11 20 545 https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/226/1882-Rawlinson-Henry-Creswicke.jpg a0f591c5c9c1a4ffb608210932171b33 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1810 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1895 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Diplomatist Scholar Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, first baronet (1810–1895; Oxford DNB); Assyriologist and diplomatist. Published works on cuneiform inscriptions and articles for the Encyclopædia Britannica. Appointed a Vice-President of the Society of Authors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a referrer="origin-when-cross-origin" href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/23190" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/23190</a> Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Vice-President Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Lock & Whitfield. Portrait of Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, 1st Bt by Lock & Whitfield. Woodburytype. Sampson Low, Marston, Searle and Rivington, 1882. NPG Ax17660 © National Portrait Gallery, London. <a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw120775/Sir-Henry-Creswicke-Rawlinson-1st-Bt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw120775/Sir-Henry-Creswicke-Rawlinson-1st-Bt</a>. 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 Rawlinson, Henry Creswicke Subject The topic of the resource Rawlinson, Henry Creswicke (1810–1895) Description An account of the resource Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson, first baronet (1810–1895); Assyriologist and diplomatist. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Rawlinson-Henry-Creswicke history India languages military politics Vice-Presidents https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/56/1870-1884-Reade-Charles.jpg e0c4d0654169e6ec366ca5877b353d41 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1814 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Author Playwright Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Charles Reade (1814–1884; Oxford DNB); novelist and playwright. Appointed a Vice-President of the Society of Authors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a referrer="origin-when-cross-origin" href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/23224" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/23224</a> Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Vice-President Position Start Date The date the person took on the position within the Society of Authors or committee (the latter specified by the [Position] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary 1884 (Vice-President) Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Goodman, George. Portrait of Charles Reade. Albumen Carte De Visite. 1870-1884. NPG x136252 © National Portrait Gallery, London. <a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw218230/Charles-Reade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw218230/Charles-Reade</a>. Death Date of death (YYYY) 1884 Committee(s) A list of committees the person was a member of Council Council Start Date The date the person joined the Council 1884 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 Reade, Charles Subject The topic of the resource Reade, Charles (1814–1884) Description An account of the resource Charles Reade (1814–1884); novelist and playwright. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Reade-Charles Council drama fiction Vice-Presidents https://historysoa.com/files/original/4/365/1907-04-01-Supplement-17-7-Annual-General-Meeting-Report.pdf bf2b81e897a78e391ab2632cc919bcd8 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 Society of Authors Publications Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context publications Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1907-04-01 Volume 17 Issue 7 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19070401 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 Report of the Annual General Meeting (1907) Subject The topic of the resource Report of the Annual General Meeting (1907) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015049239471" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015049239471</a> Relation A related resource <a href="https://historysoa.com/The-Author-Issues/1907-04-01-The-Author-17-7">Supplement to The Author, Vol. 17 Issue 07</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1907-04-01-Supplement-17-7-Annual-General-Meeting-Report publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/4/438/1898-Annual-Report.pdf 32d579f2c584789c53ee696875c4de95 PDF Text Text S. MAY, 31.1899 | is R A Rºº, SOCIETY AUTHORS..º. OF (INCORPORATED.) IBº, IEE FO or COMMITTEE E OR Offices 4, OF Eº, T. thin MANAGEMENT, THE YEAR DECEMBER, EN DING 1898. PORTUGAL STREET, W.C. LONDON: HORACE COX, PRINTER. To THE S001ETY OF AUTHORS, WINDSOR HO USE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, �SOCIETY OF AUTHORS, - --------------- DEC., 1898. --~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PRESIDENT, GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL, SIR EDw1N ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. M. BARRIE. A. W. A BECKETT. ROBERT BATEMAN. F. E. BEDDARD,F.R.S. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. SIR WALTER BESANT. | AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, M.P. REv. PROF. Bonney, F.R.S. | The RIGHT HON. JAMES BRYOE, M.P. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH| CLERE, P.C. HALL CAINE. CASTLE, EGERTON F.S.A. P. W. CLAYDEN. EDWARD CLODD. | W. MORRIS COLLES. HON. JOHN COLLIER. SIR. W. MARTIN CONWAY. F. MARION CRAWFORD. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD CURZON. P.C. AUSTIN DOBSON. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. A. W. DUBOURG. PROF. MICHAEL FOSTER, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIELD. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. EDMUNDGOSSE. H. RIDER HAGGARD. THOMAS HARDY. Hon. Counsel E.M. J. ANTHoNY HoPE HAwkins. JEROME. K. JERoME. Scott KELTIE, LL.D. RUDYARD KIPLING. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. W. E. H. LECKY, P.C. J. M. LELY. THE REv. W. J. Loftik, F.S.A. SIR. A. C. MACKENZIE, Mus. Doc. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. HERMAN C. MERIVALE. THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. SIR LEwis MoRRIs. HENRY NORMAN. MISS E. A. ORMERod. J. C. PARKINSON. THE RIGHT HON.THE LORD PIRBRIGHT, P.C., F.R.S. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK,BART., LL.D. WALTER HERRIEs Poi,Lock. W. BAPTISTE SCOONEs. MISS FLORA. L. SHAw. G. R. SIMS. S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. J. J. STEvenson. FRANCIS STORR. WILLIAM MOY THOMAS. H. D. TRAILL, D.C.L. MRS, HUMPHRY WARD. MISS CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. J. UNDERDOWN,Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman SIR.W. MARTIN CONWAY. A. W. A BECKETT. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. J. M. LELY. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN. W. MORRIS COLLES. D. W. FRESHFIELD. FRANCIS STORR. HAGGARD, H. RIDER ART. SUB-COMMITTEES. THE HON. John CoILIER (Chairman). SIR. W. MARTIN CONWAY. M. H. SPIELMANN. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). | MUSIC. C. WILLIERs STANFORD, Mus. Doc. (Chairman). JACQUES BLUMENTHAL. DRAMA. A. W. A BECKETT. I EDWARD ROsm. FIELD, BOSCOE,& CO., Lincoln's Inn Fields. --thing, 'BA. H. Portugal street. solicitors: & Hºnºr Secretary G.HERBERT THRING, B.A. OFFICES. 4, Portugal STREET, LINGOLN's INN FIELD8, W.C. �Report of the Committee of Management. cocº have much pleasure in laying the Report for before the members of the Society. They are happy to state that the Society is in a sound and healthy position, financially and otherwise. During the past year another £100 has been invested on capital account, bringing the total up to THE Committee 1898 £690, as will be seen in the accounts on page 19. The Committee, however, still feel the want of sufficient funds to carry out many important requirements for the benefit of authors, but are glad to be able to report that the growth of the Society in this respect, though slow, is still sure. During the past year the number of new members elected has slightly exceeded the number of those elected in the preceding year; but, as in the last Report, the Committee must point out that this does not mean a corresponding increase in the number of members of the Society. There have been, as usual, many resignations; the Committee have also had to strike out many names for non-payment of their subscription; there have also been a considerable number of deaths. The total amount of resignations and erasions for non-payment is 120, and of deaths ten; so that the nett increase in the members of the Society is about 60. With regard to the first two (resignations and erasions) the Committee would like to put strongly before their members that there are certain things that the Society cannot do, and �( 4 ) further, that they cannot give the same official support to those who join only when they are in difficulty as to older members since it is necessary for them to consider, in taking legal steps and incurring other expenditure, the claims of those who have been the Society's supporters for many years. It is owing to these reasons that a great many resignations and erasions have occurred. With regard to the third (deaths), it is with feelings, of sincere regret that the Committee have to report during the past year the deaths of some of their oldest members and Amongst these are the following: The D.D., William Black, the Earl of Desart, strongest supporters. Rev. Canon Bell, Mrs. Haweis, Mrs. Lynn Linton, James Payn. THE COMMITTEE. Under the constitution of the Society, Sir Walter Besant, Mr. J. M. Lely, and Sir A. C. Mackenzie resigned from the Committee at the commencement of the year in due rotation. Lely presented their names for Sir Walter Besant and Mr. re-election, and were re-elected in due course. Mr. Scott Keltie was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation Sir A. C. Mackenzie from the Committee. Sir W. Martin Conway was unanimously elected of Chairman of the Committee for the year. CORPORATE BODIES. As on sundry occasions it had been stated to the Committee that corporate bodies were unable to join the Society in their corporate capacity, the following resolution was unanimously passed at the meeting of the Committee held on It was resolved Committee would that, if it was thought elect the Chairman June 24th : advisable, the or other officer of any corporate association as a member of the Author's Society, to �( ) 5 represent such association, on payment of two guineas per annum on behalf of such association. The Chairman or other officer thus elected would be entitled to all the benefits Society for the publications of the of the association, and for advice with regard to the details of the body corporate, but not to advice on behalf of himself or any individual member of such association. in all Two or three bodies have already availed themselves of the arrangement, and it is hoped that it will prove of service to the Society and to such bodies, as there are many over the kingdom that publish works their corporate capacity. BILL DEALING WITH PREFERENTIAL CREDITORS IN BANKRUPTCY. by on it to or The Committee, during the past three four years, have had many complaints that has been impossible recover any money due authors contributions which have been magazines and papers that have subsequently gone accepted a in 9, in of into liquidation. (The difficulties the situation are set forth this Report, page under the cases that have been before the Society.) many cases reached very As the position Bill to a remu magazines and periodicals contributors preferential creditors. They accordingly in to as authors of on placing the draft of to acute stage, owing the authors being deprived neration for their work, the Committee decided to to of a to 5, F. B. the basis Palmer, structed counsel (Mr. New Square, Lincoln's Inn), through their solicitors draft short Bill meet the case. The thanks the Society are due Mr. Palmer, a of the is a the Committee of of of to in who drafted the Bill accordance with instructions, refusing any take counsel's fees. The London branch the Institute Journalists, whose chairman (Mr. Beckett) member Society, gave their strong adherence �( 6 ) to the principles of the Bill, and stated to the Committee that they were pleased that the matter had been taken in hand. It was decided to ask Sir Willox (through Mr. a Beckett) to J. undertake the bringing forward of the Bill. It is understood that Sir J. Willox has consented to do so next session. Books ELLERS AND THE DISCOUNT QUESTION. It will be remembered that in the Report for last year the Committee went fully into a scheme that was approved by the dealing with this subject, but they Publishers Association found they were unable to support the scheme, owing to cer tain facts contained therein, which were fully set forth in a report of the sub-committee appointed to deal with the question, and approved by the Committee. The main objection was that the working of the scheme resulted in a restraint on the freedom of trading. This report considered in detail, and with very full evidence, the whole position of the bookselling trade. In the beginning the current year the Secretary of the prepared a fresh scheme for the con sideration of the Authors Society. The sub-committee met on several occasions and prepared a further report, approving of Booksellers of Association the new scheme as submitted, with a few slight modifications and suggestions. The scheme was printed in the July number of the Author. After the booksellers had received and con sidered the scheme with the Society's suggestions, the matter was laid before the publishers, and a meeting was held in the beginning of August, between a very influential deputation of booksellers and a committee of publishers. The booksellers present unanimously supported the proposed arrangement. The Committee of the Society were asked to attend, but owing to the date fixed were unable to send a representative. They, however, with the full consent of the publishers, requested the Secretary �( 7 ) to be present, in order to put forward the Society's view, and to learn what steps were to be taken for the benefit of the trade in the future. The meeting was held at Stationers' Hall. It was decided by all parties present that no report should be It is only necessary to state that the booksellers were enthusiastic, and unanimously in support of the scheme; that they represented, with the exception of one or two discount booksellers in London, the whole book trade all over England; printed. the publishers were by no means unanimous, raising considerable opposition to adopting any new method for the Although they stated their willingness distribution of books. that to assist the retail trade, there was an unwillingness to disturb the ruling methods of business. No doubt in the near future there will be some fresh develop ments, and the publishers will explain fully their objections. PUBLISHERS' AGREEMENTs. It appears from the report of the meeting of the Publishers' Association in the Publishers' Circular, that one of the first works taken in hand by that association was the drafting of agree ments between author and publisher. These agreements were laid before counsel, Mr. J. Walton, Q.C., M.P., and Mr. Ingpen, and settled by them. The Secretary of the Society on hearing of these agreements, wrote to the chairman of the Publishers' Association, asking if copies when settled for criticism chairman very kindly consented to do. When the agreements came to hand the Secretary criticised them at considerable length, and in considerable detail. His criticism he would kindly in the Author. This forward the was approved by the number of the Author. Committee, and printed in the July have since decided to The Committee reprint the agreements in pamphlet form, with the Secretary's comments, and examples drawn from them. The Committee �( ) 8 all of be would like to impress upon the members of the Society that the agreements are thoroughly unsatisfactory, and that it would unsatisfactory, is of of a as they should so of It in to study them, together for members the Society publishers with the Secretary's comments, case any firm pity that should submit copies them for signature. be good the chairman the Pub to of in as lishers' Association his speech states follows: We have got two the best commercial counsel we could find look through them, and see whether the agreements of will hold water legally; whether they express the thing clearly, dispute; and finally, and not and obviate all possibility of at the least important, whether they are between the parties an equitable method arriving the desired result. be to of no is It difficult understand how these agreements can equitable considered between the parties, though doubt from publishers' point the view they are admirably drawn documents. OF PUBLISHING. the Author under by THE METHODS papers that had appeared of of for Consideration, Matters various difficulties, the Methods of been noticed in entitled papers contained of of in written the pamphlet form, the Society, have been reprinted Publishing. Addenda the Methods These to Various the title Secretary TO in ADDENDA which some Publishing, had not and others had of to is on to a tion of sprung up since that work was first produced. The book forms very useful appendix, and worthy the consideration apply those who are not able the Secretary for informa agreements. ANNUAL DINNER. of at of The Annual Dinner the Society took place the Holborn Restaurant, on Monday, May 2nd. The Bishop London �( 9 ) took the chair, and there were about two hundred members of the society and guests present. A soirée was held subsequently in one of the salons, and after a very pleasant evening the members and guests separated. A full account of the speeches has been printed in the June number of the Author. MAGAZINES IN LIQUIDATION. In another part of the Report, the Committee state that they have a Bill in preparation dealing with the question of making contributors to magazines preferential creditors in liquidation or bankruptcy proceedings. The reason they have taken this matter-up strongly is that during the past year there have been four or five cases of papers or magazines in liquidation. In many members of the Society have been involved. the Secretary and the solicitors of the Society have done their best to obtain the money due, they have been in nearly every case unsuccessful, owing to the fact that there were each case Although available for distribution among the creditors. It might be to the advantage of the Society if the Committee put forward some facts with regard to the method on which some no assets magazines are conducted. They are, in some cases, started by an individual with a small capital, who advertises largely for MSS., or obtains them through other means. When his capital is nearly expended, the whole affair is turned into a limited liability company. In the course of time the limited liability company goes bankrupt, leaving all the contracts with the authors unfulfilled for payment for past and future work. It and large sums due may happen that the originator of the magazine, who has been running the company as managing director at a salary, then purchases the assets of the bankruptcy at a small figure, and the magazine is still kept going with the contributions of the unfortunate author creditors. To the outside public, who do not happen to have sent in contri B �( 10 ) butions, the paper seems to be still running strongly. The it is only the proprietors who have altered. name is the same ; This rapid change of proprietors adds a further difficulty, as it is almost impossible to ascertain which proprietor is Accordingly liable for which contract. a further batch of contributors are deceived. There is another device which suggests itself to the ingenious proprietor, when he has turned the magazine again into a company, namely, the issue of deben tures. The debenture holders are those who, interested in the circulation, and aware of the financial position, protect them selves to the disadvantage of the contributors. The only thing that can be done under these circumstances is to drive the into bankruptcy, and, if possible, off the market may be a very strong measure, and it may, in one or two cases, hurt the authors that happen to be creditors, but it prevents a large number of members of the Society from again being led into these difficulties. The cases of all the magazine entirely. bankrupt This magazines, however, are not as bad as the one above quoted, although in nearly every case the debenture-holder is to be met, who, on the sale of the magazine, pockets all the leaving none for the unfortunate creditors. Members of the Society cannot be too careful with what magazines they deal, and to secure prompt payment from those that are not absolutely trustworthy. In some cases, where the assets, matter has been put into the Secretary's hands at once, payment has been secured before the final crash. As a general rule, the Secretary is cognizant of the financial position of magazines, and can advise authors as to whether it is worth their while to take stringent measures ADVISORY or not. WORK AND LEGAL CASEs. The advisory work of the Society has been very heavy during the past year, and shows a considerable increase on that of the previous year. The Committee are always glad to see members �( make full use of the Society; 11 ) though still, no doubt, there are many members who would profit considerably if they used the Society more. Prevention is always better than cure. With regard to the cases taken up during the past year (by cases are points satisfactory result. all there have before the Society. Of these eight were copyright, and the Society has had very for infringement settling them, although little difficulty three four In nearly 110 a from been all meant those questions in which the Secretary interposes between the publisher or editor and the author), the number taken in hand shows an increase. The settlement of the cases shows or to as so to to go place the matters far threaten the hands the Society's solicitors, and two cases had actually so. sometimes the principle the offender try and brazen out the infringement by making one excuse of in to or is It do to in of the Secretary had in in of cases in is the solicitors a one has been able, after putting the matter letter, or, put the two cases the Society the solicitors hands, to by it hands. writing reply, threatening in or in matter no obtain the amount case the first letter obtains In in the Secretary to of In in a to or prepared the Courts, should the Secretary course. Fifty cases have the Society s solicitors advise such been before the Society which money has not been paid when due. about forty these cases has been possible for to always go be is he another, but when earnest, the sees that the Society generally easily arranged. should, therefore, matter Members is to every case, disastrous contributors. paid. With regard dividend It in is, a in as is to in to enforce payment; the other cases payment has not been owing bankrupt made the fact that the magazine position. Bankruptcy, pointed out, nearly has been quite the excep to is as of it in if copyright so as far both the law expenses are concerned, without cost to if ment of a the infringe and the application for money due, the matter has been placed the solicitors hands, has placed with the consent Committee, and, been the tion �( 12 ) solicitors or counsel on behalf of its members as its matter of is it it takes up many during the year, not always able take up every question. The Committee, during the past year, have issued those members whose cases they guarantee. The following is a of printed form it: of have taken up, copy a to to course; but, though a of all the member. The Committee would be glad to be able to report that the Society is so strong financially that it could take up law cases which are backed with the support To THE SECRETARY, SOCIETY OF AUTHORS, come no settlement myself and ....................................... of undertake to Portugal Street, W.C. to I 1. 4, INCORPORATED the case between nor to withdraw from through the Society's successful to I of on Should the proceedings fail through any neglect my part, undertake become responsible for the action. default the costs (Signed) ....................................... all or a Solicitors the best assistance carry the proceedings to in to I is 2. 3. my power that conclusion. carried on be will give the Society and that Solicitors its negotiations shall Secretary. or or all of on any proceedings which the Society's Solicitors may institute my behalf without the concurrence the Society's Solicitors, �( 13 ) It is necessary, for the protection guarantee should be signed. of the Society, that this During the past year there have been five cases of bankruptcy in which the solicitors of the Society have carried through the Unfortunately, only in one claims of the various members. case was there any dividend paid, and - in that case a very small one. The Committee are glad to report that the Roxburghe Press has now ceased to exist, being one of the bankrupt companies. There have been twenty-three cases in which the subject in dispute has been publishers accounts. Either the accounts have not been rendered at the proper time, or when rendered have not been sufficiently in detail, or have been inaccurate, and thus necessitated careful inspection. In the cases where accounts have not been rendered, the Secretary has always been able to Only in one case have the Committee obtain them at once. felt the necessity of sending in an accountant to check the In three other cases they have had to obtain a full accountant's report of the items sent in, with a view Owing to the report of taking further steps if necessary. vouchers. being satisfactory, these further steps have, however, proved On two occasions a publisher refused to show his accounts and vouchers and books on the demand of the unnecessary. Society. The Society at once took up the matter, and were pre pared to carry the question into Court, as the Committee consider it one of the gravest importance. In both these cases, however, the authors concerned were officials holding positions out of England, and they were unable in consequence to support the Society in bringing an action on their behalf. The Com mittee regret exceedingly that they had therefore to abandon these two cases, but they beg to state to the members that if any case comes before the Society with no other issues involved, except the one of a publisher refusing to produce his books and vouch his accounts in full, they will carry that case right C �( 14 ) through the Courts, as it is a point of vital principle that has been maintained by the Society ever since its foundation. In all other previous cases where the Society has employed its accountant, it has found publishers willing and ready to vouch their accounts in detail. The mere fact of a publisher refusing to do so would lead any reasonable person to draw the deduction that they were unable to do so, an inference which must be harmful to any publishing house. In twenty-eight cases the Society have had to apply for the recovery of MSS. from editors or publishers, and in sixteen cases they have been successful. The Committee would like to point out the difficulty with regard to this portion of the work In many cases authors have no acknowledge ment whatever of the MSS. having been received, but without such acknowledgement it is impossible to prove anything satis factorily. If an author could show that the MS. has reached of the Society. the office, he must also be able to show that it has reached the hands of some responsible party in the office, and finally he must show that the persons dealing with the MSS. have been guilty of neglect. These points are very difficult for an author to prove ; though some members of the Society seem to think that under any circumstances the editors or publishers are responsible from the moment that the author has inserted the MS. in the Post Office, and one member went even so far as to state that as he had not heard from the editor he might draw the deduction that the MS. had been accepted. The Secretary has at all times (with one exception) met with the utmost courtesy and consideration from editors and publishers. They have been ready to make search for the MSS., and return them when found; but the Committee would like to state that they cannot, and will not, uphold the ease of members who bring the Society into discredit by making discourteous and impossible demands, and using the Society's name in such an issue. �( It has come to the notice 15 ) of the Committee that writers, who of the Society, have also used the Society's name as a threat to editors and publishers. While the Com are not members mittee strongly disapprove of members using the name of the Society in an unauthorised manner, they cannot too fully its express their resentment at those who are not members of the Society making use of the Society's name. It brings odium on of do to as to give the same not feel themselves bound difficulty those who join only when their old in to Report, that they support in as in of power and effect the work of the Society, and tends to lessen upholding the cause authors generally. The Committee they have done must also point out, another part the members. COPYRIGHT LAW REFORM. be it of in by of as to of the Committee with regard the Consolidating Copyright Association, Bill the set forth last year's Report, has been fully justified the results. The Chairman the Copyright Association, will remem The action and Amending a of it to to bered, asked the Society assist them with the Bill, with bringing view before the Houses Parliament. The do in of in to in reply that they were very willing Committee stated assisting the Consolidation and Amendment but they thought the time was inadvisable for their utmost Copyright, a to be to it taking such steps; that impossible pass would full Consolidating and Amending Bill, and that they ought not take further action until the Society's short Amending Bill of an a of had passed both Houses; that the bringing forward such Consolidating and Amending Bill would put off Copyright legislation for indefinite period. At the commencement in was placed Lord reading through second the Society's Amending Society the will call mind the fac the same time to The members at Lords of Bill. of the House Bill to as a this year the Copyright Association's hands, and was pushed Herschell's �( 16 ) that the Society's Bill was being piloted by Lord Monkswell, and had already passed the second reading at the former Session. Both Bills were referred to a Committee of the House of Lords. Considerable evidence from various quarters was given. The Secretary of the Society appeared and gave evidence on behalf of the Committee, setting forward their view of the position. This evidence has been printed in the Author and other papers. is, The Committee of the Society would like to say that in its final and to to fit thought on push forward Copy but they regret Copyright the course which the Association adopt, appears that the consolidation Law Reform owing their utmost Amendment, that, have of The Committee will right to to do is as as state the Copyright Amendment Bill the whole, satis factory literary property concerned, though there far are certain points which they would like see altered. of a to in It be it the law has been indefinitely postponed. impossible pass full Consolidating and Amend will ing Act public business, and any small the present state in of to be is on is It be put forward can always put standing the excuse that the big Bill the way. regretted, therefore, that with all the Committee's efforts amendment the law has been impossible. aside be amendments that may now In GERMAN COPYRIGHT. in of of a of telegram appeared the spring the year the Times announcing the withdrawal Germany from the Anglo-German Convention for the protection Authors copyright. The to to telegram referred those treaties existing between Germany, Prussia, and England prior the Berne Convention. As stated on in vention. to as to Questions have arisen from time time during the past few years how far these prior treaties had any effect the articles existing between the countries under the Berne Con the telegram, these treaties have lost �( 17 ) is, their legal force in Great Britain, and have now been declared of Germany. There how mull and void by the withdrawal question, how far this withdrawal might have an published under these treaties prior the retrospective, and Berne Convention, whether the withdrawal may bear upon past publications. what way The result books by it in to of in is effect to one on ever, of number the position CANADIAN it State the German British authors the June number of was printed to relative Germany. It Ambassador, from the the in A paper was received from the Secretary Affairs, who had received for Foreign full statement the April of of made of further both countries. was of document in A German Author. in which had lapsed in to to by at an inquiry made the Secretary the Foreign Office was Germany did not the effect that the notice published any way interfere with the Berne Convention, but merely referred treaties prior that Convention, the benefit the Author. COPYRIGHT. not at matter is to in of on of During the past year the Committee have been watching very closely the interests any proposed authors with regard legislation Copyright Canada, but the the subject present ripe for any public statement. �OF AUTHORS, THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY ; 5 42 1898. ; January To Balance from 1897: At Bank Petty Cash in hand. S Year ending 31st December, 1898. RECEIPTS. | the 1, for Revenue Account December 31, 1898. 4 9 2 7 15 6 () 6 19 12 4 4 1,051 33 Annual Subscriptions ,, Donations ... ... ... ,, Reading Fees Proceeds Publicati ons Dinner Account Dividends on Investments, viz.: £230 Lancashire and Yorkshire 6 1,055 () 3 S December 31, 1898. , ,, , ,, |1 Advertising of Expenses Publicati ons Legal Expenses 33 Dinner Account 7 2 1 15 11} 15 16 14 15 52 15 21,507 10 7 hand 1 --- in Petty Cash 2 5 : 35 Balance At Bank d. T. 71 399 78 78 46 465 13 156 ... 4; 43 144 Rent and Gas --Salaries Readers Fees Stationery ... ,, ,, i Typewriting Fares Hire of Room for General Meeting Audit Fee Sundries ... 39 s. () 0 2 1. 2 2 d. Postages and Telegrams Housekeeper 8 By Management and Sun dry Expenses: 10 **- £1.507 2 PAYMENTS. 15 1 6 I, £89 156 Consols 3 °/o Pref. Stock °ſo County £240 Staffordshire Stock 3: Railway 33 of ,, ,, ,, ... 11 10 75 11 155 11 139 13 in to it We have examined this Account with the Books and Vouchers, and certify be accordance therewith. MonumENT SQUARE, E.C., OSCAR BERRY AND CARR, 11th January, 1899. Auditors. �( 19 ) THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY Capital Account for OF AUTHORS, the year ending 31st December, 1898. RECEIPTS. 7 9 ... To Balance at Bank as per last Account .879 Life Members Subscriptions during the ----Year ----... 35 1st. 10 Dec. 31st. 42114, 16 7 , Jan. 8 1898. PAYMENTS. 1898. By Investment £89 15 Consols --Balance at Bank 4:114 16 7 100 14 16 () 6 ... ... 7 () : Dec. 31st. in to it We have examined this Account with the Books and Vouchers, and certify be accordance therewith. SQUARE, MONUMENT OSCAR BERRY AND CARR, Auditors. E.C., 11th January, 1899. £6909s. - be £343 17 247 1() 99 £690 will seen by the statement, Of this between £400 and £450 be which, as to of - ... £230 Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, 34% £240 Staffordshire 3.4% County Stock -- -£89 15s. 6d. Consols 23% the present price altogether amounts Consols since follows: () () 0 invested moneys 2 total () makes 9 This of 1897. a that one hundred pounds have been invested as in it as to to The Committee would like make the following remarks on the financial statement submitted the Society: Taking the first item the Capital Account, will seen �( 20 ) was left to the Society in a legacy, and the remainder represents capitalised life membership fees. The annual subscriptions to the Society show the satisfactory increase of £55 on the previous year. Some seventy or eighty members have not yet paid for last year. Of the annual subscrip tions, 450, a large number are paid by banker's orders. It is much more convenient both for the member and for the Society if this arrangement could always be carried out. It is earnestly hoped that members will pay by this means if they possibly can, as the circularisation of members for non-payment is a great expense to the Society. The Committee regret to state that about £50 is annually lost to the Society by unpaid subscriptions. The issuing of circulars and the printing of them (which is included under a heavy one. the General payment. Stationery ) make the charge under that head issued during the year are for the Dinner, and the circulars for non The circulars Meeting, The legal expenses are small during the present year for this reason, that in 1897 nearly the whole of the outstanding solicitors charges were paid, and during the present year the Society has received no further account. The item being so small does not mean, however, that the work of the Society in this branch has at all decreased. On the contrary; if anything, it has risen. The outstanding liabilities of the Society may be reckoned as to a total of about £500, expenses incurred for Solicitors, and Stationery charges. These may be amounting Awthor, looked upon as current expenses, the Committee would like. but the amount is higher than be reduced gradually. The It will Committee trust that the members of the Society will feel their position secure on the ground that against this £500 they have £690 invested capital, so that practically the Society is in a sound financial state; but of course an intact capital of at least £500 would be far more satisfactory. �( 21 ) The List of Publications of the Society will be found on the During first page of the Author and at the back of the Report. 1898 the Society has published The Addenda to the Methods by G. Herbert Thring. of Publishing, The proceeds of publications are derived mainly from sales, in addition to an amount derived from the insertion of advertisements in the Author. �( CONDITIONS 22 ) OF MEMBERSHIP. subscription is one ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION. The annually, payable on the 1st January of each year. guinea The sum of ten guineas for life LIFE MEMBERSHIP. membership entitles the subscriber to full membership of the Society. Cheques and Postal Orders should be crossed The Union or, The Bank of London, Limited, Chancery Lane Branch; London Joint Stock Bank, Limited, Westminster Branch. Names of those who wish to be proposed as members may be sent at any time to the Secretary at the Secretary's offices. Subscriptions paid by members elected after 1st of October will cover the next year. The Secretary can be personally consulted between the hours It is of Two p.m. and Five p.m., except on Saturdays. preferable that an appointment should be made by letter. All communications made by the Secretary to those seeking his advice are absolutely confidential, and on this understanding alone advice is given. ASSOCIATES. Persons who have not published a book can only join the Society as Associates. The subscription and the advantages to be obtained are the same as those of membership, the difference being merely a nominal one. On notifying the Secretary of the publication of a book, their names will then be transferred to full membership. �( 23 WA RN IN G. S. STAMP YOUR AGREEMENTS. Members are most URGENTLY warned not to neglect stamping their agreements immediately after signature. If this precaution is neglected for two weeks, a fine of £10 must be paid before the agreement can be used as a legal document. In almost every case brought to the Secretary the agreement, or the letter which serves for one, is to all no expense themselves ASCERTAIN WHAT A of of ments members stamped for them except the cost the stamp. at without the stamp. The author may be assured that the other party to the agreement never neglects this simple precaution. The Society, to save trouble, undertakes to get the agree PROPOSED AGREEMENT GIVES TO of a in to it to be as an arrange BOTH SIDES BEFORE SIGNING IT-Remember that joint venture any other kind ment business whatever instantly refused should either party refuse would show the books or to let be known what share he reserved for himself. be LITERARY AGENTS. Be very careful. as as of the Society are earnestly desired warnings widely known possible. MEMBERs following to of is in or in as to as Members cannot the person whom they appoint their agent. their property almost unreservedly his hands. consulting the Society, Their only safety some friend who has had personal experience the agent. too careful They place make the They are of to is to of on many years' work upon the dangers the experience exposed which literary property sign any agreement, (1.) NEVER which the alleged cost based integral part, until the figures - of an production forms have been proved. experienced friends by - or not recommended Society. by to (2.) NEVER enter into any correspondence with publishers, especially with those who advertise for MSS., who are this �( 24 ) (3) NEVER, on any account whatever, to bind themselves down to any publisher for future work. (4.) NEVER to accept any proposal of royalty until they have ascertained what the agreement, worked out on both a small and a large sale, will give to the author and what to the publisher. (5.) NEVER to accept any pecuniary risk or responsibility whatever without advice. (6.) NEVER, when a MS. has been refused by respectable houses, to pay others, whatever promises they may put (7.) forward, for the production of the work. NEVER to sign away foreign, which include American, rights, but to keep them by special clause. To refuse sign any agreement containing a clause which reserves them for the publisher. If the publisher insists, take away the MS. and offer it to another. (8.) NEVER to sign any paper, either agreement or receipt, which gives away copyright, without advice. to (9.) (10.) keep control over the advertisements, if they affect the returns, by clause in the agreement. To reserve a veto. If ignorant of the subject, to make the Society their adviser. To NEVER to forget that publishing is a business, like any other business, totally unconnected with philanthropy, charity, or pure love of literature. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. 1. Every member has a right to advice upon his agreements, his choice of a publisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given member has a right to best by a solicitor, the an opinion from the Society's solicitors. �25 ) If the case is such that counsel's opinion is desirable, the Com mittee will obtain for him counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publishers' agreements are not generally within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore do not scruple to use the Society first our questions for us. solicitors are continually engaged upon such 3. Send to the office copies of past agreements and past accounts, with the loan of the books represented. This is in order to ascertain what has been the nature of your agreements and the results to author and publisher respectively so far. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business transactions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the proposed form to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and in the case of fraudulent houses the tricks of every publishing firm in the country. Remember that there are certain houses which live entirely by trickery. 7. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, interests writer. of literature and that you are advancing the best in promoting the independence of the 8. Send to the Editor of the Author notes of everything important to literature that you may hear or meet with. �{ REGULATIONS 26 ) CONCERNING MANUSCRIPTS, has a staff of readers who are competent to give a critical report upon MSS. submitted to them. 2. The fee for this service will for the future be one guinea, 1. The Society unless any special reason be present for making it higher or lower. The amount must then be left to the Secretary's discretion. It is requested having upon that a label may be sent with the MSS., it the author's name, the nom-de-plume any) under which the work written, and the address which the MSS. be returned. This communica is 7. every case the fee and stamps for return postage must accompany the MSS. The fee will be given entirely to the reader. . The readers will not attempt to give an opinion upon works of a technical character. to * In is 4. a report will be given upon MSS. of the usual three vol. length, or upon collections of stories making in the aggregate a work of that length. For this sum to (if . tion will be held as confidential. ��Publications of the Society. THE ANNUAL REPORT. | That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. THE AUTHOR. | Members. A. Monthly Journal devoted especially to the Issued to all and maintenance of Literary Property. prices: Back numbers are offered at the following (Bound); Wols. W. to protection Vol. I., 10s. 6d. (Bound); Wols. VIII, II., III., 6s. 6d. and IV., 8s. 6d. each Annual Sub (Unbound). scription, 6s. 6d. LITERATURE AND THE PENSION LIST. CoLLEs, Barrister-at-Law. By W. MoRRIs 3s. | THE HISTORY OF THE SOCIETE DES GENS DE LETTRES. | THE By S. SQUIRE SPRIgGE, late Secretary to the Society. COST OF PRODUCTION. 1s. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. 2s. 6d. | THE WARIOUS METHODS SPRIgGE. OF PUBLICATION. By S. SQUIRE In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. 3s. COPYRIGHT LAW REFORM. well's Copyright An Exposition of Lord Monks Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of of 1878, and an Appendix containing By Bill. and the American Copyright the Commission Convention 1s. 6d. | J. the Berne M. LELY. OF AUTHORS, A Record of its Action from its By WALTER BEs ANT (Chairman of Committee, THE SOCIETY Foundation. 1888-1892). 1s. CONTRACT OF PUBLICATION in Germany, Austria, By ERNst LUNGE, J.U.D. Hungary, and Switzerland. 6d. 10. THE ADDENDA TO THE METHODS OF PUBLISHING." Being Additional Facts collected By the HERBERT THRING. the Methods, with office the Society since the publication of at G. 2s. THE of | Comments and Advice. 2s. � 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 Society of Authors Publications Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context publications Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1898 Publisher(s) When used for publications, publisher of the periodical or book. When used for people, list of publishers they worked with during their lifetime Horace Cox Location The location of the event or organisation London Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18980101 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin S. MAY, 31.1899 | is R A Rºº, SOCIETY OF AUTHORS..º. (INCORPORATED.) IBº, IEE F O Eº, T. or thin COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT, E OR THE YEAR EN DING DECEMBER, 1898. Offices—4, PORTUGAL STREET, W.C. LONDON: HORACE COX, PRINTER. To THE S001ETY OF AUTHORS, WINDSOR HO USE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, ## p. (#2) ################################################## SOCIETY OF AUTHORS, DEC., 1898. --~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - --------------- PRESIDENT, GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL, SIR EDw1N ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. ANTHoNY HoPE HAwkins. J. M. BARRIE. JEROME. K. JERoME. A. W. A BECKETT. J. Scott KELTIE, LL.D. ROBERT BATEMAN. RUDYARD KIPLING. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. W. E. H. LECKY, P.C. | | | SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, M.P. THE REv. W. J. Loftik, F.S.A. REv. PROF. Bonney, F.R.S. SIR. A. C. MACKENZIE, Mus. Doc. The RIGHT HON. JAMES BRYOE, M.P. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH- HERMAN C. MERIVALE. CLERE, P.C. THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. HALL CAINE. SIR LEwis MoRRIs. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN. P. W. CLAYDEN. MISS E. A. ORMERod. EDWARD CLODD. | J. C. PARKINSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD PIRBRIGHT, HON. JOHN COLLIER. - P.C., F.R.S. SIR. W. MARTIN CONWAY. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK, BART., LL.D. F. MARION CRAWFORD. WALTER HERRIEs Poi,Lock. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD CURZON. W. BAPTISTE SCOONEs. P.C. MISS FLORA. L. SHAw. AUSTIN DOBSON. G. R. SIMS. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. A. W. DUBOURG. J. J. STEvenson. PROF. MICHAEL FOSTER, F.R.S. FRANCIS STORR. D. W. FRESHFIELD. WILLIAM MOY THOMAS. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. H. D. TRAILL, D.C.L. EDMUND GOSSE. MRS, HUMPHRY WARD. H. RIDER HAGGARD. MISS CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. THOMAS HARDY. Hon. Counsel—E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman—SIR. W. MARTIN CONWAY. A. W. A BECKETT. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. J. M. LELY. W. MORRIS COLLES. HENRY NORMAN. D. W. FRESHFIELD. FRANCIS STORR. H. RIDER HAGGARD, SUB-COMMITTEES. ART. | MUSIC. THE HON. John CoILIER (Chairman). C. WILLIERs STANFORD, Mus. Doc. SIR. W. MARTIN CONWAY. (Chairman). M. H. SPIELMANN. JACQUES BLUMENTHAL. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). A. W. A BECKETT. I EDWARD ROsm. --- FIELD, BOSCOE, & CO., Lincoln's Inn Fields. solicitors: & Hºnºr thing, 'BA. H. Portugal street. Secretary—G. HERBERT THRING, B.A. OFFICES. 4, Portugal STREET, LINGOLN's INN FIELD8, W.C. ## p. (#3) ################################################## Report of the Committee of Management. —cocº- THE Committee have much pleasure in laying the Report for 1898 before the members of the Society. They are happy to state that the Society is in a sound and healthy position, financially and otherwise. During the past year another £100 has been invested on capital account, bringing the total up to £690, as will be seen in the accounts on page 19. The Committee, however, still feel the want of sufficient funds to carry out many important requirements for the benefit of authors, but are glad to be able to report that the growth of the Society in this respect, though slow, is still sure. During the past year the number of new members elected has slightly exceeded the number of those elected in the preceding year; but, as in the last Report, the Committee must point out that this does not mean a corresponding increase in the number of members of the Society. There have been, as usual, many resignations; the Committee have also had to strike out many names for non-payment of their subscription; there have also been a considerable number of deaths. The total amount of resignations and erasions for non-payment is 120, and of deaths ten; so that the nett increase in the members of the Society is about 60. With regard to the first two (resignations and erasions) the Committee would like to put strongly before their members that there are certain things that the Society cannot do, and ## p. (#4) ################################################## ( 4 ) further, that they cannot give the same official support to those who join only when they are in difficulty as to older members since it is necessary for them to consider, in taking legal steps and incurring other expenditure, the claims of those who have been the Society's supporters for many years. It is owing to these reasons that a great many resignations and erasions have occurred. With regard to the third (deaths), it is with feelings, of sincere regret that the Committee have to report during the past year the deaths of some of their oldest members and strongest supporters. Amongst these are the following: The Rev. Canon Bell, D.D., William Black, the Earl of Desart, Mrs. Haweis, Mrs. Lynn Linton, James Payn. THE COMMITTEE. Under the constitution of the Society, Sir Walter Besant, Mr. J. M. Lely, and Sir A. C. Mackenzie resigned from the Committee at the commencement of the year in due rotation. Sir Walter Besant and Mr. Lely presented their names for re-election, and were re-elected in due course. Mr. Scott Keltie was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Sir A. C. Mackenzie from the Committee. Sir W. Martin Conway was unanimously elected Chairman of the Committee for the year. CORPORATE BODIES. As on sundry occasions it had been stated to the Committee that corporate bodies were unable to join the Society in their corporate capacity, the following resolution was unanimously passed at the meeting of the Committee held on June 24th : “It was resolved that, if it was thought advisable, the Committee would elect the Chairman or other officer of any corporate association as a member of the Author's Society, to ## p. (#5) ################################################## ( 5 ) represent such association, on payment of two guineas per annum on behalf of such association. The Chairman or other officer thus elected would be entitled to all the benefits of the Society for the publications of the association, and for advice with regard to the details of the body corporate, but not to advice on behalf of himself or any individual member of such association.” Two or three bodies have already availed themselves of the arrangement, and it is hoped that it will prove of service to the Society and to such bodies, as there are many all over the kingdom that publish works in their corporate capacity. BILL DEALING WITH PREFERENTIAL CREDITORS IN BANKRUPTCY. The Committee, during the past three or four years, have had many complaints that it has been impossible to recover any money due on authors’ contributions which have been accepted by magazines and papers that have subsequently gone into liquidation. (The difficulties of the situation are set forth in this Report, page 9, under the cases that have been before the Society.) As the position in many cases reached a very acute stage, owing to the authors being deprived of the remu- neration for their work, the Committee decided to draft a Bill placing authors as contributors to magazines and periodicals on the basis of preferential creditors. They accordingly in- structed counsel (Mr. F. B. Palmer, 5, New Square, Lincoln's Inn), through their solicitors to draft a short Bill to meet the case. The thanks of the Society are due to Mr. Palmer, who drafted the Bill in accordance with instructions, refusing to take any counsel's fees. The London branch of the Institute of Journalists, whose chairman (Mr. a Beckett) is a member of the Committee of the Society, gave their strong adherence ## p. (#6) ################################################## ( 6 ) to the principles of the Bill, and stated to the Committee that they were pleased that the matter had been taken in hand. It was decided to ask Sir J. Willox (through Mr. a Beckett) to undertake the bringing forward of the Bill. It is understood that Sir J. Willox has consented to do so next session. Books ELLERS AND THE DISCOUNT QUESTION. It will be remembered that in the Report for last year the Committee went fully into a scheme that was approved by the Publishers’ Association dealing with this subject, but they found they were unable to support the scheme, owing to cer- tain facts contained therein, which were fully set forth in a report of the sub-committee appointed to deal with the question, and approved by the Committee. The main objection was that the working of the scheme resulted in a restraint on the freedom of trading. This report considered in detail, and with very full evidence, the whole position of the bookselling trade. In the beginning of the current year the Secretary of the Booksellers’ Association prepared a fresh scheme for the con- sideration of the Authors’ Society. The sub-committee met on several occasions and prepared a further report, approving of the new scheme as submitted, with a few slight modifications and suggestions. The scheme was printed in the July number of the Author. After the booksellers had received and con- sidered the scheme with the Society's suggestions, the matter was laid before the publishers, and a meeting was held in the beginning of August, between a very influential deputation of booksellers and a committee of publishers. The booksellers present unanimously supported the proposed arrangement. The Committee of the Society were asked to attend, but owing to the date fixed were unable to send a representative. They, however, with the full consent of the publishers, requested the Secretary ## p. (#7) ################################################## ( 7 ) to be present, in order to put forward the Society's view, and to learn what steps were to be taken for the benefit of the trade in the future. The meeting was held at Stationers' Hall. It was decided by all parties present that no report should be printed. It is only necessary to state that the booksellers were enthusiastic, and unanimously in support of the scheme; that they represented, with the exception of one or two discount booksellers in London, the whole book trade all over England; that the publishers were by no means unanimous, raising considerable opposition to adopting any new method for the distribution of books. Although they stated their willingness to assist the retail trade, there was an unwillingness to disturb the ruling methods of business. No doubt in the near future there will be some fresh develop- ments, and the publishers will explain fully their objections. PUBLISHERS' AGREEMENTs. It appears from the report of the meeting of the Publishers' Association in the Publishers' Circular, that one of the first works taken in hand by that association was the drafting of agree- ments between author and publisher. These agreements were laid before counsel, Mr. J. Walton, Q.C., M.P., and Mr. Ingpen, and settled by them. The Secretary of the Society on hearing of these agreements, wrote to the chairman of the Publishers' Association, asking if he would kindly forward copies when settled for criticism in the Author. This the chairman very kindly consented to do. When the agreements came to hand the Secretary criticised them at considerable length, and in considerable detail. His criticism was approved by the Committee, and printed in the July number of the Author. The Committee have since decided to reprint the agreements in pamphlet form, with the Secretary's comments, and examples drawn from them. The Committee ## p. (#8) ################################################## ( 8 ) would like to impress upon the members of the Society that the agreements are thoroughly unsatisfactory, and that it would be good for all members of the Society to study them, together with the Secretary's comments, in case any firm of publishers should submit copies of them for signature. It is a pity that they should be so unsatisfactory, as the chairman of the Pub- lishers' Association in his speech states as follows: “We have got two of the best commercial counsel we could find to look through them, and see whether the agreements will hold water legally; whether they express the thing clearly, and obviate all possibility of dispute; and finally, and not the least important, whether they are between the parties an equitable method of arriving at the desired result.” It is difficult to understand how these agreements can be considered equitable between the parties, though no doubt from the publishers' point of view they are admirably drawn documents. ADDENDA TO THE METHODS OF PUBLISHING. Various papers that had appeared in the Author under the title of “Matters for Consideration,” written by the Secretary of the Society, have been reprinted in pamphlet form, entitled “Addenda to the Methods of Publishing.” These papers contained various difficulties, of which some had not been noticed in the “Methods of Publishing,” and others had sprung up since that work was first produced. The book forms a very useful appendix, and is worthy of the consideration of those who are not able to apply to the Secretary for informa- tion on agreements. ANNUAL DINNER. The Annual Dinner of the Society took place at the Holborn Restaurant, on Monday, May 2nd. The Bishop of London ## p. (#9) ################################################## ( 9 ) took the chair, and there were about two hundred members of the society and guests present. A soirée was held subsequently in one of the salons, and after a very pleasant evening the members and guests separated. A full account of the speeches has been printed in the June number of the Author. MAGAZINES IN LIQUIDATION. In another part of the Report, the Committee state that they have a Bill in preparation dealing with the question of making contributors to magazines preferential creditors in liquidation or bankruptcy proceedings. The reason they have taken this matter-up strongly is that during the past year there have been four or five cases of papers or magazines in liquidation. In each case many members of the Society have been involved. Although the Secretary and the solicitors of the Society have done their best to obtain the money due, they have been in nearly every case unsuccessful, owing to the fact that there were no assets available for distribution among the creditors. It might be to the advantage of the Society if the Committee put forward some facts with regard to the method on which some magazines are conducted. They are, in some cases, started by an individual with a small capital, who advertises largely for MSS., or obtains them through other means. When his capital is nearly expended, the whole affair is turned into a limited liability company. In the course of time the limited liability company goes bankrupt, leaving all the contracts with the authors unfulfilled and large sums due for payment for past and future work. It may happen that the originator of the magazine, who has been running the company as managing director at a salary, then purchases the assets of the bankruptcy at a small figure, and the magazine is still kept going with the contributions of the unfortunate author creditors. To the outside public, who do not happen to have sent in contri- B ## p. (#10) ################################################# ( 10 ) butions, the paper seems to be still running strongly. The name is the same ; it is only the proprietors who have altered. This rapid change of proprietors adds a further difficulty, as it is almost impossible to ascertain which proprietor is liable for which contract. Accordingly a further batch of contributors are deceived. There is another device which suggests itself to the ingenious proprietor, when he has turned the magazine again into a company, namely, the issue of deben- tures. The debenture holders are those who, interested in the circulation, and aware of the financial position, protect them- selves to the disadvantage of the contributors. The only thing that can be done under these circumstances is to drive the magazine into bankruptcy, and, if possible, off the market entirely. This may be a very strong measure, and it may, in one or two cases, hurt the authors that happen to be creditors, but it prevents a large number of members of the Society from again being led into these difficulties. The cases of all the bankrupt magazines, however, are not as bad as the one above quoted, although in nearly every case the debenture-holder is to be met, who, on the sale of the magazine, pockets all the assets, leaving none for the unfortunate creditors. Members of the Society cannot be too careful with what magazines they deal, and to secure prompt payment from those that are not absolutely trustworthy. In some cases, where the matter has been put into the Secretary's hands at once, payment has been secured before the final crash. As a general rule, the Secretary is cognizant of the financial position of magazines, and can advise authors as to whether it is worth their while to take stringent measures or not. ADVISORY WORK AND LEGAL CASEs. The advisory work of the Society has been very heavy during the past year, and shows a considerable increase on that of the previous year. The Committee are always glad to see members ## p. (#11) ################################################# ( 11 ) make full use of the Society; though still, no doubt, there are many members who would profit considerably if they used the Society more. Prevention is always better than cure. With regard to the cases taken up during the past year (by cases are meant those questions in which the Secretary interposes between the publisher or editor and the author), the number taken in hand shows an increase. The settlement of the cases shows from nearly all points a satisfactory result. In all there have been 110 cases before the Society. Of these eight were for infringement of copyright, and the Society has had very little difficulty in settling them, although in three or four the Secretary had to go so far as to threaten to place the matters in the hands of the Society's solicitors, and in two cases had actually to do so. It is sometimes the principle of the offender to try and brazen out the infringement by making one excuse or another, but when he sees that the Society is in earnest, the matter is generally easily arranged. Members should, therefore, always be prepared to go to the Courts, should the Secretary or the Society’s solicitors advise such a course. Fifty cases have been before the Society in which money has not been paid when due. In about forty of these cases it has been possible for the Secretary to obtain the amount by writing a letter, or, in case the first letter obtains no reply, threatening to put the matter in the solicitors’ hands. In one or two cases the Society has been able, after putting the matter in the solicitors’ hands, to enforce payment; in the other cases payment has not been made owing to the fact that the magazine is in a bankrupt position. Bankruptcy, as has been pointed out, is, in nearly every case, disastrous to contributors. It is quite the excep- tion if a dividend is paid. With regard to both the infringe- ment of copyright and the application for money due, if the matter has been placed in the solicitors’ hands, it has been so placed with the consent of the Committee, and, as far as the law expenses are concerned, without cost to ## p. (#12) ################################################# ( 12 ) the member. The Committee would be glad to be able to report that the Society is so strong financially that it could take up all law cases which are backed with the support of its solicitors or counsel on behalf of its members as a matter of course; but, though it takes up many during the year, it is not always able to take up every question. The Committee, during the past year, have issued to those members whose cases they have taken up, a printed form of guarantee. The following is a copy of it: To THE SECRETARY, INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF AUTHORS, 4, Portugal Street, W.C. 1. I undertake to come to no settlement of the case between myself and ....................................... nor to withdraw from any proceedings which the Society's Solicitors may institute on my behalf without the concurrence of the Society's Solicitors, and that all negotiations shall be carried on through the Society's Solicitors or Secretary. 2. I will give the Society or its Solicitors the best assistance that is in my power to carry the proceedings to a successful conclusion. 3. Should the proceedings fail through any neglect or default on my part, I undertake to become responsible for all the costs of the action. (Signed) ....................................... ## p. (#13) ################################################# ( 13 ) It is necessary, for the protection of the Society, that this guarantee should be signed. During the past year there have been five cases of bankruptcy in which the solicitors of the Society have carried through the claims of the various members. Unfortunately, only in one case was there any dividend paid, and in that case a very small one. - The Committee are glad to report that the Roxburghe Press has now ceased to exist, being one of the bankrupt companies. There have been twenty-three cases in which the subject in dispute has been publishers’ accounts. Either the accounts have not been rendered at the proper time, or when rendered have not been sufficiently in detail, or have been inaccurate, and thus necessitated careful inspection. In the cases where accounts have not been rendered, the Secretary has always been able to obtain them at once. Only in one case have the Committee felt the necessity of sending in an accountant to check the vouchers. In three other cases they have had to obtain a full accountant's report of the items sent in, with a view of taking further steps if necessary. Owing to the report being satisfactory, these further steps have, however, proved unnecessary. On two occasions a publisher refused to show his accounts and vouchers and books on the demand of the Society. The Society at once took up the matter, and were pre- pared to carry the question into Court, as the Committee consider it one of the gravest importance. In both these cases, however, the authors concerned were officials holding positions out of England, and they were unable in consequence to support the Society in bringing an action on their behalf. The Com- mittee regret exceedingly that they had therefore to abandon these two cases, but they beg to state to the members that if any case comes before the Society with no other issues involved, except the one of a publisher refusing to produce his books and vouch his accounts in full, they will carry that case right C ## p. (#14) ################################################# ( 14 ) through the Courts, as it is a point of vital principle that has been maintained by the Society ever since its foundation. In all other previous cases where the Society has employed its accountant, it has found publishers willing and ready to vouch their accounts in detail. The mere fact of a publisher refusing to do so would lead any reasonable person to draw the deduction that they were unable to do so, an inference which must be harmful to any publishing house. - In twenty-eight cases the Society have had to apply for the recovery of MSS. from editors or publishers, and in sixteen cases they have been successful. The Committee would like to point out the difficulty with regard to this portion of the work of the Society. In many cases authors have no acknowledge- ment whatever of the MSS. having been received, but without such acknowledgement it is impossible to prove anything satis- factorily. If an author could show that the MS. has reached the office, he must also be able to show that it has reached the hands of some responsible party in the office, and finally he must show that the persons dealing with the MSS. have been guilty of neglect. These points are very difficult for an author to prove ; though some members of the Society seem to think that under any circumstances the editors or publishers are responsible from the moment that the author has inserted the MS. in the Post Office, and one member went even so far as to state that as he had not heard from the editor he might draw the deduction that the MS. had been accepted. The Secretary has at all times (with one exception) met with the utmost courtesy and consideration from editors and publishers. They have been ready to make search for the MSS., and return them when found; but the Committee would like to state that they cannot, and will not, uphold the ease of members who bring the Society into discredit by making discourteous and impossible demands, and using the Society's name in such an issue. ## p. (#15) ################################################# ( 15 ) It has come to the notice of the Committee that writers, who are not members of the Society, have also used the Society's name as a threat to editors and publishers. While the Com- mittee strongly disapprove of members using the name of the Society in an unauthorised manner, they cannot too fully express their resentment at those who are not members of the Society making use of the Society's name. It brings odium on the work of the Society, and tends to lessen its power and effect in upholding the cause of authors generally. The Committee must also point out, as they have done in another part of the Report, that they do not feel themselves bound to give the same support to those who join only when in difficulty as to their old members. COPYRIGHT LAW REFORM. The action of the Committee with regard to the Consolidating and Amending Bill of the Copyright Association, as set forth in last year's Report, has been fully justified by the results. The Chairman of the Copyright Association, it will be remem- bered, asked the Society to assist them with the Bill, with a view to bringing it before the Houses of Parliament. The Committee stated in reply that they were very willing to do their utmost in assisting in the Consolidation and Amendment of Copyright, but they thought the time was inadvisable for taking such steps; that it would be impossible to pass a full Consolidating and Amending Bill, and that they ought not to take further action until the Society's short Amending Bill had passed both Houses; that the bringing forward of such a Consolidating and Amending Bill would put off Copyright legislation for an indefinite period. At the commencement of this year the Copyright Association's Bill was placed in Lord Herschell's hands, and was pushed to a second reading through the House of Lords at the same time as the Society's Amending Bill. The members of the Society will call to mind the fac ## p. (#16) ################################################# ( 16 ) that the Society's Bill was being piloted by Lord Monkswell, and had already passed the second reading at the former Session. Both Bills were referred to a Committee of the House of Lords. Considerable evidence from various quarters was given. The Secretary of the Society appeared and gave evidence on behalf of the Committee, setting forward their view of the position. This evidence has been printed in the Author and other papers. The Committee of the Society would like to say that in its final state the Copyright Amendment Bill is, on the whole, satis- factory as far as literary property is concerned, though there are certain points which they would like to see altered. The Committee will do their utmost to push forward Copy- right Law Reform and Amendment, but they regret that, owing to the course which the Copyright Association have thought fit to adopt, it appears that the consolidation of the law has been indefinitely postponed. It will be impossible to pass a full Consolidating and Amend ing Act in the present state of public business, and any small amendments that may now be put forward can always be put aside on the excuse that the big Bill is standing in the way. It is to be regretted, therefore, that with all the Committee's efforts amendment of the law has been impossible. GERMAN COPYRIGHT. In the spring of the year a telegram appeared in the Times announcing the withdrawal of Germany from the Anglo-German Convention for the protection of Authors’ copyright. The telegram referred to those treaties existing between Germany, Prussia, and England prior to the Berne Convention. Questions have arisen from time to time during the past few years as to how far these prior treaties had any effect on the articles existing between the countries under the Berne Con- vention. As stated in the telegram, these treaties have lost ## p. (#17) ################################################# ( 17 ) their legal force in Great Britain, and have now been declared mull and void by the withdrawal of Germany. There is, how- ever, one question, how far this withdrawal might have an effect on books published under these treaties prior to the Berne Convention, whether the withdrawal is retrospective, and in what way it may bear upon past publications. The result of an inquiry made by the Secretary at the Foreign Office was to the effect that the notice published by Germany did not in any way interfere with the Berne Convention, but merely referred to treaties prior to that Convention, the benefit of which had lapsed in both countries. A full statement of the German document was made in the April number of the Author. A further paper was received from the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who had received it from the German Ambassador, relative to the position of British authors in Germany. It was printed in the June number of the Author. CANADIAN COPYRIGHT. During the past year the Committee have been watching very closely the interests of authors with regard to any proposed legislation on the subject of Copyright in Canada, but the matter is not at present ripe for any public statement. ## p. (#18) ################################################# THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF AUTHORS, Revenue Account for the Year ending 31st December, 1898. To Balance from 1897: At Bank Petty Cash in hand. 33 ,, Donations - ,, Reading Fees ... ,, Proceeds of Publicati ,, Dinner Account Annual Subscriptions RECEIPTS. January 1, 1898. 5 ; | December 31, 1898. 1,051 2 ... ... ... 4 9 ons ,, Dividends on Investments, viz.: £230 Lancashire Railway 33 °/o Pref. Stock £240 Staffordshire 3 °ſo County Stock £89 156 Consols 3: “I, By Management and Sun Postages and Telegrams Housekeeper Typewriting Fares Hire of Room for General Meeting Audit Fee Sundries ... ,, Rent and Gas ... ,, Salaries - - - Readers’ Fees ... ,, Stationery , Advertising ,, Expenses of Publicati , Legal Expenses Dinner Account Balance : At Bank - - - Petty Cash in hand 33 35 and Yorkshire 7 15 6 19 () 12 PAYMENTS. December 31, 1898. dry Expenses: 4; i |1 ons ; 42 S 6–1,055 75 155 139 11 10 11 S 11 3 13 () 6 4 4 — 15 7 2 £1.507 10 1 **- d. 39 s. d. 2 2 1. 2 0 () 43–144 8 11} 71 15 399 2 78 15 78 16 46 6 465 1 13 14 156 15 T. 5 2 — 52 15 7 21,507 10 1 We have examined this Account with the Books and Vouchers, and certify it to be in accordance therewith. MonumENT SQUARE, E.C., OSCAR BERRY AND CARR, 11th January, 1899. Auditors. ## p. (#19) ################################################# ( 19 ) THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF AUTHORS, Capital Account for the year ending 31st December, 1898. RECEIPTS. 1898. Jan. 1st. To Balance at Bank as per last Account ... .879 7 9 Dec. 31st. , Life Members’ Subscriptions during the Year --- --- --- - - - ... 35 8 10 42114, 16 7 PAYMENTS. 1898. Dec. 31st. By Investment : £89 15 6 Consols ... 100 () () Balance at Bank - - - ... 14 16 7 – 4:114 16 7 We have examined this Account with the Books and Vouchers, and certify it to be in accordance therewith. OSCAR BERRY AND CARR, MONUMENT SQUARE, E.C., Auditors. 11th January, 1899. The Committee would like to make the following remarks on the financial statement submitted to the Society: Taking as the first item the Capital Account, it will be seen that one hundred pounds have been invested in Consols since 1897. This makes a total of invested moneys as follows: £230 Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, 34% £343 17 0 £240 Staffordshire 3.4% County Stock ... 247 1() () £89 15s. 6d. Consols 23% - - - - - - - - - 99 2 () £690 9 () the present price of which, as will be seen by the statement, altogether amounts to £6909s. Of this between £400 and £450 ## p. (#20) ################################################# ( 20 ) was left to the Society in a legacy, and the remainder represents capitalised life membership fees. The annual subscriptions to the Society show the satisfactory increase of £55 on the previous year. Some seventy or eighty members have not yet paid for last year. Of the annual subscrip- tions, 450, a large number are paid by banker's orders. It is much more convenient both for the member and for the Society if this arrangement could always be carried out. It is earnestly hoped that members will pay by this means if they possibly can, as the circularisation of members for non-payment is a great expense to the Society. The Committee regret to state that about £50 is annually lost to the Society by unpaid subscriptions. The issuing of circulars and the printing of them (which is included under “Stationery’’) make the charge under that head a heavy one. The circulars issued during the year are for the General Meeting, the Dinner, and the circulars for non- payment. The legal expenses are small during the present year for this reason, that in 1897 nearly the whole of the outstanding solicitors’ charges were paid, and during the present year the Society has received no further account. The item being so small does not mean, however, that the work of the Society in this branch has at all decreased. On the contrary; if anything, it has risen. The outstanding liabilities of the Society may be reckoned as amounting to a total of about £500, expenses incurred for Awthor, Solicitors, and Stationery charges. These may be looked upon as current expenses, but the amount is higher than the Committee would like. It will be reduced gradually. The Committee trust that the members of the Society will feel their position secure on the ground that against this £500 they have £690 invested capital, so that practically the Society is in a sound financial state; but of course an intact capital of at least £500 would be far more satisfactory. ## p. (#21) ################################################# ( 21 ) The List of Publications of the Society will be found on the first page of the Author and at the back of the Report. During 1898 the Society has published “The Addenda to the Methods of Publishing,” by G. Herbert Thring. The proceeds of publications are derived mainly from sales, in addition to an amount derived from the insertion of advertisements in the Author. ## p. (#22) ################################################# ( 22 ) CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION.—The subscription is one guinea annually, payable on the 1st January of each year. LIFE MEMBERSHIP. — The sum of ten guineas for life membership entitles the subscriber to full membership of the Society. Cheques and Postal Orders should be crossed “The Union Bank of London, Limited, Chancery Lane Branch; ” or, “The London Joint Stock Bank, Limited, Westminster Branch.” Names of those who wish to be proposed as members may be sent at any time to the Secretary at the Secretary's offices. Subscriptions paid by members elected after 1st of October will cover the next year. The Secretary can be personally consulted between the hours of Two p.m. and Five p.m., except on Saturdays. It is preferable that an appointment should be made by letter. All communications made by the Secretary to those seeking his advice are absolutely confidential, and on this understanding alone advice is given. ASSOCIATES. Persons who have not published a book can only join the Society as Associates. The subscription and the advantages to be obtained are the same as those of membership, the difference being merely a nominal one. On notifying the Secretary of the publication of a book, their names will then be transferred to full membership. ## p. (#23) ################################################# ( 23 W A R N IN G. S. STAMP YOUR AGREEMENTS.–Members are most URGENTLY warned not to neglect stamping their agreements immediately after signature. If this precaution is neglected for two weeks, a fine of £10 must be paid before the agreement can be used as a legal document. In almost every case brought to the Secretary the agreement, or the letter which serves for one, is without the stamp. The author may be assured that the other party to the agreement never neglects this simple precaution. The Society, to save trouble, undertakes to get all the agree- ments of members stamped for them at no expense to themselves except the cost of the stamp. ASCERTAIN WHAT A PROPOSED AGREEMENT GIVES TO BOTH SIDES BEFORE SIGNING IT-Remember that an arrange- ment as to a joint venture in any other kind of business whatever would be instantly refused should either party refuse to show the books or to let it be known what share he reserved for himself. LITERARY AGENTS.–Be very careful. Members cannot be too careful as to the person whom they appoint as their agent. They place their property almost unreservedly in his hands. Their only safety is in consulting the Society, or some friend who has had personal experience of the agent. MEMBERs of the Society are earnestly desired to make the following warnings as widely known as possible. They are based on the experience of many years' work upon the dangers to which literary property is exposed — (1.) NEVER to sign any agreement, of which the alleged cost of production forms an integral part, until the figures have been proved. - (2.) NEVER to enter into any correspondence with publishers, especially with those who advertise for MSS., who are not recommended by experienced friends or by this Society. - ## p. (#24) ################################################# ( 24 ) (3) NEVER, on any account whatever, to bind themselves down to any publisher for future work. (4.) NEVER to accept any proposal of royalty until they have ascertained what the agreement, worked out on both a small and a large sale, will give to the author and what to the publisher. (5.) NEVER to accept any pecuniary risk or responsibility whatever without advice. (6.) NEVER, when a MS. has been refused by respectable houses, to pay others, whatever promises they may put forward, for the production of the work. (7.) NEVER to sign away foreign, which include American, rights, but to keep them by special clause. To refuse to sign any agreement containing a clause which reserves them for the publisher. If the publisher insists, take away the MS. and offer it to another. (8.) NEVER to sign any paper, either agreement or receipt, which gives away copyright, without advice. (9.) To keep control over the advertisements, if they affect the returns, by clause in the agreement. To reserve a veto. If ignorant of the subject, to make the Society their adviser. (10.) NEVER to forget that publishing is a business, like any other business, totally unconnected with philanthropy, charity, or pure love of literature. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. 1. Every member has a right to advice upon his agreements, his choice of a publisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. ## p. (#25) ################################################# 25 ) If the case is such that counsel's opinion is desirable, the Com- mittee will obtain for him counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publishers' agreements are not generally within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore do not scruple to use the Society first—our solicitors are continually engaged upon such questions for us. 3. Send to the office copies of past agreements and past accounts, with the loan of the books represented. This is in order to ascertain what has been the nature of your agreements and the results to author and publisher respectively so far. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business transactions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the proposed form to the Society for examination. - 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudulent houses—the tricks of every publishing firm in the country. Remember that there are certain houses which live entirely by trickery. 7. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the independence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of the Author notes of everything important to literature that you may hear or meet with. ## p. (#26) ################################################# { 26 ) 1. 2. 4. * 7. REGULATIONS CONCERNING MANUSCRIPTS, The Society has a staff of readers who are competent to give a critical report upon MSS. submitted to them. The fee for this service will for the future be one guinea, unless any special reason be present for making it higher or lower. The amount must then be left to the Secretary's discretion. . For this sum a report will be given upon MSS. of the usual three vol. length, or upon collections of stories making in the aggregate a work of that length. In every case the fee and stamps for return postage must accompany the MSS. The fee will be given entirely to the reader. . The readers will not attempt to give an opinion upon works of a technical character. It is requested that a label may be sent with the MSS., having upon it the author's name, the nom-de-plume (if any) under which the work is written, and the address to which the MSS. is to be returned. This communica- tion will be held as confidential. ## p. (#27) ################################################# ## p. (#28) ################################################# Publications of the Society. 10. | THE ANNUAL REPORT. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. | THE AUTHOR. A. Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members. Back numbers are offered at the following prices: Vol. I., 10s. 6d. (Bound); Wols. II., III., and IV., 8s. 6d. each (Bound); Wols. W. to VIII, 6s. 6d. (Unbound). Annual Sub- scription, 6s. 6d. LITERATURE AND THE PENSION LIST. By W. MoRRIs CoLLEs, Barrister-at-Law. 3s. | THE HISTORY OF THE SOCIETE DES GENS DE LETTRES. By S. SQUIRE SPRIgGE, late Secretary to the Society. 1s. | THE COST OF PRODUCTION. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. 2s. 6d. | THE WARIOUS METHODS OF PUBLICATION. By S. SQUIRE SPRIgGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. 3s. COPYRIGHT LAW REFORM. An Exposition of Lord Monks- well's Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. 1s. 6d. | THE SOCIETY OF AUTHORS, A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By WALTER BEs ANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888-1892). 1s. | THE CONTRACT OF PUBLICATION in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By ERNst LUNGE, J.U.D. 2s. 6d. THE ADDENDA TO THE “METHODS OF PUBLISHING." By G. HERBERT THRING. Being Additional Facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “Methods,” with Comments and Advice. 2s. 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 Report of the Committee of Management (1898) Subject The topic of the resource Report of the Committee of Management (1898) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/102668289" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/102668289</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1898-Annual-Report Description An account of the resource The annual report of the <a href="https://historysoa.com/exhibits/show/management-committee">Management Committee</a> for 1898. Committee of Management https://historysoa.com/files/original/4/235/1888-American-Dinner-Report.png ccdd23e5fcba310cea7aed5373396e2f 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 Society of Authors Publications Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context publications Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1888 Publisher(s) When used for publications, publisher of the periodical or book. When used for people, list of publishers they worked with during their lifetime The Society of Authors Location The location of the event or organisation London 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 Report of the Proceedings at the Dinner Given by the Society of Authors to American Men and Women of Letters at the Criterion Restaurant, on Wednesday, July 25, 1888 (1888) Subject The topic of the resource Report of the Proceedings at the Dinner Given by the Society of Authors to American Men and Women of Letters at the Criterion Restaurant, on Wednesday, July 25, 1888 (1888) Description An account of the resource A report listing attendees and offering a transcription of all of the speeches given at the dinner. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Society of Authors Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101046820708" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101046820708</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1888-American-Dinner-Report publications https://historysoa.com/files/original/4/406/1910-05-02-Supplement-20-8-Price-of-Novels-Report.pdf 4166f2c624b99af82ff4491ee158183f PDF Text Text REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE PRICE OF NOVELS, PASSED MARCH APPROWED BY THE 11, COMMITTEE APRIL 4, 1910. 1910. OF MANAGEMENT �REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE PRICE OF NOVELS. THE ON in we of an to to us a be it ; of of to of its WE, the Sub-Committee appointed to consider the question of the price at which new novels should be issued, beg to submit our conclusions to the Committee. In an interim report made to the Committee on December 6th, 1909, and published in The Author in January, 1910, we explained that the collecting of evidence from the booksellers would take some time and that result would require sifting and classification. We also alluded the fact that we were promised the outcome certain definite experiments the change price new novels, which experiments were then being conducted and said that we would elicit further information from novelists. For these reasons was necessary that there should some delay before we could make final report, but the serious nature the situation appeared warrant the laying before the Committee interim opinion. We to 6s. of of it. in to or of In to of an he by of of as to have now received the further information for which we were waiting, and are enabled submit our conclusions. We have collected since the issue the interim report evidence from other novelists Twenty the advisability initial reduction their prices from the usual figure reduction, two were indefinite, and one thought authors replied. Seventeen were opposed price. that would benefit the lowering the interim report the figures were thirty opposed Forty-seven, therefore, are opposed reduction and seven more less favour of of . to he in H. if to to of of Through we in to and eight favour. possession the courtesy Mr. W. Keay, have been placed the replies 243 booksellers the four questions which submitted them. The questions doubtful, expressions opinion. have served elicit valuable, The figures placed beside the reduction questions indicate the views taken 72 156 56 or at dº a prejudiced . 2 be to be (if liable 149 a Or at º of a in at 6s. subject JW0. o of at an If at a in any) cheaper rate Would the increase the sales compensate for the smaller figure received per copy. (if In - .2 .3 novel Yes. 38, a In 1. Questions. your opinion would you obtain larger sale for new copyright novel the Ordinary length 2s. net e tº than for one 6s. subject 28, author brings out new copyright novel your opinion weuld his sale subsequent 3s. net, is & 111 84 84 93 tº tº of a to of 2 e ge cº o & . publications 2 if 4. in other words, would the larger circulation that so) g compensate for the reduction price Would you get sufficient return out which make good living wage the author reduced the prices a ; to to an or of at as us in at º be us of to be at to to an 25 per cent, important point which further allusion will made. Mr. Heinemann has communicated the result his interesting experiment give the price which new novels should issued. He was obviously unable of a no at to a be a to be it to for in to of as in of no by is 68. a 38. or 2s. at at ; of of a 6s. we at to be larger sale would obtained for new copyright Subject the ordinary length net than for one discount that the new novel the lower rate would damage the chances author desiring return and that the bookselling trade would make much more under original issues. the lower prices. But the opinion means unanimous, the minority replies being substantial number. The fourth question was answered from such various points view considering that the bookselling trade opinion. that are justified whole has The conclusion most generally expressed was that the selling fiction remunerative profit business the bookseller was necessary for him able sell least The booksellers, therefore, believe that novel issue changing the exact. �(, ) 3 figures in respect of each of the books without the permission of their authors, and it has not to us either right or necessary to beg him to obtain the permission. We are satisfied that the want of success attending his interesting and enterprising plan of making the price of length general a new novel depend roughly upon most powerful argument against novelty change from the hitherto accepted price 6s. There were circumstances apart from regard the result which certainly fought against the plan, but these not lead anything but warning authors not lower their price issue. One author, the other higher price than 6s., but hand, whose book was published two volumes, met with con siderable success. The raised price was based the length the work, and the success was spite supply obtained the refusal the libraries We wish record our sense giving could, while respected the Mr. Heinemann's courtesy the assistance that confidential nature of the relations with his clients. seen, are Our conclusions, will close confirmation the interim report that we publish the two reports together. have thought advisable on as to us of in to of he of a so he us all to it. of to on a of it to it be in in of at a to do of itsa is a its seemed Conclusions. their agents for them, the new novel should be of or to is it be unwise allow themselves, agreed that the initial price no to We find that novelists would enter into any contract whereby lower than 6s. is in of or of of an by to is is on ; in be of of as a of a to as is S. to be it it in If 6s. its is a in of of of to of In of by in no of be in to 6s. as of be at as to a if to to of of to in is publishers that the lowering There evidence from authors the initial price leads any substantial increase circulation while there evidence that certain circumstances the opposite has occurred. The opinion the booksellers the question too inconclusive alter our view. The majority the booksellers believe that the lowering the original price would lead larger sale, but improvement their profit come their terms appears with the publishers, their suggestion, the author will have difficulty main taining his royalties their proper figure. The booksellers' evidence confirms our previous view that where authors lower the original prices their novels they will not offered the they have hitherto received. same proportionate royalties We strongly advise authors maintain the standard price issue new fiction special cases. save way modified any We feel that these conclusions need the temporary success publishing scheme where far lower prices issue are employed. one prominent venture this sort the large prices which are understood have been obtained, are what might have many been expected from the status the authors. novels, the cheaper paper We suggest that certain deterioration the outward aspect partly responsible for the cry for cheaper and the catch-penny cover, often insecurely sewn, novel, quite apart from novel, looked better value for 68, and books. the merits opinion possible were fact better turned out than turn out 2s. novel, we are distinctly easier that would maintain the higher price. . M. A. BELLOC-LOWNDES. CHARLES GARVICE. E. W. HORNUNG. W. W. JACOBS. INTERIM SQUIRE SPRIGGE. REPORT. be at of of as no to of to of of of of in in of of to us to of to of as to of of to of as to be in of of in be a be of to to of to WE, the sub-committee appointed consider the question the price which new novels should issued, think that we ought make an interim report, having regard the serious nature the present feel, also, comprehensive report upon expected situation. We that conclusive and the matter can hardly sought, and the distinct understand from us, remembering the variety directions which evidence must ing that we have received that the results price certain experiments the change new novels which experiments are now being conducted will given us. step opinion seventy-eight novelists, being Our first was invite the almost all members our society, possible because they seemed represent varying degrees position who were selected far men Further, we gave preference popularity. and women letters and greatly different conditions our first inquiry letter those authors whose works we knew had been made the subject some experiments the lowering the original price issue. The result that inquiry was that thirty authors declared themselves uncompromisingly opposed any systematic reduction the usual publishing price the new novel, viz., 6s., believing that the reduction would bring them, having regard the reduced royalties offered, return which would compensate them for the loss which they would sustain by not receiving the larger royalty upon �( 4 ) the larger prices; seven authors believe the reverse of this, but their convictions were not expressed with any great force in all instances. Of the remaining authors to whom we wrote, fourteen were non-committal in their statements, certain of them giving information in answer to our questions, but without expressing opinions and leaving us to make deductions from the facts; nine stated that they were unable to give useful information, and from the remainder we have not yet heard. Much of this unclassified evidence was informatory to ourselves, and the deduction we have drawn from it is that it contains no definite arguments in favour of the lowering of the original of the new novel from 6s. either for the benefit of the author, the publisher, the bookseller, or public. the We propose to collect further evidence from novelists during the time that must elapse before we can report finally. Our interim conclusion, that novelists would be unwise to allow themselves, or their agents for them, to enter into any contracts whereby it is agreed that the initial price of the new novel should be lower than 6s, is much strengthened by the replies which we have received from the list of publishers to whom we addressed a letter asking whether the circulation obtained for novels published originally at a lower price than 6s. would, in their opinion, result in a proportionate increase if the price were lowered. The basis on which we asked for information was a 6s. novel of the ordinary length of about 80,000 to 100,000 words with a circulation of at least 3,000 copies; and, further, we asked if it would be practicable to pay an author royalties on a 2s., a 2s. 6d. or a 3s. net book at so high a rate as on a 6s. book; and if it would be practicable to consider raising the Original price in certain cases. We desire to record our sense of the valuable and courteous manner in which our questions, necessarily of a searching nature, were responded to by the publishers. Several publishers said that at the present moment they were not prepared to answer definitely, while one, who may be mentioned by name, because his position has been made public by his own letter to The Publishers Circular, viz., Mr. Heinemann, pointed out to us that he was at the present moment engaged in an important experiment in the alteration of the prices at which new novels should be issued, of the results of which he would be in a position to inform us in February. Other publishers who have issued new fiction at lower prices than 6s. have given us details showing that the experiments had failed. The consensus of opinion from the publishers is to the effect : (1) (a) that from 9,000 copies at least, to 12,000 (the highest figure mentioned) must be sold at 2s. net ; (b) that 8,000 must be sold at 2s. 6d. net ; and (c) that 6,000 copies must be sold at net before the author would receive the amount equivalent that 6s., i.e., 4s. 6d. net. which he usually receives on 3,000 copies count, (2) That leaving exceptional cases out does not appear probable that the author's circulation proportionately would enhanced by reduction the price the original issue. On this point figures relating particular cases have been submitted proof the opinion. (3) That the same proportionate royalty could not offered upon the lower prices. On this point the publishers are all very clear. Regarding these publishers, thoroughly cognisant we do, the business side the publication competent guide fiction the present conditions, and the probable result modifications developments grave warning those conditions, we think that their opinions constitute authors who may any price below 68. be invited issue new novels the ordinary length 2s., we hope that this With regard the issue new novels cloth binding the initial price likely any large innovation not affect number writers. Few publishers will make the attempt pay the produce required new work fiction such enormous quantities for first edition would guarantee that the large prices which have been offered author and recoup themselves. There can payment for serial rights and royalties authors advance under this system will maintained. We have definite information that, with regard the 7d. reprints, the publishers are already offering far smaller sums advance than the first instance and that even the cases authors whose books have practically earned these advances they are not now willing make new contracts the old terms. We possess large amount evidence from the booksellers upon the various questions involved, but this, which has only just reached us, requires sifting and classification, We have received scattered information from several authors who have actually experienced the results prices lower than 6s. In every case the author has suffered. the issue new novels Having, then, regard opinion from those novelists whom we have consulted, the weight the responsible remarks leading publishers, and details which we have received the actual experience authors, we repeat the recommendation that the novelist should maintain the price the original production large circulation. his works 68. There evidence that low price means of it or of of at to a a no is at of of of to of of of to of at of a of to on of in ; in in to in be to to a as be of to of at in no be in as a of is to to to of of a to of as us to to of be of in as of in as as to in a be of to at 38. ſº ADDENDUM. to in of to to . of It to as as at of to in of of in of point out us, having particular knowledge France, wishes One the business side literature that even the days when the regular price the new novel France was Fr. 3.50, all the leading French novelists, Daudet and Zola among them, greatly regretted the lowering the standard price that figure. 9%d., and the result has been most disastrous France has since been flooded with new novels French great produce literature well French authors. has meant that the mass writers have now popularity sensational, dependent upon appeal. novels that are short and and for their their violent (Signed) M. A. BELLOC-LOWNDES. S. CHARLES GARVICE. E. W. HORNUNG. W. W. JACOBS. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. J)ecember 27-d, 1909. � 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 Society of Authors Publications Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context publications Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1910-05-02 Volume 20 Issue 8 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19100502 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 Report of the Sub-Committee on the Price of Novels (1910) Subject The topic of the resource Report of the Sub-Committee on the Price of Novels (1910) Description An account of the resource A report from the <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=56&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Price+of+Novels+Sub-Committee">Sub-Committee on the Price of Novels</a> (<a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Lowndes-Marie-Adelaide-Elizabeth-Renee-Julia-Belloc">Marie Belloc Lowndes</a>, <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Garvice-Charles-Andrew">Charles Garvice</a>, <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Hornung-Ernest-William">E. W. Hornung</a>, <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Jacobs-William-Wymark">W. W. Jacobs</a> and <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Sprigge-Samuel-Squire">Samuel Squire Sprigge</a>) on the feasibility of reducing the price of novels from 6 shillings to 2 or 3 shillings, including a survey of publishers' opinions. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lowndes, Marie Adelaide Elizabeth Renée Julia Belloc Garvice, Charles Andrew Hornung, Ernest William Jacobs, William Wymark Sprigge, Samuel Squire Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027638405" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027638405</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1910-05-02-Supplement-20-8-Price-of-Novels-Report Relation A related resource <a href="https://historysoa.com/The-Author-Issues/1910-05-02-The-Author-20-8">Supplement to The Author, Vol. 20 Issue 08</a> finance publications publishing The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/4/375/1908-01-01-Supplement-18-4-Special-Report.pdf 3769fb270fd047889c17e78c3953de87 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 Society of Authors Publications Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context publications Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1908-01-01 Volume 18 Issue 4 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19080101 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 Report to the Council of the Special Committee Appointed to Consider the Constitution of the Society (1908) Subject The topic of the resource Report to the Council of the Special Committee Appointed to Consider the Constitution of the Society (1908) Description An account of the resource Report of the <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=56&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Special+Committee">Special Committee</a>, submitted by the Council to the members of the Society ahead of a meeting to be held on 24 January 1908. Proposes that members of the Committee of Management be elected from and by subscribing members of the Society, instead of the Management Committee itself selecting members drawn from the Council only. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Webb-Sidney-James">Webb, Sidney</a> <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Bergne-John-Henry-Gibbs">Bergne, H. G.</a> Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015049239471" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015049239471</a> Relation A related resource <a href="https://historysoa.com/The-Author-Issues/1908-01-01-The-Author-18-4">Supplement to The Author, Vol. 18 Issue 04</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1908-01-01-Supplement-18-4-Special-Report publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/222/1882-Rolt-Frederick.png ff88e0c1a357cf00062b1c443b97442a 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1826 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1895 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Solicitor Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Frederick Rolt (1826–1895); solicitor. Committee(s) A list of committees the person was a member of Copyright Sub-Committee Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Post Office London Directory, 1882. Part 4: Law, Court & Parliamentary Directories, etc. London: Printed for Frederic Kelly, 1882. p. 2051. <a href="http://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/40650/rec/10">http://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4/id/40632/rec/10</a>. 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 Rolt, Frederick Subject The topic of the resource Rolt, Frederick (1826–1895) Description An account of the resource Frederick Rolt (1826–1895); solicitor. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Rolt-Frederick copyright law https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/104/1873-Rose-Edward.png de16ea7be8ae03e0027e8edb49d82323 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1849 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1904 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Playwright Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Edward Rose (1849–1904); playwright. Regular contributor to the Illustrated London News and theatre critic for the Sunday Times. Best known for his 1896 adaptation of The Prisoner of Zenda by <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Hawkins-Anthony-Hope">Anthony Hope</a>; also adapted other works by Hope. Committee(s) A list of committees the person was a member of Committee of Management Council Drama Sub-Committee Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Portrait of Edward Rose. Photograph. Reproduced in Rose, Edward. Columbus: A Historical Play in Five Acts. London: Eppingham Wilson, 1873. <a href="https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=VIJVls3eY0sC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=VIJVls3eY0sC</a>. 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 Rose, Edward Subject The topic of the resource Rose, Edward (1849–1904) Description An account of the resource Edward Rose (1849–1904); playwright. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Rose-Edward Committee of Management Council criticism drama journalism https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/105/1885-Cotton-James-Sutherland.jpg 6ef445cfa18639bcbc8e171016ab6055 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1860 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1927 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Businessman Critic Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Alexander Galt Ross (1860–1927); critic and businessman. Brother of Robert Ross, journalist, critic, and Oscar Wilde's friend and executor. Appointed Secretary of the Society of Authors in January 1885 when <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Valentine-John-Tristram-Tristram">J. T. Tristram-Valentine</a> stepped down, becoming Honorary Secretary in 1887 (alongside <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Little-James-Stanley">James Stanley Little</a> as Executive Secretary), a position he held until 1888 when he joined the <a href="https://historysoa.com/exhibits/show/management-committee">Committee of Management</a>. Committee(s) A list of committees the person was a member of Committee of Management Council Copyright Sub-Committee Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Secretary (Society of Authors) Honorary Secretary (Society of Authors) Position Start Date The date the person took on the position within the Society of Authors or committee (the latter specified by the [Position] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary 1885 (Secretary) 1887 (Honorary Secretary) Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Cotton, James Sutherland, ed. ‘Notes and News.’ The Academy 670 (7 Mar. 1885): 169. Committee of Management Start Date The date the person joined the Committee of Management 1888 Position End Date The date the person stepped down from the position within the Society of Authors or committee (the latter specified by the [Position] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary 1887 (Secretary) 1888 (Honorary Secretary) 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 Ross, Alexander Galt Subject The topic of the resource Ross, Alexander Galt (1860–1927) Description An account of the resource Alexander Galt Ross (1860–1927); critic and businessman. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ross-Alexander-Galt Committee of Management copyright Council criticism https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/57/1865-Rossetti-William-Michael.jpg cbc94bb01681a3e2e94dfe895c7fe5ec 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1829 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1919 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Critic Editor Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources William Michael Rossetti (1829–1919; Oxford DNB); art critic and literary editor. Primarily published biographies and criticism. Appointed a Vice-President of the Society of Authors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a referrer="origin-when-cross-origin" href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/35841" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/35841</a> Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Vice-President Position Start Date The date the person took on the position within the Society of Authors or committee (the latter specified by the [Position] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary 1884 (Vice-President) Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Cameron, Julia Margaret. Portrait of William Michael Rossetti. Albumen Print. 1865. NPG P126 © National Portrait Gallery, London. <a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw05470/William-Michael-Rossetti" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw05470/William-Michael-Rossetti</a>. 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 Rossetti, William Michael Subject The topic of the resource Rossetti, William Michael (1829–1919) Description An account of the resource William Michael Rossetti (1829–1919); art critic and literary editor. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Rossetti-William-Michael art criticism editing life writing Vice-Presidents https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/182/Raleigh-Cecil.png 4bc6e0b005e4c110dce453670ba2b061 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Pen Name Any name used to publish Raleigh, Cecil Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1856 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1914 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Actor Playwright Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Abraham Cecil Francis Fothergill Rowlands (1856–1914); actor and playwright (as Cecil Raleigh). Wrote many successful plays with collaborators including <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Critchett-Richard-Claude">R. C. Carton</a> and <a href="https://historysoa.com/people/Sims-George-Robert">George Robert Sims</a>; also reviewed theatre for several London papers. Committee(s) A list of committees the person was a member of Dramatic Sub-Committee Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Raleigh, Cecil. The Sins of Society: A Novel. New York: G. W. Dillingham Co. <a href="https://archive.org/details/sinsofsocietynov00raleiala" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://archive.org/details/sinsofsocietynov00raleiala</a>. 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 Rowlands, Abraham Cecil Francis Fothergill Subject The topic of the resource Rowlands, Abraham Cecil Francis Fothergill (1856–1914) Description An account of the resource Abraham Cecil Francis Fothergill Rowlands (1856–1914); actor and playwright (as Cecil Raleigh). Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Rowlands-Abraham-Cecil-Francis-Fothergill criticism drama journalism https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/58/1882-Ruskin-John.jpg 3cfd0c298bc6cac8ef788618dcd0fd15 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1819 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1900 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Critic Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Ruskin, John (1819–1900; Oxford DNB); art critic and social critic. Appointed a Vice-President of the Society of Authors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a referrer="origin-when-cross-origin" href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/24291" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/24291</a> Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Vice-President Position Start Date The date the person took on the position within the Society of Authors or committee (the latter specified by the [Position] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary 1884 (Vice-President) Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Elliott & Fry. Portrait of John Ruskin. Albumen Carte De Visite. 1882. NPG x13293 © National Portrait Gallery, London. <a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw129554/John-Ruskin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw129554/John-Ruskin</a>. 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 Ruskin, John Subject The topic of the resource Ruskin, John (1819–1900) Description An account of the resource John Ruskin (1819–1900); art critic and social critic. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Ruskin-John art criticism Vice-Presidents https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/232/1876-Russell-William-Howard.jpg 65346668afd0c337e9739db4bf7603b9 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1820 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1907 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Journalist Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Sir William Howard Russell (1820–1907; Oxford DNB); journalist. Celebrated war correspondent for The Times; also wrote for the Daily Telegraph and other major publications on international affairs. Appointed a Vice-President of the Society of Authors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a referrer="origin-when-cross-origin" href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/35889" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/35889</a> Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Vice-President Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Lock & Whitfield. Portrait of William Howard Russell. Woodburytype. Sampson Low, Marston, Searle and Rivington, 1876. NPG Ax17511 © National Portrait Gallery, London. <a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw122196/Sir-William-Howard-Russell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw122196/Sir-William-Howard-Russell</a>. 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 Russell, William Howard Subject The topic of the resource Russell, William Howard (1820–1907) Description An account of the resource Sir William Howard Russell (1820–1907); journalist. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Russell-William-Howard international journalism military Vice-Presidents https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/59/1880s-Sala-George-Augustus.jpg 0e05419ab51841194ae2bd9ae1ba98d9 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Pen Name Any name used to publish G. A. S. Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1828 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1895 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Journalist Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources George Augustus Sala (1828–1895; Oxford DNB); journalist. Novelist, foreign correspondent and leader writer, publishing in periodicals and newspapers including Household Words, All The Year Round, the Illustrated London News and the Daily Telegraph. Appointed a Vice-President of the Society of Authors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a referrer="origin-when-cross-origin" href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/24526" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/24526</a> Committee(s) A list of committees the person was a member of Council Council Start Date The date the person joined the Council 1884 Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Vice-President Position Start Date The date the person took on the position within the Society of Authors or committee (the latter specified by the [Position] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary 1884 (Vice-President) Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Imperial Photographic Co. Portrait of George Augustus Sala. Albumen Cabinet Card. 1880s. NPG x38837 © National Portrait Gallery, London. <a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw127267/George-Augustus-Sala" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw127267/George-Augustus-Sala</a>. 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 Sala, George Augustus Subject The topic of the resource Sala, George Augustus (1828–1895) Description An account of the resource George Augustus Sala (1828–1895); journalist. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Sala-George-Augustus Council criticism fiction journalism Vice-Presidents https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/225/1870-Sanderson-Burdon-John.jpeg 58fbc6f1b3689193d3671f3e48749e6b 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1828 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1905 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Pathologist Physiologist Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Sir John Scott Burdon Sanderson, baronet (1828–1905; Oxford DNB); pathologist and physiologist. Published many medical works. Appointed a Vice-President of the Society of Authors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/32177" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/32177</a> Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Vice-President Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Portrait of John Scott Burdon-Sanderson. 1870. <a href="Portrait%20of John Scott Burdon-Sanderson. 1870. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Burdon-Sanderson#/media/File:John_Burdon-Sanderson_1870.jpg." target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Burdon-Sanderson#/media/File:John_Burdon-Sanderson_1870.jpg</a>. 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 Sanderson, John Scott Burdon Subject The topic of the resource Sanderson, John Scott Burdon (1828–1905) Description An account of the resource Sir John Scott Burdon Sanderson, baronet (1828–1905); pathologist and physiologist. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Sanderson-John-Scott-Burdon medicine science Vice-Presidents https://historysoa.com/files/original/3/3/1899-London-Piccadilly.jpg 367c9dce3f69f79c9a18316d1a928482 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 Groups/Organisations Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context groups-organisations Group/Organisation Location The location of the event or organisation 107 Piccadilly London Start Date A start date for the group/organisation or publication 1868 Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Bartholomew, J. G. 'Railway Map of Central London.' The Pocket Atlas and Guide to London. J. Walker, 1899. <a href="http://www.victorianlondon.org/maps/railwaymap.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.victorianlondon.org/maps/railwaymap.htm</a>. 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 Savile Club, The Subject The topic of the resource Savile Club, The Description An account of the resource A traditional London gentlemen's club founded in 1868, many of whose members had a common interest in the arts. Type The nature or genre of the resource Group/Organisation Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Savile-Club https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/15/1880-Scoones-William-Baptiste-Four-Centuries-of-English-Letters.png cd0176d9aab9ffae78ffc6e602d1780c 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Barrister Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources William Baptiste Scoones (1838–1906); barrister and historian. Wrote several works on education and the civil service. One of the founding members of the Society of Authors. Publisher(s) When used for publications, publisher of the periodical or book. When used for people, list of publishers they worked with during their lifetime James Bain Kegan Paul & Co. Warrington & Co. Committee(s) A list of committees the person was a member of Council Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Scoones, William Baptiste. Four Centuries of English Letters. London: C. K. Paul, 1880. <a href="https://archive.org/details/fourcenturiesen00scoogoog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://archive.org/details/fourcenturiesen00scoogoog</a>. Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1838 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1906 Society Membership Start Date When they joined the SoA (YYYY) 1884 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 Scoones, William Baptiste Subject The topic of the resource Scoones, William Baptiste (1838–1906) Description An account of the resource William Baptiste Scoones (1838–1906); barrister and historian. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Scoones-William-Baptiste civil service Council education founders history law https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/106/1898-Seaman-Owen.jpg 4d8b81803f4131b6f45e87013a6172a0 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1861 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1936 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Editor Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Sir Owen Seaman, baronet (1861–1936; Oxford DNB); journal editor and satirist. Published verses, burlesques and parodies in journals including Granta, the National Observer, The World and Punch. Became assistant editor of Punch in 1902 and editor in 1906. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/36000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/36000</a> Committee(s) A list of committees the person was a member of Committee of Management Council Pension Fund Committee Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Bassano, Alexander. Portrait of Sir Owen Seaman. Bromide Print. 1898. NPG x84759 © National Portrait Gallery, London. <a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw52505/Sir-Owen-Seaman-1st-Bt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw52505/Sir-Owen-Seaman-1st-Bt</a>. 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 Seaman, Owen Subject The topic of the resource Seaman, Owen (1861–1936) Description An account of the resource Sir Owen Seaman, baronet (1861–1936); journal editor and satirist. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Seaman-Owen Committee of Management Council editing journalism pensions poetry https://historysoa.com/files/original/1/60/1870s-Seeley-John-Robert.jpg d7ee06d1f5a948fc452575a8daf9dfe3 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 Society of Authors Members Description An account of the resource By the time of the first general meeting on 18 February 1884, the Society of Authors had 14 <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=66&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Vice-President&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">Vice-Presidents</a> and 68 members. Annual subscription was set at a guinea; life subscription was 10 guineas. Initially, new members could join as Fellows, Members or Associates. Fellow status was abolished; not all Fellows paid for subscription and their position within the Society was thus unclear. Members had to have authored at least one full-length work (whether published or performed). Associates were aspiring writers who may not have had any work published. By 1886, there were 153 members. This rose to 240 in 1888, 372 in 1889, 662 in 1891 and 870 in 1892 (Walter Besant, <a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1893-Besant-The-Society-of-Authors">The Society of Authors: A Record of Its Action from Its Foundation</a>, 1893). By 1912, there were over 2,000 members (<a href="https://historysoa.com/publications/1912-Prospectus">Society of Authors Prospectus</a>, 1912). This collection currently includes over 200 prominent members of the Society. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context people Person Birth Date of birth (YYYY) 1834 Death Date of death (YYYY) 1895 Sex Sex as assigned at birth M Occupation Occupations drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Historian Biography Short summary drawn from Oxford Dictionary of National Biography or other sources Sir John Robert Seeley (1834–1895; Oxford DNB); historian. Published historical works and political essays, including The Expansion of England (1883). Appointed a Vice-President of the Society of Authors. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Entry Static URI for the person's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, where available <a referrer="origin-when-cross-origin" href="https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/25025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.1093/ref:odnb/25025</a> Position(s) Positions within the Society of Authors or committees (the latter specified by the [Committee(s)] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary Vice-President Position Start Date The date the person took on the position within the Society of Authors or committee (the latter specified by the [Position] field) such as Chairman or Honorary Secretary 1884 (Vice-President) Image Source A citation for the image. All images are either used under a Creative Commons licence or with permission Downey, W. & D. Portrait of Sir John Robert Seeley. Albumen Carte De Visite. 1870s. NPG Ax39915 © National Portrait Gallery, London. <a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw158337/Sir-John-Robert-Seeley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw158337/Sir-John-Robert-Seeley</a>. 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 Seeley, John Robert Subject The topic of the resource Seeley, John Robert (1834–1895) Description An account of the resource Sir John Robert Seeley (1834–1895); historian. Type The nature or genre of the resource Person Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Seeley-John-Robert criticism history politics Vice-Presidents