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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) 1900-10-01 Volume 11 Issue 5 Pages Page range in volume 81–96 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19001001 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. 5.] OCTOBER 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. CONTENTS. 81 ... 82 Memoranda ... ... ... ... ... ... Literary Property- 1. An Important Warping ... ... 2. The Sixpenny Book ... ... ... 3. Canadian Copyright 4. The Meaning of Royalties... 5. Resolutions of the Institute of Journalists The Manufacture of a Series PAGE Paris Letter ... Notes and News. By the Editor... ... The Coming Season ... ... ... R3 The Seventh International Press Congress Correspondence-A Query ... Literary Careers Made Easy Book and Play Talk... 86 | Books and Reviews ... 85 86 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. The Annual Report. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. 2. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices : Vol. I., 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. 38. 4. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE, late Secretary to the Society. 18. 5. The Cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 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. 18. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By Walter BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888-1892). 18. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst ST LUNGE, J.U.D. 28. 6d. 10. The Addenda to the “Methods of Publishing." By G. HERBERT TARING. 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 TARING, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. 18. ## p. 80 (#114) ############################################# 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. M188 E. A. ORMEROD, LL.D. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIRLD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BESANT. 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 SCOONER. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. Shaw. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMB. 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, Mus.Doo. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGR. 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. À 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. J: FIELD, ROSCOE, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. 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. MHE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. MHE ART of CHESS. By JAMES Mason. Price 58. 1 G A. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. 1 net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's- buildings, E.O. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Broam's-buildings, E.O. ## p. 81 (#115) ############################################# The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 5.] OCTOBER 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. 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- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMAYNIC AUTHORS. TT ERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an il 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. Bat 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 agree 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 ap American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! VOL. XI. 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal aathority. 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. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES on gross receipts. Percentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain & percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts L 2 ## p. 82 (#116) ############################################# 82 THE AUTHOR. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battlos of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. dence of the writer. 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con. fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. THE READING BRANCH. in preference to the American system. Shonld obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., fixed nightly fees). This method should be always avoided except in cases where the fees are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The other safeguards set out under heading (6.) apply also in this case. 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one act plays should be reserved. 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is of great importance. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot print the book of the words. 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in the beginning. 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object is to obtain adequate publication. As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on account of the wide range of the subject of dramatio con. tracts, those authors desirous of further information are referred to the Secretary of the Society. EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this branch of their work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated aa a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. NOTICES. M HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the T Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 68. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should be addressed to the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work whicb it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. LITERARY PROPERTY. 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 advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici. tor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society. 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past accounts with the loan of the books represented. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro. posed document to the Society for examination. I.-A VERY IMPORTANT WARNING. A S during the past three months many cases have come before the Authors' Society wbere a half-profit or other agreement has been entered into with a publisher and the publisher in the same agreement binds the author for the next two books on the same terms, it is our duty again to repeat that both these clauses are disastrous, the latter especially so. In many cases accounts have been brought in showing a sale of 2000 copies or thereabouts, with a return to the author on “half profits ” of perhaps £5! ## p. 83 (#117) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. .: 83 Two more books on the same terms would be the sale of the sixpenny book is simply ruining quite sufficient to break any person who is striving the trade. to live by writing. It is only hoped that those 6. The author on a royalty of id., which is houses especially given to this kind of contract much larger than is generally offered, may be the first to become bankrupt. cannot expect more than £156 for 50,000 copies. On a 20 per cent. royalty for the same book at the nominal price of 6s. II.—THE SIXPENNY Book. he would have £60 for every thousand I have now been able to ascertain the figures copies, or for 2500, £150. So that unless respecting the production of the sixpenny book. twenty copies are taken at 6d. to one at From estimates before me—those of a printing 68., the author will be a loser. firm of old standing—I learn that the cost of an 7. There are now a great many sixpenny books average sixpenny book of 16opp. may be computed on the market : and they are increasing at 1 d. a copy for an edition of 50,000 copies— rather than diminishing. Publishers, in i.e., about £340. This does not include advertis- fact, seem vying with each other in the ing. These copies are sold to the retail bookseller madness of the sixpenny book. at 3 d. each, and to the wholesale bookseller at 8. The dangers resulting from this misplaced 3d. The latter price, however, is by far the more cheapness are briefly these :- important, and may be taken as the average. (a) So long as books are on the stall or The cbarge to the public is 4 d. at places where counter which can be bought for 6d., discount is allowed, and 6d. at other places. the general public will not look at a book From these figures we get the following priced more highly. facts :- It has been urged that a new public is 1. The publisher, in order to clear his bare approached with the sixpenny book. costs, must get rid of 27,200 copies. This is perhaps true, but it includes and 2. If he has to pay the author a royalty, these swamps the old book-buying public. figures must be materially altered. Thus, The public are induced to believe that if the author gets id.-sometimes he is 6d. is the just and proper price of a offered a simple farthing !—the publisher book of any kind. This evil, which so must get rid of more than 36,000 copies largely contributed to the International in order to clear these bare costs. Copyright Act in the United States, has 3. He is then left with 13,720 copies. On the already begun in this country. It will whole, if he clears off the complete edition, of necessity produce the same effects he makes the sum of £128, out of which here as were complained of there—viz., he has to pay for such advertising as he the impossibility of the author making a thinks necessary, and his office expenses, livelihood by his work. Now, for imagi. travellers, clerks, &c. native work it is most important that 4. Most of the books offered at 6d. belong to the author should be independent and the publisher, and are not loaded with any should be able to live in a certain amount royalty. In that case, the sale of the com. of ease. plete edition would produce about £285, The people cease to prize what they can subject to the above deductions. The get for nothing. They have to pay a question then arises whether, for the sake shilling for a seat in the gallery of a of this profit, it is worth while to lose the theatre: if they can get the finest work sale of the more highly-priced works. of contemporary fiction for 6d., which 5. The bookseller, on the other hand, sells the will they value the more highly, an book at 4 d., and gets a profit of one evening at the play or a novel by — ? penny. They imbibe a contempt for literature A London bookseller of importance computes as a thing which by those who produce that he disposes of the sixpenny book at the rate it is considered of no value. of 500 copies a week. That is to say, he realises The bookseller, already on the verge of a profit of a little over £2 a week, which does not ruin, is driven down still lower. even cover his rent. It is not likely that many 9) The author of the sixpenny book suffers, booksellers get through a greater number every as we have seen, but the author of the week. 6s. book is in imminent danger of Another bookseller reports that no one will look extinction. at any other book so long as the sixpenny book It seems as if the rational method of procedure can be obtained. It is obvious, therefore, that would be to reserve for the sixpenny editions ## p. 84 (#118) ############################################# 84 THE AUTHOR. only those books which have stood the test of of Canada to legislate for itself in such a manner time, and have become popular works. It may as to override the Imperial Act; but fortunately then be presumed that the earlier edition is in the no Canadian legislation upon these lines ever hands of all who can afford to give the higher obtained the Royal Assent. price, while the cheap edition appeals to the wide In 1895, when the discussion was very acute, class of those who cannot afford to give so much. the Society of Authors, whose sense of responsi- It would be still more rational if the lowest bility as to the question had been constant and price of the popular book were to be one shilling. sincere, considered what further steps should be Would it not be possible for the author to taken to put forward clearly the case of Imperial guard against the danger, in his own interests as copyright. Mr. Hall Caine was at that time well as those of other writers, of booksellers, about to leave England on a tour in America, and and the general public, by inserting a clause in the committee of the Society gladly accepted his his agreements forbidding the sixpenny edition services as a delegate of the Society during his except with the consent of the author himself or visit to Canada. Mr. Hall Caine rendered mate- his agent ? W.B. rial help to the cause in which the Society was --- interested, and received the committee's cordial acknowledgment of his zealous and valuable aid. III.-CANADIAN COPYRIGHT. It is not, however, necessary now to enter into (Reprinted by kind permission from the Times of Aug. 31.) the details of his negotiations, since the copyright The question of Canadian copyright, which has question entered on a fresh phase with Sir John been the stumbling-block to copyright legislation Thompson's death. A new Government suc- and to copyright reform for the past thirty ceeded, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier became Premier years, seems now to be within reasonable distance of Canada. of settlement. This desirable situation is largely In the beginning of 1898, Mr. Gilbert Parker, owing to the constant attention and labour of the a member of the committee of the Society of Incorporated Society of Authors. In 1875 the Authors, learnt that the question of copyright Canadian Government brought in a Copyright was again likely to be brought forward; and the Bill for Canada which obtained the Royal Society of Authors at once drew up a statement Assent, but this Act was unsatisfactory to the as to the course which copyright legislation Canadians, as, though it was considered that it should take according to their opinion for the would override the Imperial Act, their courts benefit of all authors of the Empire. In the decided in Smiles v. Belford that this view of summer of that year, when certain Canadian the law could not stand. In 1886 the Imperial Ministers were in England, the secretary of the Parliament removed another colonial difficulty by Society had a long interview with them at Mr. giving copyright to a book wherever published Parker's house. It was then thought well that within the British Empire. the Society should send over a delegate to Canada Still, for various reasons which it is unnecessary to put forward their views. The secretary of the to enumerate here, the Canadians were discon. Society was appointed to fill the post. Copyright tented ; and, in the early nineties, soon after the legislation was, however, postponed in Canada ior passing of the American Act, Sir John Thompson, the moment; but in the autumn of the following thinking, no doubt, that the Canadian trades had year-1899—at the expense of the Society, the been injured by this Act, issued a report which secretary sailed for Canada. Mr. Gilbert Parker, was based on a desire to stimulate the trade of who had taken so inuch interest in the matter, the printers and publishers in Canada to the was in Canada at the same time, and had informed disadvantage of Canadian authors and tbeir the Society of Authors that he would give his property, as well as of British authors and their best assistance to the secretary in order to help property. The Authors' Society did not find it him to carry through this important question. possible to support this report, thinking it The secretary had the honour to interview the antagonistic to the proper evolution of copyright Premier and other members of the Canadian law. The Society based their opinion on the fact Government who were especially concerned with that an author's work is his own property, and the question of copyright legislation; and he was should not be hampered by any trade considera assured not only that the Government was tion the effect of which was to deprive the author sympathetic towards the views put forward by of his legitimate profits. the Society, but also that the question of the During the next few years Sir John Thompson printing clause and the licensing methods which carried on the agitation very keenly. It would had been put forward on previous occasions would appear that he was concerned to raise a Consti- be practically laid aside. After discussing this tutional and Imperial question as to the rights difficult question with all those in Canada who ## p. 85 (#119) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. Let us go on to the book of which 3000 at least are printed. The cost of this edition, including advertising, may be set down at about £150. The average price being 38. 7d., we have the following results if the whole edition is sold out: On a royalty, per cent. ... | 10 15 20 25 30 35 were chiefly concerned, and after obtaining the support of the Canadian Society of Authors, then in its infancy, the secretary returned to London with the promise that, if possible, the Canadians would legislate on the lines suggested. At the beginning of this year a Bill was brought forward by the Minister of Agriculture, within whose department copyright business lies, giving to the Canadian publisher complete secu- rity where he had contracted with the author for the exclusive right of publication in Canada, without burdening the author with any trade restrictions. This Bill received the assent of the Canadian Parliament in July, and practically closes in a satisfactory way to all those concerned this very difficult and troublesome, but important, question. There is only one thing left to be the crowning point of the work of the Society in this direction —that is, the passing of Lord Monkswell's Copy. right Bill in the next Session. The Bill embodies the terms of the Canadian Act just passed, and if it becomes law will practically confirm the Canadian legislation on this question. Author.............................. | 90 135 180 225 270315 Pablisher .... 297 | 252 | 207 162 117 72 But the net system is being introduced. The public will before long find out that this means taking more money out of their pockets; and taking more money, out of their pocke booksellers will find out, sooner or later, that they cannot become slaves and clerks to pub- lishers. Meantime, if the 6s. book is to be sold at 58. net, the trade price is 38. rod. Now, let us see what royalties mean on this scale, taking as before an edition of 3000. On a royalty per cent. 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | The author will receive 75 112 150 187 225 262 300 The publisher 1350 1313 275/238 200 | 163 125 IV.-THE MEANING OF ROYALTIES. * Royalties must not be counted 13 as 12. It is now some three years since the meaning The author must be very careful, therefore, to of Royalties was set forth in these pages. It is understand that under a net system royalties now time to repeat, with some amendments and mean figures very different from those where discount prevails. Part of the eagerness with corrections. We take, as usual, the 68. book—not necessarily which some publishers want to extend the net a novel, system is due to the ignorance of authors as to First, an edition of 1000 copies-10 sheets of the meaning of royalties. 32pp. each, about 30 lines or 280 words to a But, it will be argued, the whole edition of page, small pica type— costs about £60, with such 3000 copies may not be sold out. What would small advertising as an edition of this number happen then? can bear, about $70 at the outset. Let us take two cases—one in which 2000 The price to the trade averages 38. 9 d., to the copies are sold and one in which 2500 copies are distributors about 28. sd. The average is about sold. In both cases a certain amount of binding 38. 7d., in some cases perhaps 38.6d. We 18 saved-say, £10 and 5 respectively. formerly took it at 38. 7d. Then for a sale of 2000 copies we have: Every edition gives, on the estimate stated at the Congress of Publishers, “overs” at the rate of On a royalty per cent. | 10 | 15 | 20 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 2 per cent., i.e., so many copies not used in making up deficiencies. We may deduct forty copies for The author receives ..50 Press, which leaves 980, and we will suppose that Tbe publisher receives 193 168 the book is one of the half successes which sells these 980 copies and no more. The publisher On a sale of 2500 : therefore pays £70 for 980 copies, which are sold at 38 7d., producing say £175. If he gives the On a royalty per cont. 10 15 20 25 author a shilling royalty the latter makes £49 and the publisher £56. If he gives the author The author receives ... 62 91 124 186 £20 down and a royalty of a shilling to begin The publisher receives / 272 243 216|179 179 148 after 600 are sold, he gets a little more and the author a little less. It would hardly be worth while to consider this class of book, but for the fact that there are so many of them. ## p. 86 (#120) ############################################# 86 THE AUTHOR. V.—THE INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISTS. At the annual conference of this Institute, held in London under the presidency of Sir James Henderson, the following were among the resolu. tions adopted : That the Copyright Bill recently before Parliament was ansatisfactory, inasmuch as clause 12, in attempting to institute copyright in news, gives no protection to the individual journalist who supplies news, but only to the nowspaper proprietor or the news agency which publishes it, and fails to show how nows wbich has become common property (as it does on publication) can be made the basis of an action without andae restraint of journalistic enter. prise and freedom; and this conference is of opinion that & clause which more strictly defines the right of a reporter or contributor in the literary form of bis report or com. munication, will be of more value to the working journalist than any attempt to create copyright in nows qua news. That editors be discouraged from inviting oontribations to their journals from persons of wealth and position, thus depriving of valuable space those who are journalists by profession, and who have no means of living except by their profession. M THE MANUFACTURE OF A SERIES. HE following printed letters are taken from the Athenæum of Aug. 4, 1900:- THE MANUFACTURE OF A SERIES. The following correspondence is interesting as throwing an ugly light on the way in which a series may be manu. factured. A well-known author writes to us : "Some time ago I got an offer to write a book for a small sum down (I forget how much-say £50), and then, after the sale of 5000 copies, to receive £1 per 1000 copies as royalty. I scoated the proposal, as one of the many tentative ones I have had, to see how many innocent or vain men of letters could be enticed to work for nothing, and I said so. After some months the following correspondence ensued, which I think bighly instructive, and perbaps worth pub- lishing (1) in order to warn simple people, (2) in order to test whether my inclosed letter, sent back to me as very improper, is indeed so objeotionable a document: “' DEAR SIR, -You may remember that some months ago I wrote inviting you to contribute to & series of - Manuals. Mesers. have been distressed to find what had not been brought to their notice, that, besides the sum offered for the work, a royalty so small as £i per thousand after the sale of 5000 copies was proposed. This was, I can gay, a remnant of the smaller form in which the scheme was started. I feel it only due to them to stato, even at this late date, that upon discovery of the error thoy at once autho- rised me to saggest a royalty much more adequate for a book reaching a sale of 5000 copies.-Regretting the acoi. dental oversight, I am yours faithfully, i «• DEAR SIR,-I am obliged for your further note, and hope that as Messrs. — have recognised the great inadequacy of the offer originally made for them, you have acquainted such authors as were induced to acquiesce therein Otherwise these poor people will be the victims of a serious mistake.--I am, yours sincerely, who declined or were unable to contribute. The sum offered, down, for the work was approved by the publishers. But the royalty to be paid after the sale of 5000 copies bad been overlooked by their literary adviser, and not been brought before their notice until after some of the proposals had been made. The pound per thousand was a remnant of the suheme when it was intended to issue the books at 6d. For similar books at that price (sold at 4£d.) - ased to give that royalty with less money down. When it was decided that the price should be a shilling, this matter was overlooked not through my mistake or the publishers'. They were distressed [!] when they found that a farthing a copy after a book bad proved itself successful bad been offered. I spontaneously proposed to write to all and pravent misapprehension. I have taken trouble to make the whole case plain to you. I have received several replies ; none, like yours, gratuitously anxious about my “poor victims.” That you should have oriticised the terms as to royalty was only proper. But as to the tone and taste of your last letter-dear, dear! I hope you may wish to put it in your own fire! All the same, although I have secured some good writers of note, I could have wished that you had seen your way to contribate, and that the probable returns on a shilling book had justified the offer of a more tempting sum.-I am, yours faithfully, - -' The correspondence is exceedingly interesting to all technical writers, men of science, medicine, theology, &c., and points clearly to the fact that the same methods are still being pursued upon wbich the Society of Authors has from time to time thrown strong light-methods which, entirely satisfactory to the publisher, afford to the author but a small return for what must be the result of a long study. The reason why these methods are still-pursued and are still successful lies chiefly in the fact that the authors entrapped are not in the first instance authors that live by their pen, but those who, giving a constant and laborious study to one of the learned professions or sciences, desire from time to time to proclaim those studies to the public. With the very best intentions, therefore, they are constantly under- selling not only writers in their own profession, but in the profession of letters generally. In a small pamphlet issued by the Society of Authors and circulated largely among educational writers, dealing with the publication of educational works, the subject of the sort of agreements that are offered by publishers has been fully dealt with, and it would be as well to reprint part of that statement here. The agreement, it will be noticed, quoted in the first paragraph, bas some remarkable features in common with the agreement in the correspond- ence. The fact, however, need not necessarily be deduced that both agreements emanated from the same publishing house. DEFERRED ROYALTY. 1. The worst feature that one observes is the deferred royalty. Tbe author is induced by the bribe of a small sum, generally £25, to accept an agreement by which he actually gives tbe publisher many thousand-say, soven to ument: “DEAR SIR,--My recent note needed no acknowledg. ment, but your reply requires a word of notice. Your kind hope that I acquainted contributors with the improved terms is justified. I did so at once before writing to those ## p. 87 (#121) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 87 ten-copies for himself, should the book succeed! After , Or the book might be transferred to some other house this the author is to have 10. or perhaps 15 per cent. Let where it would conflict with another book on the same us, remembering that even with books actually carrying subject. Such transfers are not unknown. great risk the publishers never used to venture on asking Or the publishers might resolve not to re-edit the book in for more than half profits, consider what this means. favour of a new one which might sell better. Most of these works are small books, published at 28. or half-a-crown. It must be a very expensive little book that, Right OF AUTHOR TO RE-EDIT. offered at 28. 6d., would cost more than 6d. to produce in a 13. One additional proviso should be added to the present large edition of 6000, including advertising. This means notes. In a case where the author sells his copyright, a an apparent risk of £75. As for the cost of advertising, system of which the Society gravely doubts the expediency, the sum of £10 spent in advertising means no more than but which perhaps for some reason the author might desire kd. a volume for an edition of 6000. As educational books to adopt, it is absolutely essential that the author should are published, the publisher gets about 18. 3d. a copy, or bind the pablisher, in caso a fresh edition is wanted, to give gd. a copy profit, taking, of course, an average book of the him the option to re-edit upon a fixed notice. The following size and price ander consideration. So that in, say, 6000 clause appears in a publisher's agreement where he has pur- copies he gains £250, less what he advanced the author, chased the copyright: say £25. In fact, this agreement says, practically, to the “ “ The said author, in consideration of the payments and author : “ Yours is the book : it is your property, your royalties reserved to him ander this agreement, undertakes, estate: if I administer it I must have for the first 6000 as occasion may require, to edit new editions of the said copies nine times your share. Afterwards, at a 10 per work, and supply any new matter that may be necessary to cent. royalty, I am to have three times your share." bring the information contained in the work up to date." What is the way to put an end to the acceptance of This is very clumsily expressed. The author, so far as these one-sided terms ? The first thing is to pour a flood the words go, binds himself to re-edit, but the publisher, on of light upon the situation, so that everyone shall clearly the other hand, does not bind himself to ask the author to understand it. Afterwards to refuse the agreement on sach do so. If this be the proper construction of the clause, the terms, and to take the book elsewhere. author might find himself in the position of having his book ro-edited by an incompetent hand with no redress. AMOUNT OF ROYALTIES. 2. Ten per cent. aged to be considered a very fair royalty. [The above paragraphs are irregularly numbered This means, however, that with a large sale the publisher owing to the fact that the least important have generally gets about three times what he gives the author! been cut out owing to pressure of space.] SMALL Sums PAID TO GREAT SCHOLARS. Though these warnings still hold good, and 4. There is a certain series of books, all of which have should be carefully considered by all those to run into many thousands of copies. It will hardly be whom the publishers are making offers, yet it is believed that the publishers have actually offered one of our not these warnings which are especially the greatest living scholars £35 and £40 respectively for the subject of this paper, but the methods publishers preparation and editing of two books in this series ! employ to inveigle an author to write for these BINDING CLAUSES. 'scientific or educational series, and No. 4 of the 7. The author frequently contracts not to write another "paragraphs printed above is the first step the book on the subject. We never find, however, the publisher publisher generally adopts. He offers a price up entering into a similar contract not to publish another book to, say, £50 to the best known authority on one of on the subject. It is essential that either both or neither of the parties to the contraot should be bound by such a the subjects of the special series which he is stipulation. about to produce, for choice selecting an indivi. “ODD COPIES." dual who is known to the world rather as a 9. In one case a publisher so far presumed upon the student than as a writer. The person with whom ignorance of his author as to insert a clause stating that for he corresponds, sometimes forgetful that the book “ odd copies" no royalty should be granted ! In other words, if a bookseller ordered single copies of the work, the he is asked to write is the result of years of aathor was to have nothing. Res ipsa loquitur. research and labour, only for the moment con. scious that he has the knowledge at his finger “ 13 AS 12." ends, and that the only labour to him is the 10. In some agreements the royalties have to be labour of putting it down on paper, at all times paid on the sale of “13 as 12.” This means knocking entirely ignorant of the fair market price of his off 8 per cent. from the author's profits, and as the pub. lisher does not sell thirteen copies as twelve except in work and the profits it will bring, accepts the special cases where a batch is ordered, be must not account proposition without a murmur. The publisher at this rate as if the practice were universal. is generally aware that this will be the case, but SALE OF COPYRIGHT. on occasions the specialist may demur to the 12. Perhaps the most unfair clause of these agreements is terms. He then tries someone else who has an that which assigns the copyrights of the book to the pub. equally large knowledge of one of the other lisher. The dangers behind this clause are unbounded. subjects which goes to compose the series until at Above all things, an educational writer must keep the last a contract is settled. The matter. however. control of now editions. This he cannot do if the copyright is in the hands of his publisher, nor can he prevent addi. is generally settled at the first offer. tions, alterations, and omissions to the book except by To all those who are constantly writing either expensive lawsuits, which may, after all, go against him. on technical subjects or general literary matter VOL. XI. M ## p. 88 (#122) ############################################# 88 THE AUTHOR. there is considerable experience as to the prices biographer who is writing in order that his that should be demanded and are readily paid friend's memory may live. There is the philosopher by publishers, and the gentleman whose name who wishes to embody the thoughts of a lifetime in starts the series would be the last, if the matter one volume. There are others of the same kind was put before him, to crush down or undersell too numerous to mention. his own profession, but this result unfortunately In many cases the publisher goes to these dis- happens owing to his ignorance of the current tinguished people and makes them an offer, and price. the contract is signed before they can take advice, The next step in the publisher's tactics is to or if they take advice, they take the advice of draw up a prospectus and to issue a circular. those who themselves know nothing of the This he sends round to the other well-known matter. students and writers of the different professions, There are some of these distinguished people or the different branches of study with which he who go direct to the publisher. In this case they is concerned. are to a large extent at the mercy of the house Very often these are men who are writers with which they are dealing, but in all cases a rather than students, to the same degree as the man who writes a single book falls an easy prey leader of the series who is already bound was and gets absolutely inadequate terms. Many of student rather than writer. these books of memoirs go into numerous editions, In consequence, he is often met with a remon- and are, even under disadvantageous terms, a pro- strance at the miserable terms offered and the perty to the author; only by some stray chance unsatisfactory agreement proposed. The reply his eyes are opened to the fact that with a reason- of the publisher is ready at once. Mr. --, or able contract he might have obtained at least Lord — , or Professor , has consented to three times as much as the amount he has open the series on an agreement similar to the received one offered, and if these gentlemen can write on It is more difficult for the Society and the these terms, surely the objector cannot think of Society's work to reach the author of the one book asking terms higher than those who with so large than it is to reach the writer in a series, for in a a reputation have already given their consent. series it often happens that inter-correspondence Finally, the publisher succeeds in getting his takes place, whereas in the other case the author's series completed on a set of contracts highly position is isolated. satisfactory to himself, but of poor value to the G. H. Thring. author. T'he publisher is not to blame. He trades on the credulity of writers to the 14- same extent as other traders do in dealing with PARIS LETTER. their customers, but he has one larger factor in his favour-namely, the ignorance of authors. To avoid, if possible, the occurrence of the 4 bis, rue des Beaux Arts. same tactics, the Society of Authors has from INTERNATIONAL congresses are still a time to time printed statements analogous to the favourite feature of the great Exhibition. statements placed here. It is only by spreading They arouse little enthusiasm here, and such statements widely that the difficulty can be appear comparatively barren of result. The avoided, and it is hoped that every writer before Academical Congress-one of the most important whom this paper falls will endeavour to commu- of the series, to which delegates from all the prin- nicate it to those other members of his profession cipal European universities were invited-was who are in ignorance of its substance. not particularly brilliant. The Fourth Inter- As a corollary to this it would be as well to national Psychological Congress awoke more inte. put forward the case of those writers also who rest. It was presided over by M. Ribot, member for some reason are writers of one book only. of the French Institute and author of the famous There are hundreds of writers who come within “Maladies de la Mémoire,” “Psychologie des this category, and nearly all of them fall into Emotions," &c. M. Charles Richet, of the Revue the same trap. Scientifique, was vice-president; while the post There is, for instance, the man who has lived of secretary-general was filled by M. Pierre Janet, an active life, and would like to record his supplementary professor of experimental psycho- memoirs. There is, again, the man who has logy at the Sorbonne, whose able treatises on attempted to reach the North Pole, and would “Automatisme Psychologique,” “L'Etat mental like to give a description of his voyage, or the des Hystériques," &c., have won their author a man who has crossed South Africa, and would European renown. The congress was sub-divided like to describe his adventures. There is the into six sections, respectively dealing with com- ---- ## p. 89 (#123) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 89 parative, introspective, experimental, pathologic, The Grand Prix GOBERT. hypnotic, and social and criminal psychology. The French Academy has bestowed the Grand The subject was evidently popular. Authors, Prix Gobert on M. Pierre de La Gorce for his philosophers, doctors, priests, Jesuits, Dominicans, “Histoire du Second Empire”-an unfinished physiologists, spiritualists, Brahmins, Hindoos, work which already comprises four ponderous criminologists, and a goodly number of the fair tomes and fifteen out of the twenty years' reign sex, attentively followed the somewhat languid of Napoleon III. It is to be hoped that this discussions which only once kindled into warmth premature recompense will not deter M. de La during a debate on hypnotic and suggestive Gorce from finishing his undertaking, as was the psychology case with two of his predecessors. His history Twenty-two nations sent representatives to the embraces a period extending from the coup d'état International Congress of Librarians, presided of 1851 to the morrow of Sadowa. It is written over by M. Léopold Delisle, general administrator in a masterly style — clear, nervous, animated of the Bibliothèque Nationale. Its sittings - and well merits the signal honour it has terminated with the decision that henceforth an received, the Grand Prix Ğobert being one of International Congress of Librarians should be the most coveted distinctions in the gift of the held once in every five years. This appears to French Academy. No Academician being allowed have been its most important motion. Three to compete, Augustin Thierry, the historian, anonymous donors have offered prizes varying formerly preferred obtaining the Gobert prize to from twenty to forty pounds for the best memo- donning the palms of the Immortals. randum on the most efficacious method of destroy. The Goncourt prize has not yet been awarded. ing the insects which infest books. Intending It will become the property of the author who .competitors who desire further information on the shall have produced the best prose work of imagi- subject are asked to communicate with the secre- nation during the course of the present year, the tary-general of the Librarians' Congress, M. ten members comprising the Goncourt Academy Henry Martin, Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal, Paris. being judges on this delicate point. In his latest testament M. de Goncourt further expresses the A Good YEAR FOR DRAMATISTS AND desire that this prize be given “à la jeunesse, à COMPOSERS. l'originalité, au talent, aux tentatives nouvelles et The annual report of the Société des Auteurs et hardies de la pensée et de la forme." A good Compositeurs Dramatiques states that the Parisian chance for the rising author. theatres have paid in royalties the sum of 2,123,847 francs 50 centimes during the year STAGE LITERATURE. 1899-1900, being 4276 francs 15 centimes less The lights of the dramatic fraternity are all than the amount previously registered. The under arms for the approaching Christmas Departmental theatres have disbursed 968,575 season. M. Abel Hermant “ très snob, délicat, francs 60 centimes in royalties, showing an la moustache légère,” is established at the Villa augmentation of 12,372 francs 35 centimes on Bassaraba (Haute-Savoie), engaged on a five-act the sum paid during the preceding year. The play. That prolific writer, M. Gaston Devore, is foreign theatres have expended 300,223 francs at Ballaigues (Switzerland), occupied in putting 70 centimes in royalties, being an advance of the finishing touches to as many as four new 11,967 francs 15 centimes on the amount regis contributions to stage literature--to wit, “Les tered in 1898-99. The sixty Parisian cafés. Complaisances," a five-act play; "La Domes- concerts have done still better, having paid tique,” a domestic drama in five acts, destined for 265,742 francs 70 centimes in royalties, showing the Antoine Theatre; “Le Rêve," a philosophical an increase of 56,443 francs on the sum paid play written for the Vaudeville; and a drama during the preceding year. One hundred and dealing with social problems entitled“L'Individu.” five new associates have been admitted to the M. Marcel Prévost, now at Trondhjem (Norway), society, and five members have received pensions. has just finished a piece in four acts entitled The number of pensioners now on the society's “Unis,” which has been accepted by the manager books is no fewer than in persons. Six hundred of the Vaudeville Theatre, while M. Jules new plays have likewise been catalogued by the Chancel is writing a play drawn from M. society as having been performed either in France Prévost's two latest novels, “Frédérique" and or abroad during the year 1899. In short, the “Léa.” The erudite M. Stanislas Rzewuski is Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques completing two plays commenced long since. The shows a most praiseworthy budget, and is to be first is a study of modern manners, whose title congratulated on the success which has attended has not yet been decided on; the second is a its efforts. sumptuous historical drama entitled “Louise de ## p. 90 (#124) ############################################# 90 THE AUTHOR. San-Felice.” The plot of the latter is laid in accomplished-after twenty years' wrangle there- Italy at the beginning of the eighteenth century. on. Greater laxity will henceforth be shown in It depicts the pretended rivalry existing between all Government examinations, and a host of minor Maria-Carolina of Austria, Queen of Naples, and innovations and simplifications will be admitted- a fictitious heroine created by the author. The or rather tolerated by the State examiners. The chivalric General Championnet, the subtle Cima stringent rules respecting the accord between the rosa, a sphinx-like Horatio Nelson, and the past participle (when construed with the first beautiful Emma, Duchess of Hamilton, are among auxiliary) and its complement are no longer the dramatis persona. M. Henri Lavedan is immutable as the laws of the Medes and likewise engaged on a new play, as are also MM. Persians ; while the ubiquitous hyphen has Maurice Ordonneau, Pierre Valdagne, Eugène ceased to be a primary necessity. M. Georges Berteaux, Pierre Wolff, Arthur Bernède, Leygues, Minister of Public Instruction, has Alexandre Bisson, Henry Kistemaeckers, Antony undoubtedly been lenient ; which leniency has Mars, Pierre Decourcelle, and others. given rise to some lively discussion. In an able- and interesting article on the subject, published MEMORANDUM DE BARBEY D'AUREVILLY. in the Revue des Deux Mondes, M. Brunetière “Le Premier Memorandum de Barbey d'Aure. sensibly remarks : “A language is an historical villy,” now published by Lemerre, is anterior by formation; and in its history the only facts to twenty years to the volume issued in 1883 under be taken into account are the works of the great the same title. The present edition records the writers.” M. Leygues is evidently of the same mode of life and daily impressions of the great opinion. French writer during his early youth. The New PUBLICATIONS. analytic talent which won him fame in later “Blancador l'Avantageux," by M. Maurice years is here clearly apparent, scenes and persons Maindron ; “ Edition définitive de Balzac,” which being portrayed with the minute precision of a edition comprises fifty volumes (chez Ollendorff); Pepys and the psychological intuition of a “ La Vie à Paris (1899),” being a continuation of Bourget. In one of Count Fleury's latest works, the annual collection of daily articles by M. Jules “ Louis XV. intime et les petites maîtresses,” a Claretie (chez Charpentier); “La Charpente,” a list is given of the natural children and descen- social study by M. J. H. Rosny (à la Revue dants of that monarch. Among the latter figures Blanche); “ Les Victimes Grimacent !” by M. the name of Barbey d'Aurevilly. Frédéric Boutet, a novel dealing with the vices of The second volume of the late Francisque the classes and the misery of the masses; a trans- Sarcey's “ Quarante ans de théâtre ” has just been lation from the Polish of the famous “Quo. issued by the library of “Les Annales politiques Vadis ? ” of M. H. Sienkiewicz; “Les Rois du et littéraires." It is devoted to appreciating Ruisseau,” by M. Maurice Astier, being a detailed the works of Molière, and the classic school account of the manners, customs, and habits of represented by Regnard, Marivaux, and Beau. that curious biped, le chiffonnier—the French “rag marchais, also of Le Sage, Piron, Gresset, Favart, and bone” man (Libraire du Livre Moderne); and Sedaine. No man ever had a keener percep and the “ Mémoires de Rossignol,” ex-police tion than Sarcey of the perplexities wbich beset the inspector, a terrible narrative of the crimes, dramatic critic's path. “ The theatrical critic," passions, and weaknesses of the darker side of wrote “the good uncle” on one occasion, “must humanity. DARRACOTTE SCOTT. also have his scale of proportion understood by the public. But what shall it be? This is a grave question, and one more difficult to resolve than is generally imagined. To crush M. d'Ennery under NOTES AND NEWS. the name of Corneille, to measure MM. Marc- Michel and Labiche with Beaumarchais would DROFESSOR DOWDEN suggests in Litera. be an absurdity, if not an injustice. But on the P ture the celebration of the opening of the other hand, are all souvenirs of the past, all the 20th century by an “adequate” history conditions of antique art, to be cast asideas of English literature. If the Professor would has been done with the ell and other ancient elaborate the scheme for such a history it measures ?” would be a practical step. Perhaps no one could be found among the critics of the day ORTHOGRAPHY AND SYNTAX REFORM. who would be more generally accepted as the The reform of French orthography and the editor of such a work. It would be a colossal abolition of the incomprehensible “ chinoiseries " undertaking, but the success of other great of the old French grammar have at last been undertakings—the “Encyclopædia Britannica" ## p. 91 (#125) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 91 and of the antiquary we should have a judicious blend. Let us seriously consider the formation of such a company. for instance, and the “ Dictionary of Biography" -should be an encouragement. I would suggest the formation of a company for the purpose. The capital required would depend upon the scheme itself—the number of volumes necessary; the payment of contributors; the office expenses; the price of the work when complete and in parts. Thus there would be: (1) The preliminary expenses. (2) The expenses of office rent, clerks, &c. (3) The editor's salary. (4) The pay of the contributors. (5) Cost of printing, paper, binding, &c. The volumes would have to be issued regularly at intervals of a quarter. From certain rough calculations I believe that the whole expense would amount to less than £2000 a volume of the size of the “ Dictionary of National Biography." How many volumes would Professor Dowden åsk for? As regards the success, we must remember that the establishment everywhere of the free library greatly helps the production and lessens the risk of embarking in these large enterprises. We might expect a thousand copies at least to be taken up by the free libraries all over the English. speaking world, provided that the work was not only written by scholars, but also by attractive writers. There would be no publisher behind it: the company would be an ordinary trading company. I believe not only that it would be a most useful contribution to the history of litera- ture, but that it would be immensely successful. I beg to invite very serious attention to the warning under the head of Literary Property. It is directed against the practice, common with one or two minor publishers, of inserting a clause in the agreement promising the publisher the author's next two books! Anything more foolish than to accede to the impudent demand it is difficult to imagine. Does a physician make a patient promise to come to him with his next two ailments? Does a solicitor bind down a client for his next two cases ? It comes to this : that although an author may be fleeced and robbed by his publisher, he will go to him twice more! Great as may be the desire to see oneself in print, there should be, one would think, some restrain. ing force in self-respect. WALTER BESANT. THE COMING SEASON. 1 \HE following is a classification of the books announced in the Athenæum between Aug. 18 and Sept. 29 inciusive: The publishers represented are Messrs. George Allen, Burns and Oates, Chambers, Constable, Clark, Chatto and Windus, Cambridge University Press, Cassell, Clarendon Press, Dent, Duckworth, Heinemann, Hutchinson, Methuen, Macmillan, Maclehose, Marshall, Richards, Sampson Low, Sonnenschein, Seeley, Skeffington, Unwin, Whit- aker, Wells Gardner, Black, Rivington, Chapman and Hall, Matthews, and Bemrose. The list is not therefore complete, but there are not many left of the publishers worth considering. The result is interesting. It comes out as follows: . Works announced. Theology ... ......... 98 History and Biography .............. Travel ...... Science .......... Scholarship ............................. Philosophy Law Political Economy Essays ...... Fiction ........ .................. 164 Children's books ......................... 30 Poetry and Plays...... ............ 29 There are a few difficult to classify. There are also translations and new editions which are not entered in the above list. In connection with this list it will be interesting to watch and to classify the books which appear from day to day in the 114 One thing is most important. I am sure that Professor Dowden would agree in my contention that it is a great mistake to suppose that because a man has written poetry or fiction with more or less success, he is therefore a critic. "The critical The critical faculty is not the same as the imaginative; one might even go further and say that the develop- ment of the critical power tends to destroy the imagination. There are at the present moment half-a-dozen critics who stand in the front rank. It would be invidious to mention their names, Not one of these has distinguished himself by any imaginative work. On the other hand, there are as many writers on literature, writers of appreciation, who are most attractive and delight- ful, yet are not critics. There are also anti- quaries who collect facts and figures and write about them, but they are not critics. Of the gentlemen who write “reviews,” log roll and depreciate, set up little cénacles and make a fuss, I do not speak, because the editor of this great work will assuredly have none of them. But of the true critic and of the man who can appreciate ............ ...... ## p. 92 (#126) ############################################# 92 THE AUTHOR. morning papers as “ Publications of the Day." M. Hebrard, of Le Temps ; England, Mr. S. One notes that the publishers of fiction seem to Campion, J.P., of the Northampton Mercury, be decreasing in number. Seven publishers bave Miss G. B. Stuart being the English secretary ; 120 novels between them. Germany, Hans Tournier; America, Mr. Young; There follows next the somewhat delicate ques Sweden, M. Beckman; Hungary, M. Joseph tion: how many of these books will pay ? This Veszi. The abstention of a goodly number of involves the question : how many are paid for by well-known French journalists from being present their authors ? proved that, like the Institute of Journalists in We may rank them in four classes : England, they have their little dissensions amongst * 1. Those which are quite certain to allow of a themselves. M. Jean Bernard again brought large edition or several editions with a good margin. forward his project for making the staff of a 2. Those which will allow of a single edition newspaper participators in the profits; at Rome with a small margin. he argued warmly for this, and he was now 3. Those which are doubtful. requested to draw up a report upon the subject- 4. Those which will not pay expenses, unless an interesting but somewhat impossible proposi. the reader's judgment is wholly incompetent. tion. M. Taunay, the energetic and ever-affable It would, of course, be invidious to name the general secretary, then brought forward his books which belong to any of the four classes. report upon a card of identity for journa- It is, however, noteworthy that, taking only lists, members of the various societies affiliated fiction, no fewer than sixty belong undoubtedly to the International Bureau. Armed with to the first class, while the second class is this card the journalist in any country is represented in fiction alone by about sixty more. to address himself to the representatives of What is wanted by writers of the first and second the committee of direction, or to the local classes is to remember that they have property associations, correspondents of the Bureau, and in their hands as real as, say, horses or cattle, he will have all facilities given him as a local which are, like most books, perishable. The journalist. The question of tariff for the post of whole parade and pretence about risk, office ex. newspapers was next considered, Signor Berger penses, and percentages should be pushed aside. arguing that the cost should never exceed two The only question is on what terms the adminis. centimes, instead of five, for international iration of the property should be granted, or at postage, and a half, or at most one, centime for what price it should be sold. interior postage; and the Bureau was authorised to take up negotiations with the various Govern. , ments to obtain some reductions in the tariffs. The subject of telegraph tariffs was again intro- THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL PRESS duced by Señor de Berazza, the Spanish dele. CONGRESS. gate, and he was able to announce that, in By JAMES BAKER, F.R.G.S. addition to the conventions between France and Spain, Luxembourg, and Portugal, this year INHE meeting this year was arranged for under certain conditions the convention and T Paris, to coincide with the Great Exhibi. restriction had been agreed to between France tion; and at Rome last year great were the and England, but Italy still failed to fall into rumours of what this Congress was to be. How line, while pourparlers were still going on with it was to eclipse all former Congresses in work and Sweden and Norway. in play, in hospitality and in excursions; one Following this a discussion occurred on excursion, it was hinted, would include Algiers. an abbreviated code for telegrams, and a But there is a French proverb of few words, prize is to be offered for the best working L'Homme propose mais Dieu dispose, and not code. The other subjects discussed included only the fates, but the weather, seemed to defeat the constitution of an international tribunal of the generously hospitable aims of the French arbitration for journalistic matters. Upon organisers. this a brisk discussion ensued, and a M. On the first morning of the Congress the news Rouzier claimed attention for a tribunal to arrived of the assassination of King Humbert, settle disputes between directors of journals and and so all official entertainments were cancelled, reporters. Tbe evergreen, but never settled, and the President of the Republic was not subject (either in England or with the inter- present at the opening séance in the Amphi. nationalists) of a school of journalism was brought théâtre of the Sorbonne. At the first business up by M. Bernard under the presidency of meeting on the following morning the presidents M. Beckman, the learned Swedish delegate. for each nation were elected—viz., for France, The Belgian delegate, Heinzman-Savino, declared ## p. 93 (#127) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 93 that the quickest way to vulgarise the teaching right to it and may do what he chooses with it- of journalism, or at least of certain subjects e.g., sell it for publication with or without the necessary to journalism, was to obtain the estab. author's name? This might certainly not be lishment of courses upon the subjects in the agreeable to the author of the matter in question, universities. At Heidelberg already Professor but what is the law ? DusTMAN. Koch has a journalistic course. The final [The case quoted above is sadly wanting in subject discussed was the rights of illustrators, legal exactness, and it is exceedingly difficult to and M. Janzon proposed that the central com. give a definite opinion on it. The finder might mittee make a study of the status of the journalist have a right to sell the paper with the writing in various countries. At the conclusion of the upon it, but certainly not the right of publication. work Mr. P. W. Clayden, the English president, The publication of a MS. is an entirely distinct gave a formal invitation to the Congress from the property, and cannot be thus dealt with.-G. H. city of Glasgow to assemble there in 1901. This THRING.] invitation was referred to the Central Bureau. It would be as well for the Congress to meet in Great Britain, and for once to adopt English LITERARY CAREERS MADE EASY. rules of debate. The Je demande la parole of gentlemen who have already spoken a dozen times In the old-fashioned days when a man wrote a book, delays real progress. That was all there was for him to do ; If they made it worth while for the author he took The English papers prepared for the Congress were: by Mr. F. Dolman, on “The Advantages Up bis pen and reeled off something new. of International Association," an advantage which Bat to-day, when a man writes a book tbat's a hit, Why, that's jast made a sort of a start, is immense, as I have proved in such countries as For he has to write others explaining how it Poland, Galicia, &c.; and a well-written, eloquent Came out of his houd and his heart. paper on “Ideals of Journalism," by Mr. S. He must tell how he thought of the story and when- Campion, in which he pleaded that the Press How many words daily he wrote - should not become a cloaca maxima ; that evils If he set down the lines with a pencil or pen- and festering sores of humanity should be treated These are things he must carefully note. with the surgeon's knife, and not “ with the He must give us the names of the people he took lingering affection of gbouls for fætid corrup- For nis models, and nothing omic ! tion." In these days when a man makes a bit with a book He can write all his life about it! The social functions were, alas, almost oblite- Chicago Times-Herald. rated ; and as if Nature also worked against the French organisers, the great representation in the Théâtre d’Orange in the Dauphiné-to which BOOK AND PLAY TALK. and the Loire district excursions were organised -was terribly marred by an awful mistral that LITERARY concerns are for the moment in in August froze the spectators. Other excursions were to Chantilly and Pierrefonds, to Sèvres and 1 tbe background, like everything else that Versailles, so that the Congressites enjoyed much is not politics. But the General Election has drawn an unusual number of writers before hue refreshment after their polyglottic labours. Death has been terribly busy with the members The electors. Up to the time of writing, we of the bureau during the past two years, and since observe among the candidates for Parliamentary the Rome meeting two excellent confrères- honours Dr. Conan Doyle, Mr. Gilbert Parker, Mr. Henry Norman, Sir George Scott Robertson, Signors Bonfadini and Torelli-Viollier—have Mr. H. J. Mackinder, and Mr. Mullett Ellis. passed onward ; let me end with this word of homage to their memory. Mr. Anthony Hope Hawkins was among the number, but he has been obliged owing to sudden illness to withdraw the candidature he had contemplated. CORRESPONDENCE. Mr. Alexander Michie, the well-known authority on China, has written å life of Sir Rutherford A QUERY. Alcock, in which is narrated the progress made TF a man throws a thing away, to whom does it by Engli to whom does it.. by Englishmen in that country during the past j legally belong? Surely the finder. Following sixty years. The subject of the biography was, this reasoning, am I right in supposing that of course, at one time British Minister in Peking. if an author writes something and then throws it The third volume of Professor S. R. Gardiner's away, any person who happens to find it has a legal history of the Commonwealth and Protectorate ## p. 94 (#128) ############################################# 94 THE AUTHOR. may be looked for early next year. Mr. Morley's biography of Cromwell will be published by Messrs. Macmillan during the present month. Mr. H. J. Mackinder, who last year made the first ascent of Mount Kenya, narrates this remarkable achievement in a volume which Mr. Heinemann will publish shortly. The 23rd inst. is the date fixed for the produc- tion of Mr. Zapgwill's new novel, “ The Mantle of Elijah ” (Heinemann). Mr. Gilbert Parker's tales of Pontiac, entitled “ The Lane that Had no Turning," and Mrs. Steel's new novel, “ The Hosts of the Lord,” will be published about the middle of this month by Mr. Heinemann. A new story by Miss Carey, entitled “Rue with a Difference,” will be published on Oct. 2, and one by Miss Charlotte M. Yonge, entitled “Modern Broods," on Oct. 5, both by Messrs. Macmillan. A volume of stories by the Rev. W. J. Dawson is being published by Mr. Grant Richards under the title “ The Doctor Speaks.” , A new edition of Mr. Whistler's “ The Gentle Art of Making Enemies” will be published shortly. The work has been out of print. A new work by Deas Cromarty, entitled “The Heart of Babylon," will be published shortly by Messrs. Horace Marshall and Son. The first volume of Professor Saintsbury's sbury's “ History of Criticism and Literary Taste from the Earliest Times to the Present Day” will be published shortly by Messrs. Blackwood. Mr Charles G. Harper has added to his series of books on our great highways two volumes on “ The Great North Road.” These will be pub. lished by Messrs. Chapman and Hall, and will contain numerous illustrations. Mr. Frank T. Bullen's work on “The Men of the Merchant Service” will be published on Oct. 10 by Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. : “ Webs of Mystery" is the title of Mr. John G. Rowe's first book. It is a volume of detective stories, and is published by Messrs. Walter Scott Limited. The young author has also written a five-act drama, which is likely to be produced shortly by a well-known provincial actor-manager, and is at present busy revising his new novel “A King of Busbrangers," already published serially, for book form. Mr. Albert Lee, who wrote “ The Gentleman Pensioner," which was so successful in this country and in America, has just completed a new historical romance entitled “ The Emperor's Trumpeter,” dealing with the downfall of Robes- pierre and the military career of Bonaparte. It will first appear as a serial in the new volume of Young England. The following are among the forthcoming publications of Mr. John C. Nimmo: “The Amusements of Old London," in two volumes, being a survey of the sports and pastimes, tea gardens and parks, playhouses, and other diver- sions of the people of London from the 17th to the beginning of the 19th century, by W. B. Boulton ; « English Historical Memoirs is (1 volumes). by John Heneage Jesse; “ Reminiscences of a Falconer," by Major Charles Hawkins Fisher; and “A History of Steeplechasing," by William C. A. Blew, M.Ă. Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. will publish Mr. C. H. Malcolm's new novel “Robert Kane" about the second week of this month, at the published price of 38. 6d. Mr. Reynolds-Ball gives an account of his recent cycling experiences among the Piedmontese Alps in a long and admirably illustrated article in the September issue of the Cyclists' Touring Club Gazette. The Oxford University Press, which is exhibit. ing in three different groups at the Paris Exhibi. tion, has gained the unique distinction of being awarded three Grands Prix-one each for higher education, book-binding, and Oxford India paper. Derek Vane's new novel, “ Ye shall be as Gods," will run as a serial in Great Thoughts, beginning in October, before heing published in volume form. It deals with a curious develop- ment of character in a woman who has elected to live apart from the world, and shows how a feeble nature may live on and absorb a strong one. Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to accept a copy of the new musical novel (published by Sands and Co.) entitled “A 439: being the Autobiography of a Piano," written gratuitously by “Twenty-five Musical Scribes.” The profits go entirely to the orphanage of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, which was founded at the time of Her Majesty's first jubilee. A letter, dated the 21st ult., from the private secretary, to the editor, Mr. Algernon Rose, says that “ The Queen desires her thanks to be returned for the book.” Mr. Isaac Henderson, author of the Criterion comedy entitled “The Silent Battle." has written a new play, called “The Mummy and the Humming Top,” for Mr. Wyndham. The first production at Wyndham's Theatre, however, will be the new play in four acts by Mr. Henry Arthur puuro Charles G. Hart highways two will be rhet uitously by "ography of a entitled "A 430 -- -- ## p. 95 (#129) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 95 or especial benefit to conductors, and secretaries of provincial musical societies desiring information concerning suitable orchestral works by British composers, or information regarding British soloists and players generally. BOOKS AND REVIEWS. (In these columns notes on books are given from reviews which carry weight, and are not, 80 far as can be learned, logrollers.) Jones, in which Mr. Wyndham (in the part of an eminent lawyer), Miss Lena Ashwell, and Miss Mary Moore will appear. Mr. Haddon Chambers has written a new play for Mr. Alexander. In Mr. Tree's production at Her Majesty's of “Herod the Great,” Mr. Stephen Phillips's poetic drama, the following will be in the cast : Miss Maud Jeffries, Mrs. Crowe, Miss Calhoun, Mr. C. W. Somerset, and Mr. King Hedley. Mrs. Patrick Campbell will reopen the Royalty Theatre on Oct. 8. Mr. Jobn Farrington and Mr. A. H. Canby will reopen Terry's Theatre in a few days with the play by Charles H. Hoyt, entitled “A Parlour Match." Among the new plays in London during September were “The Scarlet Sin,” by Mr. George R. Sims and Mr. Arthur Shirley, at the Crown, Peckham; “ Self and Lady,” by M. Pierre Decourcelle, at the Vaudeville ; “The Price of Peace," by Mr. Cecil Raleigh, at Drury Lane; and Mr. Barrie's “ The Wedding Guest” at the Garrick. The new play at the Lyceum by Mr. Seymour Hicks and Mr. F. Latham, which is to be pro- duced on Oct. 6, is called “For Auld Lang Syne.” Mr. William Mollison, Miss Lily Hanbury (as a hospital nurse), Miss Fanny Brough, Mr. W. L. Abingdon, and Mr. Leonard Boyne will play the principal parts. Mr. F. R. Benson's company will open its second season in London at the Comedy on Dec. 19. On three nights of each week the stage will be held by the German company, the Benson company occupying the remaining three nights and two matinées. Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, the Westminster Orchestral Society is about to commence its sixteenth season. At the forthcoming orchestral concert, the pro- gramme will, as usual, include several new works of interest by British composers. In response to the wish of many music lovers resident in the country to assist in the patriotic and valuable work the society has so long carried forward, the committee have decided to enrol a limited number of country members at a nominal fee of half a guinea a year, in return for which sub- scription such members are entitled to receive the society's i ublications, and, when visiting London, the privileges of one-guinea members. Applications should be addressed to the hon. secretary, Mr. Algernon Rose, Town Hall, West- minster. Such membership should be found of AN INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH POLITICS, by John M. Robertson (Richards, 108. 6d.) is, says the Times, “ an ambi. tious, and it is fair to add, a clever book.” The Daily News begins by describing it as "a very eloquent, striking, powerful, but not convincing book," and concludes by saying that“ the English politics to which Mr. Robertson's long, depressing survey is an Introduction are not those of bound. less hope in the future, as all true Liberal politics must be, but are much more like the politics of oynical disbelief in the wisdom which guides mankind.” PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD, by Andrew Lang (Goupil, 638. net), is "an admirable piece of work,” says the Times, and “ a real contribution to historical knowledge.” For the first time the Stuart papers at Windsor Castle have been thoroughly examined, and they form the basis of the volume. Mr. Lang, says the Spectator, “has never been more happily inspired than in this study of the broken life- story of one who will always be a premier figure in romance -the last conspicuous prince of an ill-fated house and the centre of a movement wbich he did not comprehend. He has given as the severe truth, leaving no source unsearched. to find the facts of a difficult career, and at the same time- he has invested the whole narrativa, splendid and sordid, with an unreal fairy-tale atmosphere, which is the true one." The Daily Chronicle refera to the account of the little- known engagement at Falkirk " as “an excellent example of Mr. Lang's descriptive style." THROUGH THE FIRST ANTARCTIC NIGHT, by Frederick. A. Cook, MD. (Heinemann, 208.), gives, says Literature, “a striking and graphic account of the voyage of the Belgica. The book, in fact, strikes us as a work of greater merit than the expedition itself, which seems, if we correctly anderstand Dr. Cook, to have been led in a rather a muddle.. beaded manner.” “His book is interesting as, to use his own words, ' a contribution of new human experience in a. new inhuman world of ice.' ... As a rule there is a certain air of jollity in the stories of those who have wintered in the regions of ice and darkness. It is otherwise with Dr. Cook and his companions. Even Ovid in his exile on the shores of the inhospitable Euxine was not so sorry for himself as they were.” The Times points out that the expedition, which was of Belgian origin, was the first that over wintered in the South Polar area. One fourth of Dr. Cook's narrative relates to South America. HAMPSHIRE, WITH THE ISLE OF WIGHT, by George A. B. Dewar (Dent, 48. 6d. net), is bighly praised by the Daily. Chronicle, which anticipates that the reader's verdict will be: “Never had I believed Hampshire so interesting.” Besides Mr. De war, five other writers, specialists in botany, entomology, geology, &c., take charge of these departments. “The writers' main business," says the Times,“ has been to describe towns, villages, the historic houses, and the roads, and the way in which they have done it should set an example to those who will undertake the other volumes ” of this series of county histories. ## p. 96 (#130) ############################################# 96 THE AUTHOR. THE WHISTLING Maid, by Ernest Rhys (Hutobinson, 68.), “sets forth with real charm of expression and an unfailing sense of the picturesque," says the Spectator, "the adventures on field and flood of a young Welsh damsel of high degree.” The Daily Chronicle characterises it as genuine romance—"a romance written, not from the point of view of the chap-book and the county bistory, but as a the result of a true and sensitive romantic spirit, a work, in a word, of spontaneous and sincere artistry." Similarly the Literary World, which adds: “There is no more charming creation in modern literature than the heroine, Luned, the maid of the silver pipe, who leaves ber bome wben the raid is made upon it, and, attired in boy's clothing, rides through trackless forest country to find ber father, and bring him to the rescue." SENATOR NORTH, by Gertrude Atherton (Lane, 68.), is "essentially an American story," says tbe Daily News. “It deals with the political and social life of Washington.” There is in the story a "terrible tragedy that shows how beavy lies the shadow of the curse apon the blacks in the Southern States. Mrs. Atherton's pages are crowded with portraits of men and women in various grades of society. These portraits are very clean cut.” The Spectator says that “Mrs. Atherton's portrait of the beautiful bat unbappy balf-breed, with her abiding melancholy, her social ambitions, her strange lapses into vulgar barbarism, and her fatal mendacity, is of painfully engrossing interest." “She writes of humanity,” says the Daily Telegraph, “but it is of humanity at its best, and sbe has achieved å very great and noticeable success;" and the Daily Chronicle describes the work as “ full of intellect, of character, and of movement." THE MAN THAT CORRUPTED HADLEYBURG, by Mark Twain (Chatto, 68.), contains, says the Spectator, " a quantity of excellent mixed reading." "Whatever the theme or its treatment, it is good to notice that there is not the slightest trace of fatigue in the mind of the writer.” “The whole," says the Daily News, “forms a welcome addition to the light literature of the day.” For there are all sorts of things in the book, echoes of Austrian Parliamente, of the Dreyfus case, of the author's experiences in the American Civil War, of Christian science, and a score of other subjects. The story that gives the title to the volume (“ only Mark Twain could have conceived the idea," says the Daily Telegraph) is described in the Literary World as *• a satire of the biting kind.” Of the book as a whole, the Daily Chronicle says : “ The old friend is here in the old familiar spirit, excellent company, perennially youthful.” SONS OF THE MORNING, by Eden Phillpotts (Methuen, 68.), is described by the Daily Chronicle as “excellent fiction.” The idea and central thread of the story (which is laid in Devonshire) is "& sweet and strong young farnieress, in love with two good men at once-a situation 80 frequent with women in real life, so rarely handled in books." "The courting of Henery Collins has some excellent humour in it”; and the depths of the book "are concerned with the most fascinating subject, witchcraft.” The work is described by the Spectator as “ earnest in aim and careful in workmanship.” The Fourth GENERATION, by Sir Walter Besant (Chatto, 68.), is a story of the present day, and “touches the old problem of beredity; but it faces that problem," says Literature, “ in the spirit of the practical man of the world.” The conseqaences of the crime of an ancestor of Leonard Campaigne," and the fortunes of his descendants as they touch the life of Leonard, are described and followed with all the skill of a master in the art of story-telling, ap to the moment when the stain is wiped out, and the momentam, as it were, of the crime exhausted, by the marriage of the descendant of the morderer to the descen. dant of his victim.” “The story is finely proportioned,” says the Daily News; " its action never flags." “ Charac- ters are sharply drawn,” says the World, “and treated, too, with a pleasant, whimsical humour.” THE SOFT SIDE, by Henry James (Methaen, 68.), con. tains twelve studies, which, rays Literature, “will probably make new converts to his cult. Each story possesses to a high degree the sensitiveness and detachment which one generally finds in his works.” “How restful,” says the Daily Chronicle," the sense of being in the best circle' all the time." The Spectator allows that “as a virtuoso of transcendental morbidity Mr. James claims anstinted admiration." THE GATELESS BARRIER, by Lucas Malet (Methuen, 68.), is described by tbe Daily News as a “boaatifal and eerie story.” “Lucas Malet has never done as a bit of artistic work anything more refined and delicate." It is the story of the love of a living man for a lovely ghost. It is told, says the Times, "with a sense of style and a dramatic vigoar that make it a pleasure to read.” “The novel carries you along easily, naturally, spontaneously," says the Daily Telegraph, “because of its lightness of touch, its quaint vraisemblance, its original handling of familiar themes.” “Genuine imagination and charm have been at work here,” says the Daily Chronicle. THE Mystic NUMBER 7, by Annabel Gray (Simpkin, Marshall, 38. 6d.), "shows keen psychological interest and ability," in the opinion of the Glasgow Herald. Lilera- ture says “Miss Annabel Gray has a good grip upon ber subject, and writes in a fashion that should be popular with the readers of her many other books." The West- minster Gazette says "the sensational interest of the story is kept ap to the very end," while the Dundee Advertiser pronounces Glen Daile "a splendid creation.” A MASTER OF CRAFT, by W. W. Jacobs (Metbuen, 68.), his first full-length story, “ can be anreservedly recom- mended,” says the Spectator, " to all who have not lost their appetite for wholesome food for laughter.” “The scene is as usual laid on a small coasting schooner, or in the various baunts or houses of call of those engaged in this trade, and the motive is, not for the first time, furnished by the amorous susceptibilities of an amiable but singularly indiscreet skipper.” A PRIEST'S POEMs, by K. D. B. (Catholic Truth Society), is a collection of various verses arranged in different parts. The Athenæum says: “It is in the impassioned prayer to 'God, Creator of the Waters,' in 'Ecce Sto ad Ostium,' in the long and at times beautiful poem Secrets of the Night' that we recogpise now and again a strain of true poetry, while the translations have the rare merit of almost persuading the reader that they are original.” The Westminster Gazette says that “the author shows genuine poetic fancy and devotional spirit.” 66 “THE AUTHOR. SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. 0 Front Page ... ... £4 0 0 Other Pages ... ... 3 00 Hall of a Page ... ... ... 1 10 0 Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Column Advertisements ... 0 16 per inch 0 6 0 Bills for Insertion ... ... ... ... ... 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 Otice, 4, Portugal-street London, W.O. ## p. 96 (#131) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. SALE OF MSS. OF EVERY KIND. Literary Advice, Revision, Research, etc. C LITERARY ĀGENCY ARRANGEMENTS FOR Printing, Publishing, Illustration, Translation, etc. THE LITERARY AGENCY OF LONDON, B, HENRIETTA STREET, W.C. G. RADFORD. G. H. PERRIS. THE DARLINGTON'S HANDBOOKS | AUTHOR'S HAIRLESS PAPER-PAD (The LEADENHALL PRESS LTD., Publishers & Printers, 50, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C.) Contains hairless paper, over which the pen slips with perfect freedom. Sixpence each. 58. per dozon, ruled or plain. New Pocket Size, 8s. per dozen, ruled or plain. Authors should note that TBB LEADENBALL PRESS LTD. cannot be responsible for the loss of MSS. by fire or otherwise. Duplicate copies should be retained. AUTHORS TYPEWRITING. 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PHOTOGRAPHS.-BIRTHDAY and SEASON CARDs from negatives by RALPH DARLINGTON, F.R.G.S., of Scenery, Ruins, &c., in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Italy, Greece, Asia Minor, and Egypt, ls., 1s. 6d., 23., 28. od. Complete list, post free. DARLINGTON AND CO., LLANGOLLEN. STIKPHAST PASTE STIKS TYPEWRITING BY CLERGYMAN'S DAUGHTER AND ASSISTANTS. MISS E. M. SIKES. The West Kensington Typewriting Agency, 13, Wolverton Gardens, Hammersmith, W. (ESTABLISHED 1898.) Authors' MSS. carefully and promptly copied. Usual Ternis. Legal and General Copying. Typewritten Circulars by Oopying Process. AUTHORS' REFERENCES. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Crown 8vo., limp cloth, 28. 6d. net; postage, 3d. extra. THE PRINCIPLES OF CHESS IN THEORY AND PRACTICE. JAMES MASON. MRS. GILL, TYPE-WRITING OFFICE, 35, LUDGATE HILL, E.C. (ESTABLISHED 1883.) Authors' MSS. carefully copied from 1s. per 1000 words. Duplicato copies third price. Skilled typists sent out by hour, day, or week. French MSS. accurately copied, or typewritten English translations supplied. Beferences kindly perrnitted to Sir Walter Besant; also to Meser 8. A. P. Watt and Son, Literary Agents, Hastings House. Norfolk-street, Strand, W.O. BY CONTENTS. – 1. Elements of Chess. 2. General Principles. 3. Combination. 4. Exposition of Master Play Complete. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, EC. ## p. 96 (#132) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. eneste T HAS NEVER BEEN SERIOUSLY QUES- TIONED BY ANY HONEST TYPEWRITER INVENTOR, MECHANICAL EXPERT, OR USER THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL LINES UPON WHICH THE SMITH PREMIER IS BUILT. ARE PAR IN ADVANCE OF ANY OTHER TYPE- WRITER. THAT ALONE WOULD NOT MERIT SUCCESS, BUT THAT FOUNDATION TOGETHER WITH BEST MATERIAL, BEST WORKMANSHIP, AND EXPERT INSPECTION OF ALL THE PARTS AS WELL AS THE FINISHED PRODUCT, HAVE CAUSED THE SMITH PREMIER TO WIN. THIS IS THE EX. PLANATION OF ITS PHE- NOMENAL RECORD OF SUCCESS. SEND FOR ART CATALOGUE. he Smith Premier Typewriter C 14, Gracechurch Street, LONDON, E.C. N Scaith Prom er ESTABLISHED] The Athenæum Press, Taunton. [XVIII. CENT. BARNICOTT & PEARCE INVITE ENQUIRIES RESPECTING PRINTING. ESTIMATES OF COST, AND OTHER DETAILS, PROMPTLY GIVEN. TYPE WRITING With Accuracy and Despatch. Authors' MSS. 9d. per 1000 words. In duplicate, 1s. per 1000. Plays, Translations, General Copying, Circulars (latest Copying Process). Samples and References on application. MISS JANET WAY, 33, OSSIAN ROAD, STROUD GREEN, N. THE VICTORIA TYPEWRITING COMPANY, 18, BOROUGH HIGH STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, S.E., Have adopted a NEW STYLE, very effective, and attracting attention. Authors' MSS. copied from 10d. to 18. 3d. per 1000 words. Kindly send for specimen. CAREFUL AND ACCURATE WORK GUARANTEED. Second Edition. Crown 4to., cloth, price 38. 6d. ; by post, 88, 9d. 1 Crown 8vo., with illustrations, price 68., to be had of all booksellers, DAIRY TALES. By BASIL FIELD. Beautifully FOR HIS COUNTRY'S SAKE; or, Esca, a British Illustrated by C. E. Fripp. T Prince at the Court of Trajan. By L. M. P. BLACK. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.O. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C 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 05 (October 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 05 (October 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 1900-10-01-The-Author-11-5 publications The Author