https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/533/1913-11-01-The-Author-24-2.pdf 0d53a2f4f581cd88b8d8c0aabba5beea PDF Text Text ������������������������������ Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource <em>The Author</em> Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, <em>The Author</em>, 1890<span>–</span>1914, made available together for the first time.<br /><br />Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&amp;advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&amp;collection=&amp;type=&amp;tags=&amp;exhibit=&amp;date_search_term=&amp;submit_search=Search+For+Items&amp;sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1913-11-01 Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages Page range in volume 33–62 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19131101 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin Che HMutbor. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) FOUNDED BY SIR WALTER BESANT. VoL. XXIV.—No. 2. NOVEMBER 1, 1913. [PRIcE SIXPENCE. TELEPHONE NUMBER: 374 VICTORIA. TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS: AUTORIDAD, LONDON. —_______+—~<>__ NOTICES. OR the opinions expressed in papers that K are signed or initialled the authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or paragraphs must be taken as expressing the opinion of the Committee unless such is especially stated to be the case. Tue Editor begs to inform members of the Authors’ Society and other readers of The Author that the cases which are quoted in The Author are cases that have come before the notice or to the knowledge of the Secretary of the Society, and that those members of the Society who desire to have the names of the publishers concerned can obtain them on application. ARTICLES AND CONTRIBUTIONS. Tue Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of cost, its production would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 5s. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should be addressed to the offices of the Society, 1, Cen- tral Buildings, Tothill Street, Westminster, S.W., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all literary matters treated from Vou. XXIV, the standpoint of art or business, but on no other subjects whatever. Every effort will be made to return articles which cannot be accepted. ADVERTISEMENTS. Messrs. Matthews’ Advertising Service, Staple Inn Buildings, High Holborn, W.C., will act as agents for advertisements for “The Author.” All communications respect- ing advertisements should be addressed to them. As there seems to be an impression among readers of The Author that the Committee are personally responsible for the bona fides of the advertisers, the Committee desire it to be stated that this is not, and could not possibly be, the case. Although care is exercised that no undesirable advertisements be inserted, they do not accept, and never have accepted, any liability. Members should apply to the Secretary for advice if special information is desired. ees THE SOCIETY’S FUNDS. ——— ++ "T\ROM time to time members of the Society K desire to make donations to its funds in recognition of work that has been done for them. The Committee, acting on the suggestion of one of these members, have decided to place this permanent paragraph in The Author in order that members may be cognisant of those funds to which these con- tributions may be paid. The funds suitable for this purpose are: (1) The Capital Fund. This fund is kept in reserve in case it is necessary for the Society to incur heavy expenditure, either in fighting a question of principle, or in assisting to obtain copyright reform, or in dealing with any other #2 34 matter closely connected with the work of the Society. (2) The Pension Fund _ This fund is slowly increasing, and it is hoped will, in time, cover the needs of all the members of the Society. i THE PENSION FUND. —1—~>— + —_ N January, the secretary of the Society laid before the trustees of the Pension Fund the accounts for the year 1912, as settled by the accountants. After giving the matter full consideration, the trustees in- structed the secretary to invest a sum of £300 in the purchase of Buenos Ayres Great Southern Railway 4% Extension Shares, 1914, £1C fully paid. The number of shares pur- chased at the current price was twenty-five anc the amount invested £296 1s. 1ld. The trustees are also purchasing three more Central Argentine Railway New Shares at par, on which as holders of the Ordinary Stock they have an option. The trustees desire to thank the members of the Society for the continued support which they have given to the Pension Fund. The nominal value of the investments held on behalf of the Pension Fund now amounts to £4,764 6s., details of which are fully set out in the following schedule :— Nominal Value. £ $d: Wocal Loans 9. ....5.....60... 500 0 0 Victoria Government 3% Consoli- dated Inscribed Stock ........ 291 19 11 London and North-Western 3% Debenture Stock ............ 250 0 0 Egvptian Government Irrigation Trust 4% Certificates ........ 200 0 0 Caze of Good Hope 34% Inscribed SOCK i ieee oie sa 200 0 0 Glasgow and South-Western Rail- way 4% PreferenceStock .... 228 0 0 New Zealand 83% Stock ....... 247 9 6 Irish Land 23% Guaranteed Stock 258 0 0 Corporation of London 24% Stock, 1927-57... a. oc: 438 2 4 Jamaica 34% Stock, 1919—49 .. 182 18 6 Mauritius 4% 1937 Stock ....... 120 12 1 Dominion of Canada, C.P.R. 34% Land Grant Stock, 1988 ...... 198 8 8 Antofagasta and Bolivian Railway 5% Preferred Stock .......... 237 0 0 Central Argentine Railway Or- dinary Stock ..5..6.....050.5, 232.0 0 THE AUTHOR. Nominal Value. s. d. $2,000 Consolidated Gas and Electric Company of Baltimore 44% Gold Bonds ........... 400 0 0 250 Edward Lloyd, Ltd., £1 5% Preference Shares ........... 250 0 0 55 Buenos Ayres Great Southern Railway 4% Extension Shares, 1914 (fully paid) ............ 550 0 0 8 Central Argentine Railway £10 Preference Shares, New Issue.. 380 0 O PENSION FUND. —_—— + THE list printed below includes all fresh dona- tions and subscriptions (7.¢., donations and subscriptions not hitherto acknowledged) received by, or promised to, the fund from January 3, 1913. It does not include either donations given prior to January, nor does it include sub- scriptions paid in compliance with promises made before it. Subscriptions. 1913. £ sda Jan. 8, Toynbee, William (in addi- tion to his present sub- scription). Jan. 9, Gibson, Frank . Jan. 29, Blaikley, Miss E. L. Jan. 31, Annesley, Miss Maude Feb. 6, Rothenstein, Albert . Feb. 10, Bradshaw, Percy V. April 8, Caulfield-Stoker, T. . June 12,,Wimperis, Arthur . June 16, Ballantyne, J. W. June 16, Thorold, Rupert Oct. 8, Rees, Miss Rosemary Oct. 8, Pearce, J. : : : Oct. 9, Drummond, Miss Florence Oct. 9, Rumbold, Hugo Oct. 18, Knowles, Miss Oct. 20, Collison, Harry ; Oct. 21, Buchanan, Miss Meriel _ ~ ~ Ae Aaocannoewraocwonnse GOrococooccr orm ooococo Sooooocoocoeoooaances Donations. 1913. Jan. 1, Risque, W. H. j : Jan. 1, Rankin, Mrs. F. M. . ; Jan. 2, Short, Miss L.M. . : Jan. 2, Mackenzie, Miss J. . : Jan. 2, Webling, Miss Peggy . ecooco eooooso oo Or THE AUTHOR. S 6 @ Jan. 8, Harris, Mrs. E. H. . 20 0 April 2, Hain, H. M. H or Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. _ Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. _ Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. _ Feb. Feb. Feb. ' Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. _ Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. - Feb. Feb. . Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar. 8, Church, Sir Arthur, K.C.V.O., ete. 4, Douglas, James A. 4, Grant, Lady Sybil 6, Haultain, Arnold. 2 6, Beveridge, Mrs. : : 6, Clark, The Rev. Henry . 6, Ralli, C. Scaramanja . £ 6, Lathbury, Miss Eva . : 6, Pryce, Richard : 7, Gibson, Miss L. S. 10, K. : 10, Ford, Miss May : ‘ 1. Greenstreet, W.J.. : 14, Anon 2 . 15, Maude, Aylmer 16, Price, Miss Eleanor . 17, Blouet, Madame 20,P.H.andM.K. . : 22, Smith, Herbert W. . : 25, Anon. . ‘ x 27, Vernede, R. E. : 29, Plowman, Miss Mary . 29, Todd, Miss Margaret, M.D. 81, Jacobs, W. W. : x 1, Davy, Mrs. E. M.. . A 8, Abraham, J. J. : : 4, Gibbs, F. L. A. 4, Buckrose, J. E. : 4, Balme, Mrs. Nettleton : 6, Coleridge, The Hon. Gilbert 6, Machen, Arthur 6, Romane-J. ames, Mrs. 6, Weston, Miss Lydia : : 14, Saies, Mrs. F. H. (in addi- tion to her subscription) 14, Maunsell, A. E. Lloyd. 14, O’Higgins, HJ. ‘ 15, Stephens, Dr. Ricardo 15, Jones, Miss E. H. 17, Whibley, Charles 22, Probert, W. S. 24, S. F. G. : 27, XX. Pen Club 7, Keating, The Lloyd ; 7, Tharp, Robert C. 10, Hall, H. Fielding . 13, Moffatt, Miss Beatrice 14, Bennett, Arnold. 17, Michell, The Right Hon. Sir Lewis, K.C.V.O. Rev. J. Mar. 17, Travers, Miss Rosalind Mar. 26, Hinkson, H. A. ‘ : Mar. 26, Anon. . : ‘ . April 2, Daniel, E. H. 2 : naoroe Orroeococods SOM MOF OF ONKF OCOCOCOCKRH OFM OCOCOCOCOOCBRO WO OFN WH ocouaror rt et et bot anette OH OM ONE NB OOR EF OF Or orore Oe Or OOH bo Oe _ a et _ SPOOF CAND OF S ore Or Or cooruMTt~ acoce ooooo CSCoocacaace coooooaoaooenoanacoooooocooececeocoo April 7, Taylor, Miss Susette M. April 7, Harding, Newman . April 9, Strachey, Miss Amabel April 10, Aspinall, Algernon . April 15, Craig, Gordon April, Robbins, Miss Alice June 12, Peel, Mrs... June 13, Barlow, Miss Hilaré June 18, Kynnersley, E. M. Sneyd. July 5, Williams, Robert . 3 July 11, Broadbent, D. R. . : July 22, Cameron, Mrs. Charlotte . Sept. 29, Peacock, Mrs. F. M. Sept. 30, Healy, Wallis 3 et Oct. 7, Darwin, Sir Francis . 5 0 Oct. 9, Carroll, Sy dney Wentw orth 0 10 Oct. 21, Troubetskoy, ‘The Princess 1 0 We regret that a donation from Miss Alice Robbins of £1 1s., made in April last, was not chronicled in this list. We take this opportunity of correcting the mistake. NEE OCOORFROCOCOOM — NN eH eH OO OCC Oe ooo: SAHeSnRCOCOCOCDONSC COSCO COOF — COMMITTEE NOTES. a HE October meeting of the committee— the first meeting after the vacation —was held on the 6th, at 1, Central Buildings, Tothill Street, Westminster, S.W. There was a very long list of agenda before the meeting. After the signing of the minutes of the previous meeting, the committee proceeded with the election of members and associates. The committee have pleasure in reporting that the rate of election is still steadily maintained, and that seventy-one elections were recorded. These are chronicled elsewhere in The Author. This brings the total number for the current year up to “278. The committee accepted, with regret, six resigna- tions. The seeretary and the solicitor of the Society then reported on the cases taken. in hand during the vacation, and also the progress that had been made in those matters with which the Society was already dealing. There were five cases of infringement of copyright. The first, Corelli v. Gray had been mentioned in former issues of The Author. The solicitor reported that the costs of the first action had been paid into, court and that the matter was now awaiting appeal. Two cases had been settled after considerable negotiation.. In one case, it appeared from the solicitor’s report that the  36 editor of a magazine had been deceived by his contributor. ‘lhe fourth case, which had been before the committee at previous meetings, but which had been adjourned owing to lack of evidence on certain material facts, the com- mittee regretted, after consideration of the solicitor’s opinion, that they were unable to take up as the evidence was insufficient. Should, however, the ‘member be able to produce the evidence required, the committee expressed their willingness to reconsider the issues. The secretary reported that he had heard from the lawyers in Switzerland respect- ing a ease which had been proceeding for some time in that country. The matter had now been referred to the Highest Court of Appeal. So far, the committee regret to report, the decisions have gone against the Society. There were five claims for moneys due to members. Two of these had been settled during the vacation. In a third case a summons was pending, and with the two remaining claims which had not been dealt with previously, the committee instructed the solicitors to proceed. There were three cases in which accounts had either not been delivered or were disputed. In two cases against the same firm in England the solicitors were instructed, as they had been unable to get any satisfactory answer to their questions, to issue the necessary summonses. The third case dealt with a publisher in the United States. The secretary reported that it was being handled by the United States lawyer. The next matter for consideration referred to the liquidation of a firm of publishers. As usual, the Society was taking up the matter on behalf of the members involved. The committee are pleased to receive the report that it had been possible, as in two previous liquidation cases this year, to obtain the election of a member of the Society on the Board of Inspection, to look after the interests of authors. The next matter had reference to a question of libel : it is hoped it will be settled without any further difficulty. There were disputes arising out of the interpretation of agreements. In the first, which had been taken up some time ago, the solicitor reported that, as no settlement had been come to, he was now taking the necessary steps to obtain an injunction to prevent the further publication of the book contrary to the terms of the contract. This case, if it comes into court will be fully reported in The Author. The second, relating to a contract for publication, the committee regretted they THE AUTHOR. were unable to take up. Although the matter was one involving undoubted hardship to the composer it appeared in the circumstances there was no legal remedy to justify the committee in taking action on behalf of the member. The details of the last case were laid before the committee and fully discussed. They found it impossible to take action. It appeared clear that the contract was binding and there was no reason why any court should set it aside. The committee decided to take counsel’s opinion on a difficult case of Inter- national law referring to the reproduction of music on mechanical instruments, and the secretary reported that, with the sanction of the chairman, counsel’s opinion had been taken on a question relating to film rights under a dramatic contract. In a dispute between a member and an agent, the chairman of the committee was requested to write to the member concerned, setting out the views of the committee. The committee decided to take up a difficult question of accounts in order to establish the Society’s right to a formal investigation. In former disputes on accounts the Society had, without taking the matter into court, always obtained the necessary statement from pub- lishers, but for some reason, in this special case, the publishers, through their solicitors, repudiated liability. In consequence, the com- mittee decided that the point must be clearly established that an author, composer or dramatist has full rights to investigate the accounts, and to have them properly vouched if necessary. Another case of the construction of an agreement was considered. The secretary was instructed to obtain further particulars, as the matter was one of serious importance, but one, also, in which it was difficult for the committee to act without fuller information. The case was adjourned to the next meeting. After the consideration of the cases, the committee proceeded to confirm the appoint- ment of Mr. Arthur Train, as the lawyer of the Society in the United States in place of Messrs. Byrne and Cutcheon, resigned. Mr. Train is counsel to the newly-formed Authors’ League of America, and the committee hope that his appointment to represent the Society as lawyer in the United States may be the means of bringing the two Societies into closer union. Two important questions connected with International copyright were then put forward —one relating to the United States and one relating to Russia. The secretary received instructions to write to the Board of Trade,  THE AUTHOR. 37 drawing the President’s attention to the matters. At the suggestion of the Dramatic Sub-Committee, Mrs. Pogson was appointed the Society’s dramatic agent in Germany. Her name is chronicled elsewhere in The Author with the names of the other dramatic agents of the Society. The committee decided unanimously to increase the secretary’s salary, and to grant him a gratuity for past services. They further expressed their very high appreciation of Mr. Thring’s self-sacrificing services in the interests of the Society. It was decided to ask the Poet Laureate to join the ranks of the Society of Authors by accepting his election as a member of the Council. The secretary drew attention to an article in Phe Author dealing with the clauses which, owing to the energy of Mr. H. J. Mackinder, M.P., had been inserted in the Bankruptcy Acts of England and Scotland. The committee unanimously passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Mackinder for his interest in the matter. The secretary drew the attention of the committee to an article in The Author dealing with the question of editors and contributors. He reported, as stated in that article, that various names of editors willing to subscribe to the resolution there set forth had been added to the list during the vacation. The committee decided that it was unnecessary to call another meeting of editors at the present time, and adjourned the matter for later con- sideration. Certain quotations are allowed from copy- right books under section 2, sub-section 4, of the Copyright Law. The Publishers’ Association thought that much vexatious litigation might be avoided if some general understanding was arrived at as to how ‘a short passage ”’ should be defined under that section. They put forward for the approval of the committee of the Society of Authors the following resolution, which resolution, after careful consideration, was approved by the Committee of Management. “The council of the Publishers’ Associa- tion is of opinion that it will be to the interest of everyone concerned if any publisher proposing to make use of copyright matter in a school book in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1911, section 2 (iv.),* gives notice of his intention to the owner of the copyright. * The section referred to provides that the following shall not be an infringement of copyright :— “The publication in a collection, mainly composed of non-copyright matter, bona fide intended for the use of **2. The council considers that vexatious litigation may be avoided if some general understanding is arrived at as to what constitutes ‘a short passage’ from a published literary work, and they beg to suggest the following :— ““(a) ‘A short passage’ from a_ prose work should not exceed one thousand words. ‘““(b) ‘A short passage’ from a poetical work should not exceed one hundred lines. ** Provided that ‘a short passage ’ should not in either case contain more than one third of the complete poem, essay, address, story or other literary work from which it is extracted.” The secretary then reported that a conference of composers had been called for Saturday, October 11. - The draft circular which it was proposed to send round to members, dealing with the Collection Bureau, had to be adjourned to the November meeting owing to the mass of business on hand. The committee approved an article to appear in The Author on the question of agents and stock rights in America. The date of the Society’s Dinner was fixed for November 27. Due notice, with full particulars, will be sent out. It is hoped there will be a large gathering. A question of loans to authors and dramatists on contracts was adjourned, as well as the question of the International meeting of authors to take place in San Francisco in 1915. A draft royalty agreement which had been sent round to members of the committee was approved, subject to one or two slight alterations. It was decided to set it up in time for a final reading at the next meeting of the committee. The most important question before the committee is chronicled here, at the end of the notes, although it was discussed earlier at the meeting, the question of the difficulties connected with the policy of the libraries in the matter of book circulation. The committee decided to invite a conference composed of two authors, two publishers, two members of schools, and so described in the title and in any adver- tisements issued by the publisher, of short passages from published literary works, not themselves published for the use of schools in which copyright subsists: Provided that not more than two of such passages from works by the same author are published by the same publisher within five years, and that the source from which such passages are taken is acknowledged.” 38 the Libraries’ Association and two booksellers. The conference so invited to discuss the whole question with a view to bringing about some solution of the present difficulty. Before, however, the committee proceed they proposed to call a meeting of the Council of the Society to approve the course suggested. This meeting is reported below. In order to elucidate the position and to put clearly before the committee before any decision was arrived at the difficulties with which various authors have had to contend, and the suggestions put forward by members of the Society, the secretary read letters he had received from Messrs. Hall Caine, W. B. Maxwell, Eden Phillpotts, John Galsworthy, and others, and reported in detail the result of various interviews with members of the Publishers’ Association, Mr. Acland of Messrs. Smith & Son, and other parties interested in the solution of the difficulties. The action of the members of the conference if summoned will be chronicled in due course and referred back to the committees of the various associa- tions represented. The committee feel that the question is one of great importance, surrounded by great difficulty, and one to be dealt with as a matter of principle apart from any individual book or any individual author. + Counci, MEETING. A meetING of the Council was held at No. 1, Central Buildings, Tothill Street, West- minster, S.W., on Thursday, October 16, at four o’clock, for the members to consider, and, if thought fit, to approve a suggestion of the committee in regard to the position of the library question. The committee’s proposals ran as follows :— 1. To invite a conference composed of two authors, two publishers, two members of the Libraries’ Association, and two booksellers ; the representatives of such conference to be appointed by the standing committees of their respective associations. 2. The conference so invited to take counsel with a view to solving the existing difficulties. The chairman explained in a few words the reason why the committee had made these suggestions and the reason why they referred them to the Council. Mr. Maurice Hewlett moved the following ynendment :— “That this question (that is, the question on the agenda) be referred back to the THE AUTHOR. committee, with a full report of what takes, place at this meeting of the Council.” He stated, at full length, his reasons for putting forward his amendment, and expressed, very strongly, his feelings in regard to the question generally. He also made a suggestion which he desired should be placed before the committee. Mrs. Belloc Lowndes seconded the amend- ment. ‘ The question was fully discussed in all its phases. Mr. Hewlett’s amendment was then put and carried. With, the fresh information thus obtained which will be reported to the committee, the whole matter will be re- discussed at their next meeting. It is impossible to make a more detailed statement of the proceedings until the final discussion by the committee of the fresh issues raised. ee DraMAtic SUB-COMMITTEE. Tue first meeting of the Dramatic Sub- Committee after the Vacation was held at the offices of the Society, No. 1, Central Buildings, Tothill Street, Westminster, S.W. The first matter dealt with was the dramatic cases. The attention of the sub-committee was called to the first case by members of the Dramatists’ Club, and the secretary was instructed to deal with the matter by a note in The Author. The second related to the: infringement of copyright of a member's play by a London manager. The sub-committee: asked the secretary to convey to the Committee of Management a recommenda- tion that the member be given the best’ assistance possible, as the infrimgement ap- peared to them to be a very serious one. The secretary then reported the successful termina- tion of a case undertaken by the Society in Winnipeg, Canada, on behalf of a member. He explained that damages had been obtained. and the matter settled. A dispute with a dramatic agent for non-delivery of accounts was next referred to the sub-committee and the secretary was instructed to recommend to the Committee of Management to take up the action. The Managerial Treaty next came before the committee, and a letter received from Mr. J. E. Vedrenne, secretary to the Society of West-End Managers was read. After careful consideration of the letter, the secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Vedrenne suggesting another meeting of the delegates: \  of the West-End Managers’ Association, with a view to careful consideration of the points raised. A letter from the Dramatic Clubs’ Associa- tion was laid before the committee, and the committee decided, in accordance with a promise made before the vacation, to ask delegates from the Association to meet the sub-committee at their next meeting. Counsel’s opinion which had been taken on behalf of one of the members, dealing with film rights under a dramatic contract made before the passing of the new Copyright Act, was read to the sub-committee, and a dis- cussion arose as to the present value of film rights. It was decided to ask Mr. Cecil Raleigh whether he would not write another article on the question for the benefit of members of the Society, from the new evidence and particulars of terms of contracts which had been gathered. A series of letters that had been received by Mr. Shaw from an American dramatic agent, and by Mr. Louis J. Vance, from a representa- tive of the same firm, were laid before the sub-committee. The letter received by the secretary from the German Society of Authors and also terms of a proposed contract were considered. The secretary was instructed to write to the German Society, pointing out that the Constitution of the Society of Authors would not permit of its making a contract on the lines proposed, but that they hoped the German Society would, outside a formal con- tract, work with the English Society with a view to mutual assistance in dramatic matters. A letter received by one of the members of the sub-committee, from Mr. F. H, Dickinson, of New York, in regard to the publication of a work entitled ‘Chief Contemporary Dra- matists,’’ with the terms offered to Authors, was read, as also was a series of letters received by the secretary of the Society from members whose works it had been proposed to issue. The next matter was one of considerable importance, and dealt with the question of stopping piracies in the colonies and foreign countries. The secretary stated that during the vacation he had thought that the existing ‘difficulty of giving prompt instructions to lawyers abroad might be overcome by using powers of attorney, drafted in such a way that they could not be operated without a cablegram from the Society’s office. He suggested that Dramatist members of the Society who thought fit, should have three or four powers of attorney, one for each foreign THB AUTHOR. 39 country, and that these should be placed in the hands of the Society’s lawyers in the countries concerned. If, then, the lawyers heard of a piracy they would communicate with the Society, and if the member thought fit, the lawyer would receive cabled authority to take immediate action. Thus it would be possible to overcome the great drawback in these cases of delay. The sub-committee considered the suggestion and instructed the secretary to obtain a draft settled by counsel for the members. Mr. Justin McCarthy, Mr. Jerome K. Jerome, and Mr. G. Herbert Thring, the secretary, were voted a sub-committee to deal with the question of a draft agreement, and it was decided that the agreement, when so settled, should not be referred back to the sub-committee. The sub-committee, however, indicated certain lines along which the contract should be drafted, and added that the con- tract should be accompanied by a statement explanatory of the clauses and of the rights with which it was proposed to deal. The question of the dramatic contract in Holland was also discussed. The secretary was instructed to thank Mr. Reyding, the agent of the Society in Holland for his letter, and to express the desira of the sub-committee that in future contracts for Holland the name of the author should be substituted for that of the agent, as principal. — Composers’ SuB-COMMITTEE. A MEETING of the Composers’ Sub-Committee was held on Wednesday, October 8, at the offices of the Society at eleven o’clock in the morning. The meeting discussed fully the line of procedure to be followed at the Conference of Composers which was held on Saturday, the 11th of the same month. The next question before the meeting was the Evening News competition, and the secretary was instructed to write an article on the subject which, with the chairman’s consent, should appear in the next issue of The Author. II. The second meeting of the sub-committee was held at the Society’s offices, No. 1, Central Buildings, Tothill Street, Westminster, S.W., on Saturday, October 18, at eleven o’clock. The first matter under discussion was what should be made to the recommendation 40 Committee of Management in order to assist them to deal with the Resolutions passed by the Conference of Composers on October 11, and the sub-committee passed the following resolution :— “That the Committee of Management be asked to appoint delegates in accordance with the resolution unanimously passed at the meeting on October 11, and to confer as to the best means of reaching those composers who were not members of any Society.” Mr. Cecil Forsyth’s name was suggested as one of the delegates, and Mr. Forsyth consented to act if appointed. It was decided that paragraphs should be inserted in the daily papers setting out the fact that the Society of Authors dealt with the works of composers as well as with those of dramatists and writers, and that composers were entitled to the same benefits as were accorded to other members. The sub-committee felt that this course was perhaps the best means to bring the work the Society did for composers to the notice of those who were members of no organization. It was decided, also, with Mr. MacGillivray’s sanction, to publish, in pamphlet form, his speech delivered at the Conference of Com- posers setting out in detail the rights held by coon and how best they could be dealt with. The next question brought forward was the question of settling a draft agreement, and the secretary was instructed to draft an ideal form to be submitted to the next meeting of the sub-committee. A question having arisen respecting the sale of stamps to reproducers of music by mechani- eal instruments, on “sale or return,’ the sub-committee considered the matter, but came to the conclusion that the suggestion made by the companies was not one they could support, as it would be likely to lead to much confusion in the minds of composers. At the same time they were willing to give their serious or to any arguments brought before them. The secretary read correspondence with the Ammre, and was instructed to ask whether the German Society could not give some guidance as to the kind of music they would like submitted to them with a view to reproduction on mechanical instruments. Finally, the question of the collection of fees in France was discussed, and the secretary was instructed to write to his correspondents with a view to ascertaining what steps could be taken to collect members’ fees on mechanical reproductions in that country. THE AUTHOR. Cases. Durine the past month twenty-two cases have passed through the secretary’s hands. Of these, eight were for overdue accounts. Four of this number have been settled and the accounts delivered to the authors. Of the remaining four, one is a Canadian ease, one against a publisher notoriously unbusiness- like in delivery of these statements, in the third delivery has been promised, and the last will also, it is hoped, be settled without difficulty. There have been three claims for money. In one of these—against a magazine —the editor has promised to forward a cheque in advance of publication; the second is in the United States and sufficient time has not yet elapsed for an answer to the secretary’s letter, while the last has only just come into the office. Four claims have been put forward for MSS. retained by editors and others. In one ease the MS. has been returned. In the second some of the MSS. have been returned. In the third it has not been possible, so far, to get. a response to the secretary’s letters, but the matter is still proceeding. In the fourth it has been impossible to locate the defendant, although there is some hope of finding him eventually. There have been two cases in which the authors demanded fuller particulars of accounts rendered. In one case the information has been given and the author is satisfied with the explanation. In the other the publisher has, so far, failed to respond and the matter is being pressed. Disputes on agreements account for three cases. In the first the dispute was settled by the author making part payment of the sum claimed. This payment was made, not because of any legal liability attaching to the author, but because the author wished to meet the other side. In the second an offer has been made to the publisher, but at the time of going to press the time fixed for acceptance had not expired. The matter will be dealt with further next month. In the third the defendants gave way and adopted the view of the contract put forward by the secretary on behalf of the member. There were two cases relating to copyright. In one an American magazine had made use of a member’s work, altered it, and re-published it contrary to the arrangement with the author, The secretary has written to the magazine, but sufficient time has not yet elapsed’ for the answer to come through. The second : case relates to a threat by a foreign author to make  So far, no actual infringement has occurred, and the secretary has written to the solicitor of the foreign author warning him that the action contemplated by his client will amount to an infringement of the member’s rights. There is one claim open from the former month. This relates to a claim for money against a magazine. The editor has admitted liability, but has delayed fulfilling his promise to make the necessary payment. It is hoped to report, next month, that the money has been paid. ———+—__ October Elections. Baker, Ernest A., M.A., D.Litt. Bennett, T. Armitage (“ T. Armitage ’’). “* Blakeney Cley’’. Buchanan, Miss Meriel Byars, Gilbert . . Carr, Sydney Herbert . ~~ Carroll, Sydney Went- worth. ‘Chute, Miss Margaret . Coulter, The Frederic W. de Castro, J. Paul Rev. Douglas, Mrs. Drummond, Miss Flo- rence. - Elgar, Sir Edward, O.M. Frankish, Harold , Gardiner, H. Balfour . Gregory, Mrs. Octavia . ‘Greves, Hyla. Guise, Major Henry Miss Barbara 3, H. R., MA. F.S.A,. St. James’s Lodge, Kidbrook Park Road, S.E. Church House, Wal- singham, Norfolk. British Embassy, St. Petersburg, Russia. C/o. Messrs. Rey- nolds & Co., 13, Berners Street, W. Linden Lodge, Teign- mouth, S. Devon. 22, Dorset Square, N.W. 173, Lisburn Lane, Liverpool, E. 1, Essex Court, Temple, E.C. 6, Spencer Wimbledon. 4, Learmouth Ter- race, Edinburgh. Severn House, Hampstead, N.W. The Laurels, Aikley, Barnet, Hertford- shire. 7, Pembroke Villas, Kensington, W. Melville, Parkstone, Dorset. Rodney House, Bournemouth. Royal Societies’ Club, St. James’ Street, S.W. 22, King Henry’s Road, N.W. Hill, THE AUTHOR. use of the work of an English writer. Hardinge, Henry Charles Maurice. Harris, Miss Vera A. Hodgkinson, Ivan T. . Hodson, Henry Edward “Jan Paulus” . Jones, Daniel, M.A. Leonard, Miss Emma Hill. Little, Philip Francis . Liversedge, Alfred John Lofting, Miss Kitty MacGill, Patrick . _. Malloch, George Reston Mason, Stuart Maude, G. H. ; 5 Milburn, Mrs. G. Hart- ley. Muspratt, Horace Nepean, Mrs. A. Evan . Pearce, John Phillips, Mrs. Alfred (“ Blanch Eryl’’). Pinder, Miss Eva Price, Julius M. . : Pugh, Capt. George Farrer. Rees, Rosemary . Robertson-Scott, Mrs. (“* Elspet Keith ’’). Rombach, John George Rumbold, Hugo . Sellon, The Rev. M. St. Juste. Seton, Walter Warren . _Shaw, Martin 41 184, Ebury Street, S.W. 6, Oaklands Road, Bedford. Kingston, Somerset. The Moors, Church- down, Cheltenham. Wells, University W.C. College, 85, Eccles Dublin. 63, Northampton Road, Croydon. Street, The Cloisters, Wind- sor Castle. The White Cottage, Chingford, Essex. 6, Molyneux House, Molyneux Street, W. Broom Hall, Horsell, Surrey. 15, Alexandra Drive, Sefton Park, Liver- pool. Berners, St. Albans. 57, Carlton Mansions Maida Vale, W. Lyceum Club, 128, Piccadilly, W. C/o. H. G. Hale, Esq. 144, Cromwell Road, S.W. 22,Golden Square, W. 20, Monmouth Road, East Ham. 19, The Mansions, Hillfield Road, West Hampstead, London. 68, Fonthill Road, Aberdeen. Bachelors’ S.W. North Finchley, N. Club, University College Hall, Ealing, W. 72, Haverstock Hill, N.W. 42 N. Sidgwick, Blanche Simpson, James Young, D.Sce., F.R.S.E. Singer, Ignatius . Spencer, The Frederick, A. M. Spiers, K. C. ® Shearman, The Rev. J. Rev. Staley, Alfred Emlyn Standen, Bertha P. Stevens, Percy . Terry, J. E. Harold Thompson , Harold Stuart. Tillard, Miss Irene Venton, Horace William , Walpole, Hugh Seymour Walsh, Miss Donegan. Whitelaw, David Wile, Frederic William Wilkinson, The Hon. Mrs. Wilson, C. Carus Wood, Mrs. Fanny Morris. Wyndham, Percy Wynne, Harry . Yetts, W. Percival Marie fe THE AUTHOR. Shankill Rectory, Ballygomartin Road, Belfast. 25, Collingham Road, S.W. 25, Chester Street, Edinburgh. 3, Parkfield Road, Bradford. Brasenose College, Oxford. Newlyn, Romsey, Hants. Highfield, Bishop’s Taunton, Barn- staple. Savage Club, Adel- phi, W.C. 69, Norton Road, Letchworth. 115, Albert Palace Mansions, Batter- sea Park, S.W. « Elia,’ Lansdowne Road, Hands- worth, Birming- ham. 16, Hallam Street, Portland Place, W. C/o. Messrs. Sebasti and Reali, 20, Piazza di Spagna, Rome. The Cliff, Brighton. Helmstedterstrasse 6, Wilmersdorff, Berlin. Dringhouses Manor, York. 54, Worcester Street, Wolverhampton. 13, Wharncliffe Road, Sheffield. Clouds, Hast Knoyle Salisbury. Beaconsfield Road, Weston-super- Mare. Junior United Ser- vice Club, S.W. BOOKS PUBLISHED BY MEMBERS. —_+—+ While every effort is made by the compilers to keep this list as accurate and exhaustive as possible, they have, some difficulty in attaining this object owing to the fact that many of the books mentioned are not sent to the office by the members. In consequence, it is necessary to rely largely upon lists of books which appear in literary and other papers. It is hoped, however, that members will co-operate in the compiling of this list, and, by sending particulars of their works, help to make it substantially accurate. ART. Tue ART oF SILHOUETTE. By Desmonp Coxe. 9 x 5}. 231 pp. Martin Secker. 10s. 6d. n. “Tue ANGELS APPEARING TO THE SHEPHERDS.” By Veasquez. A Critical Study. By M. H. Spre:many. 10} x 73. 34 pp. The Medici Society. 2s. 6d. n. Tur Watuace Coutection. By J. Rutrer. 6} x 44. 166 pp. (National Treasures.) 2s. n. Oxtp Eneuise Furniturn. By F. Fenn and B. WYLLIE. 91 pp. xciv. plates. Batsford’s Collectors’ Library. 9 x 52. 6s. n. BIOGRAPHY. Mrs. Jorpan, Cuitp or Naturs. By Purp W. Szr- qaeant, B.A. With photogravure plate and 20 other illustrations. Hutchinson & Co. 16s. n. Mary QurEn or Scots. By WatteR Woop. Illustrated in Colour by Sir Jamus Linton, R.I.,and JAMES ORROCH. R.I. Edited by W.Saaw Sparrow. 8} x 6. 151 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. 6s. n. Rusxiy. A Study in Personality. By A. C. Buyson, 7k . 5. 264 pp. (Cheaper Re-issue.) Smith Elder. 3s. 6d. n. Tur RoMANCE oF AN ExpreRLy Port. A Hitherto Un- known Chapter in the Life of George Crabbe, revealed by His Ten Years’ Correspondence with Elizabeth Charter, 1815—1825. By A. M. Broapiny and W. JERROLD. 9 xX 53. 309pp. Stanley Paul. 10s. 6d.n. A VagaBonp Courtirer. From the Memoirs and Letters of Baron Charles Louis von Pollnitz. By Eprrn E. CuTHEtt. 2 Vols. 9 Xx 53. 688 pp. : Stanley Paul. 24s. n. Spnenpip Farurns. By Harry Grawam. 9 X 53. 268 pp. Arnold. 10s. 6d. n. Tue Court oF CHRISTINA OF SWEDEN AND THE LATER ADVENTURES OF THE QUEENIN Exite. By F. GRIBBLE. 9 x 53. 356 pp. Nash. 15s. n. Tur AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHARLOTTE AMELIE PRINCESS OF ALDENBURG, née PRINCESS DE LA TREMOILLE, 1652— 1732. Translated from the French of the original manuscript and Edited by herdescendant, Mrs. AUBREY Lz Buonp. 9 xX 6. 3867 pp. Nash. 15s. n. BOOKS FOR THE YOUNG. Jupitu’s Victory. By L. E. TrpEman,S8.P.C.K. 2s, 6d. Trixy anD Her Trio. By L.E.Tippeman. Jarrold. 2s. Oxp Trstammnt Ruymes. By Rosert Hucu Benson. Illustrated by Gaprren Pirret. 10} x 9. Longmans. Is. n. Tutnas To Maxr. By A. Wuuiams. 430 pp. Nelson. 82 x 3s. 6d. , Suiran Jim, Emprre Burwper. By H. StRAne. 5}. 372 pp. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton. Tue Sworp or Detiverance. A-Story of the Balkan War, the Battle of Lule Burgas, and the Siege of Adria- nople.. By C.Gruson. 82 x 5}. 346pp. Nisbet. 6s.  THE AUTHOR. 43 THE TWINs IN CEYLON, AND MorE ABOUTTHE Twins. By Betua Sipney-Wootr. Illustrated by A. E. Jackson. 74 x 54. 131 pp. Duckworth & Co. 3s. 6d. Att THE OLD Nursery TaLes. By Guapys Davipson. Illustrated by Marcarrr TaRRANT. 84 < 6. 248 pp. Pilgrim Press. 3s. 6d. A History or Germany. By H. E. Marswary. 10 x 74. 449 pp. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton. 7s. 6d. n. THe Untucky Faminy. HENRY DE LA Pasture. 7} x 5. 284 pp.- and Hodder and Stoughton. 3s. 6d. Eneuisu Farry Tates. By Ernest and Grace Rays. Illustrated by H. Connand R. A. Bett. 128 pp. Tue Book or Nature. Edited by W. P. WEsTELL, F.L.S. 94 x 64. 355pp. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton. 5s. TD. THE CRUISE OF THE Gyro-Car. By HERBERT STRANG. 74 x 5. 243 pp. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton. 1s. n. THe Story Book Grirts. By CHRISTINA Wuyte. (New Edition.) 72 x 54. 339 pp. and Hodder and Stoughton. 3s. 6d. THE PRIZE AND THE Buank. By M. E. F. Hytanp. 7? x 5. 224 pp. S.P.C.K. 2s. A Waywarp Girt. By Mrs. Bartitie REYNOLDS. 54. 268 pp. Partridge. 3s. 6d. Herpert Strane’s Annuat. 104 x 7}. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton. 5s. n. Tue ADVENTURES OF Dick TREVANION. By H. StRana. 7% < 54. 399 pp. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton. 3s. 6d. Tue Race Rounp tHE Worup. Being the Account of the Contest for the £100,000 Prize offered by the Combined Newspaper League, of the Invention of Methylite, and certain passages in the life of Mr. Wang. By Caprain C. Giuson. 72 x 5. 283 pp. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton. 3s. 6d. Tue ScHoot Across THE Roap. By Drsmonp CoKE. 7? X 5}. 336 pp. Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton. 3s. 6d. SETTLERS AND Scouts. A Book for Children. By Mrs. Frowde GowANS Frowde 7h x 208 pp. A Tale of the African Highlands. By HerBertTStranc. 7} x 53. 374pp. Frowdeand Hodder and Stoughton. 3s. 6d. Now anp Ten. Chronicles of Half-Text History. By A. R. Horn. 72 x 5}. 336 pp. Black. 3s. 6d. GENTLEMAN Jack. An Adventurer in East Africa. By H. A. Hinkson. 72 x 5. 222 pp. S.P.C.K. 2s. BOOKS OF REFERENCE. Firtrentu Century Booxs. A Guide to Their Identifi- eation. With a List of the Latin Names of Towns and an Extensive Bibliography of the Subject. By R. A. Peppiz. 74 x 5. 89 pp. Grafton. 5s. n. CLASSICAL. Evriripes anp His Acr. By Giupert Murray, LL.D. 6% x 4. 256 pp. (Home University Library.) Williams and Norgate. ls. n. DRAMA. Tue Fuorrtve. A Play in Four Acts. worRTHy. 63 x 5. 95 pp. Duckworth. ls. 6d. Spomine THe Broru, anp OTHER Puays. By Brertua N. Granam. 63 x 4%. 202 pp. Chapman and Hall. 1s. 6d. n. Piay-Maxinc. A Manual of Craftsmanship. By W. Arcuer. (New and Cheaper Edition.) 7% x 5. 323 pp. Chapman and Hall. 2s. 6d. n. FICTION. Biggs ee LETT. 8 xX 54. 306 pp. Macmillan. 6s. By Joun GaAts- Sussom. By C. Marriorr. and Blackett. 6s. Writin Water. By Srpney C. Grier. Blackwood. 6s. THE Sout or A SUFFRAGETTE, AND OTHER SroriEs. By W. L. Courtney. 7} x 5. 292 pp. Chapman and Hall. 6s. : GaRTHOYLE GARDENS. By Epcar Jepson. 74 x 5. 320 pp. Hutchinson. 6s. Ricwarp Furtone. By E. Tempie Tuurston. 391 pp. Chapman and Hall. 6s. Scenes From a SuBALTERN’s Lire. 74 x 5. 325 pp. Blackwood. 6s. THe Woman Furncues. By Mrs. Frep REYNOLDS. 7} < 5. 310pp. Chapmanand Hall. 6s. WHEN Love Cattep. By A. W. Marcumont. 318 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. © 6s. THE Coryston Famiry. By Mrs. Humpury Warp. 72 x 5. 360 pp. Smith Elder. 6s. Tue Dark Flower. By Jonn GaLsworTHY. 302 pp. Heinemann. 6s. Tue Rest. By E. Hamirton Moore. 7} x 5}. E. Macdonald. 6s. THe Door Tuat Has No Key. By Cosmo Haminton. 7 X 5. 328 pp. Chatto and Windus. 6s. Diana anp Two Sympuontes. By F. Toyz. 304 pp. Heinemann. 6s. A Dovstrut Cuaracter. By Mrs. Battitre REYNOLDS. 7? x 5. 315 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. 16s. GREEN Girt. By Mrs. Henry Tippett. 73 x 5. 384 pp. John Long. 6s Tue Grey Cat. By J. B. Harris Buruanp. 316 pp. Chapman and Hall. 6s. Tue Grie oF THE Past. By Joun A. Stevart. 319 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. 6s. Lorp Lonpon. A Romance of To-Day. By KEBLE Howarp. 74 x 5. 294 pp. Chapman and Hall. 68. Tue Surest Bonn. 72 x 5. 335 pp. Hurst 7} x 5. 349 pp. it x 5. By C. L. Girson. 7% x 54. ik <5. 282 pp. iz x Dt 72 x 5. 7% x 5. By Errrz ADELAIDE RowLanps. 72 <x 5. 294 pp. Chapman and Hall. 6s. Lrerrers to My Son. By Winirrep JamEs. Cheaper Edition.) 63 x 44. Hall. 1s. n. THe Magic Fire. By Frances Hammonp. 286 pp. Chapman and Hall. 6s. THE CHILDREN OF THE SEA. By H. pz VERE STACPOOLE. 74 x 5. 357 pp. Hutchinson. 6s. A Master or Lire. By Pair Gisss. 72 x 5. 312 pp. Cassell. 6s. 288 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. (New and 169 pp. Chapman and je x5 Tue SECRET OF THE SEA. Curlewis). 72 x 5. 3s. 6d. No Puace Like Home. 469 pp. Constable. 6s. Joan Tourspay. By Louis J. Vance. Grant Richards. 6s. FLowsr or THE GoLpen Heart. By VioxeT A. Srmpson. 7% x 5. 300 pp. Chapman and Hall. 6s. Tue Truants. By A. E. W. Mason. 62 x 44. 321 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. 7d. n. Tue Girt From NowHere. By Mrs. Barre Reynowps. 62 x 44. Hodder and Stoughton. 7d. Tue Greatest Wish In THE WorLD. By E. Trempie ' TuHurston. (New and Cheaper Edition.) 63 x 44. 392 pp. Chapman and Hall. Is. Lonpon Lavenper. By E. V. Lucas. 7 x 44. 286 pp. Methuen. 5s. Tue Story or Warr Situ Baxter. By Kats Doveras Wicern. 7} x 5. 314 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. 68. { Tue Joy or Youtn. By Epren Puiwirotts. 73 x 5. 312 pp. Chapman and Hall. 6s. By J. Trevena. 74 x 5. 7} x 5. 363 pp. Seventh Edition. 44 Mrranpa. By M. E. Brappon. 7} x 4. 420 pp. Hutchinson. 6s. THe Evrasian. By H. Bruce. 73 x 5. 320 pp. John Long. 6s. Tur HonovuraBLe Mr. TAWNISH. Tllustrated by C. E. Brock. Sampson Low. 6s. n. Tur BEWILDERED Benepict. The Story of a Superfluous Uncle. By E. Burke. 73 X 5. 386 pp. Jenkins. 6s. Tue PAUPERS OF PoRTMAN SQUARE. 72 x 5. 319 pp. Cassell. 6s. Mrntronarre’s Isuanp. A Veracious Story of a Man, Two Women, and an Idea. By Max PEMBERTON. 7} X 5. 312 pp. Cassell. 6s. ‘By JEFFERY FARNOL. 8 x 6}. 118 pp. By I. A. R. WYLIE. Weeps. By Ouave Porrer and Dovaias SLADEN. 8 X 5. 399 pp. Hurst and Blackett. 6s. Younc Eve anp OLtp Apam. By Tom Gaon. 7} x 5. 320 pp. John Long. 6s. Biack Smuence. By Marie Connor LeIcurTon. 7} X 5. 347 pp. Ward, Lock. 6s. A PREACHER OF THE Lorv. By Atice and CLAUDE Askew. 7% x 5. 311 pp. Cassell. 38. 6d. n. Captain Davy’s Honeymoon. By Hatt Carne. 6} X 4}. 320 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. 7d. Tue Day THat CHancep THE WorLD. By Haroip Brose. (Popular Edition.) 74 Xx 43. 159 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. ls. n. Tue INSBPARABLES. By J. Baker. (Popular Edition.) 72 x 5. 329 pp. Chapman and Hall. 2s. n. Tur GentteE Lover. A Comedy of Middle Age. Forrest Rum. 74 x 5. 319 pp. Arnold. 6s. Somerumne Arar. By MAxweLiuGrRay. 7} Xx 5. 363 pp. Arnold. 6s. Asput Hamip’s DAUGHTER. By The Tragedy of an Ottoman Princess. By Metex Hanoum and Grace ELLIson. 73 x 5. 307 pp. Methuen. 6s. Tue Perrect Wire. By JosepH Keatinc. 7? X 5. 280 pp. Heinemann. 6s. NovempBer Jon, THe Detective ofr THE Woops. Hesxetu PritcuarD. Illustrated. Hodder and Stoughton. 6s. Tur BIRTHRIGHT OF GRIMALDI. 72 x 5. 372 pp. Kegan Paul. By 7% x 5. 323 pp. By Horr Huntiry. 6s. GARDENING. GaRDEN TREES AND Survss. Illustrated in Colour. By W.P.Wricut. 9} x 63. 337pp. Headley. 12s. 6d. HISTORY. Monastic ScHoots IN THE MippLE Agus. By G. G, Covutton. (Medieval Studies, No. 10.) 94 x 6. 44 pp. Simpkin, Marshall. 2s. 6d. n. Tus WESTERN REBELLION oF 1549. By F. Rosu-Trovp. 83 x 53. 520 pp. Smith Elder. 14s. n. Tur JOURNAL OF A British CHAPLAIN IN Paris Durine tHE Prack Negotiations or 1801—2. From the Unpublished MS. of the Rev. Dawson Warren, M.A. Unofficially attached to the Diplomatic Mission of Mr. Francis James Jackson. Edited by A. M. Broapiey. 9 xX 53. 283 pp. Chapman and Hall. 15s. n. British Barrtes: Porrrmers. By Hare BeEtxroc. 63 x 44. 118 pp. Rees. ls. n. Earty Wars or Wessex. Being Studies from England’s School of Arms in the West. By A. F. Masor. Edited by the late Cuas. W. WuistiteR, M.R.C.S. 9 x * a + 238 pp. Cambridge University Press. 3. 6d. n. THE AUTHOR. LAW. A Digest oF EneiisH Crvm Law. By Epwarp Jenks (Editor), anp OrnerRsS. BookIII. Section III. to XIL Property, Continued. By Epwarp Jrenxs. 10 x 6}. pp. 793—977. Butterworth. LITERARY. Tue Views or Vanoc. An Englishman’s Outlook. By Arnotp Wauiuire. First Series. Third Impression. 419 pp. Second Series. 367 pp. 64 x 4}. Kegan Paul. 1s. n. each volume. PERSONALITY IN LiteRATURE. By R. A. Scott JamEs. 9 x 53. 243 pp. Martin Secker. 7s. 6d. n. Water Pater. A Critical Study. By E. Tuomas. 83 x 53. 232 pp. Martin Secker. 7s. 6d. n. Tue Piuarn Man AnD His ‘Wirz. By ARNnoLp BENNETT. 7i x 5. 143 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. 2s, 6d. n. Lorrere’s Harvest. A Book of Essays. By E. V. Lucas. 62 x 4}. 255 pp. Methuen. 5s. Pox anv His Portry. By Lewis Cuasz, Pxu.D. 64 x 44, Harrap. 10d. GLANCES OVER PASTAND PruseNT. By Arnsiiz Dovenas Ainsyig. 73 x 5}. 327 pp. Edinburgh, Douglas. 2s. 6d. n. Tue Press AnD Its Story. By J.D. Symon. 7} x 5}. 328 pp. Seeley Service. 5s. n. SEVENTEENTH CENTURY STUDIES. C.B. 7} x 5. 350 pp. mann. 6s. n. Tue ErcuincHaM Lerrers. By Exua Futter MAITLAND and Sir FrepERIcK Potiock, Bart. (EHighth Impres- sion. Fourth Edition.) 7} x 5. 328 pp. Smith Elder. 3s. 6d. n. Tue Quest or THE Hoty Gra. By Jessie L. WESTON. 7k x 5. 162 pp. Bell. 2s. 6d.n. Tue Reporters’ GALLERY. By MicnarL Macponacu. 82 x 5}. 452 pp. Hodder and Stoughton. 12s. n. Critican Kit-Kats. By Epmunp Gossz, C.B. 73 X 4}. 309 pp. Heinemann. 6s. n. MISCELLANEOUS. By Mr. Auzec. TWEEDIE. ls. n. 129 pp. By Epmunp Gossz, (Fourth Edition.) Heine- Busy Days. 52 x 44. 127 pp. Routledge. MUSIC. Tur Perrect WacNerite. ACommentary on the Nieb- lung’s Ring. By Bernarp Suaw. 7} X 5. 150 pp. Constable. 3s. 6d. n. NATURAL HISTORY. My Doc. By Maurice Marreruinck. Translated by A, TerxeRIA DE Mattos. With Illustrations in Colour 8i x 6. 64pp. Allen. PHILOSOPHY. Our Erernity. By Maurice Maxrrerrincs. Trans- lated by ALEXANDER THIXEIRA DE Marros. 7 X 4. 243 pp. Methuen. 5s. n. Tur DIscoveRY OF THE FuturE. By H. G. Wetis. (New by CEcrL ALDIN. 3s. 6d. n. Edition.) 7 x 44. 60 pp. Fifield. 1s. n. POETRY. Opxs. By Laurence Brnyon. 7$ x 5. 72pp. Elkin Mathews. 2s. 6d. n. Sonas From Books. By Rupyarp Kirrine. 302 pp. Macmillan. 6s. Tur Darropi, Frecps. By J. Masgerierp. 73 x 5. 110 pp. Heinemann. 3s. 6d. n. , Opp Numpers. By Dum Dum. 7} x 5. 92 pp. Con- stable. 3s. 6d. n.  FounpEep on Fiction. By Lapy Sysm Grant. Illus- trated by G. Morrow. 10 x 73. 96 pp. Mills and Boon. 3s. 6d. n. Tur Mottey Musr. (Rhymesfor The Times.) By Harry Granam. 8} x 63. 120 pp. Arnold. 3s. 6d. n. { POLITICAL. Tue Passinc or Empire. By H. Fretpine-Ha tt. 5}. 307 pp. Hurst and Blackett. 10s. 6d. n. REPRINTS. Tue Oren Roap. Compiled by E. V. Lucas. (New Edition.) Illustrated in Colour by CLauprE A. SHEPPER- son, A.R.W.S. 10} x 72. 300pp. Methuen. 15s.n. Tue WAVERLEY EDITION OF THE WORKS OF CHARLES Dickens. With Introductions by Hall Caine, Max Pemberton, John Galsworthy, A. C. Benson, and Ber- nard Shaw. The Waverley Book Co. 2s. 6d. n. each. THe Works or Tennyson. With Notes by the Author, Edited with a Memoir by Hattam, Lorp Trnnyson. 8 x 5}. 1032 pp. Macmillan. 10s. 6d. n. SCIENCE. Tue Science or THE Sciences. By H. J. Brooxs. 74 x 5. 312 pp. Nutt. 3s. 6d. n. SOCIOLOGY. Tue New Man. By Puirip Gress. Pitmans. 3s. 6d. n. Tue Errects oF THE Factory System. (New Edition.) By Auten CuarKE. Crown, 8vo. Cloth. J. M. Dent & Sons. Ils. n. 8 x 14 x 43. 257 pp. SPORT. 63 pp. Coacutna Days anp Ways. 64 pp. (British Illustrated by G. Hodder and Stoughton. Fox anp Hovunps. 62 pp. Covert AND FreLtp Sport. Sport Series.) By E. D. Cumine. Drennotm ARmouR. 9 x 63. 1s. 6d. n. TECHNICAL. A Practican Manuva or Woot Dyerna. Botton. Heywood & Co., 150, 12s. 6d. n. TECHNOLOGY. SIMPLE GARMENTS FOR CuI~DREN (From 4 to 14). M. B. Synee. 57 Pieces. 3s. 6d. n. By CLEMENT Holborn, W.C. By With Paper Patterns, Comprising in all Illustrated. 84 x 64. 47 pp. Longmans. THEOLOGY, THE PRESENT RELATIONS OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION. By THe Rey. Prorzssor T. G. Bonnuy, Sc.D., F.R.S. 82 x 54. 212 pp. R. Scott. 58. n. Rome versus Jesus. By Etystan M. Brarpstzy, 7} X 54. 186 pp. Melrose. 6s. n. Tur New Testament 1n MopERNn Spercu. By the late Ricuarp Francis WrymourH. Edited and Partly Revised by E. Hampprn-Coox. (Pocket Edition.) 5% X 3%. 638 pp. Clarke. ls. 9d. n. Tur Brste anp Moprrn Criticism. By Sir Ropert Anperson, K.C.B., LL.D. With a Preface by the Ricat Rev. Hanptey C. G. Moutz, D.D. (Seventh Edition.) 84 x 54. 281 pp. Nisbet. 2s. 6d. Human Destiny. Arrer Drarp—Wuat? By Sir Rozpert Anprrson, K.C.B., LL.D. (Seventh Edition.) 1% x 54. 226 pp. Nisbet. 2s. 6d. PaRADOXES OF CaTHOoLIcIsM. By Rosert HucH BEnson. 8 x 54. 174 pp. Longmans. 3s. 6d. n. TOPOGRAPHY. RAMBLES IN THE Nortu Yorxsuire Dates. By J. EF. Bucxrosr. 73x 5. 192pp. Millsand Boon. 3s. éd. THE AUTHOR. 45 Tue Pitcrim From Cuicaco. Being more rambles with an American. By Curistian THAaRLE. 9} xX 653. 349 pp. Longmans. 7s. 6d. n. THE Romance or THE CAMBRIDGE COLLEGES. By Francis GRIBBLE. 7} X 5. 268 pp. Mills and Boon. 6s. TRAVEL. AMERICA AS I saw IT, oR AMERICA REVisITED. By Mrs. pg TweEepiz. 82 x 654. 395 pp. Hutchinson. s. 0. UmpriA, Past AND PRESENT. By Mary Lovett CAMERON 7% x 5. 324 pp. Sidgwick and Jackson. 6s. n. THE CITIES OF RoMAGNA AND THE Marcues. By Epwarp Hutton. 7} x 5. 309 pp. Methuen. 6s. Tue DotomitEs: Kina LAvRIN’s GARDEN. Painted by E. Harrison Compton. Described by REGINALD FaRRER. 9 X 64. 207pp. A.andC. Black. 7s. 6d.n. ee LITERARY, DRAMATIC, AND MUSICAL NOTES. ba N October 3 there was published by () Messrs. Macmillan & Co. a practically complete collection of the poems and chapter-headings in verse scattered throughout Mr. Rudyard Kipling’s prose works. The volume is entitled ‘“‘ Songs from Books.”’ Mr. Thomas Hardy’s new volume of prose fiction, *“* A Changed Man, The Waiting Supper, and other Tales, concluding with The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid,” appeared on October 24, the publishers being Messrs. Macmillan. H.M. the King has been pleased to accept a copy of ‘‘ On the Track of the Abor,” by Major Mark Synge (Powell Millington). A copy of Sir James Yoxall’s “‘ A.B.C. about Collecting,’ the predecessor of the volume, ‘* More about Collecting,” mentioned in these Notes last month, has been graciously accepted by H.M. the Queen. The publishers are Messrs. Stanley Paul & Co. ‘“* Turkey in Agony,” translated by Bedwin Sands (Mr. George Raffalovich) from the 37th edition of M. Pierre Loti’s ‘‘ Turquie Agoni- sante,’’ has been published for the Ottoman Committee by the African Times and Orient Review, Ltd. Mr. Alfred Perceval Graves has brought out a volume called ‘‘ Irish Literary and Musical Studies ”’ (Elkin Mathews, 6s. net). The Gresham Publishing Co. announce ‘* Leaders and Landmarks in European His- tory,’? by Mr. A. R. Hope Moncrieff and the Rev. H. J. Chaytor. This work presents a gallery of biographical sketches illustrating the course of European history by the lives of men and women who have made that history what it is. 46 Captain Harry Graham’s “ Splendid Fail- ures,” a volume of biographical essays which Mr. Edward Arnold is issuing, takes for its subjects people well known by name, though few are acquainted with their personal his- tories. Among them will be found Wolfe Tone, “the first of the Fenians”; George Smythe, whom Disraeli took as his model for the hero of ‘‘ Coningsby ” ; Hartley Coleridge ; and the ill-fated Archduke Maximilian. Mr. Philip W. Sergeant’s * Mrs. Jordan, Child of Nature”? (Hutchinson & Co., 16s. net), was published on October 29. Miss Alice E. Robbins’ “‘ Book of Duchesses” has been published by Andrew Melrose. Messrs. J. J. Bennett, Ltd., are the publishers of Mr. Charles F. Moxon’s ‘‘ On the Track of Truth,” a book of essays dealing with person- ality, heredity, free-will, and kindred topics. The price is 6s. net. Miss Myra Swan had in the October number of the Empire Review an article in eulogy of Shakespeare, the title being ‘‘ England’s Birthday.” Mr. M. D. Haviland’s ‘‘ Wild Life on the Wing,” with illustrations by Mr. Patten Wilson, is announced for early publication by Messrs. Black. These stories of bird-life by field, wood, and moor, by a close observer, are intended for all nature-lovers. Under the title of ‘“‘ America as I saw It: or America Revisited,’’ Messrs. Hutchinson have brought out in this country Mrs. Alec Tweedie’s impressions of her third visit to the United States, with a coloured frontispiece by Mr. Perey Anderson, and some cartoons by Mr. W. K. Haselden. The Macmillan Co. are the New York publishers of the work. ‘“‘ Busy Days ” is the name of a birthday-book containing quotations from Mrs. Tweedie’s fourteen volumes, issued by Messrs. Routledge at 1s., or, bound in grey suéde as a Christmas gift-book, 3s. Mrs. Alec Tweedie also con- tributes a preface to Mrs. Beattie Crozier’s “‘ Children’s Games and Parties,’’ a collection of forty-eight articles on entertaining children, illustrated with over 100 photographs by the author (Routledge, 3s. 6d.). “‘ Social Worship—for use in Families, Schools, and Churches,” is the title of two quarto volumes (about 1,000 pages), which will be published this month by George Allen. They contain Ethical Scriptures compiled and edited by Dr. Stanton Coit ; while the musical editor is Mr. C. Kennedy Scott. The selections have been made from the point of view that ‘true religion is history and law transfigured by moral idealism or, rather, it is moral THE AUTHOR. idealism made real and potent by an infusion of the nation-building powers of the universe.” The price is £2 2s. net. We are informed that 300 copies of “‘ Russian Flashlights,’ by Mr. Jaakoff Prelooker (Chap- man and Hall, 10s. 6d. net), have been placed at the disposal of public libraries in the poorer districts of the United Kingdom by an anonymous “friend of public instruction.” Libraries desiring free copies should, when applying to the Spriggs Publishing Agency, indicate their annual income and enclose 5d. in stamps for postage. Mr. E. S. Bellasis, M.I.C.E., has published during the year, through Messrs. E. and F. N. Spon, ‘‘ River and Canal Engineering ” and “Irrigation Works,” the prices being 8s. 6d. and 8s., net, respectively. Mr. Rowland Kenney’s ‘‘ Men and Rails,” dealing specially with the railway problem in relation to the workers, is issued by Mr. T. Fisher Unwin at 6s. net. Mr. George Ford, author of ‘‘ The Larramys,”” has brought out a new novel, “ The Hoop of Gold,” published by Messrs Allen & Co. Captain Charles Gilson has contributed throughout the past year to Blackwood’s, the Dublin Review, and other magazines. Messrs. William Blackwood & Sons, of Edinburgh, have published his “Scenes from a Subaltern’s Life,” a selection of sketches of very varied interest. Captain Gilson still continues to produce a number of stories for boys. Messrs. Nisbet have just published ‘‘ The Sword of Deliverance,” a tale of the Balkan War, illustrated with drawings and photographs by Mr. H. C. Seppings Wright, the war corre- spondent (6s.) ; and Messrs. Henry Frowde and Hodder and Stoughton, ‘‘ The Race Round the World,” an aeroplane story for younger boys, illustrated by Mr. Cyrus Cuneo (3s. 6d.). Captain Gilson has also a serial running in The Captain, entitled ‘‘ The Fire-Gods ”’—a tale of the West Coast of Africa. Miss Grace Ellison translates and edits a story by Melek Hanoum, heroine of Pierre Loti’s “‘ Désenchantées,”’ lifting the veil from harem life in Constantinople under the old régime (Methuen & Co.) Messrs. John Long, Ltd., will shortly publish a new novel entitled, ‘‘ The Eurasian,” by Mr. Henry Bruce, author of “ The Native Wife,” ete. This is a study of the unhappy sub-race which has resulted from our two centuries’ possession of India. Mr. Archibald B. Spens is engaged on a novel of Indian life, a further outcome. of the trip to the Peninsula already described in THE AUTHOR. £ “Mr. Spens’ “A Winter in India” (Stanley f Paul & Co.) Among the novels announced by Messrs. Herbert Jenkins are “‘ Sheila Intervenes,” by Mr. Stephen McKenna ; and “ The Bewildered Benedict : the Story of a Superfluous Uncle,” | by Mr. Edward Burke. Mr. John Bloundelle Burton’s new romance, * * Fortune’s Frown,” is concerned largely with ' the Spanish Fury in Antwerp and the continued © oppression of the Netherlands for some time . after that terrible event. But for the book- ¢.. binders’ strike this novel would have appeared before now. The title of Miss Editha L. Blaikley’s novel ‘of mentioned in last month’s issue should have -od been ‘‘ Dorothy Gayle.” Mr. A. R. Hope’s new book for prizes, school - tf libraries, etc., is “‘ Half and Half Tragedy ”’ ) (A. &. C. Black, 5s.) [ Messrs. C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd., publish = at 2s. 6d. Mr. Christopher Beck’s ‘‘ The : ) ‘Crimson Aeroplane.” } Owing to the sustained demand for ‘“‘ The Twins in Ceylon ’’ and “* More about the Twins in Ceylon,” by Bella Sidney-Woolf (Mrs. R. H. Lock), Messrs Duckworth & Co. have «i brought out a combined edition of the two -o! books in one volume at 3s. 6d. The books of have been placed upon the prize-list of the sf London County Council. Mr: Charles T. Jacobi, managing partner of 4% the Chiswick Press, has issued a fourth edition ‘9. of ‘*Some Notes on Books and Printing” )} (6s. net.). A sixteen-page pamphlet, extracted .if from this, instructs authors how to correct = aproof. Copies of this are lying at the Society’s 4 office and may be obtained by members on 8 application. 1 4 We understand that Messrs.. W. and G. | Foyle have opened a Foreign Book Department « at 5, Manette Street, next to their headquarters ' in Charing Cross Road. In this new depart- ' ment they propose to furnish their customers * with books in every language on every * conceivable subject. The books will be ar- “| ranged in strictly classified order. Messrs. _ Foyle inform us that they have the largest @ stock of second-hand foreign books in this °°9 country, and they invite readers of The Author to inspect this collection. The Daily Express announces that it has * arranged with Messrs. Stanley Paul that they % shall acquire the book rights of the story which wins the prize in the Express serial competition, provided that it is the work of _ an author who has never had a story published ) 1£ in book form before. Stories by new authors 47 must therefore be submitted on the distinct understanding that the work considered by the judges to be the best will be bought as to the serial rights by the Express for £200, and as to the book rights by Messrs. Stanley Paul for £100. Mr. Ernest Whatson sends us a copy of his novel, ‘‘ Pauline,’”’ of which he personally has undertaken the whole burden of publication, in the belief that “the six-shilling novel is out of date,” that ‘the libraries merely buy just sufficient copies to spoil the sales amongst the general public,” and that ‘the royalties offered to the author are, as a rule, absurdly disproportionate to the time and toil which he must spend on his work.’’ He is selling ** Pauline ’’ at 1s., in paper covers, and proposes to issue others of his novels in the same way. ** We hope,”’ he says, ‘‘ to be able to produce a readable book at a popular price, which will tempt the public to buy instead of borrowing, which will at the same time allow a reasonable margin of profit to the writer and retailer.” We shall be interested to hear the financial result of Mr. Whatson’s venture. DRAMATIC. At the Ambassador’s Theatre on October 17, Madame Lydia Yavorika presented a new four-act play by the late Pierre Berton, “A Daughter of France.”? Miss Constance Maud was the author of the English version of this. At the Court Theatre on October 20, Miss Horniman put on for a short run Mr. Eden Phillpotts’ ‘‘ The Shadow,’’ which was previously seen at the Gaiety Theatre, Manchester. Another play by Mr. Phillpotts, “The Mother,” was seen at the Liverpool Repertory Theatre on October 22. Mr. G. K. Chesterton’s fantastic comedy, “Magic,” will be produced at the Little Theatre. During the Christmas holidays The Children Theatre will produce three plays by Miss Netta Syrett, entitled ‘The Fairy Doll,” ‘The Strange Boy,” and ‘*The Enchanted Garden,” and one by Mrs. Percy Dearmer, entitled “‘ Kit and the Cockyolly Bird.” “The Sea Power of England” is the name of a play for a village audience, by Amabel Strachey. The play has been pub- lished in book form by A. C. Curtis, Ltd., and Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press, Mrs. St. Loe Strachey contributing an introduction. 48 THE AUTHOR. PARIS NOTES. —oaee — a ES CHOSES NOIENT,” by Edouard Estaunié, is one of the most original novels. The author tells us a-story which, in itself, is an admirable psychological study. Each individual lives and has a strongly defined personality. The house in which the various scenes take place is in Dijon, and the atmosphere of the provincial town pervades the whole story. The author has heard everything he tells us from the house itself. The furniture and the very walls have witnessed all that has taken place, so that, with an artist’s intuition, the writer has only had to tell us what he has gathered from the apparently silent habitation. Some years ago this author gave us ‘“ La Vie Secréte,’’ and he was awarded an Academy prize for his earlier novel, “‘ L’Empreinte.” “Le Chemin de la Victoire,” by Emile Nolly, might be called a colonial novel. A former book by this author won an Academy prize, and the prize given by La Vie Heureuse this year has been awarded to Emile Nolly for his admirable book, ‘“‘ Gens de Guerre au Maroc.” The present novel is dedicated to the author's comrades, ‘‘ The officers of the French Colonial Army.” The story is more or less the diary (not written as a diary) of a certain officer who takes part in active service in the French colonies. It is a story very true to life, told simply, showing both the prosaic and poetical side of a soldier’s existence. “‘ Billes Nobles et Magiciennes,”” by Humbert de Gallier, is the third volume of the curious series entitled ‘‘ Les Moeurs et la Vie privée d’Autrefois.”” From this study of the women of the old aristocracy, we understand how it comes about that modern Frenchwomen, as a rule, are such excellent housekeepers and hostesses. Going back to the sixteenth cen- tury, the author introduces us to the convents in which so many women of good society lived. In many of these convents, or cloisters, it was not necessary to take religious vows. Many women and girls of good family lived there for a certain time, paying a certain sum of money annually, just as in our modern boarding- houses. The girls were trained for their future réle in the world, and no details of household management were considered un- important. We see the daughters of the oldest families in France keeping the accounts, attending to the house linen, the sweeping of the rooms, the trimming of the lamps, etc. They were also expected to be efficient in the sick-room and in the drawing-room. In another chapter, speaking of the Frenchwoman of to-day, M. de Gallier says that the future alone can decide whether the woman of to-day (with her appeals to the law for a certain authority which she evidently fears she ean no longer obtain by means of her husband’s affection and the respect of her children)is in a better position than her grandmother, who knew how to obtain, thanks to her own hands, and without any uproar, the place that was her due. ‘““Marie Antoinette, Fersen and Barnave (Leur Correspondance), published by O. G. de Heidenstam, is a delightful addition to the Marie Antoinette litérature. In the old castle of Léfstad (belonging at present to the Countess Emilie Piper, a descendant of Fersen’s sister) are two packets of letters. The one contains be) those written by Fersen to his sister, acknow- ’ - ledging to her his chivalrous love for the unfortunate queen. The other packet con- tains the political correspondence between Marie Antoinette and Barnave. Thanks to the permission of the present owner of these letters, M. de Heidenstam has been able to give us a volume of immense interest. The great event in the theatrical world has been the resignation of the Director of the Comédie Francaise, Jules Claretie, after so many years of arduous work. M. Claretie is well known to the English public as an author, and, on looking at the long list of his novels and other books, one wonders how he could have found time for the absorbing task of administrating the affairs of a State theatre. Mr. Albert Carré succeeds M. Claretie as director of the ThéAtre Francais. M. Carré began his career as theatrical manager at Nancy. In 1885 he came to Paris as manager of the Vaudeville. His next theatre was the Gymnase, and in 1898 he was appointed director of the Opéra Comique. Another event in the theatrical world this season was the inauguration of the marvellous ceiling painting at the Comédie Frangaise, on which Albert Besnard has been at work for some eight or nine years. It is indeed a wonderful piece of work, with all the boldness and delicacy and the exquisite harmony of colouring of which Albert Besnard alone has the secret. Atys HAiarD. ‘Les Choses Noient.” (Perrin.) “ Wjlles Nobles et Magiciennes.”’ (Calmann-Lévy.) “Marie Antoinette, Fersen and Barnave (Leur Corres- pondance).” (Calmann-Lévy.) —_——_+ <>  )@: agreement. |. pieces, UNITED STATES STOCK RIGHTS AND AGENTS. — + a HE Dramatic Sub-Committee again desire to eall the attention of members to the value of stock rights in the United States. { The number of towns in the United States 4) that have stock companies is very large as ‘6 anyone can see from the lists issued by the J United States dramatic agents. Favourite running generally for a week at a © time, are being revived again and again. To obtain the full advantage | from the + leasing of these stock rights it is almost » essential that an author should have an agent in the United States to guard his interests. This is the course adopted by most of the ‘} dramatists who have a market for their work ai in the United States. It is of the utmost im- “ portance, however, that authors should be » careful in their choice of agents. There are ag agents who think their sole duty lies in taking any fees that come their way, and in passing on ‘the accounts without ever checking them or > seeing that they are in accord with the One agent who was held up for his = 1s carelessness stated that all he had to do was » to forward all the fees. This kind of agent is / >. very unsatisfactory as he forces the author to Bok RY a, undertake work for which the agent receives ® commission; besides, it is often impossible for 4) the author to check the accounts as the agent “4 usually holds the agreement. Again, there are.agents who act as principals. f These are also very unsatisfactory. They may make an offer of a capital sum for the stock rights. They may do so stating openly _ that they are purchasing for themselves. They may do so without making such a statement, leaving the author to deduce that the offer has come from someone else. In either case the position is unsatisfactory as the agent is using his special knowledge for his own advantage, which should be wholly at ‘J the service of his principal. _ However upright or straightforward an 1% agent may desire to be, if he acts as principal if he always runs the risk of having the charge @ brought against him that his advice is not BR ies ial disinterested and that his statements are sh tainted. In no circumstances, therefore, should an ‘® author employ an agent who at any time acts ‘& 2S principal or is interested as principal in ® others’ work. The committee of the Society consider it THE AUTHOR. 49 necessary to put forward this warning owing to certain information which has been laid before them, not only with regard to agents in the United States but also with regard to agents this side of the water. <> — ____. A PRIZE COMPETITION. All songs must be forwarded on or before November 15, addressed to the Editor of the Evening News, Carmelite Street, E.C., and marked outside, ‘‘ Song Competition.” Competitors must write pen-names only on _ their manuscript and enclose their own names and addresses, with the pen-names, in separate envelopes. A number of the best songs will be chosen by a com- mittee of well-known singers, who will act in conjunction with the Editor of the Evening News. These songs will be submitted to the vote of the audience at a great concert to be organised by the Evening News, and the decision then reached as to which is the best song in each class will be final. £100 will be the prize for the best song for male voices, and £100 for the best song for female voices. If collaborators have sent in a winning song, they must arrange between themselves as to the proportion of prize money each one takes. The Hvening News will not accept any responsibility as to the division of the money. The winning compositions will become the property of the Evening News, which is to make arrangements for their publication. Royalties at a rate to be agreed upon will be paid to the successful competitors on the sale of the songs. Where the song is by collaborators, they must arrange between themselves the proportion of the royalty proceeds each is to take. The Evening News is to have the right to publish any song sent in, upon the same royalty terms (and, of course, without any £100 prize) that are paid in the case of the prize songs. ROM time to time The Author has had 4 reason to draw the attention of members to the unsatisfactory and _ indefinite drafting of the terms set out by proprietors of papers “when they offer prizes for literary or other copyright work. The rules printed above comprise the rules as issued by the Evening News for a song competition. There are several points to which the atten- tion of our members should be drawn. It would be very interesting to know who are the committee of well-known singers about to act in conjunction with the editor of the Evening News. This is not a matter of vital importance, but such knowledge would no doubt inspire confidence in those who are sending up their works, although—the editor might consider this point—it is very doubtful if any self-respecting composer would care to submit his work to the judgment of a com- mittee of singers and the general public. It would also be interesting to know whether this  50 competition emanates from some publishing house, or is merely a money-making suggestion arising from the proprietors of the Evening News. This point also is not a matter of vital importance, but again it would inspire con- fidence if it was distinctly understood that the offer came from the Evening News and that no music publisher was at the back of it. — There are, however, other points which are of very vital importance. Although the date is fixed when the compositions should be sent in to the Evening News, no date is fixed when the great concert is to be given ; no statement is made as to how the votes of the audience are to be taken, and no date is given when the prize money is to be paid. It is clear from the tules printed above that royalties are to be paid on the winning compositions in addition to the £100 which the winners receive, but the royalties are “at a rate to be agreed upon.” Does this mean agreed upon between the editor of the Evening News and the prize winners, or merely agreed upon by the editor of the Evening News? If the royalty “ to be agreed upon” is to be settled between the composer and the editor of the Evening News, this may give rise to great difficulty. If the parties cannot agree, what solution of the difficulty does the editor suggest ?. This point should have been clearly dealt with. It would have been much better if the editor had clearly stated what royalty he was willing to pay on the publication of the winning songs. Then each composer would have had a fair chance of judging whether it was worth his while to compete for the prize, receiving £100 for the sale of the full copyright, and in addition a royalty on the sale of each copy of the songs. It would appear, however, that if the song was converted into a valse, or dealt with in any other fashion, no royalty would be payable. There is no undertaking that the songs will be published by a certain date, or that the com- posers’ names will be attached to the songs when they are put on the market. All these points should have been definitely and clearly set forth. It would then be a matter for the composer to decide whether it would be worth his while to compete on the chance of winning the prize, We desire to draw the special attention of members to the last paragraph. Though it might be worth while for a composer to com- pete and win the prize, he would have to consider very carefully whether it would be worth his while, in case he did not win the prize, to be bound by the last para- graph. Here again no statement is made as to THE AUTHOR. the date when the songs are to be published. No statement is made as to what royalty is to: be paid, except that it is to be the same royalty as is paid in the case of the prize songs. If the rate of royalty had been fixed by the rules, every competitor would know how he stood, but the rate of royalty which a composer who receives £100 down might be willing to accept may prove very inadequate and unfair to the other composers who have not got the prize. Again, though it is clear that “the pro- perty,” z.e., the whole copyright of the prize songs, belongs to the Evening News, it would. seem from the rules that ‘“‘ the property ” in the other songs would not belong to the Evening News, but the proprietors would merely have “ the right to publish the song,” and would have no further rights in the matter. If this deduction is not correct, then the pro- position as put forward seems open to doubt, and in that case the editor should have set forth the terms much more accurately for the benefit of those composers who are competing. We do not desire to discuss the amount that is given, for it must lie entirely with the com- poser to decide whether it is worth his while to- accept the financial side as it stands, but we do- desire to lay stress upon the point that in many ways the offer is too indefinite, and that it would be much better if the Evening News, before setting out the terms, had taken pains to see that no mistake or misunderstanding: . could possibly be made by those who are desiring to enter the competition. We feel quite sure that the proprietors of the Evening News desire to do everything that is. fair and right by the composers, but it is clear that, from the terms set out, misunderstand- ings and dissatisfaction may arise. This might easily have been avoided with a little care. Te LITERARY TREATY BETWEEN GERMANY AND RUSSIA. —-—>——— ERMANY has not long delayed following the example of France and arriving at a treaty with Russia for the reciprocal protection of copyright property in the two empires. The new treaty came into force on August 14 last, and has a duration of five years, after which it remains in force year by year for one year until it is denounced by one of the contracting parties. i it @ THE AUTHOR. On the whole the terms of agreement «»- resemble those between Russia and France. Citizens of both countries now enjoy in both countries the rights accorded them by law; and the stipulations apply equally to authors of any nationality who publish in either country. The term ‘“‘literary or artistic works ”’ is interpreted in the wide sense given to it in modern copyright enactments, and embraces architectural, choreographic, panto- mimic works, etc., and every production of any literary, scientific, or artistic character whatso- ever, no matter what may be the form of reproduction, or the merits or demerits of the work. Photographs, or works produced by any process similar to photography, are included. Authors have an exclusive right of translation for ten years, on condition that this right is reserved on the title-leaf (on either side of the leaf), a particular to which the German publishers attach importance, or in the preface. This exclusive right of translation is, however, lost if the author does not make use of it within five years, and, in the case of translation of scientific, technical, or educa- tional works, within three years. In this last particular the Russians have been far from generous, and we gather from the columns of our valuable contemporary Le Droit d’ Auteur (September, 1913), to which we are indebted for our information, that it was not without a struggle that the German delegates secured even this very scanty protection. The Russian Government was indisposed to grant German Scientific, technical, and educational works any protection at all, desiring that they should remain entirely at the disposal of Russian translators. The right of translation of un- published works will be calculated from January 1 of the year of publication; and which day is January 1, will be determined in accordance with the calendar of the country in which the work is published. The following are explicitly enumerated as illicit reproductions—unauthorised transfor- mations, adaptions, and arrangements of music, transformations of novels or poems into dramatic pieces, and vice versa. Excepting serials and_ stories, articles appearing in journals are not protected, either in the original or in translations, unless their reproduction has been expressly forbidden. Mere news is not protected. Dramatic authors, whether their works are published or not, enjoy, in the original, pro- tection during the whole period of copyright ; in a translation, only during the period accorded to translation. Composers are protected if 51 the inhibition of public performance of their works is mentioned on every copy. In the cases of discs, etc., for the mechanical perfor- mance of music, and in the case of photographs it is necessary that every copy should indicate the name of the firm or author and the date of publication. It suffices that the inhibi- tion of reproduction should be expressed in the language of the country of manu- facture. It will be here perceived that the protection accorded is thus not absolutely unconditional, The agreement is not retro-active, but applies to all the territories of the signa- tories. Le Droit d Auteur, at the conclusion of am exhaustive article on the new treaty remarks with great reason :— ““The new agreement is a document elaborated with methodical care and with a constant attention to defining and ameliorating international relations. In this respect it deserves not only the praises which have been bestowed upon it by German authorities and the German press (which anticipates as a consequence of the new treaty the suppression of many abuses and a future increase of intellectual exchange between the two nations), but has also a right to the approbation of the more extended group of countries either already bound up, or about to be bound up with Russia in the domain of reciprocal protection of writers and artists. Finally, it will be noted with satisfaction by the republic of letters which acclaims all drawing together of civilised nations on the pacific grounds of the defence of common interests of a higher order.” re MAGAZINE CONTENTS. ao British REVIEW. The Poetry of Francis Thomson. CoNTEMPORARY. Shakespeare and Public Affairs. By Sir Sidney Lee. EneuisH REVIEW. The Poetry of Chaucer. By Henry Newbolt. FortNIGHTLY. The Plays of Granville Barker. By P. P. Howe. Emile Verhaeren. By Horace B. Samuel. Charlotte Bronté. By Augustus Ralli. Mussorgsky’s Operas. By E. A. Baughan. Drama for the Common Man. By W. L. George-  HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. oo t, VERY member has a right toask for and to receive K advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. | The Secretary of the Society is a solicitor ; but if there is any special reason the Secretary will refer the case to the Solicitors of the Society. Further, the Committee, if they deem it desirable, will obtain counsel’s opinion without any cost to the member. Moreover, where counsel 8 opinion is favourable, and the sanction of the Committee is obtained, action will be taken on behalf of the aggrieved member, and all costs borne by the Society. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publishers’ agreements do not fall within the experi- ence of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society. 3. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the document to the Society for examination, 4, Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are reaping no direct benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of your calling in promoting the independence of the writer, the dramatist, the composer. 5. The Committee have arranged for the reception of members’ agreements and their preservation in a fire- proof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as confidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of thesafe. The Society now offers: (1) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (2) To keep agreements. (3) To enforce payments due according to agreements. Fuller particu- lars of the Society’s work can be obtained in the Prospectus. 6. No contract should be entered into with a literary agent without the advice of the Secretary of the Society. Members are strongly advised not to accept without careful consideration the contracts with publishers submitted to them by literary agents, and are recommended to submit them for interpretation and explanation to the Secretary of the Society. 7. Many agents neglect to stamp agreements, must be done within fourteen days of first execution. Secretary will undertake it on behalf of members, This The 8. Some agents endeavour to prevent authors from referring matters to the Secretary of the Society ; so do some publishers. Members can make their own deductions and act accordingly. 9. The subscription to the Society is £1 1s. er annum, or £10 10s. for life membership. et WARNINGS TO THE PRODUCERS OF BOOKS. —1— + : ERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property :— I, Selling it Outright. This is sometimes satisfactory, if a proper price can be THE AUTHOR. obtained, But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. Il. A Profit-Sharing Agreement (a bad form of agreement), In this case the following rules should be attended to :* (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs, or by charging exchange advertise- ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements, (3.) Not to allow a special charge for ‘office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher, As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor ! III. The Royalty System. This is perhaps, with certain limitations, the best form of agreement, It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately the truth, From time to time very important figures connected with royalties are published in Zhe Author, IY. A Commission Agreement. The main points are :-— (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production, (2.) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book, General. All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned. Such combinations are generally disastrous te 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 :— C1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means, (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld, (3.) Always avoid a transfer of copyright. a eee ney ceniennenieany WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. | EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some com- petent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with any one 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 contract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills, THE AUTHOR. (2.) Sale of performing right or of a licence to perform on the basis of percentages on gross receipts. Percentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain a percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts in preference to the American system. Should obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) Sale of performing right or of a licence to perform on the basis of royalties (#.c., 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 (}.) apply also in this case. . 4, Plays in one act are often sold outright, but it is 6, 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 i be reserved. * 5, Authors should remember that performing rights can uit @ be limited, and are usually limited, by town, country, and time, This is most important. aE 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but «@ should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction got @ is of great importance, 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a ale pisy are distinct from literary copyright. A manager ‘6 holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot ( print the book of the words. 8. Never forget that United States rights may be exceed- ® ingly valuable. They should never be included in English ~@ agreements without the author obtaining a substantial «1@; consideration, 9, Agreements for collaboration should be carefully seu) drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of ed © is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of : “a delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. re He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in oo6e 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. ee As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete, on 4u3S @ecount of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con- \@°e@ tracts, those authors desirous of further information \ @& are referred to the Secretary of the Society. ——— Or 2 REGISTRATION OF SCENARIOS AND ORIGINAL PLAYS. 1 oe. typewritten in duplicate on foolscap paper forwarded to the offices of the Society, together with a registration fee of two shillings and sixpence, will be carefully compared by the Secretary or a qualified assis- tant. One copy will be stamped and returned to theauthor and the other filed in the register of the Society. Copies of the scenario thus filed may be obtained at any time by ‘the author only at a small charge to cover cost of typing. Original Plays may also be filed subject to the same rules, with the exception that a play will be charged for at the price of 2a. 6d. per act. 53 DRAMATIC AUTHORS AND AGENTS. RAMATIC authors should seek the advice of the Society before putting plays into the hands of agents. As the law stands at present, an agent who has once had a play in his hands may acquire a perpetual claim to a percentage on the author’s fees from it. As far as the placing of plays is concerned, it may be taken as a general rule that there are only very few agents who can do anything for an author that he cannot, under the guidance of the Society, do equally well or better for himself. The collection of fees is also a matter in which in many cases no intermediary is required. For certain purposes, such as the collection of fees on amateur performances, and in general the trans- action of frequent petty authorisations with different individuals, and also for the collection of fees in foreign countries, almost all dramatic authors employ agents; and in these ways the services of agents are real and valuable. But the Society warns authors against agents who profess to have influence with managers in the placing of plays, or who propose to act as principals by offering to purchase the author’s rights. In any case, in the present state of the law, an agent should not be employed under any circumstances without an agreement approved of by the Society. ee WARNINGS TO MUSICAL COMPOSERS. eas ITTLE can be added to the warnings given for the assistance of producers of books and dramatic authors. It must, however, be pointed out that, as a rule, the musical publisher demands from the musical composer a transfer of fuller rights and less liberal finan- cial terms than those obtained for literary and dramatic property. The musical composer has very often the two rights to deal with—performing right and copyright. He should be especially careful therefore when entering into an agreement, and should take into particular consideration the warnings stated above. —_—————_—>—e- —___ STAMPING MUSIC. —_———+ — The Society undertakes to stamp copies of music om behalf of its members for the fee of 6d. per 100 or part of 100. The members’ stamps are kept in the Society's safe. The musical publishers communicate direct with the Secretary, and the voucher is then forwarded to the members, who are thus saved much unnecessary trouble,”” ——— THE READING BRANCH. —_— EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this. branch of its work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated as a composition is treated by a coach, The term MSS, includes not only works of fiction, but poetry and dramatic works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The: Readers are writers of competence and experience, The fee is one guinea, So REMITTANCES. 4 The Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post. All remittances should be crossed Vain of London and Smiths Bank, Chancery Lane, or be sent by registered letter only, COLLECTION BUREAU. — a Society undertakes to collect accounts and money due to authors, composers and dramatists. : 1. Under contracts for the publication of their works. : 2. Under contracts for the performance of their works and amateur fees. 3. Under the Compulsory Licence Clauses of the Copy- right Act, i.e., Clause 3, governing compulsory licences for ‘books, and Clause 19, referring to mechanical instrument records. The Bureau is divided into three departments :— 1, Literary. 2. Dramatic. 3. Musical. The Society does not desire to make a profit from the collection of fees, but will charge a commission to cover expenses. If, owing to the amount passing through the office, the expenses are more than covered, the Committee ‘of Management will discuss the possibility of reducing the commission. oe For full particulars of the terms of collection, application must be made to the Collection Bureau of the Society. AGENTS. Holland ; é . A. REYDING. United Statesand Canada. WALTER C. JORDAN. Germany Mrs Pogson. The Bureau is in no sense a literary or dramatic agency for the placing of books or plays. GENERAL NOTES. —— THE ANNUAL DINNER. THE annual dinner of the Society of Authors is fixed to take place on November 27, at the Criterion Restaurant. Mr. Hesketh Prichard, the chairman of the Committee of Management, will take the chair. Notices to this effect have already been circulated. NOVELISTS AND Fitm Ricurts. THE importance of the moving picture rights in novels must be apparent to all frequenters of picture palaces. Manufac- turers are increasingly utilising the work of the novelist in order to make their entertain- ments more attractive to the public. All the signs point to a distinct future for the novel easily adaptable to the cinematograph. We feel it is necessary therefore to impress upon our members the necessity for guarding very carefully the picture rights in their novels, and to sign no contract with a publisher which contains any provision relating to these rights without first referring to the Society. Already it is apparent that the publishers of books are anxious to gain control of this THE AUTHOR. new right, just:as the publishers of music have been anxious to gain control of the mechanical instrument rights in music. The author must, therefore, be sure not to part with any right beyond the licence to publish in book form properly limited. Properly marketed, the moving picture rights of a novel may be extremely valuable to the author. In the hands of the publisher there is a very real danger of their being treated as a useful source of a little additional revenue, but hardly worth any very strenuous effort to place on a profitable basis. Morratr v. MAuUDE. THE question of how far a dramatist has power under a clause in his contract to dictate to the manager on the choice of his cast must = in all circumstances depend upon the wording + of the clause; and the question how far a dramatist is entitled to damages for breach of such a clause by the manager must in all circumstances depend upon the facts of each case, and the interpretation the judge and jury place upon the facts. This doctrine has been fully exemplified by the judgment in the case of Moffat v. Maude. The point has been laboriously considered in the Dramatic Sub-committee. It has again been raised by the Dramatists’ Club. The sub-committee desire to impress upon the dramatist members of the Society the necessity for insisting on a clause in their contracts giving them, if they can obtain it, the virtual control of the casting of the chief parts; if they cannot ‘insist so far, then a contract subject to a mutual right of veto. The sub-committee consider the matter is of great importance to Dramatists, and while they regret the decision in the case mentioned, they do not think that it upsets in any way the general recognised principles of law by which these questions are determined, nor is it likely to modify the value of such a clause as the one which they recommend. “Mary Goes First.” In the Observer of October 19 appeared an qe * ita fis b dhe igs ape at wea aE oe] and amusing letter, nearly two columns long, » written by Mr. Henry Arthur Jones, through his secretary, on the subject of ‘‘ Names in Plays.” It is stated that the letter is in answer to a threat of an action for libel if Mr. Jones’s play, ‘‘ Mary Goes First,” is  published without certain revisions. As we junderstand the matter to be sub judice still, i we are precluded from comment upon it. But ve cannot refrain from registering our opinion hat the present condition of the law of libel s very serious for authors and urgently equires attention. Cases which have been ecided in court more or less recently have made this painfully clear, and authors cannot, n justice to themselves, remain apathetic. Tue U.S.A. AuTHors’ LEAGUE. __ WE read with interest the Bulletin of the Authors’ League of America, as it comes to us regularly, and we are exceedingly interested o see the gradual increase of the League, and ope to hear of its membership reaching |,000 very shortly. At present we find the members at 518, but fresh names are being dded steadily from month to month. There _. 31s not the least doubt that the Authors’ League, _. aithrough its executive, may be able to give the _ aAuthors’ Society very valuable information Mifrom time to time, and our committee have > gexpressed their willingness to give the Authors’ -o League every help and assistance that is in heir power. We hope that the two societies will be drawn closer together by the fact that ‘Hour Society has asked Mr. A. Train, the 9% General Counsel, to act as the Society’s legal “> = representative in the United States. ANTHOLOGIES. _ Our attention has been drawn to the Preface of a book entitled ‘‘ Lyric Masterpieces by i Living Authors,”’ which is published by Gowans and Gray, Ltd., Glasgow and London. From this Preface it appears that the editor who made the selection thinks it a mistaken plicy that certain living authors object to aving their works reproduced in other books without payment. This attitude seems to have annoyed him, and in carefully expressed phrases he has shown his annoyance. It is impossible, of course, to know whether the compiler of the selection has been paid for such compilation. Most probably he did not do the work for his own pleasure. But it may fairly be deduced that the publishers would not have put the book on the market unless they hoped to make it a commercial success and to profit by the sales. The Author has on former occasions dealt with this question of Antholo- gies. It does seem unfair that a publisher should make a profit out of the use of other é THE AUTHOR. 5 people’s property without paying for it. Why should. ‘‘some poets and _ publishers” . be generous in a matter of this kind, which is a matter purely of business. Many well-known writers have very strong objections to allowing the product of their brains to be taken from them for the financial benefit of others in whom they are not in the least interested. The editor of the book, as we have pointed out, thinks that the demand for payment by the poet is a mistaken policy. We wonder whether, having made the selection, he would like another publisher to produce the same selection without any payment whatever to himself for the work undertaken. ——_————_+—>——_-—__—_ PUTTING A NOVEL ON THE MARKET. + By F. G. Browne or F. G. Browne Co. [From the ‘‘ Bookseller, Newsdealer and Stationer,’ New York.] S HE author has made a very attractive book of this.” A reviewer on a western newspaper wound up his review of one of our latest publications with these words. The sentence well illustrates something of the confusion that obtains in the public mind regarding the art of book making. 2 Few persons reading the latest book of fiction ever give a thought as to how the book has been put into their possession. To the average readers a novel is a novel; they read. it, enjoy it, or condemn it, as an expression of individual taste, and put it aside. Its mission has been fulfilled. Beyond knowing the names of perhaps a half dozen of the ‘‘ stars,” probably nine out of ten persons do not give a thought to the personality behind the writing of a book, much, less the making of it... The work and planning and execution of the myriad details which have made it possible to put this latest volume in their hands for $1 or $1.25 rarely are considered. : The production of a book of fiction involves many personalities. First, the author, who conceives and writes the story; second, the publisher, who selects the story from among many, many manuscripts and decides to stake a portion of his capital and energy in making it  56 into a book; third, the artist, whose talents and imagination must be devoted for perhaps several months to the task of visualising characters and situations so that the man who runs may be attracted to read ; fourth, the printer, who, following the specifications of the publisher, converts the manuscript into type, and the type into electrotype plates, and on his presses prints the sheets that are to be the basis of the book ; fifth, the engraver, who places his technical skill at the disposal of the artist and ublisher in reproducing the illustrations in heautifal multicolour plates or simple black and white halftones, as the case may demand ; sixth, the paper maker, who must have his product finished and in the printer’s hands when the book is ready to print ; seventh, the binder, who takes the printed sheets and sews and stitches and trims them and incases them in the permanent cloth cover. SALE AND DISTRIBUTION. These and others are concerned in the making of the book. Its sale and distribution require the labour of another set of craftsmen— the publisher’s travelling representative, who lays the book before the bookseller and unblushingly asks for an order for it of twice the quantity he dares expect ; the bookseller, who gives the book a chance of reaching the eye of the public by tying up sundry dollars of his capital in an order usually one-fourth the size suggested (for he likely has looked at twenty new stories that morning and listened to glowing statements of the potential qualities of all as ‘best sellers ”); the newspaper, through whose advertising columns the enthu- siastic publisher announces the story as a discovery peculiar to the century, in order to anticipate and discount the judicial statements later of the same newspaper’s literary editor as to the book’s real value and reason for being. The finished typewritten manuscript _ is, therefore, but the beginning. The author has done his part. The labour of those who must contribute to the book’s success is just opening up, and in fact the publisher’s work began before the manuscript was submitted. First of all, the publisher must read hundreds of manuscripts. It is one of the routine labours of his day’s (and night’s) work. From a mass of a hundred manuscripts he selects perhaps one that he believes has “ the punch ” and may become a good “seller.” For the publication of fiction no longer is considered from the literary standpoint: it is published THE AUTHOR. from the viewpoint of dollars and cents, what it will make for the author and what it will net the publisher. It has developed into a § ©: commercial proposition pure and simple—the 61% merchandising of literature. : The recording, reading, considering, packing, | and returning of unavailable manuscripts alone Sic! involve work on the part of the publisher and Bus * his assistants which represents a large actual [jit loss of time and money. But it is all a part of To ww the game, for the publisher who lands one good Bue! seller out of a hundred manuscripts counts himself fortunate. : I am constantly reading manuscripts at all manner of odd times outside of my business © hours. I wouldn’t, under any circumstances, | publish a volume of fiction unless I personally had read it through. I think most successful publishers follow the same rule. That means that the manuscripts I read have been “ sifted ” by regular ‘‘ readers,” and those that have any promise at all laid aside for me. It is done on somewhat the same principle that a man © follows in buying horses—others may recom- _ mend, but he must examine the animal himself é4 and try him out before he invests his money |. in him. The manuscript accepted for publication, the 4 next point to be determined is, what kind of a - book shall be made of it ? This means the selec- -— © tion of type, the size of the volume, the choice OF of artist to illustrate it, and so on. Book manufacturing details are usually worked out carefully and nothing left to chance. The number of words is estimated, the size of type is decided upon—this being regulated by the number of words the manuscript contains and the number of pages the book is to have—the kind of paper, the style of illustration, the scheme for cover design and paper ‘“ jacket,” and the size of the edition. ....., ati re From a MercuaNDISE STANDPOINT. Nowadays, as I have said, fiction is treated ms from a merchandise standpoint. A story that can be made into a book of 400 pages can be retailed for about $1.25; a book of 500 pages for $1.85. In the manufacturing of the book [ele there must be a fixed relation between what the | = i) book is going to cost and what the probable |e returns from the sale will be. A margin of [%. profit must be set by the publisher below which s#@* ° he cannot safely operate. : The number of copies ordered for the first pe edition varies, of course, according to the pet prominence of the author. My experience is | % ° that a minimum first edition of at least 3,500 7a  i copies is necessary, or the cost per copy will be too high to yield any profit. The manufac- turing cost naturally is affected by the number | of copies printed, because the cost of the plant ’’—typesetting, the making of electro- | type plates, the artist’s fee, the engraving, and the other items in getting the book ready to print—is just the same whether 1,000 or 10,000 copies of the book are printed. A 400-page book consumes about a pound and a quarter of paper. Our fiction is printed "on sheets of paper measuring 303 by 41 inches. “|. A sheet that size will print sixty-four pages of the book, thirty-two pages on each side, giving a volume 54 by 72 inches, which now is the popular fiction size. The revision of a manuscript and_ the 4 reading of the printers’ proofs often involve a heavy labour. I have known cases where as many as a thousand changes of individual words and phrases in a single manuscript have been made after its acceptance. As a rule, three proofs of the type are pulled. One of these is read by the printers to see that it con- forms to the manuscript copy, another set is read by the author himself in order that he may improve the work if possible, and the third set is read in the publisher’s office, and final changes made as necessary. All these changes cost money, and usually the publisher has to defray this expense himself. I have mentioned the paper “ jacket,” or wrapper. This theoretically is for the purpose of protecting the cloth cover, but really is treated purely from the advertising standpoint —that is, it is artistically printed and decorated attractively in order to catch the eye of the buyer looking over a table of new novels. These are some of the more essential details and problems involved in producing a volume of fiction. The author has, to be sure, made the volume possible, but his share in its produc- tion is not so burdensome as that of the publisher nor does he risk so much. The publisher risks his capital and his experience and energy, and for a time he must LIVE that book until he can feel that it is going to repay his investment by its sale. , The publisher, of course, has to attend to all the details of selling. Books are sold by means of advance samples which are carried by travelling representatives direct to the book trade. It is not an unusual thing for the publisher to secure, in advance, orders for an entire edition of a volume that is not yet off the press. The size of these advance sales, how- ever, depends a great deal upon the reputation and popularity of the author, but energy and THE AUTHOR. 57 confidence can make a successful sale for the first book of an unknown author. For the use of his own travelling representatives and the travellers of the book jobbing houses the publisher has to have made up at considerable expense a number of “dummy” books— showing the cover, properly die stamped, a sample picture, and a few sample pages of the contents—and this often months before the actual printing of the book has begun. Review Copies BEFORE PUBLICATION. The review copies for the newspapers and periodicals must be distributed shortly before the book is published. This work falls to the lot of the publisher. Some publishers give away a good many copies to men identified with the book trade—clerks, buyers, store managers, etc. These are sent out in advance in order that the persons who receive them may familiarise themselves with the volume before it is displayed on their counters. Every story has its own individual problems. They are problems which the publisher alone can unravel. Sometimes he sends out a thousand free copies of a new volume, and a fair average for books of fiction might be about 500 copies. The matter of advertising is and always will be the big problem with the publisher. He must decide in advance how much he is warranted in spending in promotion and publicity, and he must decide how and where to spend it. Certain trade journals that circulate chiefly among book dealers and librarians are necessary mediums. Adver- tising announcements are printed in these periodicals as a matter of routine. Cosmopo- litan newspapers of wide circulation in the territory in which they are published are the mediums relied upon to attract the buyer personally. Trade advertising also includes posters, circulars and window cards. Every book of fiction must be provided with an attractive poster, and these posters represent the outlay of considerable money, often being printed in several colours. The publisher must plan his newspaper advertising campaign so that he can assure the book trade in the different sections of the country that the book will be brought to the attention of consumers in those sections on the day of publication. Then he must judge from the advance orders he receives from different sections just how much he can afford to con- tinue to spend in each section, for he must, above all things, guard against the expenditure of a lot of money in a field which will yield only  58 small comparative returns. The usual method in exploiting a new book of fiction is to concen- trate on a few large cities. The representative papers of these big cities reach a multitude of small towns in and about them, as most of them circulate in a wide territory. EsTIMATES ON EXPENSE. The publisher must have a pretty good idea of the various proportions of the different items .of expense in publishing a book of fiction. For instance, if a volume wholesales at 75 cents— the publisher’s estimates always are based on the wholesale price of a book, not on the retail price—he must know how much of that amount should go for manufacture, how much for advertising, how much to general overhead expense—in other words, the book’s share of the firm’s expense of doing business—how much to the author and how much should be left for himself. An author receives anywhere from 10 to 20 per cent. of the retail price, and the usual royalty is 10 per cent. up to 5,000 copies and then 124 per cent. This is a fair royalty, and, as a matter of fact, a firm’s authors will receive a larger share of money returns in the year’s business than the publisher can make for himself. This statement may be challenged, ‘but the fact remains, nevertheless. To sum up, the successful publisher must be something of a Jack of all trades. He must have literary and artistic instincts sufficient to enable him to know the real from the false ; he must know something of the mechanical ‘processes by which a book is made—printing, engraving, paper making, binding; he must have the ability to invent advertising, he must have the selling ability; and, last and not least, he must have the courage to risk money on a gamble, for the publishing of popular “fiction nowadays is a great deal of a gamble. —_——_+-—~»—+ —____ PLAYS AND THE RIGHT TO A TITLE. , —— oe L. The Author of October, 1906, I was 4 allowed to make some observations upon the conditions which arise when an author -uses a title which has been applied to a work previously published by some one else, upon the law applicable to the situation and upon the remedies which, from time to time, have been proposed. Everyone knows that there as no copyright in a title, and I endeavoured to show that the proposal to give something in the nature of copyright was not likely to be granted by the legislature, and that protection THE AUTHOR. by some form of registration akin to that of a trade mark would be attended by practical difficulties disproportionate to the advantages — : which it might be expected to secure for those interested. It will be found also, by anyone who can refer to the back-number in which | my article appeared, that I made the further suggestion that anyone who differed from me ~ er and who thought that special protection for | titles might be granted by the legislature — should not merely make his proposals in outline but should give them a definite form by drafting the clauses in which he would like to see them ~ / r submitted to the House of Commons. I do not remember reading in The Author anything upon the lines suggested, so I am inclined to conclude that either what I wrote met with general acceptance or that those who differed | ~ from me as to the practical possibilities of the — | ease did not consider the matter of sufficient importance for the discussion to be carried © It has, however, been suggested to ~ further. me recently, that in the case of dramatic compositions there should be less difficulty than in that of books in securing titles from infringement, voluntary or involuntary, and _ that there is more opportunity for the author of a play to be damaged by a subsequent author * taking his title. That is to say, there should be less danger of the writer of a play taking a title already used because there are comparatively few plays, so that investigation should more * easily discover a previous user, but on the other hand, plays are liable to be revived and re-acted long after they are first produced, so that there is considerable difference between — their “‘ lives ’’ and the “ lives ”’ of novels. This matter of comparative longevity is, As the law stands — perhaps, worth considering. the writer of a book which has been published can prevent a second writer from using his— title if he can show that the second use of the title is injurious to him or is likely to be so, If he can prove that he has suffered damage by such use he can recover compensation. In practice this means that the author of a_ book which is being sold can prevent the offering of another book under the same title on the ground that it would be likely to be ~ mistaken for his, and that money intended to * be spent on his book might thus be spent on _ A great many . the work of another writer. books, however, when a few years have elapsed since their publication, are not being — sold any longer, and are, to all intents and — purposes, dead. There may be a possibility — of recovery, but, as a rule, the book that dies _ remains dead, particularly when it is a novel, >  and its author suffers no damage and is likely to suffer none if another writer uses his title. i A play, however, which has been acted and laid aside, so far as London is concerned, may continue to be played, perhaps at intervals, in the provinces, and may be acted here and £ there by amateurs—let us hope with the knowledge and to the profit of its author. ) Or, again, when it has seemed almost forgotten in London, it may be revived there and again i win success. ‘‘ Diplomacy’? and “ Jim the ,|.. Penman” are recent revivals which may be “given as instances of a surprising kind of vitality and longevity in dramatic works. Robertson’s plays would supply a long list of revivals, and there is no reason why they should not continue to be acted at intervals in the Metropolis and elsewhere. All these, however, have no doubt enjoyed a steady and more or less continuous existence on the boards . elsewhere, apart from their appearances in “+ London. I do not know whether a really “ys unsuccessful play, laid aside and, in fact, |. forgotten by managers and audiences alike, has ever been revived and made successful some time afterwards, but it is conceivable that some might so recover, having owed their premature inanition to lack of capital on the part of their produccrs, want of advertising, and, more important still, to inadequate acting. It may, therefore, be submitted for considera- tion that infringement of the title of a play should be treated with greater stringency than is necessary in the case of books, and that the infringer should give way when he possibly ‘’ «an in order to prevent injuring a fellow writer. To give way in all cases where it is 0G possible must always be the more courteous “ig .and considerate course to adopt. i The comparatively smaller number of plays suggests the possibility of a register of all licensed plays being made capable of inspection 14 by dramatic authors, in order that they may see whether their titles have already been used. They should, however, still endeavour to ascertain whether they are adopting titles l@ already used by novelists as whether they can _ be prevented legally from doing so or not, no one should lay himself open to the charge of plagiarism or of lack of originality. E. A. A. eS op Ey Rost mm Rue ot ee A MORAL SENSE. SBCET ae N looking through almost any popular periodical, one must notice that authors and artists are having their work exploited for the benefit of the THE AUTHOR. 59 advertisers. The general tendency is for the articles, stories and pictures to improve, and for the advertisements to become worse. What the reading public gains in one way it loses in another, and, of late, it is taking greater risks of being deluded by the adver- tisers than of being uplifted by the work of the artists. Some periodicals are notorious, in that they admit to their advertising pages announcements which any person of average intelligence can identify as unfit for public perusal. Yet these periodicals contain con- tributions from some of the most eminent writers of the day. There is a certain incongruity between the printed words of the distinguished novelists and the invitations of notorious advertisers contained within the same covers. It is unlikely that the authors, whose work is bought, would care to be seen in the company of advertising quacks and get-rich-quicks, but authors seem to think it does no one any harm for the pearls of wisdom they produce to be used as the vehicle for getting known to the public various noxious drugs, opium, and alcohol disguised under trade names. It is as though the authors were too particular and respectable to be seen in the company of cheap-jacks, bucket-shop proprietors, quacks and gamblers, but, for a consideration, would allow themselves to be used for the purpose of introducing the public generally to these harpies. For, of course, the periodicals are bought and read for what the authors have contributed; and what the authors have written is bought by the owners of the periodicals only in order that the circulation may be increased and a larger revenue be derived from the advertisers. In former days a writer often knew his editor and publisher personally, and had sufficient confidence in character to under- stand that his ‘‘ effusion’? would not appear amidst matter which would harm either himself or the public. Now, with some agent as middleman, price is everything ; a “* good ” publisher or editor is one who can be depended upon to pay at the date named ; where, how, when, with what or without what, the “‘ stuf - shall appear is not the concern of the author. Divided responsibility is no responsibility. The author will contend that his responsibility is confined to his own work, and if that satisfies him, what the buyer does with it is no practical concern of his. In short, one may contend that an author is indifferent to the use made of his product. It may serve as a lure for innocents, it may lead the guileless into a trap from which  60 escape is impossible, it may be printed in the worst company, but the author 1s not respon- sible. He has parted with all control an exchange for a cheap-jack’s money. His such an author any moral sense ? : There is no necessity to uphold any particular morality, or the lack of it, except that it 1s inconsistent for the authors whose professed purpose it is to inculeate morality, to become a vehicle for advancing what is the opposite. It is no excuse to say that the newspapers are as bad, and that “‘ everybody’s doing ite —-most authors are ; but though they may lead the world in thought they are laggards in action. Some men still act in accordance with their principles. In a Tacoma gaol a prisoner went to the punishment cells rather than help in repairing the gallows ; in Mantova many bricklayers refused to work in building a gaol; in Milan, in Paris, and in Rome, compositors and press-men refused to produce papers containing comments which might prejudice the cause of workpeople on strike. These humble people had convictions, and acted upon them. With them any honest man would be proud to shake hands. They are the real leaders of to-day and to-morrow. The author is going to be relegated to a rear rank, having shown already that he is willing to go anywhere an “ agent ’’ recommends, or wherever pay is highest. WILuiAM GREENER. —___—_+~> + PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM. ——— [T may prove to be somewhat difficult to eliminate the personal element in the discussion of the fine line which deline- ates the professional journalist and literary ** dilettante’; but the little that I have to say on the subject must perforce ring truer if the abstract and composite scribe is conscien- tiously substituted for the concrete and, per- haps, disappointed dweller in ‘‘ Grub Street.” The topic was suggested to me by a pro- fessional journalist, employed in the office of a big provincial newspaper, who holds, with me, that while the routine work of the newspaper office is well left exclusively to the regular staff, there should be no editorial or pro- fessional jealousy of literary competitors out- side. If my informant is correct, there exists in many offices some ill-defined but well- understood _ test of who is, and who is not, a professional author and journalist. Member- hip of this Society, or of the Institute of THE AUTHOR. Journalists, does not necessarily carry weight, and, indeed, the ‘‘ rose would smell as sweet a by any other name, if one could make sure of culling it. Over and over again we have been told, in this and other literary periodicals, that intro- ductions do not count, and over and over again the inexorable logic of facts, in concrete, cases, disproves the assertion, that only merit wins in the long run. And the “‘ run ” may be so very long that it culminates in the dead- stop that comes sooner or later to all workers in all vineyards, for we all constantly meet with or hear of mediocrities, as well as truly talented men and women, whose introduction to a big literary syndicate has resulted in regular work and a more or less calculable salary. Is there, therefore, no ‘‘ media via,” no “golden mean,” between the arbitrary label- ling of a writer, who joins a literary society or association as a ‘‘ dilettante’? man of letters, and the classifying of those who, having graduated in ‘‘ Grub Street ” and acquired or improved their gift, are worthy of the title ‘ professional journalists ” ? I should hardly advocate diploma work after the fashion of the Royal Academy, following | election, which neither there nor here would be | an all-sufficing test of efficiency, but it would | appear that, without lowering the status of | this Society or the Institute of Journalists, some form of declaration, based upon pub- — lished work, might assist in the legitimate introduction of competent writers to editors and publishers. And in this connection I would comment upon the enormous amount of unsigned work which, for various reasons, finds its way into print and into really high- class papers and periodicals, for we all know — and appreciate the value of the advertisement — which connotes the duly attested signature. Proof, then, of the various types of contri- butions to newspapers and periodicals might be either published in this organ of the Society, or furnished to editors, as desired, by members, who should have qualified by ‘bona fide” — work for this advertisement of their com- petency. B I do not suggest that such a policy would break down cliques and “ rings,”’ if such there — be; but, if a good understanding should thus — be established between members of the Society — and the purchasers of intellectual wares, it 15 _ more than likely that the beneficent action of the council would tend to open doors for ~~ eligible suitors. Nor would such a new depar- : ture transform the Society into a literary — Me THE AUTHOR. agency, as all that the responsible officials could affirm would be, that such and such a writer, being a member of the Society, had i tendered proof of having contributed to such and such newspapers and periodicals, and, on that basis alone, was forthwith recommended to editors in the monthly or quarterly list of u approved contributors. The Society would not force its opinions on any syndicate, firm ; or editor, but would merely advance adequate ~ . proof of the competency of the writer named, or otherwise dealt with, as a candidate for tr employment. r This suggestion may serve to recall Marshal Le Boeuf’s notorious ‘ dernier bouton,” but '» even a button or a label, aptly applied, may have their uses. F. C. Ormspy-JOHNSON. THE PUBLISHERS’ DICTIONARY.” TPFNHIS is a lexicon, in seven languages, of terms used in the publishing trade, and a work whose exhaustiveness, accuracy, Me and lucid composition assure its being of the very greatest value. The present volume replaces the ‘‘ Vocabu- laire International Technique de 1|’Editeur ”’ published, in accordance with a resolution of / the congress of publishers, in 1910, and will be v°. found to represent a great advance. The plan adopted is to give the key words, in French, in the first column, accompanied by the necessary definitions of the various meanings which are indicated by numbers, the same numbers accompanying the equivalents in the six other languages, placed in parallel columns. At the end are added appéndices containing the duration of copyright in different countries, an index of copyright enactments, a summary of the extension and limitations of the Berne Convention, the various formats of books, the names of the different founts of type, sizes of paper, examples of correction of proofs in the different languages, and alphabetical indexes of words in languages other than French, with cross references. We have tested both the text of the seven-fold lexicon, and the cross references of the indexes, and have in every * “Vocabulaire Technique de I’Editeur en Sept Langues: Francais, Deutsch, English, Espafiol, Hol- ' landisch, Italiano, Magyar.” Berne. Congres Inter- “ national des Editeurs. 1913. 4°. 61 ease found the results completely satisfactory. As the labour of compilation, of which very modest mention is made in the preface, must have been enormous, it is difficult to express adequate admiration of the excellence of the work. We regret only that the editors in the case of Magyar should have permitted them- selves the modern vulgarity of printing c for cz, a practice most justly condemned by the Hungarian Academy. The work is printed in London, by the Ballantyne Press, and no notice of the book would be adequate which did not mention that the volume is a marvel of exquisite typography. ——— +o CORRESPONDENCE. np UNREVIEWED Books. S1r,—I have read with interest Mr. Fursdon’s rejoinder. to my letter, not in praise of literary editors, as he implies, but in justice to them. The suggestion that I should be ‘‘ more at home in the editorial office of a popular daily ” I will pass as a pleasantry, remembering that Dr. Johnson once said that ‘the reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most risible things in the farce of life.”’ Mr. Fursdon is obviously vexed, first with literary editors and later with me. He says, ‘“There are literary editors and _ literary editors’; just so, as with eggs. Can Mr. Fursdon imagine himself the unhappy victim at whom is hurled some 13,000 volumes during the year’s 365 days? I fear it is not Reviews, but Mr. Fursdon that I err in taking “ too seriously.”” For any man seriously to expect an editor to indulge in what is obviously an unnecessary correspondence is scarcely reason- able. It is no argument to say that he must increase his staff. First of all his paper has to be made a commercial success, and increased staffs mean increased expenses. I quite agree with Mr. Fursdon, and I confess that the sensation is refreshing, that ‘ there are other tests, and if a book is temporarily disqualified by non-recognition in a certain number or section of august journals, it may yet win in the race of time.” I have no doubt that literary editors will be quite content to leave the verdict with posterity—the ever and overburdened. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, HERBERT JENKINS.  62 * ONLY.” Sir,—There is a common use of the word “only,” scarcely less irritating than the split infinitive, to which I would politely draw the attention of writers, in the hope that they may be practical enough to profit by the hint. On my holidays I usually read a good many novels, and I find the fault to which I refer almost universal. For instance (and I purposely select my example from the work of a well- known writer), in “‘ The Last Hope,” which I am now reading, Mr. Henry Seton Merriman— may his shadow never grow less !—perpetrates the following, on page 213 (Smith, Elder, 1904): ‘‘. . . the tide had only turned half an hour ago.” Of course Mr. Merriman means nothing of the kind. He does not wish to tell the reader that ‘‘ the tide had only turned,” but that the tide had turned only “ half an hour ago.” And since he means this, why does he not say so? «= 1 am, Your obedient servant, RicHarD FREE. ee ee AutHuors AND FrEE LIBRARIES. Your correspondent ‘“‘ C. E. S.” has formed an extraordinary opinion about what he (or she) designates “ free librarians.” I say this after an intimate relationship with many librarians of so-called “‘ free ”’ libraries extend- ing to nearly half a century, and I emphatically rebut the suggestion that these gentlemen and ladies are actuated by the petty motives suggested by “ C. E. S.” Your correspondent gives his case away when he states that a certain book was unknown in a certain town until the fact of its existence was made known by the public library authorities. This was a grand advertisement for the book, and a cheap one, too. I venture to assert that rate-supported libraries give an impetus to general reading, and make it possible, through their support, for some books to prove a financial success. Does ‘“C. E. S.” know how many “ free ”’ libraries there are in the United Kingdom ; and has he thought about the enormous number of new books, including novels, that are purchased for them during any year? Then novelists are assisted through the con- stant renewals of soiled copies, , No, “C. E. D.,” libraries assist novelists very considerably. J. P. B. THE AUTHOR. CARRARA, Dear Avutuor,—In Mr. Wells’ letter in your last July number he writes: “T had to live—and so I learnt to write before I thought of a book.” According to Aristotle also, “To learn to play the lyre we must play the lyre.” ae. the bone of contention between author and publisher plus agent is— 1. That it is always superevident to the author, obscure or otherwise, that those who profess to be his allies won’t see to it that, as. Emerson says, ‘‘ He who does the work has the power, but he who does not the work has not the power.” 2. That between buying kitchen utensils. or a motor, for instance, and exchanging (?) “crim brains’? for lucre (that, chiefly, the author doesn’t get) there is a distinction with the difference. The one is mercantile. The other—vicarious. When Michael Angelo received orders from Lorenzo de Medicis he set off on foot from Florence to Carrara to select his own marble. At Carrara he personally supervised its quarry- ing so as to secure as far as possible a flawless block. Sometimes this took a year, some- times only six months. Having secured it, Michael Angelo trudged doggedly on foot again all the way home from Carrara to Florence so as to steady his precious purchase every inch of the way with his own hands to keep it from getting broken. There could be an amicable point of contact between author and publisher plus agent, that is, the exercise of conscience. We authors “‘ have to live.” We “ play the lyre.” We laboriously trudge every inch of the way to Carrara and back to supervise the perfecting of our tools. We don’t (save the mark !) fatten on the results of others’ labour. We don’t sweat anyone knowingly, for two reasons: (1) because to renounce one iota of our privilege we should damage our secret ideal; (2) because to walk every inch of the way ourselves is the only real way not to fail. Won't The Author adopt two devices for its escutcheon—the first, “‘ To learn to play the lyre we must play the lyre;’ the second, “ f had to live—and so I learnt to write before I wrote a book ’’ (the italics this time are not Mr. Wells’)}—and have authors, publishers and agents repeat them every night of their lives in unison with the Lord’s Prayer on their bended knees ? JUSTICE. 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. 24 Issue 02 (November 1913) Subject The topic of the resource <em>The Author</em>, Vol. 24 Issue 02 (November 1913) Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1913-11-01-The-Author-24-2 publications The Author