe, twentieth of last month. M. Gémier is consider- chiefly occupied itself in discussing the reduction ing a three-act play, adapted from “ Colonel of the postal tariff on printed matter and the Chabert" by M. Louis Forest; and several other minimum fee for Press dispatches) was inaugu. stage-writers are likewise busy in exploiting the rated under the presidency of M. William Singer, great “Comédie Humaine," which promises to proprietor of the Neues Wiener Tagblatt, and prove a second El Dorado to needy and skilful president of the committee of the Central Bureau adapters in search of thrilling situations. The of Press Associations. Prior to the invariable fertility of Balzac's imagination was extraordinary. shower of compliments with which each orator In this respect he was never surpassed. The considers it necessary to asperge the Exhibition, following anecdote (vouched for by M. Barré) M. Singer explained the object of the present attests the truth of almost incredible narratives congress. extant on the subject : “We have desired," said he, “by an inter. On one occasion, having promised M. Lireux, national organisation to offer our contribution to manager of the Odéon, a five-act drama, entitled the advent of concord—if not among the nations - Les Ressources de Quinola,” Balzac duly themselves, at least among those who form the van appeared at the appointed hour, and-leaning guard of every people, viz., the journalists. ... carelessly against a window—unhesitatingly read Thus we have decided to organise a great inter to the committee the promised five acts. After national fraternity composed of important Press the usual compliments and congratulations associations, a literary Red Cross union ... had been exchanged, M. Lireux proceeded to based upon mutual respect and firmly bound examine the manuscript, and found merely four together by the community of professional acts written—the pages devoted to the fifth act interests." About 400 persons were present at being still blank. He immediately informed the inaugural meeting. The tragic death of Balzac of his discovery. The great writer was in the Italian king prevented the attendance of the no wise disconcerted. French President. " It is true,” he blandly acknowledged, “ that I BRITISH SAVANTS. have not yet written my fifth act, but I have it A propos of the International Medical Congress, so well in my head that I am able to repeat it the appearance of Lord Lister to attend its precisely as if I read it from the manuscript. ## p. 67 (#97) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 67 Besides, I have two other dénouements quite against any subsequent accusation of plagiarism. ready-in case you are not satisfied with the one The sensible verdict given by the Third Civil I have just recited to you!” Chamber a short time ago re the dispute between We doubt if the dying century can boast a two well-known dramatic authors–MM. Lecocq similar “record” memory. and Bisson-is largely responsible for this com- mendable state of affairs. The chamber pro- MM. FRANCE AND LOTI. nounced in the defendant's favour, declaring that That modern classic, M. Anatole France, is the plaintiff had done his comrade a grave injury, engaged on a new play entitled “La Gerbe," and one meriting compensation, in thus publicly destined for the Porte Saint-Martin Theatre. accusing him of plagiarism. It also expressed This will be M. France's second contribution to its opinion that “the author who knows the Parisian stage. The brilliant Academician's how to digest the works of others; who knows name first adorned the theatrical posters in 1899 how to assimilate them in his brain; who, later, in connection with “Le Lys Rouge,” which was at the moment when he wishes to originate in highly praised—but hardly popular. M. France his turn, sees them in consequence awake in his visited London last March. The 'impression imagination; who allows them to mingle in. left on his mind is scarcely favourable. He sensibly with his own conceptions; that author- considers the Londoners' enthusiasm automatic, very far from then meriting the reproach of their loyal demonstrations lacking in warmth, plagiarism-only draws from his reminiscences richness, spontaneity. The decorations in our the legitimate recompense of a meritorious employ capital show the puerility of the national taste. of his faculties.” Even our Rubens' are less powerful than those in For which and other reasons the Third Civil the Louvre. Chamber acquitted M. Bisson, ordering the inser. Nor is M. Pierre Loti a great lover of our race. tion of its judgment in three papers at the plain- In the description of his Eastern travels lately tiff's expense. Whereby it considerably lightened published by the Figaro, he expressly states that its future labours. the harrowing account he gives of the rarages made by the famine in India is not intended as a “Gyp” (COMTESSE DE MARTEL). sinister attack on “nos ennemis les Anglais,” but The novels of “Gyp,” great-niece of Mirabeau, merely as a new appeal to their charity. At the are highly popular here. Twelve editions of her present moment M. Pierre Loti-otherwise M. le “Trop de Chic” are reported to have been dis- capitaine de frégate Viaud—is en route for China, posed of in three days. Her late extraordinary serving on board the Redoutable as first aide-de- adventure—or hallucination — has proved an camp to Admiral Pottier. He has already written excellent expedient for whetting public curiosity several spirited and pathetic sketches dealing anew. At the present moment the sale of “Le with heroic combats between the French sailor and Journal d'Une qui s'en fiche” bids fair to equal, the cruel, dastardly Chinese. He will probably if not surpass, that of the most favoured of its add to these pages on his return. Nor is it impos predecessors. The pages of an ancient confes- sible that his present experiences may lead to a sional album have given us the following infor- modification of his opinion re the Britisher abroad. mation respecting the countess' private sentiments and inclinations. A SENSIBLE DECISION. Her favourite occupation is riding; her Several dramatists have recently notified in the favourite food and drink are fruit and milk. daily papers a similarity existing between the Solitude forms her beau-ideal of happiness, while plots or titles of their half-finished productions the principal defect of her nature is her too con. with those of their brethren of the pen. Amongst fiding disposition. The ass is her favourite others, M. Lemonnier stated in an open letter animal; the sparrow, her favourite bird. Her that he bad been engaged for the last year (in · greatest misfortune would be a long life, and she collaboration with M. Burani) on a four-act considers simplicity the most desirable quality in play entitled “La Marquise de Pompadour,” a woman. The character of M. Thiers inspires destined for Réjane. Suddenly he discovers that her with the deepest aversion, her principal trait M. Emile Bergerat is also engaged in writing a being — ne pas “m'gober" !' Maupassant is • Pompadour” for Mlle. Bartet. He immediately her favourite prose author; Heine, Baudelaire, announces the fact in the papers, and the matter and Bouchor are her favourite poets. Berlitz, ends there. M. Paul Souday has drawn up the Saint Saëns, and Offenbach, are the composers rough skeleton of a new play when he makes she prefers; while the military feat of arms she an almost similar discovery. He forthwith most admires is – the Rape of the Sabine employs the same method of protecting himself Women! VOL. XI. ## p. 68 (#98) ############################################## 68 THE AUTHOR. · Was the latter penchant a presentiment ? asks BOOKSELLER 1. STORE. her witty comrade, Sergines. The booksellers attribute their troubles to the APROPOS OF M. ZOLA. big “ department" stores. They say that so long Two revivals of plays drawn from this as books are sold in department stores at prices author's works (“L'Assommoir” and “ Le with which the regular bookseller finds it impos- Rêve") are now being rehearsed—the first at sible to compete, the regular tradesman cannot keep his doors open. Take the case, for example, the Porte-Saint-Martin Theatre, the second at the Opéra Comique. “La Sorcière” of M. of an enormously popular novel called “ Richard Carvel.” “Richard Carvel” was put on the market Victorien Sardou (who has just been created by the Appletons to be sold at retail at one dollar grand officer of the Legion of Honour) has been accepted by Mme. Sarah Bernhardt; M. de and fifty cents. The price at the department Porto Riche is engaged on two new plays, re- stores was one dollar and fourteen cents (45. 7d.), spectively destined for the Comédie Française and and in some it was sold at eighty-one cents the Vaudeville; and M. Maurice Donnay is like- (38. 4şd.), which is the publisher's wholesale price. wise completing a four-act play for the latter Now, many of the retailers could not buy in sufficiently large quantities to enable them to theatre. M. Jean Richepin has written an his- torical drama, entitled “La Du Barry," for Mme. obtain the book at the lowest wholesale price, and Leslie Carter M. Belasco is responsible for its as for selling it at eighty-one cents, the proposi. translation into English. tion was absurd. Of course, the retailer does not DARRACOTTE SCOTT. encounter this difficulty in the sale of every book on his list, but this condition alone cuts him off from his readiest source of profit. It is now for the publishers to determine whether they can afford to help the regular AMERICAN LETTER. retailers at the expense, if necessary, of the jobbers. One proposed plan is to fix a net retail New York City, Aug. 13. price for all books published by members of the CYO ready are the people of these States to cry association. From this price the retailer would out in horror against any combination of get a certain discount, but before he was permitted capital, that the recently formed Publishers' to buy a copy of the book he would be required Association was bitterly pronounced a trust by to agree not to sell any copies at retail for less than Press and public, and anathematised as an unboly the price stipulated. “In fixing the stipulated thing. As a matter of fact it would be about as price it would be put at such a figure as experi. easy to form a “trust” of book publishers as it ence has taught should yield a fair profit to the has been to communicate with the Legations at retailer of conservative business methods. This Peking. The essential nature of the business pre- plan would apply only to the publications issued cludes it. Another wild story concerning the after the plan is adopted; no attempt under it Publishers' Association ran to the effect that the would be made to regulate the price of old object of the movement was to reduce the royal publications." ties and other compensation paid to authors in the Such a scheme would carry the benefit to the future. This report occasioned so much concern author which always is the producer's when a that it seemed worth while to the officers of the uniform and fair price is maintained for the association to disclaim any such unreasonable product. and absurd motive. A SCHEME TO REGULATE PRICES. The real causes of the formal banding together But no bridge yet has been crossed, and the of American publishers are interesting and in- American Publishers' Association is little more structive. The association owes its being to the than organised. Mr. Charles Scribner is the earnest appeals on the part of the retail book- president, Messrs. A. C. McClurg and George sellers all over the country that the publishers Mifflin are the vice-presidents, Mr. George P. should try to change existing conditions in the Brett is the secretary, and Col. G. B. M. Harvey trade so that the retailers could make a living the treasurer. The experiment will be watched For the past half a dozen years the retailer over with interest. Will the organisation stray from here has been losing money. His plight has now its present avowed path, and if so, to what end ? reached a pass where the publisher must act or Will it fall to pieces of its own weight, as similar the bookseller must close out his business. The organisations have done before it? Whatever the publishers therefore have organised themselves for outcome, this action of the publishers is certainly the purpose of helping the men who make it of the greatest significance in our American book possible for a publishing house to exist. world, and pregnant with engaging possibilities, ## p. 69 (#99) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. ho Along this line a further consideration presents Byron's Profession.'” Mr. Shaw continued : “ It itself. The encouragement of the retail book. seems to me that the principle involved is worth seller means the promotion of the reading of affirming by an English author in the only way better books. A lamentable result of our trade which will convey any solid impression of his conditions here has been that it is difficult to find being in earnest-namely, when he stands to lose a good assortment of good books in the retail by it. On the other hand, as American pub- shop. The dealers, owing to the general cutting lishers as a body have been repeatedly accused of prices, are all for ephemeral « leaders,” and by Englishmen of letters of "pirating' copy- they are actually unable to handle works of more rights-an imaginary offence, as that which does solid merit. Through some reasonable regulation not exist cannot be stolen-it is well that they of prices the interests of good literature may be too should have a printed instance on record in furthered so that dealers will be enabled to offer which that viow has been repudiated from this their customers a wider range of choice. It may side of the Atlantic.” be that the whole tone of the bookselling trade One need not comment. Harper and Brothers will be correspondingly raised. This is, at least, refused to accept even this as the proper conclu. a pleasant picture not only to the buyers of the sion of the correspondence, and so, as a solution best books, but also to the writers of them. to the singular deadlock, the honorarium was finally turned over to the American Copyright MR. SHAW AND £10. League, where, let us hope, it rests peacefully We are talking here over a correspondence, just after its fitful wanderings. made public, between Mr. Bernard Shaw and the house of Harper and Brothers. In November BIBLIOGRAPHY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. of last year Mr. Shaw offered to return to the The English Bibliographical Society has many publishers an honorarium of ten pounds which American members, but not one of them has the publishers, in the eighties, had sent to the ever read a paper at the society's meetings or author in consideration of such moral claim as contributed a monograph for publication under he could give them on “Cashel Byron's Pro. its auspices. It is therefore with some gratifica- fession.” Mr. Shaw was of opinion that this sum tion that we note a strong plea, made in a should be repaid because a new edition of the magazine article by Mr. Josephson, of Chicago, novel had since been issued by Messrs. Brentano, for an endowed bibliographical institute here. of New York, and because the "moral claim” The purpose is to be the preparation of a biblio. was worth nothing from the date of the Brentano graphy covering the entire field of American publication. And then he went on to say: "I literature. At the last meeting of the American entirely disagree with the ideas of twenty years Library, held at Montreal during July, a com- ago as to the piratical' nature of American mittee reported favourably upon Mr. Josephson's republications of non-copyright books. Unlike scheme, which is, briefly, a co-operative cata- most authors, I am enough of an economist to loguing of the various public libraries in this know that unless an American publisher acquires country. The editing and publishing, as well copyright he can no more make a profit at my as the scientific direction, of the work would be expense than he can at Shakespeare's by repub- in the hands of the staff of the proposed biblio. lishing ‘Hamlet.' The English, when taxed for graphical institute. The realisation of this the support of the author by a price which plan would surely be acclaimed by English includes author's royalties, whilst the American speaking readers everywhere, and the results of nation escapes that burden, may have a grievance such an achievement can hardly be estimated. against the American nation; but that is a very John RUSSELL DAVIDSON. different matter from a grievance against the American publisher." The Messrs. Harper were so impressed by this illumination that they politely declined to retain the ten pounds; they thought that they had no NOTES AND NEWS. right to it. Mr. Shaw, in reply, insisted that "though you are good enough to say that you N interesting correspondence on the“ Manu. have no right to it, it is clear that I have no facture of a Series” has been recently right to it—and, indeed, never had—though I Ane published in the Athenæum. The author have ingeniously excused myself from paying you concerned pointed out that he was offered a sum interest on it, on the ground that the moral of money down—say £50—and after 5000 copies right' it secured you was respected up to the had been sold, the handsome royalty of a farthing date of Messrs. Brentano's reprint of Cashel a copy. The price of the book was 18. He ## p. 70 (#100) ############################################# 70 THE AUTHOR. refused indignantly. The editor, however, made but for recreation, we ought surely to be satis- haste to point out that the price originally con- fied when we hear that they buy the standard templated was 6d., not is., and that the royalty authors first and fiction next. would be increased. It does not appear what the increase really meant. Now, the small sum down, The extracts from the New York paper, read followed by the small royalty, after a large sale, with the remarks of our New York correspondent has become quite a common offer. Its applica- on the question of the American Publishers' tion to a “series,” of which there are so many, is Association, are of great interest to authors on this in this way. One or two men, ignorant or vain, side of the Atlantic. We shall perhaps learn more are induced to give in their names as contributors about the work of the Association. Meuntime, on certain miserable terms. The names are used it is a pity that the Booksellers of the United as an inducement to get other well-known men States cannot form their own Association and to contribute. The sum paid down in advance manage their business for themselves. of royalties for each volume of the series is in many cases absurdly small. That it is so small is due mainly to the vanity of the Some of the booksellers are trying to get more authors, who think themselves honoured and net books. This is exactly what I expected. The their reputation advanced by figuring as con. partial surrender of the Englishman's liberty to tributors to a twopenny and an unsuccessful manage his business his own way is leading to series. The sum of £50 down and a farthing more complete subjection. Since the booksellers after 5000 copies have been sold is quite muni have been unable to use their own association for ficent. Of course, when the initial cost has been the regulation of their own trade, they will desire repaid, the cost of the book is very small indeed, more and more to put their necks under the yoke. so that the farthing is a hollow mockery. The Let it be remarked that booksellers seem to be deferred royalty is, in fact, now being used like the only class unable to associate for trade the old “ half-profit” method as the easiest way purposes. to escape paying the author anything and to get Of course, publishers will be very ready to yield his property for nothing. Let it be understood to pressure so long as the proposed restrictions plainly that if the royalty is deferred until the are in their own interest; so long as they think cost of production is paid it should be explained the public will support them; and so long as at the outset what this cost means, and the they are allowed by authors to manage the royalty, when commenced, must be at least half the business for their own profit. The Association trade price of the book for the rest of the edition. of Booksellers, if it would only realise the con- ditions, is in complete command of the situation. A bookseller has been lamenting, to a represen. It may fix the trade price wbich it will consent to tative of the Daily Chronicle, the deplorable run pay publishers : it may fix the discount if it upon fiction. He says that people buy nothing chooses, or, if it prefers, it may leave it to any else. He also savs, in the same breath. that bookseller to charge the public just what he everybody buys the English standard authors. pleases. I rejoice to see that Literature remains Well, but if the latter proposition is true, what sound and firm upon the point: “There certainly about the former? Granted that the public does not seem to be any reason to expect that buy the standard authors, they have on their enduring advantage will result from interference shelves a good corpus of literature: enough to with the competitive tendencies of human nature last them all their lives : they need not go out in the book trade, any more than in the trade in side their own shelves at all. What else should bicycles, in boots, in patent medicines, or any they buy but fiction ? Poetry? The general other commodities.” It is, indeed, obvious that public has never greatly cared for new poetry. the attempted system of slavish subjection cannot Essays? There are a few writers-e.g., Louis long continue. It is as impossible for publishers Stevenson and Augustine Birrell—whose essays to dictate the terms of the retailers' dealings with are bought and read : the greater number of the public as for manufacturers of cottons or of essayists appeal only to scholars. Scientific any other produce. The partial success that has books? They are bought by scientific men. hitherto seemed to attend the attempt is only Sermons and religious books? They also are illusory. Being interpreted, it means nothing bought by religious people, especially Noncon- but the despair, and perhaps also the indebted- formists. Books of travel, history, biography ? ness, of a decaying trade. They are mostly too dear. Of philosophy ? They are above the comprehension of the people. When In Literature of July 28 is a list of thirty-four we consider also that people read, not for study, novels by the most popular novelists of the day ## p. 71 (#101) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 71 which are announced or understood to be forth. The decision of the House of Lords in the case coming this autumn. The names of J. M. Barrie of Walter v. Lane has been received with a good and Conan Doyle are not among them. As deal of difference in opinion. One point cannot regards the latter there is very good reason for be denied : the report of a speech represents the his silence. One or two names have since been special expenditure of money and work by the added to the list. It does not seem, therefore, at proprietors of the paper. It is reasonable at least first as if the prospects of the season were so very that this special expenditure should be recognised bad after all. At the same time it must be and respected. The report of a speech, again, is remembered that in all seasons there is a demand its publication by tacit permission of the author. for the popular novelist. It is the novel that is He grants this permission to any newspaper not so much in demand—the novel by the new wbich will go to the expense of paying a reporter hand, or by the hand which, so far, has shown to take down his words. This understanding is a promise only—that will suffer by the bad season. kind of agreement. The right of the paper is, If war does harm to the bookseller, then we have however, now established. Perhaps, if the new three wars on hand : and the Americans have Copyright Bill is allowed next year to pass, it will two. But there will be, in all probability, a contain clauses for copyright in news, as well as in General Election here : and in America there will reported speeches and reports of all kinds. Once be a Presidential Election. It will surely be the law is established there will be no more diffi- common prudence to keep back doubtful.books, culties of this kind. It is quite as bad that news or books whose subjects are out of harmony with obtained at enormous expense should become the excitement and rush of politics, until the common property as soon as it is published as elections are over-i.e., until the beginning of the that the report of a speech should be considered new year. It needs no prophetic spirit to common property.' _ perceive that from the moment of the dissolution of Parliament to the conclusion of the General I have before me a communication from Miss Election in this country and from the present to Betham Edwards to the editor of “ M. A. P.,” in the Presidential Election of the United States which that lady laments over the good old time there will be nothing heard but the voice of the when there were such cordial relations between candidate, the roaring of the multitude, and the author and publisher, and the latter was so exaggerations and distortions of the party courteous and so generous, and invited the poor speaker. author to dinner sometimes, as one invites the poor relation. The paper proves the strength of A new monthly magazine, the Monthly Review, old traditions. The author formerly was by no is to be commenced this month by the house of means too proud to be the recipient of the pub- Murray. Their last venture into the field of lisher's “generosity," which has now become a monthly magazines was not, apparently, a word of degradation. The relations were cordial success. The editor of this new venture will be because the author placed his property unre- Mr. Henry Newbolt, who will be responsible for servedly and without any nasty conditions, and unsigned" editorials ” which are to form part of without inquiry as to its value, in the hands of each number. The rest of the magazine will be the publisher. “Take my work," he said to like the other reviews. It is quite possible that the publisher, who, noble-hearted creature, was the editor will be able to impress his own person. only too ready to respond in sympathetic vein. ality upon the editorials, in which case the “Take my work. It is very likely a mine of success of the review will be assured. Nothing gold. Take it. Give me whatever you please : belps a paper more than the belief in the power you are always generosity itself. I am very poor. the principle, and the integrity, of one man. It I am glad and thankful for anything. What? was the strong personal element in the Spectator In two figures ? Oh! Large-hearted, generous that created the success of the paper. The patron of literature ! You will ruin yourself in Cornhill flourished while Thackeray held it. your kindness to the poor author! And a dinner Other examples might be quoted, but they would as well, at your own hospitable' table—in the be too personal. As regards the signed articles bosom of your amiable family? With a glass of they will at least enlarge the field for authors. wine, just as if I was your equal, one of your There are plenty of capable writers on every ordinary friends ? Too much! It is too much!” conceivable subject, but on any one subject But Miss Betham Edwards is quite wrong in there are only two or three writers--perhaps considering that golden age as lost beyond only one — capable of presenting the subject recovery. The time of confidence and of depen- attractively. I wish Mr. Newbolt every possible dence is not by any means rendered impossible success.... · by the Authors' Society or by any syndicate. ## p. 72 (#102) ############################################# 72 THE AUTHOR. The author has only to go back to the old con- coupon conferring benefits on young writers, ten ditions. He must not presume to ask what his times more valuable than the price of the book.” property means, or what the man who so gene- What can those benefits be ? rously relieves him of it makes out of it. There If the book contains the whole art of author. are many publishers living who would be willing ship, what remains ? Something ten times more to forget and forgive the cruel suspicions of the valuable than the price of the book. That is to day, and to go back to the old happy conditions. say, ten half-crowns, or £1 58. What is the valu. Let those who lament the past remember that it able article which can be purchased for 258.? It is always in their power to restore it. The past must be something useful to the young author- may come back again, with the courtesy so dear a pair of boots, perhaps, or a silk umbrella. to the feminine heart, and the tact and good Whatever it is, we thank the spirited and feeling which prompt the publisher not to speak reverend donor for this spontaneous gift to the about figures-sordid things !--and fill him with literary profession. We need, it is true, all we ruinous generosity and the author with tearful can get. gratitude. Let everyone who laments the past The third appearance of the Rev. J. Meldrum take these simple steps to recover and to re Dryerre is as an editor. He has already, it store it. WALTER BESANT. seems, conveyed into port a barque containing twenty stories by twenty writers, which can be obic had for the ridiculously small charge of 38. 6d. ANOTHER BENEFACTOR. The method pursued is as follows :- 1. The stories are not to be more than 2000 TT is now some time since an opportunity was words in length. 1 afforded us of bringing to notice any of the 2. Each author, if his story is accepted, benevolent methods by which earnest and becomes responsible for £1 58. Is it a coin- disinterested. vessels offer assistance, wealth, and cidence that this sum is ten times the price of fame to the aspiring author. It would almost the half-crown book already offered? Can the seem as if these persons were weary of well. wall P promised coupon be ten copies of that work? doing; or as if their offers were met with cold 3; 3. The book of collected stories is to be sold at distrust. However, we are now favoured with 38.0 one more enterprising and sporting proposal. 4. All the profits to be divided among the The leader, guide, and friend, the Codlin of the au his authors. Noble, indeed ! whole business. is a gentleman named " Rey J. 5. The editor to be recouped “necessary Meldrum Drverre.” He is a " wellknown" expenses," and to receive commission of 2d. a author-he says so himself, therefore not to volume. know him is to confess ignorance and obscurity. 6. Nobody is to be admitted into this fortunate He appears before us in a four-fold capacity. company who cannot command among his friends First as an advertiser. He there describes himself the sale of at least a dozen copies at 2s. 8d. - as a “successful” author. It is therefore, one Let us see how the plan works out. presumes, out of pure Christian benevolence that There are twenty writers at £1 58.; that makes he undertakes certain duties not generally per- £25, which is two-thirds of the cost of produc- formed by successful writers. He offers lessons tion. This therefore is £37 108. Very mode- in authorship-he is so successful that he is rate, too. It would seem to represent an edition above the restriction of grammar. Why should of 500 copies of an 8vo. volume containing 160 pp. he aim at grammar when he can make himself of 250 words each--that is to say, five sheets. understood without ? Thus, who can fail to It can be done for the money, binding and all. understand the following? “Lessons in Author- If it is done for less who pockets the difference ? ship offered by a successful author. Terms And what about advertising the book ? stamp." His next appearance is as the author of But the book is “ pushed” by the authors. a book on the “ Art of Authorsbip by a well- Beautiful development of the literary life! The known Author.” He thus describes it—again author has to go round begging his friends to scorning the trammels of grammar: “This book, give him 28. 8d. each. Well : such a book as giving the experience of most of our leading “Lorna Doone," or a round score of masterpieces, authors, is intended to aid those desiring to enter can be had for sixpence apiece—why, then, should the literary life. Practical and sympathetic- anyone buy, let us say, not a masterpiece, for characterise it correctly.” 28. 8d.? However, by dint of push and touting But there is more. “Each book”—this is one of the fortunate twenty gets rid, suppose, of very mysterious and attractive—"contains a fifteen copies, which at 28. 8d. means 408. If he ## p. 73 (#103) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 73 is wise he will repay himself that 258., and editors and publishers' readers so often reject forward the rest to the editor. Suppose that the good articles and books is because they are no whole twenty get rid of fifteen copies each. judges of literature until it is printed and bound. That means 300 copies, or £40. How does it Even typewriting does not assist their judgement, work out? and “ galley” proof but little more. Indeed, the The editor takes his “necessary expenses "- Ideal Editor prefers handwriting to typewriting ; say £2 108. The rest goes to the printer, or, if it seems to give him the author's thought more the cost has been less than the estimate, the fresh and hot; it helps to bring out for him the margin will pay something towards that ad, a literary physiognomy of the story or article. copy, which amounts to £2 ios. How much is The Ideal Editor appreciates style, but is no left for the Company of Twenty? But the stylomaniac. If the subject be of sufficient British public may buy the volume eagerly. interest he will accept an article and print it as Perhaps ; on the other hand, perhaps it will not. it stands, even if it be indifferently written. There is, however, a fourth character in which To give style to a man who has it not is to this versatile and reverend gentlemen appears. deprive him of marked individuality. Impotence, He has a “ Literary Bureau ” of which he is inability to express in writing may become an “Hon. Sec.” It is generally understood that interesting and entertaining phenomenon of which an “Hon. Sec.” is unpaid. The Bureau buys it would be wrong to deprive readers, as witness MSS.; sells MSS. at a 10 per cent. commission: many well-known cases. The Ideal Editor does “ considers " MSS. with a view to publication in not regard it as his business to touch up the book form : gives lessons in writing short stories : style of articles until they bear no reseinblance to in writing for the Press generally : and criti. the original. Have we not seen one or two cises MSS. at 28, 6d. each if not more than 4000 magazines in which each article, however diverse words in length. The Bureau has been estab the subject, seemed to be the contribution of the lished for ten years. same pen? This was the handiwork of a stylo. One would like to ask a few questions : maniac. The ideal editor's corrections are con. (1) Have the authors of the volume already fined to slips in grammar, and even here he uses published received any of their money back? his power sparingly. It has happened to the (2) What becomes of the difference when the present writer that a purist editor—the least ideal cost of production is less than the estimate ? type of them all-has altered the expression (3) Who makes up the difference when it is “It's me!” into “It is I!" The Ideal Editor has greater? been known to make changes in spelling and (4) What advertising is done? punctuation, but again only sparingly, for in (5) What were the details and the amount of both he prefers to leave free play to the individu. the “necessary expenses”? ality which both are capable of expressing. He (6) Whether the Rev. J. Meldrum Dryerre is would never, for instance, alter “shew” into the unpaid secretary of the Bureau ? If not, “show” or drop the "e" in judgement, but he why he calls himself “Hon. Sec." ? tries to preserve for us old friends and pleasant (7) To what authors or to what works can memories, and changes “ Kalendar" into “ Calen- he refer as a successful and competent literary dar," and Aachen into Aix-la-Chapelle. agent? It is customary for literary agents to The Ideal Editor has no other profession and is produce these references in proof of competence. very diligent in his own. He keeps a MS. but a short time when it is not his intention to keep it altogether. The Ideal Editor is a gentleman, and therefore polite solicitude is another of his many THE IDEAL EDITOR. excellencies. A tender consideration, even for (From the occasional contributor's point of view.) the obscure and troublesome, animates his whole conduct. If the contributor has sent his MS. F the Ideal Editor's literary qualification this unfolded in a stiff cardboard case, the editor will U paper sayeth nought; its object is rather return it in the same case; if the contributor has to set forth, to the shame of his Philistine folded his MS. the editor will observe the same compeer, the excellencies of his rule of conduct pleats in folding and not brutally roll and crumple and the praiseworthiness of his methods of pro. it as his Philistine compeer does ; if only postage cedure. stamps and no wrapper accompanies the MS., the The first general excellency of the Ideal Editor editor in returning it is careful to use wrappers is that he can judge of the merits of a contribu. that cover the whole width of the MS., so that it tion in its MS. form. This may sound a truism, may in no way become soiled or defaced by post- but it is none the less a fact that the reason why marks or postage stamps. He has a kind heart, ## p. 74 (#104) ############################################# 74 THE AUTHOR. AMERICAN PUBLISHERS' ASSOCIATION. 1. TNDIANAPOLIS, July 20. — The Bowen- | Merrill Company of this city, the largest publishing firm in the State, has received a circular letter from Eastern publishers asking representatives to attend a meeting to be held in New York on Wednesday next to consider a plan of co-operation whereby author's royalties may be decreased. The circular says that “if the publishers and booksellers can arrange matters satisfactorily, the sellers will not handle books of publishers not in the association and the publishers will not sell to outsiders.” Nothing is said in the circular of capitalisation or the number which it is proposed to take into the combine. —New York Sun, July 21, 1900. the Ideal Editor, and knows that one journey through the post will often give a MS. a sadly rejected look. Moreover, he is acquainted with the postal regulations; he can distinguish between home and foreign ; he is aware that the minimum for MSS. abroad is 2 d. and not—as the Philis- tines all think-id. It would grieve him to the soul to be instrumental in inflicting a postal fine on a starving contributor or to add to the exchequer of a rapacious foreign Government Further, he never sends proofs or MSS. abroad in an open gummed envelope, for he knows that certain foreign postal officials, whose patriotism gets the better of their honesty, are quite capable of closing the gummed envelope and no upon the unfortunate. perhaps' stary. ing, contributor a postal fine of the value of a luncheon. When he has made up his mind to accept an article, the Ideal Editor does not selfishly nurse the fact in his bosom for six months or a year ; he is a humane man, and immediately informs the contributor of the good news. It is asking too much, but there does exist a high-souled editor-creature almost of another world—who acknowledges every MS. as he receives it. promis ing “attention in due course.” This of itself softens the blow when the “attention ” eventually does not take the form of retention ; and, when accepted, the contributor has not over long to wait for an appearance. The Ideal Editor accepts with judgement; therefore his pigeon-holes are never unduly cluttered up, not even with “ middles.” The Ideal Editor always sends two proofs-one to be returned and one to be retained. The con tributor corrects both, and is thus able to see for himself that the proof is actually printed as it leaves his hands. For I need scarcely say that if the Ideal Editor makes any changes-suggestions he would prefer me to call them—they are always made in the proof, which is never touched again after it leaves the author's hands. (N.B. The two proofs are invariably accompanied by the MS., without which a writer cannot comfortably correct the proof of a difficult article). The Philistine editor never returns the MS., even if .the substance of the article is composed of intri. cate statistics. Such, then, set forth without hyperbole, are some of the excellencies of the Ideal Editor. All honour to him. When the Philistine who is encamped over against the Sion of his sanctum shall hatte been subdued to a like rightmindedness and gentlemanliness of procedure, then the lite- rary millennium will be nigh, and the contribut. ing lamb may lie down without fear by the side of the once-dreaded editing lion. M, C. II. The American Publishers' Association was formed on last Wednesday, Charles Scribner being elected president. The news of the forma- tion of the association was printed on the follow- ing day, together with many reasons for its being. Nearly every reason given was incorrect and quite at variance with the real purpose of the organisa- tion. The story most widely circulated was sent out from Chicago and was to the effect that the principal book publishers of the United States had decided to band themselves into a trust, and that the formation of an association was the first number on their programme. Another story sent out from Chicago or some more windy Western town, had it that the main object of the new organisation was to reduce the compensation to be paid to authors in the future. So far as the promoters of the organisation have read, not one of the stories printed relative to the reason for organisation and the plans for the future is correct. And right here it may be well to correct one or two of these stories. In the first place, it was never the intention of any of the publishers who had a hand in organising the association to form a trust. Anyone at all familiar with the business of book publishing knows that it would be about as easy to form a trust of book publishers, on account of the very nature of the business, as it has been to com. municate with the legations in Peking. Further- more, the association was not formed for the purpose of buying manuscripts at reduced rates or for the purpose of reducing royalties. In fact, the relations of author and publisher were not even considered in the formation of the new ## p. 75 (#105) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 75 association. It was not even suggested that booksellers as well as the regular retailers, and, these relations were any part of the business or furthermore, the department stores bought many concern of such an association. more new books for which there was a popular So much for the reasons that didn't lead to the demand than most of the regular retailers. The formation of the association and for the plans department stores were good customers, and the which it never had any intention of carrying out. publishers did not feel inclined to interfere with Now, as a matter of fact, this association was their business. The demands and the pleadings formed at the request of retail booksellers all over and the requests of the retailers kept coming in, the country and after repeated and earnest plead. however, and finally, a few months ago, some of the ings on the part of the retailers that the pub publishers decided that they must do something. lishers try to do something to change existing Some of them made individual investigation as to conditions in the trade, and work out some scheme the extent to which the business of the regular by which the retailers could at least make a dealer was impaired by the book shops in the living. They have been requesting for the last department stores. two or three years. More recently they have Their investigation led them to inquire about fairly demanded some assistance from the pub. the sale of some of the popular novels. They found lishers, representing that, if they didn't get it, that the sale of “ David Harum,” for instance, had many retail booksellers would either have to close reached, at the time the investigation was made, out their business or be sold out. It was as a 500,000 copies; of “Richard Carvel,” 438,000 somewhat tardy answer to this cry for help, copies had been sold. “To Have and to Hold,” coming from all parts of the country, that the 200,000; “ Janice Meredith,” 250,000; and “Red association was formed. Rock," 84,000 copies. It has not been deter- Therefore, instead of banding together to do mined just what percentage of the total sale of the public or do the authors, the publishers have the books mentioned must be credited to the really organised themselves for the purpose of department stores, but it is known to be large. helping the men who make it possible for a pub. The investigators then tried to get at the loss to lishing house to exist. It was simply a case of somebody by the cut rates at which these books helping others and thereby helping themselves. were sold in the department stores. They took For the benefit of those not familiar with the “Richard Carvel ” for their purpose because book trade it may be said that during each certain department stores were advertising this succeeding year for the past five or six years and book extensively. The book was put out by the more, the retail bookseller's business has been Appletons to be sold at retail for i dollar 50 cents. growing poorer and poorer. The inventory at the It was found that the price in many department close of each year has shown that the profit from stores was i dollar 14 cents., while at some it was the sale of books alone was less than the sold as low as 81 cents., the publisher's price at year before. The retailers saw that this thing wholesale. The cut from the regular retail price must stop or they would have to do something was therefore 36 cents. a copy in some cases and else to make a living. And yet they could see no 69 cents. in others. way by which they could change the conditions. They saw at once that the volume of business because they knew the chief cause and they were done by many retailers who had to compete with powerless to remove it. these department stores was not such as to make The alleged chief cause of the decline in the it possible for tbem to meet even the higher of trade of the retail booksellers has been the alleged the two cut prices. In the first place, many of cause of decline in other particular lines of trade the retailers could not buy in sufficiently large for many years. The booksellers laid all their quantities to enable them to buy the book at the troubles to the department store, as the shoe lowest wholesale price. From all the information dealer and the butcher and the greengrocer and that could be gathered it seemed to be true that, the þardware dealer had done before them. They in the case of many of the retailers, they could asserted to the publisher that, so long as book's not realise a decent profit and cut under i dollar were sold in department stores at prices with 50 cents. As for selling the book at 81 cents., which the regular bookseller found it utterly the price made by the publishers to jobbers and impossible to compete, the regular men in the others who bought in large quantities, that was trade could not do business at a profit. It was to utterly out of the question. It was then for the save them from the department stores that the publishers to determine whether they could afford retailers appealed to the publishers. to help in some way the regular retailers at the For some time the publishers could not see expense, if necessary, of the department store. their way clear to assist the retailers. They were What determination was reached may be inferred compelled to look upon the department stores as from the forming of the association. ## p. 76 (#106) ############################################# 76 THE AUTHOR. You couldn't get a publisher to admit that the association intends to antagonise a single depart. ment store in a single city in the country. On the contrary, they say they are going to get the department store to help them in the work they have undertaken. Just how they are going to do this they do not say, and it is probably true that they do not yet know. As a matter of fact, the publishers haven't got that far yet. They have really only effected an organisation and elected officers. A committee has been appointed to draft articles of association, and when it is ready to report, another meeting of the association will be held. Although no plan for aiding the retailers is now under consideration by the association as a body, the individual members are considering a scheme proposed by a man who has been in the publish. ing business over forty years in New York. At present the plan is looked upon with much favour, and it looks now as if it, or some slight modifica- tion of it, would be adopted by the association. Under this plan a net retail price for all books published after the adoption of the plan would be fixed by the association. The general scale of the prices fixed would be much lower than the retail prices now suggested by publishers to be charged for books. For instance, a book that would sell at retail, without any requirement from the pub: lisher, at I dollar 50 cents, would then be required to be sold at i dollar 25 cents. From this price the retailer would get a certain trade discount, but before he was permitted to buy a copy of the book he would be required to agree not to sell any copies at retail for less than the price stipulated by the publisher. In fixing the stipulated price it would be put at such a figure as experience has taught should yield a fair profit to the retailer of conservative business methods. This plan, as has been stated, would apply only to the publications issued after the plan is adopted. No attempt under it would be made to regulate the retail price of old publica tions. When this plan was outlined to a Sun reporter yesterday, the reporter asked the man who explained it if he expected such a scheme to be readily accepted by the department stores. His answer was: “I think we can show the department store proprietors that it will not be a bad thing for them. Of course, the publishers will continue to give the largest discount to the purchasers of the largest bill of goods, and the department stores will get the benefit of that discount. The regular retailers can find no fault with that. But it is a question of live and let live. The publishers can't live off the department stores alone, and the regular retailers can't live with the department stores under the present conditions. I think the whole thing can be laid before the department store men in such a way that they will accept it. If they don't, why we shall have to treat them, if this plan be adopted, just as we would have to treat a regular retailer who refused to accept the terms of the plan. We should then be compelled to refuse to sell to them. “But there are others to be considered besides the department stores. It is not well, for instance. to forget altogether the public. The adoption of this plan, or one something like it, would be of great benefit to the buyers of books. In the first place, the majority will be able to get their books cheaper than they would if no such plan were in force, because the majority of the buyers of high- class books, such as the members of this associa- tion publish, do not buy them from department stores. Therefore, if the plan were not in force, the majority would buy their books at the present higher scale of retail prices. “Another class that would be benefited by such a scheme would be the authors. In showing that the scheme would benefit them, I show how silly was the story that the publishers were combining against them. When it can be brought about that a uniform and fair price can be maintained for a product, the producers are always benefited. This applies to authors as well as mill hands, and the adoption of some such scheme would enable us to pay better instead of poorer rates to authors, even had we ever thought of trying to get authors to work for less." ſt was recalled by another publisher that, so far as authors are concerned, they, as a class, are not so dependent on the publishers as the publishers are on them. Of poor authors, it was said, there are plenty, but good ones are rare, and high-class publishers can never afford to work against their interests, and never have since books were pub. lished. As showing the character and standing of the publishing houses represented at the organisation of the association, it may be stated that the following were represented : D. Appleton and Co.; Bowen-Merrill Company, of Indianapolis ; Century Company; Henry T. Coates and Co, of Philadelphia ; Thomas Y. Crowell and Co.; Dodd, Mead, and Co.; Double- day, Page, and Co.; Funk and Wagnalls ; Harper and Brothers; Houghton, Mifflin, and Co.; John Lane; Lee and Shepard, Boston; the J. B. Lippincott Company, of Philadelphia; Little, Brown, and Co., of Boston; Longmans, Green, and Co.; McClure, Phillips, and Co.; the Mac- millan Company; Thomas Nelson and Sons ; G. P. Putnam's Sons; James Pott and Co.; Fleming H. Revell Company; R. H. Russell; Charles Scribner's Sons; Silver, Burdett, and ## p. 77 (#107) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 77 Co.; Mays, Maynard, and Co.; and Frederick A. Stokes and Co.—New York Sun, July 29, 1900. The weakest wills are often hardest to forecast —like the weather. Virtue cannot be defined by code, for it is infinite. FINLAY GLENELG. REFLECTIONS. RT'S chief end is not to teach, but to touch. CORRESPONDENCE. Genuine gospels are not sad. The only irony in Nature lies in our. selves. 1.-GOOD AND BAD ENGLISH. It is often easier to blame Providence than to MAN YOU explain what vexes my old-fashioned learn wisdom. I mind-namely, the use of the adverb once Microbes of misfortune thrive in the malaria of to mark time without its former companion misunderstanding. “when." Taken alone, it means simply that an Disease is due to lower lifeincluding our event happened on only one occasion. own. I have been obliged to look back or forward to Lower life may help the higher—to under see whether“ once" meant“ once on a time " long stand. ago, or whether it was used as showing that when Pessimism is a symptom of disease, sometimes some object was completed the rest followed. I canonised as natural science. have often met with it in books, and passed it as All genius, like all love, is miraculous. slip-slop-perhaps American; but I have just All science is superficial, and so is even religion. found it in a leading article in a contemporary. Genius never produces unhappiness—in the “Once, moreover, the decision has been taken, wisest. very little time is required to send out, &c.” Good artists enjoy life—when free and wise. Surely it would have cost even less time to begin Freedom alone cannot guarantee wisdom. the sentence with “ When once," instead of com. Absolute freedom is only for the perfectly wise mitting a barbarism of which no quotation in —the unknown. Webster's dictionary gives an instance. No one is ever too good, or even too bad, for ONCE AND EVER A LOVER OF GOOD this world. ENGLISH The absolutely impossible is unknown to us. The unwise will blame Nature for their own vain visions. II.-WALTER v. LANE. We do not know the effect of too much wisdom, The decision of the House of Lords in the case for we have never tried it. of “Walter v. Lane” goes far to carry the point Were disease always ugly, its career would be that I first urged at a meeting of the Authors' shorter. Society in the year 1891, as reported in The When Nature seems unjust, or Providence Author for Feb. 1891. What I claimed was a unwise, we only see our own images. copyright in literary style in news description ; The sub-human often mistakes itself for the i.e., I see an event, or railway accident, or fire, or supernatural. a Tsar's coronation, and I describe it in a certain The unique is only the usual. fashion; in fact, putting myself into the descrip- It is often harder to improve ourselves than to tion, and for such work I claim a copyright. Others reprove society. may describe the same event or incident, but if Love cannot fail, even when inexpert lovers they copy or choose my words, my mannerisms, must. my style, then they infringe my copyright. This All art must succeed when wise—however is just what the Times claims for its report invisibly. of Lord Rosebery's speeches. Since 1891 I have All worries are born of our weaknesses. used every opportunity for urging this claim to Facts are poor without reasons, and reasons copyright in literary style in news description, and seem poorer without sympathies. have spoken upon it at the International Press Humour is the offspring of sense and of senti. Congress at Bordeaux, Rome, &c., and at Rome ment. the International Press Bureau accepted the pro- Ideal justice is still beyond human ken. position, and it will be embodied in a bill to Novel truth may become dangerous when be laid before the Berne Convention; so that in wisdom does not pilot us. time the paragraphist, who from his local know- The nether side of unhappiness is unhealthiness. ledge gives true colour or scientific insight into ## p. 78 (#108) ############################################# 78 THE AUTHOR. a descriptive note, will be able to prevent dozens Mr. Mackenzie Bell's poem, “Lord, teach us to of journals immediately seizing upon his well Pray," has just been published by Mr. Charles written “ par.”—for surely England, that suffers Vincent, arranged as an anthem by Herr Georg most from such “commandeering,” will not be Liebling, Court pianist to the Duke of Saxe. bebind the internationalists in journalist legisla- Coburg and Gotha. tion. - JAMES BAKER. Dr. Conan Doyle's history of the South African War is in preparation, and will be published by III.-ENGLISH AUTHORS IN THE UNITED STATES. Messrs. Smith, Elder and Co. Surely the comment upon “ Maxwell Gray's ". After the flood of books on mountaineering experience is quite obvious. There are various which recent seasons have witnessed, there is justifications for the role of literary agent, but evidently to be a cessation now. So far, the only no part of his function can be, for writers of any my book of the kind announced for publication in standing, more important than knowledge of and the autumn is “In the Ice World of the Himalaya,” a hold upon the whole international market. If by Mrs. Fanny Bullock Workman and Mr. “ Maxwell Gray's" affairs had been in the bands William Hunter Workman, who had many of a competent agent-by which is implied an interesting adventures in their travels. agent with, among other things, an American representative-none of these troubles could have “The Slaves of Society” is the title of an arisen. And surely, if the Authors' Society is anonymous satire on modern social life and wise enough not to undertake agent's work in this usages, which Messrs. Harper are to publish. country there can be no call for it to attempt to Mr. J. Ashby-Sterry is issuing through Messrs. do it in New York, where, it being a civilised Sands a new collection of his essays. place, the business of literary agent is perfectly Mrs. Humphry Ward's new novel will be pub. well understood. THE LITERARY AGENCY. lished in the autumn. It has been appearing in 5, Henrietta-street, London, W.C. Harper's, and is called “ Eleanor.” The scene is laid in Italy. The novel upon which John Oliver Hobbes is en- gaged will be called “Love and the Soul Hunters.” BOOK AND PLAY TALK. Mrs. Mary E. Mann has written a novel entitled “ Among the Syringas,” in which a M HE Rev. C. Dudley Lampen's new story, to country clergyman is the chief character. The be published by Messrs. Everett and Co. book will be published by Mr. Fisher Unwin. shortly, is entitled “Barcali, the Mutineer: M. Leroy-Beaulieu, the well-known French a Tale of the Great Pacific.” It deals with the economist and authority on colonial affairs, has discovery of a strange colony and the doings of recently published in Paris a work of great a clever but exceedingly wicked chief engineer. interest at the present time, entitled “La Renova- Messrs. Methuen and Co. are publishing at tion de l'Asie." An English translation of this once Mr. J. Bloundelle-Burton's new romance, book is to be brought out by Mr. Heinemann. It entitled “Servants of Sin,” the action of which will be edited, with a preface, by Mr. Henry takes place during the regency of the Duke of Norman, of whose “Peoples and Politics of the Orleans, and during the time of the downfall of Far East” Mr. Fisher Unwin is now publishing Law's Mississippi scheme and that of the Great a new edition. Plague of Marseilles. The main incidents of this The first number of a new half-a-crown review, story are founded upon fact, and many of the edited by Mr. Henry Newbolt, will be published characters are, under other names, persons who by Mr. Murray on Sept. 19. The founders “wish actually existed at the period; while the actual it to take its place among its old competitors in a facts themselves were unearthed by Mr. Bloun. modest and orderly manner, believing that neither delle-Burton in the libraries of Paris while 'pushfulness' nor loud promises are likely to engaged in writing a history of the “ Three attract the readers they desire." It is to be Louis” (Louis XIII., XIV., and XV.), on which called the Monthly Review. he has for some years been occupied. Mr. Frederick A. Cook, who acted as surgeon, Mr. F. S. Ellis, who was closely associated anthropologist, and photographer to the “Belgica” with William Morris, has since the death of his expedition to the Antarctic region, is writing an friend been engaged upon a translation of “The account of that adventure. It will be published Romance of the Rose." This work will form three by Mr. Heinemann. volumes of the Temple Classics, and the first of A cheap issue of Dr. George Macdonald's novels these is just being published by Messrs. Dent. has been begun by Messrs. Kegan Paul. .._-- --- ----- - - ------ --- - - - ## p. 79 (#109) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 79 A new book by Mr. F. C. Selous, entitled “ English Nell,” the new pla y by Mr. Anthony “ Sport and Travel, East and West,” will be pub- Hope and Mr. Edward Rose-founded on “ Simon lished in the autumn. Dale”—was produced at the Prince of Wales's Mr. Leslie Stephen's work « The English Theatre on Aug. 21. The heroine, as in the Utilitarians,” will be published in a few days. It Haymarket production referred to above, is Nell is in three volumes (Duckworth). Gwynne. In the July number of The Author a reference A play by Mr. T. P. O'Connor, M.P., entitled was made to the American novel “ To Have and “ The Lost Leader,” will be produced shortly at to Hold,” by Miss Mary Johnston. It should be the Crown Theatre, Peckham. It is founded explained, however, that the title this book bears upon incidents in the career of Mr. Parnell. The in England is “ By Order of the Company.” The leading part will be played by Mr. Laurence former title was used in England by Miss Irving. Sarah Stredder, who published a novel entitled In Mr. Cecil Raleigh's new drama, “ The Price “ To Have and to Hold ” sixteen years ago. of Peace,” the opening scene is placed in a ward The first long novel that Mr. Louis Becke has of St. Thomas's Hospital; then the action passes written will be published shortly by Mr. Fisher to the Houses of Parliament, and it is under- Unwin. It will be called “ Edward Barry, South stood that the play has a political interest Sea Pearler.” throughout. Mr. Henry Neville and Miss Lettie A collection of articles on European sport is Fairfax will take the chief parts, and it is hoped being edited by Mr. F. G. Aflalo for publication to produce the play at Drury Lane on Sept. 15. by Messrs. Sands in a volume which will be called Mr. Barrie has written a new play, “ Two “Sport in Europe." Among the contributors are Kinds of Women," with which Mr. Arthur Prince Demidoff, Sir Henry Pottinger, Bart., and Bourchier will reopen the Garrick Theatre. Mr. W. A. Baillie Grohman. Mrs. Alec Tweedie is leaving shortly for Canada The Rev. H. N. Hutchinson's new work on the and the United States to pay several visits, and living races of mankind is to appear in fortnightly she purposes spending next winter in Mexico in parts, beginning immediately. Mr. Hutchinson order to write a new book on that country. Mrs. has been assisted by Mr. Lvdekker, Mr. J. W. Alec Tweedie's book, “Through Finland in Gregory, and other authorities. Carts,” is just ready in a new edition. An up-to- Collectors will be interested to note the prices date political chapter has been added, and a realised by Mr. Swinburne's books in the auction portrait of the author. Finland is of particular rooms. The following copies which were sold by interest at the moment, in consequence of the Messrs. Sotheby were presented by the author to Tsar's strange attempt to rob that interesting the late Dr. Grosart, and bore inscriptions to that country of the political rights which he himself effect :- SONGS OF THE SPRINGTIDES (1880), swore to uphold when he ascended the throne. £5 128. 6d.; MARY STUART (1881), £5 158.; The Russian language is being introduced ; TRISTRAM OF LYONESSE (1882), £5 178. 6d.; Finnish newspapers are suppressed ; the stamps A CENTURY OF ROUNDELS (1883), 26 128. 6d.; and the currency are in jeopardy. Indeed, Russia, MARINO FALIERO (1885), £5 178. 6d. ; LOCRINE in spite of her peace manifesto, is doing her best (1887), 26; A STUDY OF BEN JONSON to exterminate the independence of poor Finland. (1889), £6 29. 60.; A Tale OF BALEN (1896), It is an interesting struggle. £5 178. 6d. Miss Julia Neilson is just producing at the Haymarket (Aug. 30) Mr. Kester's “Sweet Nell of Old Drury." Mr. George Alexander also is BOOKS AND REVIEWS. now (Sept. 1) producing “A Debt of Honour,” (In these columns notes on books are given from reviews- Mr. Sydney Grundy's new play. which carry weight, and are not, so far as can be learned, logrollers.) A special matinée has been organised by Mr. Penley in aid of Mr. Arthur Pearson's Fresh Air DARTMOOR, by S. Baring Gould (Methuen, 68.), for a. Fund for the Poor, and will take place at the holiday tourist of some reading and imagination, will be says the Daily News, “a most delightful book. Soenic Great Queen-street Theatre on Sept. 15. Two description, anecdotes racy of the Devonian soil, antiquities, new plays by Mr. Edward Jones will be produced are here poured forth with a profusion which Mr. Baring on this occasion. Gould's lightness of touch and sense of order prevent Mr. Stephen Phillips's forthcoming play, from being for an instant wearisome." The Daily Chronicle says the book “is in many respects a model of its sort. Mr. “ Herod the King," will follow “ Julius Cæsar" at Baring Gould has lived all his life in the neighbourhood Her Majesty's. which he describes Dartmoor has been to him, as he says, ## p. 80 (#110) ############################################# 80 THE AUTHOR. 'a passion,' and he has indulged that passion in intimacy and sympathy.” ESSAYS OF JOHN DRYDEN, selected and edited by W. P. Ker (Clarendon Press, 108. 6d.), consists, for the most part, of essays which were furnished as prefaces to plays or poems. “Professor Ker's introductions," says the Daily Chronicle," have grip and suggestiveness. The notes are concise and always to the point.” Literature says that “ Professor Ker has earned the gratitude of all who love English literature by collecting and editing these scattered prefaces. His part of the work is conspicuously good.” i There is a bibliography and an index, and in some cases various readings are added from later editions which are most instructive.” “Here at last,” says the Spectator," the work of Dryden is set forth with learning, taste, and restraint." AMERICA'S WORKING PEOPLE, by Charles B. Spahr (Longmans, 5s. net), “is an interesting book," says the Daily Chronicle. “Mr. Spahr draws with a firm hand and a loving touch, broadly, yet not without detail, the varieties of the great Labour class as he has studied them in different parts of his own land. He has a passion, all too rare amongst economists, for knowing about things as they are ; and in his pages we find the old factories and the new, the border community, the iron centre, and above all, the northern farm, sketched from the life, with other studies of contemporary industries and communities, alike vivid and instructive." A SPORTSWOMAN IN INDIA, by Isabel Savory (Hutchin. son, 168.) “No better written book on Indian sport has come our way these ton years," says the Daily Chronicle. “The romance of the gorgeous Eastern cities," says the Spectator, “is told with much picturesqueness, but the author is far more at home in the lonely hill.camp or beating in the jungle. To anyone who wishes to live for some hours in a fascinating world of sport and adventure nothing could be better than this gallant and light-hearted book.” The book, says the Guardian, is "simply a record of a most enjoyable visit to India by a young lady, full of high spirits ... and with plenty of sound common sense and & temperament that enabled her to think as well as to enjoy. The result is this extremely pleasant volume, for the author, as the guest of Sir George Wolseley, had every opportunity of seeing the best and brightest aspects of the country.” Many of the personal adventures she records, says the Daily Telegraph, are “ worthy of a hardened Nimrod.” THE UTTERMOST FARTHING, by P. B. Neuman (Black. wood, 68.), “is a very clever piece of work,” says Literature. ** The story, though trivial and unimportant, is well put together and well told, though the probabilities are not very carefully respected.” The Daily Chronicle calls it “clever and decidedly original.” Medlett and Crofts are two City men, apparently good friends, who become bitter enemies through the issue of a speculation which ruins one of them. The main theme of the story, says the Daily News, " is a family fead, its leading sentiment revenge-revenge, how- ever, not of the Corsican quality, but the plain English middle-class brand.” It is “a good wholesome story, told in a plain onadorned and yet forcible manner.” ON ALIEN SHORES, by Leslie Keith (Hurst and Blackett, 68.), is described by the Daily Chronicle as "altogether a well-studied and interesting story.” “There is something of Datoh fidelity in the author's painting of the Edinburgh home.” “It is a quietly amusing story," says the Spec- tator, " not too short, written with great care, and, above all, with a real power of describing human nature ; and people who like these qualities will find this novel more than merely readable.” “The heroine, brought up in luxury in Portland Place, and then making the best of her stolen marriage with a City clerk, is well-drawn and lifelike.” Mis’ESS Joy, by John Le Breton (Macqueon, 68.), “ is as steeped in irony,” says the Daily Chronicle," as Mr. Hardy's masterpiece Tess,' though hardly of so intense and tragic a cast.” “The story is a remarkable one, and well as Mr. Le Breton has already written, it is by far the best work we have had from his pen." A GIFT FROM THE GRAVE, by Edith Wharton (Murray, 28. 6d. net), is "a work of great interest," says Literature. “The book is a purely introspective study. A man of delicate fibre commits a coarse act. He publishes the letters-practically the love-letters-of a woman who wrote them in utter confidence.” “The book is chiefly concerned with his repentance after his shabby deed has brought him all the good things he wanted, and the study in souls,” says the Spectator, “is well and cleverly done. Readers who like motives, emotions, and soul-searchings will be much interested in the story." THE STRONG ARM, by Robert Barr (Methuen, 6s.), con- sists, says the Daily Chronicle, " of one longish story and several short ones, more or less connected together by a continuous thread of interest.” “There are robber barons and outlaws, and intriguing archbishops, and love, and war and all sorts of exciting things.” A PRINCE OF SWINDLERS, by Guy Boothby (Ward, Lock, and Co., 68.) is a series of stories, linked together by the identity of the hero. “Mr. Gay Boothby gives us," says the Spectator, " the portrait of a magnificent impostor who unites the salient points of Messrs. Lecoq, Sherlock Holmes, and Charles Peace, the whole seen through a powerful magnifying glass.” “The stories are ingenious if not very convincing, and readers who like sensationalism and plenty of it will very likely be amused by the book.” THE CRIMSON WEED, by Christopher St. John (Duck- worth, 68.), is, says the Daily Chronicle, "a study of one of those passions that can ruin a lifetime." Revenge is the "crimson weed,” which takes root in the mind of Luke Grey. The book “gives evidence of considerable literary and dramatic power. The scenes are vividly realised, and the characters live, and the story, such as it is, is told with no little passion and spirit.” THE DESCENT OF THE DUCHESS, by Morley Roberts (Sands, 38. 6d.), is “& thoronghly admirable piece of fooling," in the opinion of the Daily News. “It does not palpitate with actuality," says the Daily Chronicle, “but for the filling up of an hour's leisure in a shady corner of the garden on a hot afternoon it will do extremely well." THE DEAN'S APRON, by C. J. Wills and Godfrey Burchett (Ward, Lock, and Co., 38. 6d.) is described by the Daily Telegraph as “an exceptionally clever story of clerical life in a cathedral town, abounding in graphic and convincing word-pictures of envious persons and scandal. mongers, obviously sketched from life.” THE AUTHOR.' SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. Front Page ** Other Pages .. ... £4 0 0 Hall of & Page ... ... ... ... 300 Quarter of a Page ... ... 1 100 ... Eighth of a Page ... 015 0 Single Column Advertisements. per inch Bills for Insertion 0 6 0 ... per 2000 3 0 0 Reductions made for a Series of Six or Twelve Insertions. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street London, W.O. ## p. 80 (#111) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. THE LITERARY AGENCIA SALE OF MSS. OF EVERY KIND. Literary Advice, Revision, Research, etc. ARRANGEMENTS FOR Printing, Publishing, Illustration, Translation, etc. THE LITERARY AGENCY OF LONDON, 5, HENRIETTA STREET, W.C. G. RADFORD. G. H. PERRIS. DARLINGTON'S HANDBOOKS AUTHOR'S HAIRLESS PAPER-PAD THE (The LEADENHALL PRESS LTD., Publishers & Printers, 50, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C.) Contains hairless paper, over which the pen Blips with perfect freedom. 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T HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.O. D. Beautifully Flomack Cox, Windows and more Printed and Published by HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C. 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. 11 Issue 04 (September 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 04 (September 1900) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1900-09-01-The-Author-11-4 publications The Author