17 20 545 https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/319/1898-08-01-The-Author-9-3.pdf cd700369b4a092545c05e057af71e5b9 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1898-08-01 Volume 9 Issue 3 Pages Page range in volume 57–80 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18980801 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin Tthe Butbot\ (The Organ of the Incorporated Society Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Tol. IX.—No. 3.] AUGUST 1, 1898. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. ^ Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. FOR some years it has been the praotioe to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices, &c, for the guidance of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to carry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this Case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements VOL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both "idea. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Headers con also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will bo their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements and that all discount* shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author ma - rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. p 2 ## p. 58 (#70) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. I. |j> VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive Xli advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of hie business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is snch as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is snch 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 publisher's agreements do not generally fall 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudulent nouses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 7. Remember always that in belonging to the Society yon 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of every- thing important to literature that yon may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21 st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Office without previously communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order ia which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, .sc. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending ont a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his oonduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' requested to note that the oost of binding has advanoed 1 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, recently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly correct: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of course, we have not inclnded any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. NOTICES. 111HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the I Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the oost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6s. 6d. subscription for the year. The Editor is always glad to receive short papers and communications on all subjects connected with literature from members and others. Nothing can do more good to the Society than to make The Author complete, attractive, and interesting. Will those who are willing to aid in this work send their names and the special subjects on which they are willing to write? FROM THE COMMITTEE. THE Chairman has resolved to postpone call- ing a meeting of the Council to consider the nature of the claims advanced in the draft agreements issued b_v the Publishers' Asso. ciation until October after the summer holidays. ## p. 59 (#71) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 59 LITERARY PROPERTY. The Pttblishers' Draft Agreements. I. THE following letter has been received by the secretary from Sir Frederick Pol- lock :— "Dear Mr. Thring,—I was preparing an answer to your letter asking for opinions on the draft forms of agreement issued by the Pub- lishers' Association, when I saw the comments thereon in the current number of the Athenseum, a journal not suspected, I believe, of undue par- tiality to authors as against publishers. Those comments appear to me to suffice for the present. I feel bound to add that no draft at all like these forms has ever been proposed to me in practice, either on my own behalf or as acting for others. "I hope the Committee of the Society will not follow the mistake of the Publishers' Association utting forward other forms of its own, but rather obtain permission to publish, with the omission of names, examples of actual agree- ments which have been approved by the Com- mittee or the Secretary. "My own experience is that, with a reasonable amount of mutual trust, very simple forms are enough. "Yours sincerely, "F. Pollock." "13, Old-Square, Lincoln's-inn. "July 11, 1898." II. To the Editor of The Author. I have seen the draft contracts. Nothing that you, or The A uthor, or the whole Society has ever done to, or said about, the publisher will condemn him half as thoroughly as his own notions of fairness set forth for him, by his own lawyer, in his own way. Can one say more than that? Rudyard Kipling. Eottingdean, July 23, 1898. III. Every author in England should be deeply grateful to the Sub-Committee of the Authors' Society and " W. B." for their masterly exposure of the schemes of the Publishers' Association as set forth in certain draft agreements published at length in The Author of July 1. I have pub- lished books by almost every method provided for by these agreements, and can indorse the criti- cisms to which these agreements have been sub- jected. Many men reading these criticisms would no doubt say, "Ah! These are only fears of what may happen. Our good champions are timorous." But, as a matter of fact, authors by the score—I may say by the hundred—have already entered into such agreements, and have been, not to put too fine a point upon it, fleeced. A publisher of repute once said very candidly to an author who was sitting in his office, care- fully working out a form of agreement, " My dear Sir, it really doesn't matter how careful you are. If I want to swindle you I can." That being so, it seems to me that as those firms who are respon- sible for these draft agreements are evidently desirous of taking an unfair advantage of authors, we authors should know their names and care- fully avoid having any dealings with them. The time is rapidly coming when authors whose works have a monetary value will in self- defence combine together and publish without the assistance of the gentlemen who charge them 10 per cent. for office expenses, account only for twelve books out of every thirteen sold, do not account at all for "overs (copies printed on the additional sheets of paper found in every ream), and who, in "half-profit" agreements, make secret profits. More than one author of repute, commencing with the veteran novelist, Miss Braddon, has already given up the old publish- ing systems and embarked on the far simpler, and very much more satisfactory, method of sending MSS. to the printer, and the quires when printed to the binder, and placing the books when ready in the hands of a large distributing agent. This system leaves no possibility of fraud, unless the distributing agent took the very serious step of having a special edition of the book printed for himself, which is not very likely; the author knows what number of copies are printed and bound; he knows what they cost; he gets the advantage of all discounts, and he knows exactly what is sold. What method could be simpler? "What method could be more profitable to the author? There is much nonsense talked about the value of a publisher's name to a book. The publisher's name may aid the young beginner to the sale of 100 copies, for Messrs. Smith, Brown, Jones, and Robinson, unfortunate booksellers, who are perhaps greatly in debt to certain firms, can hardly refuse to take a copy or two when the traveller goes round and presses them upon him; but as regards the author who has made a name I do not believe the publisher's imprint is of the least assistance. If the public like a book, and want it, they buy it whoever may be the pub- lisher, and the booksellers are eager to stock books which they feel sure will sell. I would strongly advise authors to on no account enter into a publishing agreement based ## p. 60 (#72) ############################################## 6o THE AUTHOR. on the half-profit system. This was very rightly termed by an honest publisher of my acquaintance "a swindle," and invariably works most unfairly against the author. If the author is supposed to pay half the cost and receive half the profits, he as a rule unwittingly pays more than half the costs, and the publisher takes more than half the profits under the various pleas of office expenses, advertising in his own magazines, and so forth. Even where the publisher pays all expenses, and agrees to give the author half profits, he fre- quently makes the book appear in his account so costly that no profits are shown even when several thousand copies have been sold. To sell a book outright is a satisfactory arrange- ment, but if the author has a large circle of readers his most profitable course is unquestionably to pro- duce the book himself, and distribute it to the trade through the usual channels. There is nothing to be said against the royalty system, if the royalty is sufficient, is paid on every copy sold, and if the publisher renders true returns of sales, which, it is to be feared, is not always the case. But as regards the half-profit system, let us have none of it; it is a trap, and nothing but a trap. Experience. IV. I have read the Draft Agreements with sheer amazement. Can it be possible that a body of men, one or two at least of whom have always been accepted as honourable and upright men, are daring enough to endorse what appears to the world at large as simply a scheme of intended plunder? The Author has been outspoken enough—too outspoken at times in my former opinion. We now understand that nothing that has ever appeared in these columns has been too strong for the facts of the case. In the whole history of trade I know of nothing so hopelessly bad, so inexcusably and phenomenally grasping. The author creates a property—big or little. The publisher claims practically the right to the whole of it. He reserves the right by these agreements to take all—all. Whatever the success of the book the publisher may simply, if he likes (by clauses which Mr. Thring has so ably taught us to understand), take over everything. Above all things, the claim to dramatic rights seems to me the most impudent. Why, the drama is not the novel: it is the same story, or part of the same story, treated in a wholly different manner. I have tried, but ineffectually, to find some apparent or imaginary justification for this last shameless grab. There is none. It is simply an impudent attempt. The publisher cannot pre- tend to have done anything with or for the drama. Why does he not claim the very desk on which the novel was written? Let us go on our own way. Let us, above all things, take care that the knowledge of these agreements and their unscrupulous greed, and their determination to enslave literature, be known far and wide. A Novelist. V. In the comments made last month upon the Publishers' Agreements one or two points were omitted. Thus it has long been a grievance that advertisements are charged for when nothing is paid: advertisements in publishers' own organs and in exchanges. Some people call this practice by very ugly names: all people agree in calling it a trick unworthy of any house which calls itself honourable. Not a single word is said in the draft agreements against the practice. It is true that in one clause (p. 39; it is stated that the "expenses of production shall be taken to mean the actual cost of . . . and advertising" . . . but it is not provided that there shall be an audit of accounts: nor is it provided that the " actual cost" does not mean what the pub- lisher chooses to call the cost of advertising in his own papers. The chief reason of this grievance is that the practice enables a rogue to swamp the book with advertisements. Thus, if he spends .£20 on advertising it, he may, if he pleases, charge, in addition, say, .£3 a month in advertising it in his own magazines, and five times as much in adver- tising it in other magazines by exchange. So that his account might come in after a twelvemonth: £ s. d. Advertising 20 0 0 Do. in his own magazine 60 0 0 Do. in other magazines .. 180 0 0 260 0 0 This item would appear in a lump sum, without explanations. Of course so great a charge would be very unusual, but with the glorious experience before us who shall say what awaits us in the future? Another grievance not touched upon is the "correction" charge. It is commonly set down in ordinary agreements that the author shall be allowed so much a sheet. As he has no means of connecting money with corrections, he accepts, and very often pays the penalty in a large charge under this head. The new scheme makes matters worse. The author has to pay all charges for corrections exceeding 25 per cent. of the cost of composition. This is quite a new way of putting it, and leaves the author more muddled than ever. He does not know the cost of compo- ## p. 61 (#73) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 61 sit ion: does not know how to connect corrections with that cost: he does not know what each correction may cost. Let us see what this may mean. Take the cost of composition at £2 10s. per sheet of 32 pp. That will probably appear in the account as .£3, because, when charges can be falsified with- out fear of detection, the baser kind will falsify them. The author is allowed 25 per cent., that is 15s. for corrections on each sheet of 32 pp. There are, say, ten sheets, or 320 pages. This makes £7 1 a*. It seems a handsome allowance, and if the book were typewritten first, it ought to be a great deal more than the author would want. But he knows nothing of what corrections mean: ]ierhaps he goes on altering, and improving, and running on, till he has run up a large bill, which in many cases is made a good deal larger still when the account comes in. W. B. VI. Will you allow me to call attention to a very important point in the Publishers' Agreements, namely, their silence on the question of advertise- ments. There is no trick more common or more in- defensible than that of charging for advertise- ments which are not paid for. For my own part I cannot read the draft agreements without feel- ing convinced that they have left the question open with deliberate intent to continue a practice denounced by the most distinguished lawyers. I have heard that one firm sweetly assures its customers that they only charge their authors half the tariff price for advertisements in their own organs. They say nothing, however, about exchanges. Nor do they say anything about the power which they keep in their own hands of advertising as largely as they please by displayed advertisement and whole pages in their own organs, or about exchanging as much as they please. I trust that the members of the Society are thoroughly alive to the enormity of these de- mands. Once Bitten, VII. I have sometimes thought that The Author was too hard upon publishers. I think so no longer. I am persuaded that you have never allowed a charge to be brought against them which is not fully justified by their own agreements, issued by their own Association, examined by their own counsel. What you have denounced in individual pub- lishers has been now accepted by themselves as true of publishers in association. They can no longer cry out upon The Author for exposing their tricks: they proclaim and confess their own greed—" We want all." Half profits, you show, may mean 85 per cent.; nay, it may mean anything more they please, because the percentages are kindly left open. A Member. VIII. [From the Athenseum, July 9.] The draft forms of agreement put forward by the Council of the Publishers' Association are not likely to meet with the approbation of authors; and it is difficult to suppose that their publica- tion is other than a mistake. One would almost think that they were a caricature by an em- bittered author of the demands of the typical publisher. The proposed royalty agreement hands over to the publisher all rights of produc- tion in the United States and the Continent, and deprives the author of his dramatic rights. He must not abridge his book, but the publisher may; and he is forbidden to revise it or alter it in any way except at the bidding of the publisher. The royalty is to be paid on thirteen as twelve, or twenty-five as twenty-four, at the discretion of the publisher! No author, we fancy, possessed of common sense would consent to such a bargain if he could help it, Then the agreement for sharing profits contains a clause that is quite inadmissible:— "The publisher shall account at the customary trade terms for all copies sold, but in cases where copies have been sold for export, or at rates below the customary trade terms, as remainders or other- wise, such copies shall be accounted for at the price realised." That is t < say, the publisher is to have the power of disposing, for any sum he may choose to name, of the joint property of himself and his temporary partner. The proposed agreement for publishing on commission is not so objectionable, but it, too, is unjust to the author, for it hands over to the publisher the entire managemeut of the sale of the book, although the author pays for it. No wonder Sir Walter Besant in The Author is jubilant. If the Association wished to convince men of letters generally that there is foundation for the hard things Sir Walter has said against the trade, it would hav,, been difficult to choose a more effectual method than the production of these agreements, which are supposed to be approved by the confederated publishers. ## p. 62 (#74) ############################################## 62 7 HE AUTHOR. IX. [From the J'tiblishers' Circular, July 23.] As the result of a good deal of correspondence which has been going on of late between the Publishers' Association, the Booksellers' Associa- tion, the Authors' Society, &c., it was decided at the last meeting of the council of the Publishers' Association to invite representatives of the various bodies interested, including the Scotch associa- tions, to a conference, in the hope of being able to take a definite step in the direction of helping the lxioksellers. SCOTTISH BOOKSELLERS AND THE SOCIETY. THE booksellers of Scotland, following the example of those of the North of England, have organised themselves into an associa- tion. This was done at a meeting of the trade held in Edinburgh on June 28—Mr. Andrew Elliot, of that city, presiding. The following resolution was also adopted unanimously, on the motion of Mr. John Grant, Edinburgh, seconded by Mr. D. J. Knox (Smith and Sons), Glasgow :— That this meeting, having heard the Autboi a' report on the new scheme submitted by the Booksellers' Association, « ecords its gratification that the Aatbora' Society ban given its concent to it, accepts the scheme generally, and com- mends it to the favourable consideration of the Publishers' Association. THE CASE OF THE BOOKSELLERS. ri^HE serious condition of the bookselling I trade and the threatening extinction, by processes extremely painful, of the country bookseller must be again brought before the atten- tion of the readers of this journal. For it is the interest—the duty—of every man or woman of letters to keep the bookseller, if possible, in a flourishing and contented condition. Therefore, even at the risk of repetition, it is proposed to return to the subject in these columns. What is the present condition? Agricultural depression, which affects not only the country but all those towns which are outside the manufacturing dis- tricts, has been marked by a corresponding depres- sion in bookselling. Newsagents have started up everywhere selling cheap books as well as news- papers: drapers have made cheap books an attraction of their shops: the stores keep large supplies of books. The bookseller, who was formerly able to order every new book of import- ance, has ceased to supply himself with any but those books which he is tolerably certain to sell. He now offers "fancy" things, photographs, stationery, pens and pencils. If a solid book of high price is wanted he will get it, but he will order it at his risk and peril: he will not keep it. The author thinks, perhaps, that this deterioration of the bookseller matters nothing to him. It matters everything to him. There are three or four persons directly concerned with the production of a book: the author; the printer; the binder; the paper maker; and the bookseller. The pub- lisher, who is in most cases only the distributor, should have a much smaller interest than these four, who are all directly interested in the book. If the bookseller does not exhibit and offer the book to the public, how is it to get into circula- tion at all? But he cannot afford to order it. Therefore the author has no public. It is now actually true that out of the thousands of new books issued every year a great number never get upon the bookseller's shelves at all. That is to say, they are not published. Another danger now threatens the bookseller. At his best he formerly catered for an extremely limited class—the class with education, culture, and means, who treated a book as if they loved it. liked to see it well printed and handsomely bound, and were content to pay a large price for it. This feeling of exclusiveness and respectability gave the bookseller a sense of dignity and self-respect. The feeling lingers still, but it is now becoming harmful. The bookseller does not recognise cheap literature; he will have nothing to do with litera- ture for the people. Yet, unless the signs of the times are singularly deceptive, cheap literature will be upon us before long—in fact, I believe, before many months—and in an overwhelming flood. Certain popular books have been put out as an experiment by two or three publishers at very low prices. Some of these at 6d. have achieved an astonishing success, running, it is said, to 200,000 copies and more. The next step will be the issue of new books—not old books—at this low price. For my own part I think that cheap literature is loudly called for. The people have been reading scrappy penny journals long enough. They should be ready to take a step higher, and to buy and read good literature at 6d. The new books thus issued will of necessity, at first, be novels: the old books will be those which are already acknowledged to belong to the literature of the country; and as for those who now advocate the reduction of prices from 6s. to half- a-crown, they may shift their ground, and con- sider the reduction from 6*. to 6d. From the bookseller's point of view, the cheap literature will be at first disconcerting. Let him boldly throw himself into the movement when it begins. Let him, by means of circulars and in every possible way, make himself the bookseller ## p. 63 (#75) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. of the whole people, not the few. He will continue to be always the bookseller of the few, because high-priced books must still be issued, and cheapness can only be introduced where popularity is possible. For the author there is the comfortable reflec- tion that, even if his book is reduced from 6*. to 6d., and his royalty from is. 3d. to a penny, 15,000 copies at the latter price will bring him in as much as a thousand at the former; and that 200,000 at the latter means 13,300 at the former —and unless he is in the front rank of popularity, he will not probably exceed this figure. Now, with an improved system of distribution, the cheap literature will make a bid for millions, not for thousands. It will also be possible to bring out a book at 6*. and after two years or so to produce a cheap sixpenny edition. What have the publishers proposed in the teeth of these changes? With all the signs before them of a demand for cheap literature and a supply of it, they propose to make the public pay more instead of less, and, on pretence of giving the booksellers relief, to put more into their own pockets. In the teeth of the competition going on they proposed to bind the unfortunate book- sellers by an iron and degrading slavery. They were to have no books at all, or books only at a prohibitory price, unless they obeyed the orders of the publisher, who forbade them to sell their own property at any price they pleased. In the teeth of the increasing poverty of the trade, they propose to maintain the system of forcing all the risks upon the booksellers. With the result that every year fewer books get the chance of being offered to the public. We have now, in conjunction with the Book- sellers' Association, adopted an alternative scheme which involves neither coercion nor slavery, but leaves contract free. It was given in the last number of The Author at length. It means simply as follows: 1. Books at 6s, and under to remain as at present. 2. If a publisher wishes to bring out a book at net price, and to make any special conditions with a bookseller, it is a question of contract for the book only. There is to be no tyrannical attempt at boycotting or "punishing" a bookseller who refuses. 3. Books are to be sent "on sale or return." 4. The " odd copy" is to be abolished, and one price is to be charged. This clause is as much in the interest of the author as the bookseller, because the publisher will now be relieved of the temptation to VOL. IX. pretend that all his arrangements are 13 as 12. These rules will, it is hoped, if they are accepted by the publishers or any of them, relieve the trade very materially. If they are not accepted, the Society must endeavour to devise some other way. Meantime the members are earnestly invited to consider the urgency of the case and the fact that the publishers are proposing to make things worse instead of better, and to suggest any expedient that may occur to them whereby the bookseller, and especially the country bookseller, may be assisted to make a livelihood by a trade which is indispensable to everybody connected with the production of literature. POPULAR TASTE IN BOOKS. WHAT is "the popular taste"? What is it going to be if, as is whispered, "new and original" work is brought to market at a popular price—a shilling or even sixpence per volume? This question is so much in the air just now, that I venture to take up a little space in The AutJwr with reminiscences of a personal ex-* perience which may throw some light on the subject. In 1886 a library for working men and women was established which, from its constitution and management, became as severe a test of the reception which writers who would cater for "the proletariate " must expect as anything could well be. This library lived and flourished for eight years, and then died simply because a large rate- supported free library took its place. It was situated in Hoxton, and its members were all residents in the neighbourhood or came from still poorer parts of East London. It was con- trolled by a committee of working men, elected annually by its subscribers, and was unconnected with any political party, Church, or social "move- ment." Those who joined it, and paid their sub- scriptions to its treasurer, did so, firstly, because they wanted to read; secondly, because they found that, if they desired to read a particular book, that work, if not already in the library, could be procured for them at short notice. This is the point upon which I wish to lay most stress. Out of the eight hundred volumes which the library gradually acquired, all but a very small number were chosen by the members without sug- gestion or hint from anyone as to what they ought to read. a ## p. 64 (#76) ############################################## *4 THE AUTHOR. Of course the library had generous friends, to whose kindness, and faith in working men, its success was largely due. Through these gentlemen, as the number of the members increased, consignments of all works named by any member of the library came into its possession. Lists were handed to the bbrarian from time to time, were examined by the com- mittee, and passed on to the donors. Now and then some book was mentioned that could only be of very slight interest, and this was expunged from the list; but, during the whole eight years of the library's existence, there were not a score of these. Thus, month by month and year by year, was collected a library of a class which its members, if they could have afforded it, would have had in their own homes. I hold a catalogue of these works. All of them have been read, and well read. Many had to be renewed a number of times, so eagerly were they sought for. I will write down these favoured volumes in the order of their popularity: "Adam Bede," " West- ward Ho!" "The Golden Butterfly," "Lorna Doone," Green's "History of England," " David Copperfield," "Ready Money Mortiboy," "Jane Eyre," "Wives and Daughters." In fiction, the favourite authors were: Dickens, Scott, Besant, Dumas, Miss Braddon, Wilkie Collins, Mrs. Henry Wood, Bulwer Lytton, Ouida, Mrs. Gaskell, Charlotte Bronte, Edna LyalL In history, Green and Macaulay naturally came first; but Stubbs's " Constitutional History " was chosen by a cabinet-maker, and read by many others. Carlyle was represented by the " Crom- well Letters" and "The French Revolution." In science, interest centred round Darwin. "The Origin of Species " and " Descent of Man" were chosen early in the day, and much read. The political economists studied Mill and Jevons, and Spencer and Ruskin were frequently out. There were biographies by Ainger, Morley, Leslie Stephen, Disraeli, and Saintsbury. Travels by Livingstone, Ballantyne, Sir Samuel Baker, Miss Bird, and Stanley. Prescott's "Conquests of Mexico and Peru were very popular. Motley's "Dutch Republic," Lord Beaconsfield's " Letters," "Progress and Poverty," all were there, with more "standard works" than I have space to name. And what of the members? There was a rule that no one might belong whose income exceeded two pounds a week. Few of the people reached such luxury. The elder men, our com- mitteemen and their friends, were mostly com- positors, cabinet-makers, painters, packers, ware- housemen, and porters. The younger ones, apprentices to cabinet work, upholstery, or piano- makers, printers' layers-on, and labourers of all kinds. There were afew shop assistants—but not many of these. The women were mostly work- girls, of the average Hoxton type, who, to the number of seventy, greeted the author of "The Children "of Gibeon"—one concert night—with a shrill "Melenda" cheer! Tie-makers, feather- curlers, box-makers, dressmakers, tailoresses— pale anaemic lasses, earning, on an average, i0s. to 12*. per week. One of them, representative of many, told me when she first came that Miss Braddon was the only author she had ever heard of. I gave her Miss Braddon until she tired of that food—and then, as an experiment, presented "Adam Bede." The result was astonishing. She was back in less than a week, all smiles. "I say, let's 'ave another of his books. I ain't ever read as good a tale before!" In the end, she said that "The Mill on the Floss" was her favourite Another girl told me that, until she joined the "Lib'ery," she always bought a penny novelette every week. She had never done so since. It may be said that the library was, after all, a very small affair. Undoubtedly. But I bold that in view of its quiet natural growth; the absence of artificial stimulus; and, above all, the entire freedom of its members to fill its shelves with almost any kind of literature they chose— the record I have given has a very important bearing on the future of the distribution of litera- ture in a cheap form. Depend upon it, the writers of the Penny Dreadful and the Shilling Shocker hold their own simply from the cheap- ness of their wares. Place good works within the reach of men and women who rarely have more than sixpence or a shilling to spare for a luxury, and the circulation of the works of those who write good English: who can depict real life: draw real characters: and who have thoughts and ideas worthy of expression—will utterly swamp and crowd out the noisome trash which flaunts in the little East-end book-shop windows to-day. Their circulation will rise from thousands to hundreds of thousands: from hundreds of thousands to millions. Brother authors—take courage! the "popular taste" is sound to the core. Arthur Paterson. THE PENSION LIST. IHE Pension List for the year has been published. It is as follows: I. LITERATURE. Rev. Canon Atkinson (Philologist), .£100. William Chatterton Coupland (Works on Philosophy), .£50. ## p. 65 (#77) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 65 Dr. Beattie Crozier (Philosophical Re- searches), .£50. Rev. Canon Daniel Evans (Writings on Welsh Literature), .£100. Rev. J. Cunningham Geikie, D.D., .£50. (Dr. Geikie is well known as a writer on theological subjects. Among his books are "The Life and Words of Christ," and "Hours with the Bible.") William Ernest Henley (late editor of the National Observer and the New Review, joint-editor of The Centenary Burns; author of Poems, &c.), .£225. II. Literature by Connection. Mi<,s Janet Mary Oliphant (niece of Mrs. Oliphant), .£75. Mrs. Palmer (widow of the late Professor Arthur Palmer, classical scholar), .£100. Two daughters of the late Dr. Leonhard Schmitz, classical scholar, each .£25. The daughter of the late Richard Shilleto, classical scholar, .£50. III. Music. Mr. Joseph Robinson, for services to music in Ireland, .£50. IV. Art by Connection. Two daughters of the late Mr. George Waller, in consideration of his services to artistic education, each .£25. V. Science and Art. Dr. John James Wild, late artist and secretarv to the Challenger Expedition, .£50. VI. No connection with either Literature, Science, or Art, and therefore no right to appear in this list. The widow of one Colonial Governor and the four daughters of another. NOTES AND NEWS. THE Academy, I rejoice to see, quotes Mr. Turing's opinions on the publishers' draft agreements. It expresses, further, its regret at two statements made by myself. The first is to the effect that the British Public does not care two straws about the publisher. Well, I am sorry to advance an opinion or to make any assertion which is not as plain as an axiom. At the same time it is most true and certain that the public cares not one brass farthing for any publisher: that is to say, it looks at the book and the author, and carer, no more who is the publisher than it cares to find out who is the papermaker. The bookseller cares because he has to make terms with the publisher. The public cares nothing. In no other trade is there such an absolute indifference to the name. So that I cannot withdraw this statement. The other statement is concerned with the question of risk. I first, before making this statement, carefully separated encyclopaedias, great dictionaries, and works of a colossal kind. This separation was cut off the passage quoted by the Academy, so that I was made to talk nonsense. I thought the Bogey of Risk was laid. Let us try again. In general literature — namely, essays, history, biography, belles lettres, poetry, novels—there are hundreds of writers whose works carry no risk whatever, that is to say, they are certain to circulate enough to pay the cost of production with a margin of profit. That is the first fact. J£ a publisher takes an author who is not among this company he incurs risk—but he does this voluntarily. And very few publishers do. That is the second fact. Next, what is the risk, where any is incurred? The world, which fancies itself very clever, replies triumphantly, "Why, the cost of production, of course. Am I a fool?" Not a fool, but ignorant. The risk is the difference between the cost of production and the first subscription. Some houses send round a traveller to subscribe the book before it is printed. This gives them some idea of its chances. Thus, a book is sub- scribed—say—250 in town. That means a beginning, perhaps, with the country trade as well, of 500—never mind the figures, any other will do just as well to illustrate the method. Taking our old friend, the 6*. book which has cost, say, .£80—we have, say, a first subscription of .£87, which is more than the book costs to produce. If there is a subscription of 400 copies, the risk is the difference between .£80, the cost, and .£70, the subscription, or .£10. That is an immense risk, is it not? The Harmsworth Magazine may be taken as an indication of the increased (the widely-increased) demand for literature of a kind. While our shilling and half-crown magazines are crawling along with a circulation for the most part of a few thousands, this threepenny rival, splendidly illustrated and quite as well written as many of the dearer ones, steps straight into a circulation reckoned by hundreds of thousands. This is a great fact which should lead people who are not publishers, and are only interested in the advance of culture, to reflect a little. Those gentlemen, especially, who, from the commanding pinnacle of the club smoking-room, look round upon man- ## p. 66 (#78) ############################################## 66 THE AUTHOR. kind and report that what they read is "truck" or "slush," should look at the success of this magazine and others nearly as cheap. The next great fact which concerns us from another point of view is the cheapness of production. Make every allowance that can be made for improved machinery: for working a lot of magazines and papers together: for cheapness of paper: for a great mass of advertisements: and yet the mystery remains how the paper can be produced at so small a cost. The third great fact is more important still. It is that cheap and good maga- zines will be followed by cheap and good litera- ture. We talk about books at 6s., and i0*. 6d., and so forth. We are, it seems to me, on the verge of the greatest revolution that the history of Literature has ever seen. Ever since I began to investigate and to understand the machinery and the spread of literature, I have become more and more convinced that the present system of providing dear books in small numbers, though it must continue with certain books, will be a small and an insignificant thing compared with the literature offered to the world at prices which seem impossible. Already popular books are brought out at sixpence and sold by the hundred thousand. They are all old books of which the copyrights belong to publishers. Why should they not be new books? (see p. 62). They must be offered for sale by newsvendors, at the stores, as well as the booksellers: the difficulty is that of distribution and advertisement. This difficulty will be got over by the three new firms who have taken possession of the outside mass; when it is got over by them other publishers will follow. From the author's point of view it should be far better to appeal to the general public than to the limited public. It is objected that he would have to " write down " to them. Not at all. The cheap books already offered to them, and eagerly taken up, at low prices, are not books " written down" to anybody. Let us see how a cheap book would affect the author. Take a popular author whose last book had a circulation of 12,000 copies for which he received a royalty of is. $d. a copy, or .£750. The same book issued at 6d. with a royalty for himself of 1 j<7. would give him .£750 by a sale of 144,000. But we are going to the millions. If 600,000 copies were taken he would make .£3125. Decidedly it would be to to the advantage of the author if only that ques- tion of distribution were settled. I mentioned last month the remarkable fact that the Committee of the House of Lords on Copyright had commenced their proceedings by calling before them a publisher: then a second publisher: then a third, and so on: and that there seemed no sign at all that this illustrious body had ever heard that there was such a thing as an author, or had any idea at all that copy- right was created by the author and was actually his own property. In this ignorance they were allowed to remain by the publishers, who all gave evidence on the tacit assumption—which none of the noble lords questioned—that copyright was their own in the nature of thiugs: their own property by right. A day or two after the para- graph appeared I found a summons lying on my table calling upon me to attend and give evidence that day at half-past two. It was then three, so that I could not go. It is hardly, I think, polite or considerate to call upon a man to give evidence on a most complicated and important subject at a minute's notice. Moreover, I am not myself a lawyer: I have never felt called upon to study copyright law: I hate law and law books: and I am not therefore com- petent to give evidence. We have had two sub- committees on copyright, but I have not been a member of either. In fact, the branch of the Society's work which has occupied all the time that I could afford to give, is that of the administration of literary property, not that of copyright law. Mr. Thring has attended the Committee, representing our sub-committee, and, I hope, has enabled the Committee to understand that copyright really does concern authors: that they are capable of comprehending the question: and that the opinion of the lawyers and scholars forming our sub-committee is quite as well worth hearing as that of the publishers, who speak as if copyright was their right. A correspondent sends me a paragraph calling attention, with some show of indignation, to the fact that if anyone posts a book to the United States of America there is an import duty of one-fourth its value, and that the duty must be paid before the book is delivered. It seems a pity that the law is so, but since that is the law there is no use in being angry. Free trade in books does not exist in this country: for instance, it is illegal to expose Tauchnitz books for sale. Shall we begin by altering our own laws? We could then call upon the States to alter theirs. One of the things which the Society could and should do would be to bring about the reconsidera- tion of the Resolutions which constituted the Civil Pension List. All that is wanted is the abolition of a single clause allowing the pensions to be bestowed upon persons outside the field of ## p. 67 (#79) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 57 Literature, Science, and Art " who may be worthy of Her Majesty's bounty." The grant is not large, not more than <£i200 a year, and is by no means sufficient to meet the cases deserving of relief which are brought before the First Lord of the Treasury. No one wants to prevent outsiders from getting the help they want, one only desires to bind the Government to keep this fund entirely for the persons for whom it was founded. At present there is nothing to prevent the list from being filled up with "persons worthy of Her Majesty's bounty." It is, for instance, a common practice to place widows and daughters of colonial governors on the list. In that of the current year (see p. 64) there are the four daughters of one colonial governor and the widow of another. Cannot the Colonies, between them, create a pension list for the widows and daughters of their governors? And is it quite impossible for the governor of a colony to save a little money after twenty years of work on a salary ranging from .£2000 to £ 10,000? In another column appears one more letter on the great and crying grievance ,oi keeping MSS. offered to editors. For my own part I have always desired to recognise to the utmost the difficulties of an editor's position: the necessary keeping back of articles and papers already accepted. But there are limits. In the case before us the editor kept articles offered him for two years, fourteen months, eight months, and three months! There can be no possible excuse for such treatment of a contributor. What remedy is there? One, and one only. Writers will do nothing for themselves: they are so eager to be accepted, especially at the outset, that they will submit to anything and take any price that is offered. If, then, a contributor intimates that the MS. must be accepted and paid for within a certain time, he will probably have it returned unless the writer's name and the subject make it an important offer. The only remedy, therefore, is that the editors who do these things shall be known. If the writer of the letter will send me the correspondence in the .case I will publish his name and the name of the paper. Of course there is another remedy, but it qeems hardly worth while to mention it. I mean that editors should obey the simple rules of courtesy and good breeding. I have always found them, as regards myself, both courteous and kindly. But the letters which we have published in The Author show that there are many editors, especially of the smaller fry of magazines, who are neither one nor the other. Walter Besant. vol. IX. AFTER MANY DATS. A True Incident. IAM very sorry, Miss Carlisle; but I am afraid I cannot use that last story of yours. It is altogether too depressing. The public does not want sad stories. Life is sad enough as it is. No one likes to dwell on such incidents as you describe in—let me see, what do you call it ?—' Dead Violets '? Why the very title is morbid! Dead violets delight no one; what we want is fair, fresh, sweet- smelling flowers." The speaker's looks accorded with his words. He was a man advanced in life, with hair tinged with grey and a forehead #hich showed more than a tendency to baldness; but he had as bright, open, and cheery a countenance as ever beamed from an editor's chair. He bore himself with the easy yet kindly dignity which denotes a prosperous career. "I am very sorry," the girl's lips trembled as she spoke, and it was all she could do to hold back the starting tears; "I will try to do better next time." . She was young, but her face had a worn and weary look. . There was the suggestion 'of a happier past in her somewhat shabby, though perfectly neat, mourning attire. She* had the appearance of one to whom dead violets might mean more than freshly gathered roses. The editor was not unconscious of the pathos of her expression, nor the tremor of her voice; but he was above all things a man of business, and he knew that melancholy stories did not pay. "That's right," he said, "let it be something cheerful, ending with the music of marriage bells. That is what our readers like. I am really afraid I must send that MS. back to you." "Very well—if it must be so." She acquiesced without a murmur, bade him good morning, and went on her way. He was sorry for her; but he was far from guessing how deep a wound he had inflicted. Edith Carlisle went down the long flight of stairs from the editorial sanctum, passed into the Strand, and was lost in the stream of human life ever flowing along its pavements. Of all the units that composed that stream, not one perhaps carried a heavier heart than hers. It was of the irony of life that the editor should bid her write a story which "ended with the music of marri- age bells" just when her own lone story had come to a disastrous termination. The sudden and unlooked-for death of her father had wrought a pitiful change in the cir- cumstances of Edith Carlisle's life. Tt left her ## p. 68 (#80) ############################################## 68 THE AUTHOR. mother almost entirely dependent on her daughter's efforts for a maintenance. Edith found it incumbent on her to break off her engagement to a certain good-hearted but by no means prosperous young man. They bad parted as she believed for ever, and he had gone abroad; Edith devoted herself to the care of her mother, whose failing health caused her much anxiety. She had a daily teaching engagement, and when this was over she gave her spare time to the literary efforts which she had pursued with some slight success ere her father's death, and the con- sequent struggle for life, converted what had been a pure pleasure into a feverish attempt to produce that which would bring in money. The new motive did not yield the highest inspi- ration. Heartbroken at the loss of her lover, harassed by a thousand petty and humiliating cares, and depressed by her growing anxiety on her mother's account, Edith was not in a condition to conceive the bright fresh stories which delight editors. Yet never had she been more wishful for success. So much depended on her earning money. "Dead Violets " had been written with the eager hope that it might bring in a sum sufficient to afford her mother the fortnight at the sea-side which the doctor declared would do her more good than any medicine. Edith had written as her heart dictated, embodying in the tale somewhat of her own sad experience. She believed she had written it well. Certainly it was true to life. And now it appeared that it was too true to life! People must be amused with false pictures of impossible happiness. "Dead Violets" was "morbid" and " depressing." It was a grievous disappointment; but happily Edith had not confided her hopes to her mother, so she alone was disappointed. For a few days she looked for the return of her MS.; it did not come, and she soon forgot to expect it. She had no hope that the story would find acceptance in any other quarter. She regarded the sentence passed upon it by the editor of the Weekly Adviser, in which several of her stories had pre- viously appeared, as final. Had the MS. come back into her hands they would have committed it to the flames. So there was no summer holiday for Edith and her mother that year. Mrs. Carlisle's health failed rapidly in the hot close days, and ere the cooler weather set in she died. Edith's life was painfully lonely after her mother's death. She had lost all knowledge of her lover, and she had few friends. She sought relief in work. She worked harder than ever with her pen, and she worked to good purpose. She began to attain some literary success. Ten years passed by, and her position had considerably improved. She was on the staff of a popular magazine, and she- had written one or two books for girls which found a good sale. She had ceased to write for the Weekly Adviser. The cheery editor who did not like melancholy stories had gone over to the majority; she knew nothing of the man who had succeeded him. Great was her surprise, therefore, when she one day received through the post a roll of proofs in a wrapper bearing the name of that well-known weekly. "This is a mistake," she said to herself, as she unfolded the sheets; but as she glanced over the printing a name here and there caught her eye which struck her as strangely familiar. The thing was not new, though it seemed as vague and distant as a dreain. What could it mean? She turned to look for the title. "Dead Violets" met her eye. The story pronounced "too depressing," more than ten years before, had lain in the office of the Weekly Adviser ever since, and now, unearthed by some chance, had found favour with the new editor, and was set up in type. With strangely mingled feelings Edith read the story written so long before. Her heart was painfully thrilled by the memories it invoked. It seemed at once better and worse than she had deemed it in the old days. There were crudities of style, and a youthful exuberance of expression which jarred on her more cultured taste; but the story was alive. It was very sad—depressing, no doubt—btit yet a bit of real life, written with a throbbing heart, from the depths of her own experience. Her first impulse had been to write and forbid its publication; but on second thoughts she decided to let it appear with such slight im- provements as she could make on the proofs. The revision was painful work. She could not but think how much it would have meant to her had the story found acceptance when it was first submitted to an editor. Who could say? Her mother's life might have been prolonged—even saved, perhaps—had she been able at that time to command the sum which this story would bring her. But it was vain to dwell on that now. The story had been written for her mother's sake, and to her loved memory should its price be devoted Edith had never yet been able to place a suitable memorial above her mother's grave in the crowded London cemetery. For some time she had been slowly saving with this object in view; now this story would supply what was needed to make the amount sufficient. So, when the editor of the Weekly Adviser sent his cheque for six guineas, the money went to complete this fund, and in due time a simple granite cross marked the mound of earth so sacred to the author of "Dead Violets." The associations of that title were full of sadness for ## p. 69 (#81) ############################################## THE AUTHOR 69 Edith, but she never blamed the editor who had rejected the story when fresh from her pen. He had acted for the best. He was bound to consult the pleasure of his readers and the interests of his paper. It was doubtless by accident that the MS. had never been returned to her. She could have had it had she cared to apply for it. The fact of her story's attaining publication after so many years was just one of those strange chances which continually attend the fortunes of a literary career. *>•«.; AFTER PUBLICATION—THE FATE OF A BOOK. IN the March number of The Author I found (1) a paragraph relating the troubles of a member of the Society whose reviews, although excellent, have failed to circulate his books; and (2) a sentence, cited from an article in the Fortnightly :—" I know one bookseller who, when he finds a eulogistic review of a new book, instantly cuts it out and displays it in a conspicuous manner. He tells me the system is a gratifying success." We have, in the foregoing, some suggestions and experiences which may help to throw some light on that mysterious period of a book's career—the period when, just hot from the press, it is as yet undetermined whether it will be a failure or success. Let us consider this subject under four heads: (1) The book and the reviewer, (2) the review and the public, (3) the book and the book- seller, (4) the book and the public. 1. The Book and the Reviewer.—It is evident that there must exist a great disparity between the careful and exhaustive, if not always unpre- judiced criticisms of the great quarterlies in their palmy days, and the hasty rule-of-thumb "notices" of the thousand and one journals wedging in a weekly or fortnightly "literary article" amongst columns of sporting, commer- cial, fashionable, and other "intelligence." In the latter case, literature is treated as one only, and by no means an exceedingly important one, of the many interests which a daily journal reflects, and the object is, no doubt, to give the reader an idea of what is "doing" in the world of letters, rather than to attempt seriously the work of instructive and discriminating criticism. It is of course true, and every author will admit it, that the views taken by reviewers are as various and as many as the actual number of minds concerned in writing the notices in ques- tion. The demerits cited by one, are considered "characteristic touches" by another. What one critic describes as " cheap sarcasm" another will call "profound psychological analysis," and so forth. There may be more than one reason for this. It is no doubt true, as the Editor of The Author has repeatedly pointed out, that no critic can afford to exercise reflective judgment on a work when the result of that judgment has to be condensed into a few lines, and remunerated accordingly. But, with every respect to reviewers as a class, it may be suggested that a great review can only proceed from a mind specially qualified by nature and by training for this particular work, and that to sum up the results of superior constructive ability intelligently, requires critical ability of 110 common order. These considerations lead us to inquire whether the function of the reviewer as now exercised does not require modification—whether, in fact, the whole system of literary notices might not be organised on an entirely different basis with advantage to all concerned. Granted that it is the object of the literary column in the great provincial journals and in the more important weeklies, to reflect the current, activity in the world of letters—to give, as we have said, an idea of what is " doing " in the way. of book production—it is clear that this end might be quite as effectually attained by making these columns the channels of a flowing stream of criticism derived from one or more deep artesian fountains, rather than, as at present, by attempt- ing an outpouring of not too drinkable water derived from more shallow wells, sunk on the premises. Less metaphorically, why should not the literary column, instead of attempting to reflect the whole world of books, confine itself to a summary, intelligently commented upon, of the said world as seen through the spectacles of the great critical journals? To the ordinary cultivated reader it would be far more provocative of interest in a particular book if, in his local journal, say the North of England Mercury, he should find short sum- maries of criticism on, say, "The Three Fishes, a Tale of Grammarye," culled from the Athenaeum, the Spectator, Literature, &c., &c., instead of merely the less valuable lucubrations of the local gentleman who "does" the reviews for that influential county organ. Possibly in nine cases out of ten the local gentleman in question would be by no means averse to the change himself. If he felt moved to dissent from the opinions of the greater lights, it would be open to him to prove them in the wrong. It would also be a light and pleasing exercise for him to discriminate between and enlarge upon the spectacle of the Olympians themselves, utterly at loggerheads over the moral ## p. 70 (#82) ############################################## 7o THE AUTHOR. conduct of the "Fisher of Souls " in the above- mentioned romance. And what a weary waste of labour he would be relieved from, in no longer being compelled to frame platitudes about the worthless thoughts of commonplace people that, somehow or other, have got themselves introduced to the world as "characters" in a so-called novel. If this change were brought about there would, of course, still remain the burning question of the "canons of criticism"—those canons by which the Olympians themselves are to be guided, first, in determining if a new book be worthy of their attention; secondly, in weighing-up the statements, theories, or positions of the writer. Mr. Hannigan, in the March Author, has made a courageous attempt to formulate some of these, but as by his own admission the Waverley novels (including "Ivanhoe "?) fall short of his par- ticular standard, it is to be feared that his formula needs considerable amendment. Having regard to the complexity of human life, and in particular to the fact that progress in every department of human activity is the final result of a number of concurrent, heterogeneous, often conflicting influences, it is evident that no canon of criticism can hope to include all possible cases. In modern and present day matters it is probable that, even were such canon recognised, it would pass the limits of "the wit of man " to dispassionately apply it. We must, therefore, as heretofore, trust to the human element—to the reflections and judgments of the recognised critical authorities; and even these will assuredly often prove to be all wrong, because the human mind is not an infallible machine. . For the present, at any rate, we will not attempt to penetrate the mists that surround Olympus. We will imagine the review written, disseminated by means of the "literary column" to the half million interested in such matters, and served up with the coffee at the breakfast table. The ques- tion now becomes, "What is the effect?" - 2. The Review and the Public.—Each one of us has, no doubt, in his remembrance an instance, when, having read the " notice " of a book, a con- suming desire to have and handle that book has for a few hours possessed us. Our enthusiasm And curiosity during this brief phase has been raised, it may be, to a 10s. 6d. level, or it may be only to a 6s. pitch. But we have felt toler- ably certain that, if the much-desired volume were within reach, we should purchase it at all hazards, and in defiance of the whispers of prudence and economy. This is the first psychological moment in the history of the " review." When it has died away, unsatisfied, the review has passed stage one in its career of usefulness, and has entered on stage two, in which it is only fit for abstract, and repro- duction along with others. The later stage is perhaps a more lasting one. From a number of " notices " the juice or essence, not the bitter essence, but the sweet, is extracted, and the cumulative effect of pithy sentence upon pithy sentence, each followed by the name of some great piece amongst the heavy ordnance of literature, is no doubt very great. The wavering mind remembering its past and momentary enthusiasm over this particular work of genius, greedily responds to the tickling, the gentle stimulus of so many laudatory phrases, and arrives at a fixed determination, not necessarily to buy, but to "look out" for this book. This is psychological moment No. 2. Whether it bears fruit depends upon the accessibility of the work, and this brings us to— 3. The Book and the Bookseller.—-The "publi- cation" of a book is a very vague expression. Too often it means the languishing of the majority of the so-published volumes in the state of " quires" upon the shelves of an unromantic warehouse. Now, it is very clear that a book stands very much in the same light as any other manufactured article from the point of view of the person who has to sell it to the public. The first cry of the would-be purchaser is " samples "; the second, "samples "; the third, "samples." It is, of course, obvious that a book, however large, cannot very well be distributed in small gratis doses like, for instance, X.'s celebrated cocoa. And though it is no doubt true that the whole office of the "review" and the "notice" is to guide the public taste, yet we must not forget that X., too, has his "Press notices," his "testimonials," and other printed matter descriptive of the merits of his cocoa, and, in addition, does not disregard the uses of adver- tisement, but after all he relies upon |the gratis sample. In the opinion of the writer it is not so much the producing as the distributing system of the book trade that is out of gear. Publishers them- selves, those keen business men, seem helpless. They blame the author, they blame the bookseller, they groan over the discount system, they cry out at the burden of the review copy, they pro- phesy, they menace, but the end of all the stir is "much cry and little wool." The unsold "quires" lie limp and lonely upon the warehouse shelves, the bookseller puts a few copies of standard authors in his windows, and the pur- chaser bursting into his shop with enthusiasm, red-hot from a perusal of the "essence of review" above mentioned, is met with the cold and damping remark that "We haven't the ## p. 71 (#83) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. book in stook, but we can get it." And, in not a few cases, out he goes again, never to return. This is not business; it is not even common sense. It is not encouraging trade, it is stifling its nascent struggles. And the result is per- petual recrimination and unrest. Let us now look at the whole matter from another stand- point. 4. The Booh and the Public.—Ah, this dear Public! How noble he is. So unlike a reviewer, unlike even a publisher. We may bully him to our heart's content, and he will like us all the better for it. Each of us feels that, could we but stand face to face with him, and gain his ear, he would extend the right hand of fellowship to us, in sheer admiration of our splendid thoughts. Faith, it is a strange spectacle, this poor, weary, jaded Public, ever seeking for some new thing, and all this galaxy of talent eager to woo his attention and charm him from his abject melan- choly. And between, the impalpable shadow of Destiny, the mocking spectral Fate that keeps him still with head on hand, writhing with ennui— whilst our own enthralling work, epic, comedy, or jeremiad, as the case may be, lies upon the shelves, chemically decomposing into grainless dust. It is easy to understand how a book may be a great success. Touching, even though only by accident, on the inmost fibres of the human heart, will do it, even though every canon of criticism, and every rule of grammar has been violated in the doing of it. Perhaps Mr. Vincent Heward (March Author, p. 269) has not inaptly put it, when he says " style and form are graceful adorn- ments, but what of the body they are to adorn?" Emotion communicates itself like Same. The reader that has been thrilled is eager that others shall experience like pleasure. And thus comes the great success. Merely intellectual satisfaction the reader is more continent of. He says "Clever chap that," but the world does not glow the brighter for a mere sparkle of the mind. Yet even if we recognise that there are many kinds of cleverness which merely stimulate superficially without turning the reader's nervous system into a red-hot furnace full of sympathetic flames, it is not easy to say why books of undoubted merit are often not merely "not very successful," but, on the con- trary, total and abject failures. It would seem that there must be a reason, and a remediable reason, for this, since it is idle to blame the public for neglecting a clever work, because the public's appetite for any sort of clever work is, there is plenty of evidence to show, insatiable. We have seen that a clever work addressed to the emotions, succeeds, because it is advertised by the public itself. It spreads like fever, like panic, or any sort of contagion—and then after a time a further influence comes into play—it becomes "fashionable." The obvious corollary is that works of merit (e.g„ those mentioned on.p. 260) which are total failures, are only total failures because, not being of the class that advertise themselves, they have not in reality been adver- tised at all. Or to speak with precision, they have not been brought before the public in a way that has any practical influence on the public. And this will still be true, if many scores of pounds have been spent in advertising, and if every journal in the kingdom has spoken favour- ably of the work. Enter any shop where a large trade is done in non-copyright books and cheap editions. Observe the purchasers. In nine cases out of ten the purchaser goes into the shop with a vague flavour in his mouth, a half-felt craving for some par- ticular class of mental stimulus. It may be adventure by sea, or by land, the mazy thread of a detective tale, a " society" story, and so on. He wanders round the well-filled shelves, peeping into this, reading a few pages, passing on to that, until at length he finds something to his taste, pays his money cheerfully, and goes out in feverish haste to make acquaintance with his new friends. The deduction is obvious. What is really required to give a stimulus to the profession of the author, to the business of the publisher, to the trade of the bookseller, is reorganisation of existing relationships. The following seem reasonable suggestions. It is not pretended that they are now offered for the first time. (1). Fewer reviews, but those few written by the best available men, bent,not upon "slashing" the author, nor expatiating to a disproportionate extent upon mannerisms and style, nor exhibit- ing encyclopaedic learning, but on viewing the constructive work of their contemporaries as part of the zeit-geist in a calm and philo- sophic way. (2.) The abolition, to a large extent, of the "notice," which at its best is a waste of energy and space. A short statement of the plot or purport of the commonplace and generally un- worthy book might be substituted. Such state- ment signifying neither praise nor blame. (3). The introduction of much closer and more sympathetic relationship between publishers as a body and booksellers as a body. This is, of course, a vague and trite remark, and looks at first sight suspiciously like a pious wish, but it is the real focus at which all the evolutionary ## p. 72 (#84) ############################################## 1*. THE AUTHOR. forces at present working blindly in the world of books will presently be concentrated. We need not, however, discuss this from the point of view of the publisher; we will consider only what the author wants, whether he gets it directly or in- directly. In every large town there should be many, in every small town there should be one bookseller who is not merely a tradesman, but an expert— the guide, philosopher, and friend of the book buyer. In his shop should be found every book reviewed by the critical journals, sent there on "sale or return" by the publisher. Of course this does not apply to Editions de luxe or specially expensive works—only to the rank and file of books that will be purchased by the public at large. There, too, would be found copies of those less successful works, open to everyone's examina- tion; and it can hardly be argued that they would not be better disposed of in this way than decay- ing on- the warehouse shelves. An unsold re- mainder of 500 copies would go a long way dis- tributed amongst the chief booksellers of the kingdom. It is very certain that such shops, established as a recognised and flourishing institu- tion in every town, selling all kinds of printed matter, would become the happy hunting ground of the public in search of a book, and that the scandal of works of merit proving financially disastrous, as in the case of our unfortunate fellow member, would cease to press on our atten- tion. The Public, entering the shop, either to behold with his own eyes that clever work of which he has just read the advertised "essence of review," or, on the other hand, merely desirous of finding something suitable to his present mood, would scan eagerly not only the works of A., B., and C. —celebrated authors—but also of X., Y., and Z., coming men, who, however, have not yet arrived. And it is much more likely that he will invest in the scintillating wit of X., Y., and Z., after having had the opportunity of mentally measuring it, than that he should speculate in the work of an unknown name on the faith of an advertisement. Besides, to be told that the books of a particular writer are not " kept in stock" leads oue, uncon- sciously, to rank that writer as a second-rate one. The influence of fashion is often strongest where it is least visible. It would appear that the bookseller is de- serving of the tenderest care at the hands of the author. He is the advance-guard, the outpost of literature, and his position should be strengthened as far as possible. Enlisting his sympathies, the author has a thousand Argus-eyed auxiliaries working for him, pointing out his merits, holding him up to the omnivorous public as a person whose acquaintance (at the published price) it is desirable to cultivate. The idea may be Utopian, but like many Utopias it is a pleasant one to contemplate. N. C. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—The Civil List. IN the copy of The Author for July, which has just reached me, you do not mention the grant (the pension, rather) of .£20 a year which has been awarded me from the Civil List. As I owe it entirely to the action of the Society of Authors, who most generously signed a petition on my behalf, I think some acknowledgment should be made in The Author. I am deeply grateful to the Society for their kind interest, and for the effort they made to help me. I may have hoped for a more generous award, but that does not affect my lively sense of the sympathy that has been shown me by my fellow authors, which has touched me most deeply. I thank them—and I thank you—most heartily. Frances Marshall (Alan St. Aubyn). July 8. II.—The Struggle for Recognition. Do unknown authors, with touching faith in their own creations, and still more touching expectancy in regard to payment, truly realise the utter hopelessness, the dreary waste of time involved in sending out their literary samples to up-to-date editors or publishers' readers? Do they quite understand the appalling difficulties in the path of poverty, with a more than glutted market to meet—and poverty is always left to the sweet silence of solitude? To get a serial story accepted at, say, .£3 weekly in a penny paper is the most practical way of earning a pittance in fiction; but even here there are thousands ready to do the work for half, and to do it remarkably well. Besides, the relatives of the proprietor or editor are always delighted to offer their services, and to steal all the "plums " from any proffered manuscripts. It is almost invariably the rich author who succeeds—the man or woman with a good income, irrespective of any literary earnings. Money lavished on advertising can make the dullest seaside story the fashion, and hence create a run on it. It is the moneyed power behind a book that will make it " go." It is the greedy capitalist, without a literary instinct, commencing perhaps as some shrewd newspaper clerk, who through lucky chances and solid backers can buy up papers one after the other, and ruin their owners, like a huge serpent swallowing lesser ones. ## p. 73 (#85) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 73 He commands the market. He may, and probably does, prefer twaddle, because he finds it sell, so he buys it and backed up by his capital it goes very well; it is so safe and everyone can of course understand, and be soothed or cheered by it. Does the poor and struggling author quite grasp these hard facts in an age of greed, of humbug, and of callous commercialism? It is easier to sell to twenty capitalists than to one. The wealthy authoress, reclining among her cushions in Worth's latest tea-gown, glittering in diamonds, and interviewed by a reporter awed into respect by her surroundings, has nothing to fear. Her books will sell because her money, position, and interest, can make them the fashion, and guileless reviewers have a singular faculty for appreciating these apparently hidden mys- teries. She appeals in some way to their inner consciousness. The illustrated interviews—the smart little pars—the advertisements—the large social connections—the money and the pushing publisher do the rest. It is precisely the same with the wealthy author. Let struggling aspi- rants moved by philosophic doubts ponder well over the injustice and indifference meted every- where to the poor. Annabel Gray. [The above, whose signature commands atten- tion, deals with the difficulties which beset the path of young writers. I would willingly believe that the picture is exaggerated. It is doubtless true that the difficulties are tremendous ; but does not the nature of the work—the magnitude of the prize, which is not, like the prize of trade, one of money only, but of honour, consideration, and respect—necessitate these difficulties? To write seems so easy: when one has written the product seems to the writer so beautiful: the success of so many seems so easily achieved: the literary value of successful work seems to the young writer so much below his own work: that not only is the editor bombarded and pelted with MSS., but the disappointment of the unsuccessful is keen beyond any other kind of disappoint- ment. It is bitter for the man with the red lamp to see his old friend of student days making his ten thousand a year as a consulting physician, but it is far more bitter for an aspirant to see the success of a work which in his own mind he ranks far below his own. I have always been of opinion that good work makes its own way. Even supposing that push and advertising can advance a book not worth advertising, there remains the question whether any fine piece of work can be named which has failed to make its mark any time during the last ten years. Again, it is true that there are thousands who can turn out MSS. resembling good work and for nothing or next to nothing; the fact remains that it is not really good work, and the journals which "go in" for cheapn- ss do not thrive by cheapness. The only remedy is patience. When people agree to con- sider writing as a kind of work that has to be paid for, like cabinet making, there will spring up some feeling as to sweating writers, just as there is about sweating needlewomen. Yet the sweat- ing will be carried on. Again, can it be said that MSS. are plundered of their contents '{ Such a thing might conceiv- ably take place and with impunity: but it must be very rare, if only on account of the vast masses of MSS. which are daily sent into the editor. Has Annabel Gray any facts in support of this suggestion? Then, is it the rich writer who suceeeds? I should say that it is the successful writer, as a rule, has nothing except the stimulus of poverty. Writers as a rule never do have anything to begin with. One need not quote examples of living men: of dead men we may mention Dickens, Leigh Hunt, Douglas Jerrold, Marryatt —none of them had anything to begin with. However, this is how it seems to Annabel Gray. —Ed.] c-=i III.—The Seamy Side. Do not your occasional contributors tell us too much about their grievances and too little about their success? All publishers arc not necessarily sharks, and some editors are distinctly human— as you, Sir, have frequently borne witness. I personally have had two good doses of disappoint- ment and disillusion—each one of which my candid friends have interpreted as Divine warn- ings that I should take Mr. Grant Allen's advice and buy a good broom and annex a vacant crossing, but I am bound to add that I agree with Mr. Coulson Kernahan, in his preface to "Sorrow and Song," that for kindness of heart men of letters have no equal. The gentlemen who write you frequently profess to be anxious to assist the young author. Would they not help him more effectually if they told him some of the good things that had happened to them? At present they seem to unite to quench your cheery optimism, and to make poor beginners like myself wonder whether any good thing can come to the producer from the world of books! Stanhope Sprigg. IV.—Hard Treatment in Australia. You may be interested to hear that cases of hardship to young writers occur in this new land similar to those published in your columns. ## p. 74 (#86) ############################################## 74 THE AUTHOR. In the months of July and August of last year an advertisement appeared in the columns of the Bulletin, which you may know is the leading paper of its class in the colonies, to the effect that the Coolgardie Courier (W. A.) would give prizes of '' six, four, and two guineas for the three best original stories illustrative of life in Australasia," and, furthermore, that the pro- prietors of the paper would make a donation of one guinea to any tale published other than the prize winners. Satisfied that the advertisement signed by such a well-known proprietor was genuine, I entered MSS. of two stories for the competition, but from that time no further reference was made to it in any paper. I have obtained a file of the Coolgardie Courier from July of last year up to date, and find there is absolutely no mention of any com- petition in its columns. No stories whatever have appeared in it but those culled from English and other journals. I ascertained from the Bulletin office that the advertisement was a bond fide one, and then wrote to the Courier asking an explanation and for my MSS. The latter arrived this morning (in a very dilapidated condition), but no letter or memorandum accompanied it, so the why and wherefore of the business is still a mystery. I have also suffered this year at the hands of a Sydney newspaper, which published tales of mine in its December and January numbers and for which I am unable to get payment. I previously won a prize competition of this journal which was paid promptly enough. I have put the present matter into a solicitor's care, and would like to let you know result. Ada A. Kidgell. 39, Hunter-street, Sydney. V.—Proposed Journal tor Amateurs. Referring to your remarks on amateur produc- tions, are you not a little unjust to that unhappy individual? His work is sure to be weak and flabby, you say, and no one would care to read it. Consequently an amateur magazine must be a collection of drivel. Now, I understand an amateur to be a person who has not had the good luck to get his or her work accepted, and so the majority of our distinguished authors for some period of their lives came under that category. Their work was not worthless by any means. I have been told by a talented LL.D. of keen critical ability that my work is above the average of published novels, and, though I am afraid to believe him, I certainly consider it has redeemed itself from flabbiness. But, even if it were as good as your own, that fact would not insure its acceptance, seeing that there is scarcely room on the booksellers' shelves for the work of old hands. There is no earthly reason why an amateur who has been writing for some time should not be as good as the average professional, and if there is the faintest hope of his ever becoming known in the literary world, he must turn out something far superior to our usual literary fare. A few years ago I used to take in an amateur monthly which contained very good articles by Mary L. Pendred. This lady has since placed books on the market and figured in the Idler, and I should like to know whether she was "ashamed" of what she had done for the little amateur when she found herself on the giddy heights of professionalism. Inconnu. VI.—Stale MSS. Your correspondents complain of their MSS. being kept months for publication—or a year or two; but I think I can beat the record. One was six years old when it appeared, but the editor offered me a larger cheque in consequence. Two or three have been buried four years, and when printed T scarcely knew my own produc- tions. Certainly I felt then that I could have done better. As these were illustrated articles 5 per cent. interest for four years represents £2! MSS. ought to be paid on delivery, or else 4 or 5 per cent. charged for credit. A Patient Scribe. VII.—Personal. Nearly all the reviews of " The Actor-Manager" contain the statement that I am novelist, drama- tist, and actor in one: "Jack of all trades, and master of none" will probably be added soon. May I beg you to serve me by correcting the misapprehension? My experience as an actor was very brief, and I left the theatrical profes- sion when I was three-and-twenty. I am simply a novelist who has collaborated in two or three plays. If you would say so, I should be extremely grateful for your kindness. Leonard Merrick. National Liberal Club. VIII.—Reprints. Will some reader, well versed in the cautious ways of publishers, kindly inform me, with as little delay as possible, why it is that publishers persistently refuse to reprint books of general interest, chiefly because their original issue ran to only one ## p. 75 (#87) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 75 edition of a limited number of copies, and was not brought well under the notice of the public? This was, at any rate, the reason given by several publishers who have had under con- sideration my book of travels in Cuba which appeared some years ago under the title of the "Pearl of the Antilles." It is, I believe, the only work dealing with social life in Cuba which has been written, and it was the result of five years' residence in the island; most of the time having been passed in the city of Santiago—the very centre of the pending hostilities between Spain and the United States. I was not only a resident at Santiago de Cuba, but I spent much more than a mauvais quatre d'heure inside that same Morro Castle at present being bombarded by the American fleet. One would have supposed that such experiences would be of some interest to readers of to-day, and that to a large majority they would appear fresh, or as if the book had never been written; the more so because the work has long since been out of print, and forgott-n by a limited number old enough to remember it. Moreover the volume, though rather extensively noticed by the Press at the time of its publication, was never pushed by my publishers, so that the public knew next to nothing of its existence. This is another reason given by the publishers of to-day in explanation of their refusal to take up a reprint—well revised and written up to date—of the "Pearl of the Antilles." They contend that if the book had been a financial success it would have run to another edition, and yet another. But they cannot be persuaded to believe that the subject of the book is of far more interest to-day than it was the other day, and that almost anything relating to Cuba just now, if well brought under the notice of the public, would perhaps receive attention. In addition to a careful revise, introducing new features, I have also offered to supply illustrations from sketches and designs in my possee-ion— some of the sketches having been done on the spot by myself. But in no single instance has any publisher " caught on " as yet to the idea. Walter Goodman, Oranienhof, Kreuznach, Germany. July 4, 1898. aia IX.—The Publication of Scientific Educa- tional Wokks. I should like to call your attention to a great disadvantage that the authors of scientific works that are intended for educational purposes labour under, viz., the excessive cost of advertisement. I have written three books and a large number of articles in the technical Press on the practical side of electrical engineering, that is to say, books designed for the use of mining, mechanical, and marine engineers, mechanics, plumbers, ifcc., who may have to deal with electrical apparatus but have no training, and to whom the text-books which appeal to trained electricians, crammed as they are with mathematics, would be absolutely useless. That there is a field for such books, and a large one, was proved by the fact that the first edition of my first book, consisting of 1250 copies, sold out in four months, and by the fact that this book is now w.;ll on its third edition, while the others have achieved nearly as great a success. It has also been proved in the usual way that most authors are acquainted with—I am constantly hearing of my books from all parts of the world. I have met working colliers away from their work, carrying my books in their pockets, just as one does any favourite author. I have nothing to complain of in my treatment by my publishers, except in this matter of adver- tisements. I believe that a very much larger number of my books would be sold if they were more advertised. There are probably immense numbers of mechanics, plumbers, &c., to whom the books would be of immense value, by enabling them to deal themselves with most of the troubles that beset electrical apparatus, and so improve their own position and save money for then- employers. These men do not buy my books simply because they have not heard of their existence, and when I complain to my publisher they say that they cannot afford to advertise more tban they do, the cost is so great in propor- tion to the returns. But the most striking feature of the case is, my publishers assure me, that, though my first book may presumably be regarded as a success, they have only recently made anything on it; and the principal reason given is the excessive cost of advertisements, though, as I have shown, those advertisements have failed to touch the great bulk of possible purchasers. The Society of Authors has already done a great deal for authors individually and collec- tively. Could it not attack the great injustice involved in this? Take any technical paper, and consider the amount paid to the authors employed on it as against the enormous sums received for the adver- tisements. The manufacturer and the merchant have numberless ways of bringing their wares before purchasers. The author has only one—the advertisement columns of the Press, after, of course, the review—the latter only taking place on each new edition. Is it not possible to induce proprietors of ## p. 76 (#88) ############################################## 76 THE AUTHOR. papers to take advertisements of books at a lower rate, to give authors a better chance of getting their works known? It is said, in reply to this, that proprietors of papers would never surrender a portion of their profits. As nothing but increased postage rate prevents proprietors of papers from increasing their advertisement sheets ad infinitum, it may fairly be doubted if this is so; but, even if it is, why should they not? Publishers pursued the same grinding policy until the advent of the Authors' Society. What has been done with publishers might surely be done with the proprietors of papers. It should be remembered, too, that the authors referred to, providing they have really something to say, are doing a work of national importance. If this country is to hold its own in the com- mercial race with Germany and the United States, it can only be by the education of its artisans in the technical details of engineering apparatus, and no education can be so convenient as that which the artisan can carry in his pocket. Cardiff. Sydney F. Walker. X.—Editors and Contributors. As I have not been able to see The Author for this mouth I do not know what progress, if any, has been made with above subject, which is of even greater importance tn struggling writers than the subject of publishers' extortions is to their better- to-do brethren, and which cannot be regarded as settled, on Enskin's principle that nothing is settled until it is settled rightly. The reason I am addressing you now is to give you an account of the further conduct of the editor towards me concerning whom I complained in your May impression. When my letter appeired I cut it out, together with all the other matter on the same subject. and forwarded it to the editor in question, to whom I had been con- stantly writing previously, asking him to put in what. MSS. of mine he had in hand. He returned my inclosures with the simple comment. " Pray do not trouble to send such matter in future." On which I wrote him that I must have an answer as to what he intended to do in the matter of my MSS., some of which he had kept on hand upwards of twelve months. Someone on his behalf then sent me a note that the editor had gone awav for a holiday, but would answer my letter on his return. I accordingly patiently waited a month, during which nothing by me appeared in his paper, and then began to write to him again. He took no notice, despite the promise on his behalf, until last Thursday (July 14), when he sent me a letter in which he said that he had gone through all the MSS. of mine he had in hand, and found that he could use, "at the first opportunity," four which he named, one of which he had already kept fourteen months, another eight months, another three months, and another nearly two years. On receiving this communica- tion I wrote expressing satisfaction that some at least of my pieces were at length going to be used, and asking that the others he had in hand should be returned, one of them a tale sent him with stamped-addressed envelope nearly two years back. Instead of complying with my request he actually sent back the four MSS. only he had just contracted to use, marked with editorial notes and corrections, and now says in answer to my appeals that he derives warrant for so doing from my letter of July 15, which I have told him he has misinteqjreted. He obstinately refuses, however, to either insert my MSS. or give me any compensation for not doing so, despite the time he has kept them. Of course I can send them elsewhere after I' have re-copied them, but look at the injustice of the thing. I have written to the proprietors of the journal in question, but do not suppose I shall get any redress from them. Experto Crede. OBITUARY. MRS. ELIZABETH LYNN LINTON died on July 14, at Queen Anne's Mansions, London, where she had been staying for some time on a visit to a friend. About six weeks before she was taken ill with pleurisy; the complaint developing into double pneumonia. Mrs. Linton was in her 77th year. Born at Keswick in the days of the Lake Poets, the daughter of the Vicar of Crosthwaite, she came to London when she was twenty-three, and in the following year under the auspices of Walter Savage Landor her first book was published. This was "Amymone: a Romance of the Days of Pericles." She began to write about this time for the Morning Chronicle, and subsequently for the Morning Star; and her career in journalism thus begun was continued in the Daily News, Household Words, and All the Year Round. Journalism was, indeed, her employment for a few years after 1851, the year in which "Reali- ties" appeared. In all, Mrs. Linton was the author of some twenty books. Her method was one. of extreme painstaking, as an instance of which it has been recorded that she re-wrote each of her long stories with her own hand thrice, ## p. 77 (#89) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 77 making emendations each time. Distinction came to her in 1872 by her powerful novel "The True History of Joseph Davidson," the hero of which is a Cornish carpenter who sets himself to live the life of Christ. "Patricia Kemball," which followed after an interval of two years, had a reception only little less distinguished. The book by which she is probably best known to-day is "The Girl of the Period," issued in 1883, a series of trenchant essays which had appeared in the Saturday Reriew, and which displayed Mrs. Linton in the character of a firm upholder of the sanctities of domestic life. She had no sympathy with what is commonly called the "new" woman—what Mrs. Linton herself called, in a series of essays upon them, the "shrieking sisterhood." Miss Lynn married in 1858 Mr. William James Linton, the engraver on wood, but it was not long before Mr. and Mrs. Linton separated on account of incompatibility of temper. The husband went to America where he lived to the age of eighty. Mrs. Linton was attached to London, in which she lived for fifty years. She retired a few years ago to Malvern. One of her last visits w as to the annual dinner of the Society of Authors nine weeks before her death. Her circle of friends was very large; she was a delightful talker, a charming letter writer; a sympathetic friend to many a struggling aspi- rant in literature. The remains of the deceased lady were cremated at Woking two days after her death. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. C^OULD any correspondent kindly tell me j where "Is the Church of England worth preserving?" an article by the late Mr. Gladstone, which appeared some fifteen years ago, I think, can be found? Also, what is the reference to an article on Corporate Reunion of the Church of England with the Church of Rome, by some Anglican dignitary, giving, I believe, an account of the consecration of three Anglican clergymen by Roman Catholic bishops r Spes. BOOK TALK. MR. F. J. JACKSON'S record of the recent Jackson-Harmsworth expedition to the polar regions will be published by Messrs. Harper in the autumn, in two volumes. A facsimile of the famous Rhind mathematical papyrus will be issued shortly by the British Museum. The papyrus deals with such subjects as the elements of geometrv and the theory of fractions, and was prepare! for publication by the late Dr. Samuel Birch several years ago. It has since been revised, and a special introduction has been written for it by Dr. Budge. "Practical Letters to Young Sea-fishers" is the title of a new book by Mr. John Bickerdyke, which Mr. Horace Cox, publisher of the Field, announces. In addition to sea-fishing as a sport, it deals with fishing-boats, boat-sailing, and life- saving at sea, and the restoration of the half drowned. The book is very fully illustrated by photographs of sea-fishing scenes taken by the author, sea-fishes drawn by a noted ichthyologist, the late Dr. Day, and the usual diagrams of tackle. Mr. Jerome K. Jerome's new book, a second series of "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," will be published in a few days by Messrs. Hurst and Blackett, entitled "Second Thoughts of an Idle Fellow." The first series appeared twelve years ago. Early in the autumn season a memoir of Robert, Earl Nugent, the contemporary and friend of Pitt, Chesterfield, and Walpole, will be published by Mr. Heinemann. The writer is a member of the family, Mr. Claude Nugent, and a great amount of the earl's correspondence will be given, as well as illus- trations from pictures by Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Kneller. Miss Nellie Farren is writing the storv of her life. Readers will remember the process of unautho- rised adaptation which a story by Mr. H. G. Wells recently underwent in order to suit a locality in the United States. Now it appears that somewhat similar treatment has been received by another English author, namely, Mr. H. O. Arnold Forster, M.P. His little book, "In a Conning Tower," which has gone through many editions, has been taken in hand by an "enterprising" firm in America. The narrative describes the possible course of an action between two modern British ironclads. In the American adaptation, names of American battleships are substituted, and the work is described as "by a noted expert." Mr. Henry James's new novel, " In the Cage," will appear from Messrs. Duckworth's in a few- days. Mr. E. F. Benson has written a society story, entitled "The Money Market," which will be Arrowsmith's Christmas Annual this year. Mr. J. K. Laughton is making steady progress with the life of the late Mr. Henry Reeve, the editor of the Edinburgh Review, which will pro- ## p. 78 (#90) ############################################## 78 THE AUTHOR. bably be among the most important of this year's biographies. It will contain some vers-de-sodet6 written by Mr. Reeve in early life. Mr. Demetrius Boulger, whose large history of China has just been issu d in a cheaper edition, has examined the documents of the Congo State and the work carried on there, and the result will be a book entitled "The Congo State and the Growth of Civilisation in Central Africa." It will be published by Messrs. Thacker in the autumn. A volume that will be anticipated with much ioterest is " Letters by Benjamin Jowett," which Mr. Evelyn Abbott and Professor Lewis Campbell are preparing as a supplement to their " Life of the late Master of Balliol," which was issued by Mr. Murray last year. Mr. Clark Russell's new novel, " The Romance of a Midshipman," will be published on Oct. 5 by Mr. Unwin. A romance of lower London, by Mr. A. St. John Adcock, will be published shortly by Messrs. Skeffington. General McLeod Innes is writing the life of another gallant soldier, namely, the late General Sir Henry Havelock-Allan. Novels to be published in the autumn by Messrs Constable include " An Elusive Lover," by Virna Woods; "A Statesman's Chance," by Mr. J. F. Charles; and "The Modern Gospel," by Mrs. H. H. Penrose. With the July number of the Classical Review Mr. G. E. Marindin relinquished the post of editor, owing to pressure of other work. Dr. Postgate, of Cambridge, has accepted the editor- ship, and he will be assisted by Mr. A. Bernard Cook, of Trinity College, Cambridge. Mr. Marindin has edited the review for five years, having succeeded Professor Mayor. Mr. Walter Armstrong, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, is writing a book on the characteristics an < achievements of the painter Gainsborough, which will be published by Mr. Heinemann. Lord Ashbourne is writing a work entitled "Pitt: Some Chapters of his Life and 1 imes," which Messrs. Longman will issue in the autumn. "Foreign Courts and Foreign Homes " is the title of a work by "A. M. F." which is shortly to be published by Messrs. Longman. It deals with Hanoverian and French society under King Ernest and the Emperor Napoleon III., and contains a fund of anecdote. Mr. W. G. Collingwood is being assisted by Professor Jon Stefansson, of Copenhagen Univer- sity, the well-known Icelander, in preparing an elaborate volume on the topography and scenery of the Sagas, so far as they relate to Iceland. It will be illustrated by 200 water-colour drawings taken by Mr. Collingwood last year in the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and the Northern Seas. Professor Murison is writing the volume on Sir William Wallace for the Famous Scots Series. July witnessed the appearance of a threepenny popular monthly, entitled the Harmsworth Maga- zine. It is published by the well-known firm of Harmsworth. Considerable discussion has arisen upon the question of whether the newsagents can afford to sell it at the price it is offered to them. Messrs. W. H. Smith and Son declined to sell it on their bookstalls, and there has been a lengthy altercation between the two firms on this score. Mr. Harmsworth, the principal of the firm, says that the magazine can only be produced at the price becatise it is but "a small incident in an organisation controlling four daily journals and nearly thirty weekly periodicals; because we already possess and are now building printing machinery of an entirely novel and labour-saving nature." The following are among the novels which are announced for early publication: "God's Out- cast," by Mr. Silas K. Hocking (Warne); "A Girl of Grit," by Major Arthur Griffiths (Milne J; a novel by Mr. J. A. Barry (Macqueen); "A Lotus Flower," by Mr. J. Morgan de Groo (Blackwood); "The Secret of the King," by Mr. Charles Hannan; "The Pathway of the Gods," by Mrs. Mona Caird; •' The Laurel Walk," by Mrs. Molesworth (Isbister); and "The Queen's Cup," by Mr. G. A. Henty." "The Ways of a Widow," by Mrs. Lovett Cameron; and "Heart and Sword," by John Strange Winter, will be published by Messrs. White, who also have in preparation new stories by Mrs. Alexander and Miss Florence Warden. The Rev. Arthur Jenkinson, minister of the parish of Innellan, Argyllshire, has written a novel, in collaboration with his daughter, the scenes of which are laid in some of the wildest parts of the West Highlands. The story is entitled "Fiona Mclver: A Romance of the Western Isles," and will be published immediately by Messrs. Hutchinson and Co. Miss Jeukinson, who is still very young, has already accomplished a considerable amount of literary work. The executive committee of the Stevenson Memorial now report that a fund of about .£1400 has been raited through local committees in New Zealand, the United States, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen. A mural ## p. 79 (#91) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 79 monument in bronze will be placed in the Moray Aisle of St. Giles's Cathedral, Edinburgh. It wiil be done by Mr. St. Gaudens, the American sculptor, who has studied Stevenson from the life. If the funds permit, it is also proposed to erect a handsome red granite seat upon some point on the Calton Hill, overlooking the Firth of Forth. Miss E. M. Cope is translating from the Nor- wegian a personal life of Marie Antoinette, written by Miss Clara Tschudi, who was recently presented by King Oscar with a gold medal in recognition of her historical researches. Messrs. Swan Sonnenschein and Co. will publish the book. Dr. Joseph Parker, of the City Temple, is writing a review of his Lifetime amongst the Dissenters, which will probably appear in the autumn. The proposed title of the book is "Paterson's Parish: A Book of Scenes, Thoughts, Dialogues, and Revelations." No publisher has yet been named. "Estrina," written by C. H. Malcolm, has just been published by Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. (2*. 6d.). A play entitled "Edgar Harissue," by Messrs. C. H. Malcolm and Arthur Grahame, was played at the Ladbroke Hall on Tuesday, July 19, and was much appreciated. THE BOOKS OF THE MONTH. [June 24 to July 23.—217 Books.] Ames, J. S. Theory of Physics. 10/- Harper. Ames. J. S. and Bliss, W. J. A. A Manual of Experiments in Physics. 10/- Harper. 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Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 03 (August 1898) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 03 (August 1898) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1898-08-01-The-Author-9-3 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/320/1898-09-01-The-Author-9-4.pdf 99c5953586021c513ccef3cf403dc4f7 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1898-09-01 Volume 9 Issue 4 Pages Page range in volume 81–100 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18980901 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin XL he Hutbor, (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.') CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. IX.—No. 4.] SEPTEMBER 1, 1898. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. Commnnioations and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. FOB some years it has been the praotioe to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notioes, &o., for the guidance of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to carry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements TOL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5-) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. HI. The royalty system. In this system, whieh has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both rides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Headers can also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objeoted that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those aooount books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. i 2 ## p. 82 (#94) ############################################## 82 THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. I. INVERT member has a right to ask for and to receive IU advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Com- mittee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with oopyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudnlent houses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the oountry. 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of every- thing important to literature that yon may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreement and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offera:—(1) To read and advise npon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action npon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21 st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communioate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Office without previously oommunioating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, Ac. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanoed 15 per cent." This clanse was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, recently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly correct: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amonnt charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of course, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of frand; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6s. 6d. subscription for the year. The Editor is always glad to reoeive short papers and communications on all subjects connected with literature from members and others. Nothing oan do more good to the Sooiety than to make The Author complete, attractive, and interesting. Will those who are willing to aid in this work send their names and the special subjects on which they are willing to write? LITERARY PROPERTY. I.—The Publishers' Draft Agreements. fT^HE following expressions of opinion are S from various sources, in writing and com- municated by word of mouth, abridged and in full. I venture to invite the judgment of all our readers upon these model agreements, but put as briefly as possible. So far there has been complete unanimity of condemnation: with some there has been astonishment, and even a kind of dismay, at the discovery that nothing ever ## p. 83 (#95) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 83 advanced in The Author or in the papers pub- lished by the Society has fallen so far short of the real truth. An opinion signed has, of course, far more weight than one that is anonymous. 1. I entirely agree with you as to the gross unfairness of the terms which you comment on in The Author as being those indorsed by the Publishers' Association. Only a very weak vessel could possibly be induced to subscribe them, but then the raison d'etre of our Society is precisely that this weaker vessel should be strengthened. That any author should give away his Tauch- nitz rights, American rights, and dramatic rights, in this wholesale way seems inconceivable, but I should have thought it equally inconceivable that any honourable body of men should have asked for such a sacrifice. If in the face of your exposure any author signs such terms, then he deserves his fate. A. Conan Doyle. TJndershaw, Hindhead, Haslemere. 11. I desire to call renewed attention, in addition to the points already raised, to a view of the subject that has not been received with the consideration which it deserves. It is this. The relations of author and publisher have been discussed repeatedly for the last fifteen years. During that time the position of the author and his extremely modest claims have been stated and re-stated over and over again. The latter simply ask for the same safeguards as exist in all other kinds of partnership, and it has been urged over and over again—(1) that the property belongs ,originally to the author: (2) that he has a right to know what any proposed agreement, except that for sale outright, means for either side: and (3) that on any form of profit-sharing agree- ment, including royalty, an audit of the books must be open to the author. Of course, as a matter of fact, it is open by common law, but this fact is studiously concealed. Now, not one of these claims is even noticed. What does this mean? It may mean (1) a resolu- tion to keep silence unless they are forced to speak: or (2) an impudent refusal to answer, or even to consider, the claims of an author: or (3) a real belief that the whole administration of literary property belongs to them as a right, and that they mean to do just what they please with it. But can they believe in this monstrous preten- sion? Can they really think that another man's property is to be treated exactly as they please for their own profit? Why — what is the present position? It is notorious that not a single author of any position in the literary world—not one—would consent to sign an agree- ment on these terms, so humorously styled "equitable"! This they must know perfectly well: they cannot choose but know it. No literary agent would dare to consent to such terms, not one: not even one who sells his clients to the publishers, would dare to accept such an agree- ment. Now since the publication of the meaning of the Cost of Production and the actual trade prices, the pecuniary position of the author has doubled in value. Yet our friends actually believe that we are going to sacrifice all the advance we have made, and to accept terms far more degrading to the author than ever were offered at any period, even the worst and lowest, in the history of literary folk. A. in. These terms by which publishers declare that it is " equitable " for them to have the power of pocketing as much of the profits as they please are the work of a committee which numbers on its body two names which have hitherto commanded general respect. I submit that Messrs. Long- man and Murray owe it to their historical and hereditary position as publishers to explain how they defend these claims, and to show what services they render to a book which can possibly entitle them to load the returns with percentages of whatever they please on every single item either of cost or of sale. They should also explain (1) why they leave themselves the right of charging for advertisements not paid for: (2) why they ignore the common law right of everybody to audit the accounts of his own property; and (3) why they claim office expenses for themselves which they deny to the bookseller and the author. B. IV. I beg to express the hope that the Society of Authors will not be drawn into the snare of arbitrating or submitting these questions to any form of argument. Arbitration means concession. Here there must be no concession. They are against the whole principles of the Society as set forth from the beginning. The only course, I submit, for the Society to follow is to reply by tearing up the documents and refusing even to argue upon them. C. v. I venture to hope that the question of office expenses will not be lost sight of. An agreement which claims for the publisher an allowance for office expenses which it does not allow the book- seller or the author is simply preposterous. The office expenses of the former are a great deal heavier in proportion than that of the publisher, while the author has office expenses sometimes ## p. 84 (#96) ############################################## 84 THE AUTHOR. of a very heavy nature, especially in copying or typewriting work. D. VI. Has not the time come when the stronger writers should make a stand and insist on the insertion of certain clauses? For instance, the unpaid advertisements and the "exchanges ": the clause providing for an audit: the clause about office expenses. These should all be pro- vided for. It would surely be perfectly easy for the author to give instructions as to these points. There would not be the least difficulty in obtain- ing the concessions at once. I would suggest that the author should be provided with such an agreement by the Secretary, or that the literary agent should be instructed by the author to present an agreement in which such clauses and others should be inserted. The following seem to me the most im- portant: (i.) The right of audit must not be left to a common law right, but must be actually inserted in the agreement and acted upon. (2.) The advertisement plunder must be definitively stopped. (3.) Office expenses must be allowed, if at all, then for all parties concerned—say 2^ per cent. to author, publisher, and book- seller. Of course this allowance may not pay the office expenses, especially of the author. But the allowance will at least recognise them. (4.) The author if he pleases may have a veto on the papers used for advertising in. (5.) No percentages at all to be charged upon anything. And any discounts allowed must be entered in the accounts. Do you think that the publisher will refuse these terms to an author of repute 'i If so, let the author come to me, and I think I can show him a better way. E. VII. It is greatly to. be hoped that the publication of these agreements may hurry up the inevitable, namely, that publishing must become a business conducted on the same terms as all others: that of competition. So long as money is to be made out of selling the works of an author, people will be found to compete for his work, and to make, if they can, their own terms, screwing out of him as much work for as little pay as possible, and screwing out of the bookseller as much money as they can. This has always been going on under various pretences: risk, to begin with: friendship: bad times: awful expenses of pro- duction—we know the rest. Now that we know what these things really mean, we ought to be able to fight our battles for ourselves. But since authors are not great at conducting their own affairs, we have to call in an agent whose neart should be like the nether millstone for hardness. He will not drink champagne: he will not weep over bad times: he smiles at the " heavy cost: he will not admit the risk: he is inflexible about office expenses: and will not admit of friendship in business. The ways of business for all others are hard: the publishers for too many years have made their ways easy and tender for themselves. They are now entering upon paths that are gritty and ways that are thorny, like other men who buy and sell. F. II.—The Country Bookseller. Being away from home, and alone in a large provincial town of 140,000 people, I wanted something to read. I went out to look for a bookseller's shop, and tramped through the prin- cipal streets in search. I had almost given up my quest when I found one, and entered. "I think you must be the only bookseller in the town," said I. "I am the only real bookseller. There is one other, but he goes in for photographs, painted tambourines, and such like, as well as books." "Do you really mean to say that one bookseller is enough for the wants of a town of a hundred and forty thousand inhabitants?" I asked, astounded. "Yes, sir. That is the sad fact." "But even you are not what I call a bookseller. Where are the novels of the day?" He took me outside, and pointed proudly to a six-shilling book. "There is the novel of the hour," he said. And sure enough, in company with perhaps two dozen others, was the book; its name I will not mention. "Have you got ?" I asked. "No, sir, I'm afraid not." I had asked for a book which last year ran into, I think, 50,000 copies. No; with the exception of the few books in his window he had no other new literature. "I suppose," I said, "that the big draper up the street who is selling cheap reprints at four- pence ha'penny spoils your trade? "Not a bit, he answered. "The call for that stuff is going off; in fact, some of them can't sell the stock they've got." "Then do you sell many copies of six-shilling books?" "Well, no; unless there is a great talk of a book we sell very few. The price will have to come down to three shillings, and I think that ## p. 85 (#97) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 85 will kill the libraries. They are the things that stop the sale of new books." I chose a cheap reprint, and went out to think over what I had seen and heard. A large and important provincial town, known the world over, with but one bond fide book- seller! One to 140,000! Under such circumstances, how is the unknown author to have a fair chance? Alan Oscar. III.—The Publishing Trade in Germany. Exclusive of specialist publications, 3477 political and advertising papers were issued in 1752 German centres last year, being at the rate of one per 12,092 inhabitants, or per 157 square kilometres, In Switzerland the proportion is one to 7581 inhabitants, or 107 square kilometres, while in Austria the corresponding figures are 72,290 and 1167. This is, no doubt, a conse- quence of the different legislation in these countries. Austria still retains the newspaper stamp. Germany has nine papers that appear more than twice daily, and 79 that appear twelve to thirteen times a week, 1185 six to seven times, and 1745 two to five times. The number of specialist publications is 3056. The export trade in German books amounted in 1896 to the value of about 62 million marks, and the import of foreign books to 20 millions. Austria-Hungary bought 28 million marks' worth, Switzerland (in millions 0f marks) 7.6, the United States 7.2, Russia 5.8, England 3.2, Holland 2.8, France 2, Belgium and Scandinavia 1.2, and Italy and Denmark 800,000 marks' worth. From Austria-Hungary Germany imported 7.2 million marks' worth of b0oks; from Switzerland, 3.2; from France, 3.8; from Holland and the United States, 1.6; from Russia, more than 700,000 marks' worth; and from England, 650,000 marks' worth. The small value of the books imported from England is evidently due t0 the fact that Tauchnitz and other German firms publish enormous numbers of English works.—Standard. IV.—The Internationale Liteea. TUEBEEICHTE. Those members of the Society of Authors who read German may be glad to be made acquainted with the fortnightly Internationale Litera- turberichte (Leipzig, Grimmaischer Steinweg, No. 2 ; quarterly subscription, 1.75 marks, annual ditto, including postage to England, 7.50 marks), the official organ of the " Deutscher Sehriftsteller- Verband," "Verein fur Massenverbreitung guter Schriften," "Litterarischen Vereine Minerva und Neue Klause," "Deutscher Shriftstellerinnen- buud," and of the " Deutscher Press Club zu New York." For some little time the periodical has been courteously forwarded to our offices by the editor, and we have much pleasure in recommend- ing it to the notice of our readers. Its contents are not merely official. Two or more articles on literary subjects of the day appear in each number, and in addition to these, very useful lists of new books in German, French, English, and Italian. Newly appearing German periodicals are also announced. In conclusion, some literary gossip, a few short notices of books, and (a feature interesting to book collectors) announce- ments of the latest catalogues published by the principal German secondhand booksellers make up a goodly amount of information in return for the very moderate price of the publication. V.—The Right to Destroy. Mr. D. F. Hannigan sends us the following letter, together with the post-card referred to. The latter simply says that the firm will be pleased to receive 4d. in stamps, to cover postage of the MS., " otherwise we must destroy it." The qu- s- tion is, whether they have the right to destroy a MS. under the circumstances. Of course it may be argued that an author cannot expect any house to keep a MS., after refusal, indefinitely, and then comes the question what to do if the author does not send stamps. The Editor, The Author.—Dear Sir,—I would like to know whether, when an author submits a MS. to a publisher, and omits to enclose stamps for return of the MS., the pub- lisher has a right to destroy the MS. I happen to be a barrister, and I was oertainly under the impression that the destruction or mutilation of MSS. without authority from the owner was a criminal offence. Early in January, 1897,1 submitted a MS., entitled " Tales of Witchcraft," to Mr. David Nutt. I intended, as I had heard from him that he did not see his way to undertake the publication at his own cost, to send him stamps for return. By inadvertence I neglected to do so. Judge of my astonishment at receiving from him a post-card (which I enclose) stating that, unless stamps were sent, he would destroy the MS. Has he any snch right by law ?—Yours faithfully, D. F. Hannioan. [Note by the Seceetary.—The answer to this paragraph seems to be quite clear. Mr. Nutt would have no right whatever to destroy the MS. If he did so destroy it he certainly would not be open to criminal proceedings, but the author could bring an action for damages. If, however, the author did not return the stamps the publishers of course might be free either to return the MS. postage not paid, or return it postage paid and sue the author (the latter would be a bad plan from the publishers' point of view) or retain it at his office until the author . hose to comply with his request.—G. Herbert Thring.] ## p. 86 (#98) ############################################## 86 THE AUTHOR. VI.—The Book Trade with America. The book trade between the United Kingdom and the United Stites for the eleven months ending May 1897 was as follows: Exported from England, duty free" .£177,496 „ „ dutiable 167,076 Imported from the States during the same period 166,712 For the eleven months ending May, 1898: Exported from England, duty free .£118,678 „ dutiable 177,13 7 Imported from the States 154,839 These figures are quoted, with others showing the whole book trade of the States, in the Publishers' Circular from the New York Pub- lishers' Weekly. VII.—Amalgamation of Publishers. The firm of Bentley is absorbed by the firm of Macmillan. Whether the absorption will in any way advance the interests of literature or the position of literary people remains to be seen. Those who formerly rallied round Bentley will perhaps rally round Macmillan, and perhaps they will not. The papers have been giving the history of the Bentleys, which is interesting on account of the names which have been from time to time connected with them. Some of them have dwelt upon the honourable character of the late firm, a thing which one is always pleased to learn, especially if the assurance is based upon the evidence of the authors concerned. IN MEMORIAM.-E. LYNN LINTON. Reverberant in the van her trumpet blew; Tried Champion of the weak against the strong, For cause she loved, 'gainst cause she loathed as wrong. "Ever a fighter," her keen sword she drew, Eager to smite the ignoble thro' and thro', Bnt tenderest of the tender—Where the Song To shrine thy name for aje above the throng, O Woman sweet, and truest of the true! Now, where o'er Cumbria's crags grey mists are curl'd, No more with Thoughts illusive strivings vex't, No more by Life's enigma dread perplez't, She sleeps - her armour doffed, her banner furled: Brave worker in the vineyard of this world, Flash yet diviner influence from the next! C. A. Kelly. NOTES AND NEWS. IN another column will be found a note in which a writer complains of having to sign a docu- ment resigning his copyright. It is a very common trick to send a printed form of receipt which the author is expected to sign without per- ceiving that by doing so he has been trapped into resigning his copyright. In such a case as this the author only has to remember that he must put his pen thruugh the words which con- vey the forfeiture of copyright, and that he must substitute for them the words " Serial right only in England," or words to that effect. By this means he may preserve his property. The words are, generally, " for the whole rights of," &c. Of course, if the editor bargains beforehand for the copyright, it becomes then a simple question of acceptance or refusal. "The authors and writers of Great Britain are under lasting obligations to Sir Walter Besant. Under the title of The Aut/wr that gentleman publishes each month a journal that offers to the professional and amateur writer so able and con- vincing a proof of his superiority to the publisher that the entire guild could be readily pardored for rising and calling the editor blessed. In the June number of The Author (which is published, of course, in London) the ways of the grasping and mercenary publisher of books are laid bare in a dozen ways. The long-suffering writer is taught how vast a profit there always is in the publication of his work; he is shown how easily and consciencelessly he is robbed; he is implored not to dispose of anything so valuable as a virgin manuscript until he has secured a contract giving himself all the profits and the publishers nothing but deficits and debts. The Author should flourish amazingly. It doubtless does."—The Criterion (New York), July 23. The above was sent to me by three or four anonymous persons, acting independently, yet with one consent, all presumably anxious to con- vince me that a certain portion of the Press of New York still maintains its reputation. I do not know the paper—the Criterion—at all, save from the single number sent to me, which con- tains this remarkably truthful statement. The trick of it is to state a small portion of the truth sandwiched between other statements that not even Barnum could call truths. Thus The Author does really, as stated by the fabricator, lay bare the ways of the grasping and merce- nary publishers in as many ways as can be discovered—thanks to the committee of the ## p. 87 (#99) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 87 Publishers' Association we have now learned a good many more than were previously suspected by most of us. But as the editor is not engaged in publisbing, there is no possible question of " superiority " to publishers. Again, the writer is nowhere taught by The Author " how vast a profit there always is in the publication of his work"—the word "always," instead of "may be," conveys the fabrication: he is shown how easily he is robbed: that is true: he is not implored to secure all the profits and "give the publisher all the deficits and debts ": that is a falsehood: nor is it possible, if you come to think of it, for the same book to have both profits and deficits. We are accustomed to this sort of thing in one or two of our own papers: it occurs in them when- ever the editor can be persuaded to slip in such a paragraph. But why does a New York paper go out of its way to invent stuff like this about a matter with which its readers can have no possible concern? And why this parade of misrepresen- tation over the management by English writers of their own property? It is not the first time that an American paper has offered a prayer to the Father of Fabrications, and obtained that prayer, for freedom of imagina- tion in speaking about me. In my humble person I have received several courtesies of the same pleasing kind from the same quarter. On another occasion in instance, a Boston paper of the baser sort informed its readers that I had for a whole twelvemonth been lecturing through the States "on Theosophy, accompanied by a lady who was not his wife." I do not know which was the more impudent charge. And another paper, whose name I forget, once informed its readers that, in certain writings or remarks of mine, I had been comparing myself with Thackeray, "to the great disadvantage of the latter!" Meantime The Author, and the Society which publishes it, are as prosperous as can be expected, and their friends the publishers have now condemned themselves in far plainer and harder language than The Author has ever used concerning them. No one must judge of America or the Ameri- cans by quotations or extracts from certain speci- mens.of their Press. It is quite possible to have troops of friends in the States, and yet to receive such tributes as these. In one sense the writers are impartial: like the sunshine and the rain they bless all alike, the small as well as the great. There are papers in our own country, I dare say, which are as bad as any in America, but we need not rake the gutters to find them. It must be remembered, when we speak of the American YOL, ix, Press, that it is not all like the Criterion and the other papers I have mentioned: that the leading articles: the "London Letters" and telegrams: and the columns of news in American papers do contain a great deal that is fair and appreciative, while it is critical, concerning our ways, our actions, and our people. It must also be remembered that the American point of view is not ours. Especi- ally have I observed this desire to be fair in their London Letter, which seems to me, so far as I have had the opportunity of reading it in Ameri- can papers, to be generally written in a spirit of which we have nothing to complain. Of course, I have not seen the London Letter, if there is one, of the New York Criterion. If one could venture to suggest anything to the editor of a London daily, I would ask him to think over the appoint- ment of an American journalist to write for his London columns a London Letter on English affairs as they seem to an American with friendly critical eyes. Such a letter would sometimes lead that editor's readerR to consider themselves. The Committee canmt be expected to trans- act any business of importance at this time of year. Nothing further, therefore, has been done with reference to the Draft Agreements of the Publishers' Association. I trust that something will be done, and I hope that the expression of opinion which will be found in another column will be continued. Above all, it is to be hoped that the leading and more successful writers, to whom no publisher would dare to present any one of their Draft Agreements, will consider their less successful brethren and make a public stand. It is not enough to say: "These Agreements make no difference to me, because I should never consent to them in my own case." It is necessary to take care that they should be offered to no one, and that the voice of condemnation should be loud and unmistakable. A line or two in a letter of Robert Browning's, written in the year 1868, makes one ask whether, in the year 1868, publishers hsld the same remarkable views about profits and their "equitable " share of them which they boldly advance thirty years afterwards? From my own recollection I am inclined to think that ths practice was the same, but that the profession was different. This is what Browning says of his new poem: "One "—that is, a publisher, only Browning calls him by his old-fashioned name, a "bookseller "—" sent to propose last week to publish it at his risk, giving me all the profits, and to pay me the whole in advance, 'for the incidental advantages of my name.'" Generous creature!" All the profits.' K ## p. 88 (#100) ############################################# 88 THE AUTHOR. What could be more noble? And for himself? —nothing. Only the " incidental advantages " of the poet's name. Now, we have seen that the profits due to the author, based on the " equit- able " wisdom of the united publishers, mean— or that they may mean, because the more greatly daring may make them mean much less—15 per cent. of the real profits; the remaining 85 per cent. going to the publisher. This newly dis- covered result of equitable treatment of the ques- tion was no doubt pretty well known to the disinterested gentleman who proposed to give Browning all the profits. In another column will be found a little piece of literary history which will interest many. The Critic of New York having become a monthly instead of a weekly journal, there remains only the Dial of Chicago to represent literature and literature only. The fact is remarkable: we should not have expected Chicago to be a centre of American literary criticism: yet it is not only a centre of criticism, but it is becoming a centre of literary produc- tion. Chicago is not altogether, therefore, gone over to the making of money. Walter Besant. THE BACONIANS. WHILE it is obvious to all who have any considerable acquaintance with the writings of Bacon and Shakespeare, that the process of destroying the theorists' arguments, by detecting their logical inconsequence, is satis- factory, yet to those who cannot bring a knowledge of the two men's work and times to assist them it would prove less convincing than one more dependent upon tangible facts. From my expe- rience of Baconians, as they call themselves, I have little doubt that the conduct of their arguments is invariably defective, and I am always pleased to discover the fallacies; but there is much more enjoyment to be got out of giving the lie direct to their major premises. It is curious that this is so seldom done, seeing how difficult it appears to be for these people to speak the truth, and how many of their statements—and those, too, the most striking —admit of such contradiction. I think I shall make myself clear by one example out of the many I could give. From an article in the last December number of Pearson's Magazine, which a friend showed me with fear and trembling for the empire of Shakespeare, I gather that the "Promus argument" is still considered a strong- hold by Baconians, and is therefore proper for my purpose. It is roughly as follows: Baeon's "Promus " is a collection of some 1700 proverbs, words, turns of speech, &c., which are of frequent occurrence in Shakespeare's plays, but are not to be found in the literature of his period. Two men alone and independently cannot use hundreds of identical words, &c.; therefore, it is concluded, Bacon, who noted down the words, must have written the plays. Here it is possible, doubtless, to attack and destroy the minor premises and the con- clusion, but there is a simpler and more effective method of procedure, namely, to deny the truth of tin major. It is neither true that Shakespeare use.s the proverbs and expressions to any surprising extent, nor is it true that the words and turns of speech are confined to the "Promus" and the plays. The effort made by Mrs. Pott, who is the authority on this point, to establish Shakespeare's use of the "Promus" entries is for the most part frivolous, and her ignorance of sixteenth century literature incredible. At the end of her edition of the "Promus " is a list of about 6000 books read by her or other Baconians, with the intention of finding " Promus" entries, and a column of those they found is adjoined. What they did with their eyes while employed in the search goodness only knows, for in every case in which I have tested the result I have found them blind. Some- times, where they have marked down one or two, I have discovered as many as fifty to a hundred instances; and even their pet expressions, such as "good morrow" and "good night," I have found to be the commonest of common property. For proof, let your office boy compare the "Promus" with Caxton's "Reynard the Fox," Barnfield's "Poems," Chettle's " Patient Grissel," Heywood's "Fair Maid of the Exchange," and Lodge's "Rosalynd," which Mrs. Pott calls a play. I suspect my power to slaughter Baconians would last out a good deal longer than your patience in listening to the story of their deaths, but I will confine myself to saying that I believe the theory would come to a sudden termination if some well informed student of Elizabethan literature would take upon himself the examina- tion of the statements on which it is based—he would not need to trouble his head about the quality of the deductions drawn from them. H. P. Gilbert. ## p. 89 (#101) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 89 !rHE ISSUE OF POPULAR COPYBIGETS. SIR GEORGE NEWNES presided at the first general meeting of the shareholders of Messrs. George Newnes, Limited, and in a speech on the "busy and prosperous year" which the firm had experienced he referred, among other subjects, to the large business they were doing in the issuing of popular works in parts. Some of the large eminent book-publishing houses had recognised that they (Messrs. Newnes) were specially able to do that successfully. He recalled the fact that Messrs. Constable, who gave .£10,000 for Dr. Nansen's copyright, came to them, and they accepted their proposal to publish Dr. Nansen's book in pamphlet form. It had been a wonderful success. Messrs. Bartholomew had brought them the "Citizen's Atlas," which was going wonderfully well in parts. The firm of John Murray had also come to them, and as soon as the holidays were over they should begin publishing in pamphlet form some of Mr. Murray's most popular copyrights, commencing with Du Chaillu's " Land of the Midnight Sun." STEVENSONIANA. f"|">HE additional volume in the collected Edin- I burgh edition of the works of Robert Louis Stevenson has just been published. Mr. Sidney Colvin writes a preface, and describes the book as "a medley, made up of items, some serious and some trifling." It contains a great deal of personal light upon the life of the late author, and subscribers will be pleased to receive so unexpectedly such an interesting book. The preface he wrote, but never printed, for his "Master of Ballantrae" is here; also "reflections and remarks on human life " ; and many other remnants in prose and verse. His ideal home was one that would have a little cosy room in warm colours, the sofas and floor thick with rich furs, and three shelves filled with "eternal books that never weary." Among these are Shake- speare, Moliere, Montaigne, Lamb, Sterne, De Musset's Comedies, the " Arabian Nights," George Borrow's "Bible in Spain," "The Pilgrim's Progress," "Guy Mannering," "Rob Roy," and "immortal Boswell, sole among biographers." In case of insomnia there should be within reach of the bed books of a " particular and dippable order "—" Pepys," the "Paston Letters," Burt's "Letters from the Highlands," and the " Newgate Calendar." At Davos Platz he made verses and drawings—reproduced in the volume—for the amusement of his stepson and himself. He also reviewed a thrilling little tale of his stepson's, called "Black Canyon; or, Wild Adventures in the Far West," in these terms:— A very remarkable work. Every page produces an effect. The end is as singular as the beginning. I never saw such a work before. There are "Moral Emblems" and "Moral Tales" in the book, among them this one describing the drawing of an explorer: The frozen peaks he once explored, But now he's dead and by the board. How better far at home to have stayed Attended by the parlour-maid, And warmed his knees before the fire Until the hour when folks retire! So if you would be spared to friends Do nothing but for business ends. And this is shot at the reader at the close of a description of a pirate: You also soan your life's horizon For all that you can clap your eyes on. Finally, we quote the following more serious verses from one of two lighthouse poems: The brilliant kernel of the night, The flaming ligbtroom circles me; I sit within a blaze of light Held high above the dusky sea. Far off the surf doth, break and roar Along bleak miles of moonlit shore, Where through the tides of tumbling wave Falls in an avalanche of foam, And drives its churned waters home Up many an undercliff and care. » « • • The night is over like a dream: The sea-birds cry and dip themselves; And in the early sunlight, steam The newly-bared and dripping shelves, Around whose verge the glassy wave With lisping wash is heard to lave; While, on the white tower lifted high, With yellow light in faded glass The oirclii g lenses flish and pass, And siokly shine against the sky. An entertaining letter of Stevenson's on the education of women, dated Nov. 1870, lately came into possession of Mr. Walter T. Spencer, the secondhand bookseller of New Oxford-street. It is written to a cousin. We extract the following sentences: You will probably know how nicely Women's Bights were reoeived by some of my fellow students the other day. The female medicals were hooted, hissed, and jostled till the police interfered. My views are very neutral. I quite believe that Miss and the rest of our fellow studentesses are the first of a noble army, pioneers, Columbuses, and all that sort of thing. But at the same time Miss is playing for the esteem of posterity. Soit, I give her posterity, but I won't marry either her or her fellows. Let posterity marry them. If posterity gets hold of this letter I shall probably be burnt in effigy by some Royal Female College of Surgeons of the future.. ## p. 90 (#102) ############################################# go THE AUTHOR. DE. BEANDES'S SHAKESPEAEE. AFTER reading the account Professor Brandes gives of Shakespeare, I am struck by the insistence with which he dwells on every biographical fact which it is possible or impossible to seize hold of with certainty, as a context to the study of Shakespeare's plays in sequence. He desires to prove that the plays are genuine, though there may be occasional foreign interpolations, and he ends the work by saying that his aim has teen to prove "not that thirty-six plays and several poems can be read in unconnected fashion, but that Shakespeare was a man who felt and thought, rejoiced and suffered, pondered, dreamed, and wrote poetry." When the professor visited Ann Hathaway's house at Shottery, near Stratford, and was shown with pride by a distant descendant of the Hathaway family the open Bible containing family names as well as other relics and portraits of Shakespeare, he tells us how he inquired of her whether she had read the plays. And on her replying, "Oh! / read my Bible," he assumes that if a descendant of that family can be thus ignorant, we have proof enough that poor Shakes- peare was afflicted with a most ignorant and unsympathetic wife and surroundings. This may or may not have been the case, and indeed Professor Brandes draws a tedious and gloomy picture of Shakespeare's last years at Stratford- on-Avon. Though his study of the plays is interesting, I would like to draw attention to the dillerent paneg>ric which we find in Heinrich Heine's "Miittchen and Frauen" (Notes on Shakespeare's Heroines), where he says :— "Shakespeare is as true to nature as he is faithful in delineating history. It is often said that he holds up a mirror to nature. This is not correct, as these words convey a wrong impression concerning the relations in which a poet stands to nature. .Nature is not reflected in the poet's mind; he is endowed with the innate capacity for representing nature, which representation is akin to the most faithful reflection; he comes into the world a world-wise man, and every part of the external world is immediately understood by him in its entirety when he awakens from the dreams of his childhood and attains to a knowledge of himself. For his mind bears an impress of the whole; he knows the ultimate reasons of all phenomena which to the ordinary mind appear problematic, and which to the ordinary investi- gator seem difficult if not impossible of solution. . . . Just as the mathematician can immediately explain the whole circle and its centre if he is shown the smallest part of a circle, so also the poet in the very act of contemplating the infinitesimal part of objective things realises the connection between this part and ail other things. He seems to know the circle of things and their centre, and sees things in their widest dimensions and to the inmost core. "But before the poet awakens to this marvellous comprehension, he must always be brought in contact with some portion of the objective world. This perception of a fragment of the phenomenal world is reached by means of his senses, and forms, as it were, the outward event determining those inward revelations of which his works are the result. And the greater the poet the more is our curiosity excited concerning those external occurrences which first called his works into being. We like to hunt up the actual facts of a poet's life. This curiosity is all the more foolish, as, according to what was previously stated, the importance of external occurrences bears no pro- portion to the importance of the creations emanat- ing from them. These occurrences may be, and usually are, as trivial and insignificant as the poet's life ordinarily is. I say trivial and insig- nificant, for I will not make use of sadder words. Poets present themselves to the world through the halo of their works, and, when looked at from afar, they dazzle us by their glory. Let us never inspect their lives too closely. We may compare them to those bright beacons shining athwart lawn and bower, which we take for the stars of the world—for diamonds and emeralds, costly jewels which king's children playing in the garden have hung on to the shrubs and then forgotten . . . for bright dewdrops which have rolled away into the high grass, and are now refreshing themselves in the cool night air, sparkling with joy until the approach of day, when the rosy dawn draws them back into herself. . . . Oh! let us not seek the track of these stars, jewels, and dewdrops by the light of day. In their stead we shall perceive a poor, discoloured worm, crawling miserably across our path— hateful to look upon, and yet which, owing to a curious feeling of pity, we refrain from crushing." Heine had no love for "critics," though his mind was eminently critical. But, though Professor Brandes has given the world a deeper critical study of Shakespeare's plays, I doubt whether we can read in it a higher appreciation of Shakespeare. Ida Benecke. i 8, Canfield-gardens, N.W. ## p. 91 (#103) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 9« THE PASSING OF THE "CHAP-BOOK." rf^HE following circular has been sent out from | the office of the Dial, Chicago. It will be of interest to those who are concerned wiih American contemporary criticism. It is here abridged: "By arrangement with Messrs. Herbert S. Stone and Co., the owners of the Chap-Book, the subscription list, the name, and the goodwill of that publication have been purchased by the Dial, which will fill out all subscriptions. The last issue of the Chap-Book was that of July i. The magazine was first published on May 15, 1894, in Cambridge, Mass., by Messrs. Stone and Kimball, both members of which firm were then undergraduates in Harvard College. It was in form a small duodecimo pamphlet, issued semi- monthly, and was at first meant to be little more than an attractive kind of circular for advertising the books published by the firm. But its instant and somewhat unexpected popularity led its pub- lishers at once into an attempt to make the maga- zine an organ of the younger American writers, and a means of introducing to the public new and curious developments in foreign literatures. The Chap-Book was either praised as being up to date, or denounced as being ' decadent,' and had considerable vogue. Publications which were evidently imitations of it, both in form and spirit, sprang up in many quarters, and its editors have collected something like 150 of these curious ventures. "In October, 1894, the periodical was removed from Cambridge to Chicago, and since that date has been continuously issued from the latter city on the ist and 15th of every month. May 1, 1896, it was transferred by its original owners to the new publishing firm of Herbert S. Stone and Co. It has been edited from the start by Mr. Herbert S. Stone, with the assistance of Mr. Bliss Carman at the beginning, and of Mr. Harrison Garfield Rhodes during the last four years. In January, 1897, the Chap-Book was enlarged to quarto size, and introduced reviews of current literature as a prominent feature of its contents. This change brought with it a marked increase of dignity and authority; it became more serious than it had been, yet it did not cease to be enter- taining. Editorially it was conducted with inde- pendence and vigour, and occupied to a consider- able extent a field which it had made its own. 100 numbers were issued altogether, sixty-four in the smaller and thirty-six in the larger form. When purchased by the Dial four numbers of the ninth volume had appeared. The Chap-Book has had a distinguished list of contributors, in- cluding most of the poets, novelists, and essayists both of England and the United States, whose names are widely known to the reading public, and its pages have furnished forth the contents of several volumes of stories and essays. It has, in a word, done services both sturdy and valu- able in behalf of good literature, and made an honourable record for itself during the four years of its existence. "By this accession the Dial gains a new and important constituency. While features likely to increase its interest and value may be added, the journal will in the main adhere to the well-defined aims and principles which have governed it for nearly twenty years. But the absorption of the Chap-Book will give it a certain stimulus and a widened range, and the recent change of the Critic of New York from the form of a weekly paper to that of a monthly magazine will leave the Dial in practical possession of the field of dis- tinctively literary journalism in the United States. As long ago as 1892 Whittier called it ' the best and ablest literary paper in the country,' and competent critical opinion from many quarters has repeatedly confirmed this judgment." A PROPOSED BUREAU. ACORRESPONDENT, in another column, advocates the establishment of a literary bureau to which writers would send their papers and editors would apply in seaiv.h of papers. The difficulty of establishing such a bureau would be so great as to make it practically impossible. For, first, it would have to become recognised and used both by writers and editors. It would be necessary that both writers and editors should see their advantage iu adopting this method. As regards the writer he must be persuaded that he would have a better chance of getting his work taken by a bureau than by direct offer. Who should persuade him!' It might happen that he had two papers taken in one year before joining the bureau and only one in the year after joining it; then he would declare that the bureau was useless. Again, there are a dozen possible writers ou any subject: if one belongs to the bureau and eleven send in the old way to the editor, how is that one benefited, and why should the editor go to the bureau? If, however, to save himself trouble the editor should prefer the bureau the thing might be feasible. All these methods and complaints ignore the ground feature of the situation: viz., that the editor is absolute master of it. ## p. 92 (#104) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. The only way to make such a bureau possible is to make editors see their advantage in it. Could something be attempted in the way of receiving names with credentials, &c., from mem- bers willing to furnish papers on certain subjects, and then to supply editors with the list, and with an offer to procure for them papers on these subjects at short notice and with- out fee? It might save editors trouble to have such a list ready to hand. It would, however, only be useful to them in the case of specialists: and again only in the case of those writers who possess special knowledge, but are not of such standing as to command a hearing and advanced terms. For instance, the unknown man who has lived in China, or the man who has travelled in China, or the man who has studied Chinese institutions and literature, might at the present moment be a very useful person for an editor, if he could get at him. But could our proposed bureau catch him? Again, if we had such a list it might be useful to any literary agent, with whom the Society could treat. But it would be of no use whatever to the man who was willing to write on any subject that offered. That man's only chance is to please an editor by his style and methods of treatment in a paper offered on the present system. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—The Fate of MSS., and a Literary Bureau. THE burden of complaint in many letters published in The Author is that editors keep MSS. intrusted to them for an in- definite time before returning or accepting them. Editors have been accused of discourtesy and rudeness by indignant writers. I am afraid, however, that all the strictures and advice possible will not move their obdurate hearts. Editors study themselves, and not their would-be contri- butors; in fact, they please themselves. My own experiences—extending over a decade of years—have told me that editors as a rule, in spite of those delusive words in italics, tee are always pleased to consider any MSS. sent us-~ seldom require any outside contributions. They have their own staff and troops of friends and relations whose work, if only near up to the mark, is more acceptable than that of a stranger. Some years ago, when a certain weekly paper was started, the editor asked me to write regularly for it. I am. sure the MSS.. he received from outsiders were better than mine, which he used because he knew me. Of course, editors may receive and use a paper on a subject which he may happen to want, but this is only a chance. Some time ago, when a certain magazine, which is still in existence, was about to appear, the editor's sanctum was literally piled with hundreds of MSS., which had been sent in on approval. One morning the editor instructed a clerk to return them all, when suddenly his glance alighted on one whose super- scription was very neatly written. He opened it, read it, liked it, and published it, and the lucky author afterwards wrote regularly for the magazine. The others, which had not been opened, were declined with thanks. I can vouch for this fact to prove how MSS. are not read, and how chance is often alone the arbiter of their destinies. I happened to call one day on a friendly sub- editor of a weekly journal. As we were talking, a MS. was delivered by the postman. My friend took it up, opened it, and handed it to me. "See what this is like," he said. Glancing at it, I discovered that it was in a literary friend's handwriting, which induced me to read it attentively. It was not bad; it was not good, but passable. Naturally, in my desire to help a fellow scribbler, I recommended it, and it was at once sent off to the printer in my hear- ing. Now, had I not been in the room at the time, I am certain that it would have been returned unread. I could multiply other instances in my experience if space afforded it. Now, all my remarks point to one conclusion, and this is the crux of the matter. There ought to be no need for any writer to send his work hap- hazard, broadcast, on the poor chance of accept- ance. Let there be a combination amongst writers to abandon this undignified practice, and let a literary bureau be formed by the Authors' Society where all MSS. can be sent to await the time when editors happening to want an article on a particular subject—a dialogue, poem, short story, or what not—will be forced to apply for their wants. Why need writers beg for recognition, and submit to the thousand and one annoyances, indignities, and disappointments consequent upon scattering their writings about? I have in a previous issue advocated the need and the uses of such a bureau, and I am ready at any time to formulate a plan of its modus operandi to any practical person who is ready to start and bring the idea to " a consummation devoutly to be wished." Isidore G. Ascher. 7, Bullingham-uiansions, Kensington, W. ## p. 93 (#105) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 93 II.—The Futuee of the Short Story. When a writer has obtained or made his "public," he has obtained or made for himself a "quotation " in the market; he writes so many words and he expects to receive so many pence, shillings, or pounds. I have no quarrel with this arrangement naturally educed out of the laws of supply and demand. The publisher has appeared to me individually as a gentleman, the editor as courteous, the reviewer—well! in some cases, as a reviewer, in other cases as a pedal unconsciously receiving pressure from fashion or conventionality. The object of my letter, then, is not to air a grievance, but to examine conditions. I do not desire to abuse, but to direct attention to the future of the short story. We are told, on the authority of the publisher, that, save in the cases of an established reputa- tion, the public will not now buy volumes of short stories. The writer, then, must look for his reward from the journals to which he con- tributes, and with no significant hope of repro- duction in volume form. What do they offer? A varying publicity and a remuneration which oscillates between Mi0 and .£15. The latter sum is a round one. It is; but does it lead to an eventual quotation of the writer in the market? My experience is that it does not do so. And it appears to me to be uncommonly doubtful whether the short story writer, who may be provident as well as artistic, will think it worth his while in the future to introduce strong energy of originality and artistic finishinto compositions that go to dull shelves, leaving him again haggling for a remuneration varying from .£10 to .£15. Your opinion upon these points, sir, would doubtless be as interesting to the readers of The Author as they would be to A Countryman. [Surely a writer of short stories whose name is appended to all his work should make his clientele of people anxious to read him and really to buy journals in which that work appears. When his name is established competition begins. If his nume does not appear there can be, of course, no chance of advance.—Ed.] III.—Why "Disgeaceful " '( In an article in the Westminster Review (June) on poets and poetry, the writer says, "it is a deplorable fact that even those who are gifted by nature with poetic abilities, with a heart full of love, sympathy, and passionate emotions, are disgracefully trying their very best to suppress those feelings, to be carried away by them under the magic influence of materialism." Now, sir, this is in my opinion a pretty touch of genuine insight on the part of the writer, But what prompts the suppression of those feelings? Is it not merely that they don't bring bread and cheese? A man must live, and possibly has to help to keep others living, and those feelings have to be suppressed and replaced by others in consonance with materialistic occupa- tion in order that body and soul, or bodies and souls, may be kept together. You quoted in The Author some months ago from the Glasgow Herald a proposal for the endowment of poets by the State. I do not say that I should support such a scheme, but in the absence of any pro- v sion to enable true poets to develop themselves, I wish to protest against the reproach of "dis- gracefully." A. L. IV.— JoTJBNALISTIC ETIQUETTE. I beg to send you the following account of my experience at the hands of the editor of a certain newly-started "Society" paper, in the hope that it may prove a warning to other young writers. About four weeks ago I submitted to the editor in question some personal paragraphs, which he accepted, and asked me to send others. At the same time he expressed his willingness to consider any short stories I cared to submit. Accordingly I left two with him. The first batch of para- graphs having been published, 1 forwarded some more, together with a letter in which I asked, tasually, if any decision had been arrived at regarding the stories. This was not answered, and the paragraphs did not appear. The following week I sent a third batch, and inquired if the editor intended using any of the second lot. This brought me the following letter, signed by the sub-editor: Dear , You cannot be well versed in journaliatio etiquette if you do not know that editors never advise contributors whether they intend to use oopy submitted or not. I have charge of the short story department here, and I had put aside your stories for careful consideration later on, but as you are so incessantly worrying me for news about them, I simply have no alternative but to send them back to you, as I do now, with many tbanks. My editor, as far as I know, is not using your paragraphs, so that you have full liberty to submit them elsewhere. Several of them consist of re-written matter. Yours truly, (Signed) , Sub-editor. P.S.—I have just shown this letter to my editor, who fully approves of it, and wishes me to add that one of the paragraphs you have submitted to him has already appeared in a recent number of the paper. This courteous letter contains several mis- statements. None of my paragraphs consisted of re-written matter. The expression "incessant ## p. 94 (#106) ############################################# 94 THE AUTHOR. worrying" is totally unwarranted by the mere fact of my having on one occasion only casually alluded to the matter of a contribution being under the editor's consideration. My experience of " journalistic etiquette" may not be as profound as this gentleman's, but it has taught me that under no circumstances is an article published by a well-conducted paper without the contributor being advised before- hand. Finally, with regard to the allegation that I forwarded as original matter items obtained from his own paper, it is too absurd to suppose that any journalist would do such a thing. I obtained the item of news in question from a perfectly legitimate source, and was unaware it had appeared in print a day or two before I sub- mitted it. As I was absent from town, I commissioned a friend of mine to call at the office and demand from the editor an explanation of this letter, and the reasons which had led him to sanction it, as other letters I had previously received from him had been couched in most amiable terms. He refused point-blank to discuss the matter, although admitting that his subordinate's letter was written with his own knowledge and ap- proval. Yours, sadder and wiser, A Woman Writer. [Our correspondent is not quite accurate in her opinion that contributions to a paper are never inserted without the contributor being advised beforehand. There are circumstances in which it is impossible to wait while the contributor is advised. Generally, of course, a proof is the form by which the contributor is advised.—Ed.] V.—The Struggle for Recognition. May I be allowed to suggest, in reference to the editor's concluding remarks on " The Struggle for Recognition," that whereas in the time of Dickens and Marryat there were, say, fifty promising literary aspirants, there are now a thousand or more. It is the same in art of all kinds. Hence the keenness of competition and the necessity of money and interest in securing a hearing. The endless magazines that are floated, with very often their own staff of contributors, when, in the time of Dickens, journals were comparatively few and editors were less bombarded with copy, all tell in many ways against the literary aspirant and outsider. Then there are the various cliques and rings. What are the chances of the poor novelist? The public invari- ably rush after a name that is generally procured by preliminary puffs, beating the drum, and Press booms. The struggling outsider must be sweated, and think him sell highly honoured in securing i hat privilege, or he will starve. Annabel Gray. VI.—The Book and the Reviewer. On reading in The Author for August your remarks under the heading "The Book and" the Reviewer," I am tempted to bring under the notice of your readers an example of the un- satisfactory and slipshod way in which books are sometimes reviewed. As I am the author of the book in question, I will not (in order to avoid any appearance of wishing to advertise my own wares) give the name of the book; nor, with your permission, append my name to this letter; and shall, as f*r as possible, avoid saying anything by which the book can be recognised by those who have not read it. It is the history of a campaign in which I took part some thirty years ago, thrown into the form of a semi-political novel, embracing politics in one country and war in another, and when my tale is told I add a chapter entitled " L'Avenir," ventur- ing a prophecy as to what will occur in the near future when a Bourbon sits again on the throne of France, and describing the death of my hero as if that event had already occurred. Anyone reading the book with the slightest attention, and who possessed the smallest amount of historical knowledge, even if ignorant of the meaning of the words "L'Avenir," would perceive that the incidents recounted in the last chapter could not possibly as yet have happened. Before me lie at this moment a number of reviews of this book. The first I take up does not say a word as to its literary merits or de- merits, but deliberately, or perhaps carelessly, takes passages, which do not bear on each other, from different pages and strings them together as if they were consecutive and referred to the same person, which they do not, and then turns the whole into ridicule because the political views of the author do not agree with the politics of the newspaper in which this review appears. The second review I take up states that my hero violently checked " the vagaries of a drunken policeman," though there is no reference what- ever to a drunken policeman in the book. The third gives in inverted commas distorted quotations, substituting the reviewer's words for those of the author, and thereby totally altering the style. The fourth praises the book in the most exaggerated terms, and entirely above its deserts. This reviewer, I am given to understand, is a personal friend of the publisher, ## p. 95 (#107) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 95 One review attacks the book in very vulgar and seemingly vindictive language. The reviewer being, I have reason to suspect, a man whom I took to task some time ago for a breach of literary etiquette. Two of these reviews—possibly written by the same individual, although appearing in publica- tions of diametrically opposite principles—state that my hero was killed in the presence of a certain personage who has now been dead for more than twenty years, while, as a matter of fact, I state that my hero still lives, and his death has yet to take place in " L'Avenir." By the irony of fate the publication which attacked my book the most violently now devotes a whole page to an advertisement quoting the opinions of other reviewers who bestow on it unqualified praise! A Member of the Authors' Society. VII. — From Magazine Publisher to Author. "Dear Sir,—We have at present in course of preparation a new serial dealing with dangers incurred and dangers escaped, and I am proposing to include in it a chapter on Australian bush- rangers and their ways, describing in a vivid and dramatic style a few of the more exciting cases of 'Hands up!' "The length of the chapter will be about 5000 words, and the fee I am authorised to offer for the copyright is ten pounds (.£i0). I should want the MS. by the end of the present month. "Will you kindly let me know whether you can undertake the MS. chapter? As the time is rather short an early answer will greatly oblige, "Yours faithfully, "The Editor." "I should be glad if you will treat this letter as confidential." Note.—Do Messrs. require this to be confidential because they are afraid their other .contributors would resent my having such mag- nificent prices for special knowledge, or can it be that they are ashamed of offering them? Author. VIII.—Proposed Journal for Amateurs. In reply to the question asked by " Inconnu," I am not in the least ashamed to own that I have several times contributed to amateur magazines (when I've had something to say which no editor wished to pay for), and that I believe in them. They have two virtues. In the first place they give the beginner an opportunity of trying his pin feathers, and seeing the difference between handwriting and print, showing how the former "boils down," and the value of knowing how to paragraph effectually; in the second place, they weed out immature talent from impotent conceit. They encourage the best and let the worst down gently. The Arts Monthly, edited by J. Hannaford Bennett, was the most successful amateur magazine I have known, often containing really good things and always entertaining. I wrote some articles in it which the late Mrs. Lynn Linton was good enough to praise as "capital work in the present and full of promise for the future" (I was quite unknown to her), and thus I received encouragement through its pages for which I shall always be grateful. My impres- sion is that if an amateur monthly could be started under able editorship, and with some capital behind, it might be made extremely educa- tional and financially successful; especially if criticism of its contents by esteemed authors could be arranged as a feature. This, I believe, has never been tried. The amateur magazine should not be amateurishly managed, as it generally is, but should be in the hands of well- qualified persons. "Inconnu" is right. Three of my novels have been published by well-known firms in England and America and one has been translated into German. I have now seldom any difficulty in selling what I consider to be my worst work —that upon which I expend least thought and pains; and I would advise any writer who wishes to get on rapidly not to cultivate style or attempt a psychological study of humanity. A cheap public likes wading into shallows, and abhors depths, judging from the stuff one sees on book- stalls. This leads me to the article by "N. C," and I want to learn where he thinks the country book- seller is going to put all those less successful works which at present" decay on warehouse shelves "'( A bookseller's shop is generally a stationer's shop, and there is never much room in it for books at all. If a third of the well-known authors were kept in stock no one would ever get in at the doors!" Pity 'tis, 'tis true." What is to be done? There seems to be no possible answer. Mary L. Pendered. IX.—The Seamy Side. I have often thought with Mr. Stanhope Sprigs (see August number) how rarely it is that we hear anything of the kindness and consideration of editors and publishers. May I be allowed to give a brief sketch of my experiences, which, how- ever, I did not think were at all unusual until I read the letters on the subject in The Author. I began to write before I was out of the school- ## p. 96 (#108) ############################################# 96 THE A UTHOR. room, and never has any remuneration been sweeter to me than the modest i0*. paid for my first attempt—a contribution to Aunt Judy's Magazine. This was the opening of a journalistic career during which I have worked more or less regularly for between thirty and forty journals and magazines. Once only have I received my conge under circumstances other than the dis- continuance of the publication. In this one case a "new broom" in the shape of an editor promptly swept me out, but in the course of a few months I had the satisfaction of being recalled with equal promptitude after the depar- ture of my enemy. The MSS. lost during my years of work could be counted on the fingers of one hand, and throughout I have met with friendship and courtesy from every publisher and editor with whom I have been brought into con- stant communication. Once only have I had any serious difficulty in getting the promised jiay- ment for work done, and then, thanks to the Society, all came right in the end. I have been on the staff of three journals in particular for six, eight, and eleven years, to another I have been an occasional contributor for twenty years, and in neither case have I ever had the slightest difference of opinion with those in authority. In my "free-lancing" days editors did not lose, tear, or dog's-ear my copy, they did not smear or blot my drawings, or keep my contributions an un- reasonable time. I can lay claim to no genius, merely to business capacity and a love of work. I have never paid one farthing to get any of my writings printed or published. Friends tell me I cannot help being " lucky," having been born on a Sunday; but however this may be, certain it is, if the pessimism of other writers is to be believed in, that I am as fortunate an author (in a small way of business) as ever lived. My interest is as fresh in my work as it was when I first ventured in fear and trembling to send a MS. to one of the dreaded race of editors, but then—I am happy in being able to use my writing as a staff rather than a crutch. Ellen T. Masters. X.—Forfeiture of Copyright. Perhaps my recent experience re the uncer- tainty of publication in magazines may interest readers of The Author. Last autumn the "editress " of a penny weekly wrote saying if I cared to submit seven stories, about 1200 words each, she would consider them. I sent in a series of character sketches, and heard no more about them till, glancing at the journal for July 2,1 saw the first story. Five appeared week by week, till on July 23 the publishers sent me a cheque for A'1 17s. 6d., with a printed receipt to sign, by which I discovered I had forfeited my copyright without any terms having been offered or proofs sent to revise. They also enclosed a note saying they would retain the two last stories until the new editress decided whether they were to be inserted or not. Perhaps this is only the usual way of "doing business" in small journals, but it seems unfair to insist on an author resigning copyright after the publication of his MSS. without warning. The artistic effect of the series was quite spoilt by the alteration of their insertion, and probably people will have lost all interest in the characters by the time the remainder appear, if ever. E. L. Williams. BOOK TALE. AS our list of books in this number shows, August was a slack month. The holidays, the heat, and the general lull that inter- venes before the autumn season begins, all con- tributed to keep the output of books a very small one. A member of this Society has lost, no doubt through unintentional forgetfulness on the part of a borrower, vol. 1 of Capt. Gronow's Remini- scences aud Recollections. It contains the book- plate, a peculiar one, of the owner, who would be greatly obliged by the return of the volume to the Athenseum Club, Pall Mall. The event of the past month in the book- producing world has been the business change whereby the old publishing firm of Bentley becomes merged into that of Macmillan. Messrs. Barnicott and Pearce, Taunton, have just published an Index to Collinson's History of Somerset, edited by the Rev. F. W. Weaver, M.A., and the Rev. E. H. Bates, M.A., including a Supplemental Index (Alphabet and Ordinary) to all the armorial bearings mentioned in the work, contributed by Lieutenant-Colonel J R. Bramble, F.S.A. Only 500 copies printed, 20s. 6d. Large paper edition, of which only 25 copies are printed, 31s. (id. post free. Contains upwards of 30,000 references. "Songs of Somerset," by Joseph Heury Steven- son, M.A., Rector of Lympsham, and Treasurer and Prebendary of Wells Cathedral (6*. 6d., post free), will be published by the same firm. Messrs. Blackie will publish "The Skipper: the Story of an Old Sea-Dog," a new children's story, by Mrs. Edith E. Cutell, whose "Only a Guard-room Dog " is in a second edition. ## p. 97 (#109) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 97 A small volume called "The Theft of the Princes," by F. Bayford Harrison, will be pub- lished in the autumn by the S.P.C.K. The story, which is historical, is that of a romantic adventure which happened to an ancestor of the Queen and of the late Prince Consort. As we mentioned in the June number, a third volume of the history of the Blackwood publishing house is to be published; that is, a volume sup- plementary to the two written by Mrs. Oliphant. With it the record will be brought down to com- paratively recent years. The book will come out in the autumn. Jan. 16 next will be the three hundredth anni- versary of the death of Edmund Spenser, which occurred in King-street, Westminster. Prince Demidoff, a well-known European sports- man, has written a book on Sport in the Caucasus, which Mr. Rowland Ward will publish in the autumn. Mr. Edward Carpenter in his new book "Angels'Wings" treats of painting, scuJpture, literature, and music in relation to the changes they have undergone through growth of the democratic idea. Nature and Realism; Tradition and Convention; Wagner; Beethoven and his Music; Whitman; the Art of Life—are some of the subjects of Mr. Carpenter's chapters. The book will be issued by Messrs. Swan Sonnen- schein. Mr. A. B. Rathbone spent fifteen years in the Malay Peninsula, and is writing a book to be called "Camping and Tramping in Malaya." Count Tolstoy has contributed to the New Aye a work which he apparently thinks will be his last message to the world. In his introduction to the opening chapters the author says: So that I am urged to what I do, not by wish for gain or fame, nor by any worldly considerations, but only by fear to fail in what is required from me by Him who has sent me into this world, to Whom I am hourly expecting to return. I, therefore, beg all those who shall read this to follow and understand my writing, putting aside, as I did, all worldly considerations, and, holding before them only that eternal Principle of trnth and right, by whose Will we have come into the world, whence, as beings in the body, we shall very soon disappear; without hurry or irritation, let them under- stand and judge what I say. If they disagree, let them correct me; not with contempt and hatred, but with pity and love. If they agree, let them remember that if I speak trnth, that trnth is not mine, but God's, and only casually part of it passes through me, just as it passes every one of us when we behold truth and transmit it to others. An edition of Ben Jonson's celebrated comedy, "Volpone; or the Foxe" is being published by Mr. Leonard Smithers, with a cover design, a frontispiece in line, and five initial letters, deco- rative and illustrative, reproduced from pencil drawings by the late Mr. Aubrey Beardsley. A reviewer in the Daily Chronicle the other day remarked on the number of misprints to be met with in books nowadays. "We notice these trifles," said the writer " because it seems to us that there is a growing tendency towards careless proof-reading in some of our best printing offices. We could name more than one series of popular reprints at present on the market which are rendered almost valueless to the student by their abounding errors of the press." Mrs. Alathea Weil has written a work of Italian history, "The Romance of the House of Savoy," which is to be published in two volumes by Messrs. Putnam. "Legends of the Saints," in original verse, by the Rev. G. R. Woodward, of St. Barnabas Church, Pimlico, will be published shortly by Messrs. Kegan Paul. The next volume in the Gadshill edition of Dickens, published by Messre. Chapman and Hall, will contain " Hard Times," " A Holiday Romance," "Hunted Down," and " George Silver- man's Explanation," with new illustrations by Mr. Maurice Greiffenhagen. An edition of the "Rowley Poems" of Chatterton has been prepared by Mr. Robert Steele, and will be published by Messrs. Hacon and Ricketts. The text is founded on the first edition by Tyrwhitt in 1777, compared with the firsts of previously printed poems, and with such of the reputed originals as exist. Miss Hewlett, of the C.E.Z.N.S., for many years superintendent of St. Catherine's Hospital, Amritsar, in the Panjab, and well known in this country as a gifted speaker on missionary topics, has in the press a new work entitled, "They shall see His Face: Stories of God's Grace in Work among the Blind and others in India." The book will be uniform with the author's previous works, " Daughters of the King," " The Wellspring of Immortality," " None of Self," &c., and will be illustrated with thirteen full-page illustrations from original photographs. Its publishers will be Messrs. Alden and Co., of the Boeardo Press, Oxford, and its price will be 3s. 6d. Mr. Robert Cromie's new story, originally called "The Uncharted Island," has been changed, the title having been claimed by another author. This affords another instance of the present unsatisfactory method of regis- tering book names. Mr. Cromie's story will now be published with the name, " The Lost Liner." A chatty volume of light essays, with the rather curious title of "Nothing Personal," will be issued by Messrs. J. Baker and Son in their Square series of is. books in September. It is ## p. 98 (#110) ############################################# 98 THE AUTHOR. by Ralph Harold Bretherton, a West of England journalist. Mr. Thomas Hardy's new volume of collected stories, and Mr. William Black's new romance of the Highlands, are among early publications. The latter, however, will appear first. The story of "Wild Eelin" is exceedingly romantic, and has a very tragic and (to the reader) unexpected ending. Mr. Grant Allen's new story is about a Tyrolese peasant who becomes a great singer, and the novelist has given it the title of " Linnet." Mr. Grant Richards will publish it very soon. Venice is the subject of the next volume in Mr. Allen's series of Guide Books. It will be out this month. The biography of the late Duchess of Teck may not now appear until next spring. It is being written by Mr. C. Kinlock Cooke, and is based on the private diaries and letters of the Duchess. Mr. Murray is publisher. Mr. Edwin A. Pratt has written a biography of Mrs. Gladstone, entitled "Catherine Glad- stone: Her Life, Good Works, and Political Efforts." He has done it with the approval of the family. Mr. Pratt is already the author of "Pioneer Women in Victoria's Reign." Messrs. Sampson Low will issue the new book imme- diately. A volume of poems by Sir. W. B. Yeats and one by Mr. Henry Newbolt are promised for this autumn. Mr. Andrew Balfour, author of a historical romance which appeared a year ago, called "By Stroke of Sword," is bringing out a new romance of the 1715 Rebellion. Mr. W. Pett Ridge's story " Mord Em'ly " has run its course in To-Day, and will be published in volume form this month (Pearson). It is about a South London girl's early life. Mr. Felix Moscheles is bringing out a second instalment of his reminiscences. The first was principally about the late George Du Maurier. In the forthcoming book Mr. Moscheles will go back to his boyhood in England and Germany. His father was a distinguished musician, and Mendelssohn was one of the figures in his circle. Another artist who is writing reminiscences is Mr. G. A. Storey. He knew Dickens and many other interesting people. Paris and Spain are as open books to him. His work—with, of course, pictures — will be called "Sketches from Memory." Australian bush stories, by Mr. William S. Walker, under the title of "When the Mopoke Calls," will be published in a volume by Mr. John Long. Mr. Walker is an Australian, and nephew to Rolf Boldrewood. London life is the theme of Mr. G. B. Burgin's new book, to be published shortly by Messrs. Pearson. "Settled out of Court " is the title. A new serial by Mr. Burgin is being published, which is called "The Hermits of Gray's Inn," and tells of a band of old schoolfellows, who, being jilted, vowed to cut off their lives from feminine influences. There is a defaulter, how- ever; he marries and is cast out, and on his death-bed he works out a scheme for the redemp- tion of his old friends. Professor Dill, of Queen's College, Belfast, has completed an account of Roman society during the last century of the Western Empire. It will be published during the autumn by Messrs. Mac- millan. Mr. Herbert Fisher, Fellow and Tutor of New College, Oxford, has also finished, after labouring at it for some years, a work dealing with the Mediaeval Empire, and the same firm will publish it. "Joan the Curate" is the title of Miss Florence Warden's new novel, which Messrs. Chatto and Windus will have ready on the 15th. Sixpenny editions are extending to boys' books. This month Messrs. Sampson Low will bring out Mr. Henty's "Jack Archer: a Tale of the Crimea," and Mr. Kingston's "With Axe and Rifle," at the popular price. Novels about to appear include the following: —"A Tragedy in Marble," by Mr. Adam Lilburn; "The Church of Humanity," by Mr. David Christie Murray; "The Sireu's Web," a romance of London society, by Annie Thomas; and "Mrs. Carmichael's Goddesses," by Sarah Tytler, all to come from Chatto and Windus. "A Drama in Sunshine," by Mr. Horace A. Vachell; "Michael Gargrave," by Mrs. Riddell; and " Off the High Road," by Miss Eleanor C. Price, will be published by Messrs. Bentley. A new edition of FitzGerald's translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is to be issued by Messrs. Macmillan, with decorations by Mr. W. B. Macdougall. There is still much knock- ing at Messrs. Macmillan's door for a cheap edition of the classic, such as the United States possesses two or three times over. Many poor lovers of the Persian poet turn envious eyes to the realms of book piracy. Mr. Richard Marsh's novel, "Ada Vernham, Actress," will be published by Mr. John Long this month. "P. P. C." is the title of Mrs. B. M. Croker's new novel, which Messrs. Chatto will publish. It has run serially in the weekly edition of the Times. ## p. 99 (#111) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 99 A work on the native tribes of Central Austra- lia is shortly to appear, from the pens of Pro- fessor Baldwin Spencer, of the University of Melbourne, and Mr. F. J. Gillen, special magis- trate and sub-inspector of the aborigines of South Australia. Messrs. Macmillan are the publishers. Miss Kingsley, the traveller, is preparing her expected volume of " West African Studies" for publication by Messrs. Macmillan. Sir Walter Besant's articles on South London, which have run in the Pall Mall Magazine for a number of months, will be published shortly in a volume, with considerable additions and many illustrations, by Messrs. Chatto and Windus. Dr. G. H. Oarwin, the Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy at Cambridge, is publishing a new book through Mr. Murray, entitled "The Tides and Kindred Phenomena." Professor Ridgeway, of Cambridge, has written a work entitled "The Early Age of Greece." which is almost ready. Natural history is again engaging the pen of Mr. Richard Kearton. It will be written in a '•popular" vein. Mr. Kearton was in the Shetland Isles lately, and, with his brother, succeeded in finding and photographing a rara avis—the great skua. The last pair of phalarope, or wading birds, had, however, been shot just before Mr. Kearton's visit. A novel laid in Parma during the insurrec- tionary days of 1831 was left in manuscript by the late Antonio Gallenga of the Times. The author's own reminiscences contribute to the story, which Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. are to bring out. Mr. Savage Lindor's record of his interesting and awful experiences in Thibet, in two volumes, published by Mr. Heinemann, may be out next month. A collected edition of Tennyson's works is pro- jected by Messrs. Macmillan. Each volume will be I2.v. 6rf. net, and there are to be a dozen. A thousand copies will be printed for England. The volumes will appear at the rate of one per mouth, beginning October. The house to which Shelley went in Wales, and where he received Harriet Westbrook's doleful letters, is reported to be on the eve of disappear- ing. It is called Cwm Elan, and its situation is the Elan Valley, from which Birmingham is drawing its new water supply. Literary associa- tions, therefore, are once more being swept away by the heavy hand of the engineer. Mr. A. G. Bradley has written the text for a volume on "Highways and Byways of North Wales," which will be illustrated by Mr. Joseph Pennell and Mr. Hugh Thompson. The pub- lishers of it, Messrs. Macmillan, have also in preparation volumes dealing in a similar style with Yorkshire and the North of Ireland. The Dome will be converted from a quarterly to a monthly magazine on Oct. 1. Among the contributors to the next number are Mr. Stephen Phillips, Mr. W. B. Yeats, and Mr. Lawrence Binvon. THE BOOKS OF THE MONTH. [July 25 to August 23.—165 Books.] Ac Ia ml, Sir H. W. Medical Missions in their Relation to Oxford. 1/- Frowde-. Alan-a-dale. Friend and Foe: Story of a Methodist Soldier. 1/6. Kelly. Anonymous. The Chamberlain Birthday Rook. 16. Arrowsmith. Anonymous. Quern's English (?) Up to Date, 1'- Epicun- Office^ Anonymous (author of " For Love of Marjone ''). Sweotbrier. 1/6. Stevens- Anonymous (A. S.) Women of Sacred History. 3/6. Skefflng'on. Anonymous (Mother and Daughter). Gleanings of Cookery. 2/6 net. iJax. Ashworth, J. R. Introductory Course of Practical Chemistry and Electricity. 2/6 net. Whittaker. Beale, D.; Soulaby, L.; Dove, J. F. Work and Play in Girls' Schools. 7/6 Longmans. Begeer. B. W. The Metallurgy of Gold on the Rand. 5/ net. Low. Bernaul, J, H., and Atkinson, Professor (eds.) The Irish Liber Hymnorum. The Henry Bradshaw Society. Berry, Grace I. Iscah: a Tale for the Times. 3/6 net. Banks. Bingham, 0. Jingle*, Jokes, and Funny folks. 1 - Nister. Bird, Charles. A School Geography. 2 6 net Whittaker. Blashill, T. Lessons from Kire and Panic. I/- Brit. Fire Prev. Committee. Bollinger. 0. Atlas and Essentials of Pathological Anatomy. 2"i/- Bs Illier&. Boulenger, G. A. The T*illess Batrachians of Europe. Part. II. The Ray Society. Bowman, Anne. The New Cookery Book. 1/6. Routledge. Braddon. M. E. In High Places. 6/- Hutchinson. Brown, Horatio F. (ed.) Calendar of State Papers and MSS. rela- ting to English Affairs preserved in the Archives of Venice. Vol. IX. 1592-1603. Eyre and Spottiswoodo. Burden, Sir He nry The Effects of the Diamond Jubllee on the Resources of Voluntary Churities. I/- Seiontitlc Press. Burleigh, Bennet. Sirdar and Khalifa. l>/6 Chapman. Butler, Dom. C. Lau&iac History of Palladius. 7/6 net. Clay. Cameron, Mrs. Lovett The Ways of a Widow. 6/- White. Cantab. Cuba. Nemesis: a Poem. 1/- net. Simpkin. Carter, Letitia, A Life's Victory. 3/6. Partridge. Cary, 0. The Man who Feared God for Nought 2/- Stock. Caws, L. W. The Unrecognised Stranger and other Sermons. \i G net. Allenson. Cballacombe, W. A. Bond and Free. 2/- Stock. Charles, J. F. A Statesman's Chance. 6/- Constable. Chesney, W. The Adventures of an Engineer. 3/6. Bow den Chreiman, M. A. Health Loss and Gain. No. 1. 2,6 net. Rebman. Christian, E. V. B. (ed.). The Light Side of Cricket. 2/ii. Bowden. Cbristic, O. F. Licensing Practice (Retail Sales). 6/6 net. Richards. Clare, Father (ed ). Life of Julie Billiart. 4 - net. Art and Book Co. Clark, J. W. Concise Guide to Town and University of i'amhridge. 1. - net Macmlll in and Bowes. Clarke, Cosmo. Sorely Tried. 2/6. Dbjby. Clarke, Sir G. S. Rnssta's Sea Power, Past and Present 6/- Murray. Clymer, W. B. S. (ed.) Selections from the Writings of Walter Savage Landor. 4/6. Arnold. Coielli, Marie; Joune. Lady; Steel, Flora Annie; Countess of Malmesbury. The Modern Marriage Market. 2/- Hutchinson. Cowley, A. E. (ed.) 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Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 04 (September 1898) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 04 (September 1898) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1898-09-01-The-Author-9-4 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/321/1898-10-01-The-Author-9-5.pdf c7516e1e8a0dd73671dabe66be68edbb PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1898-10-01 Volume 9 Issue 5 Pages Page range in volume 101–124 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18981001 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin tTbe Hutbor, {The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. IX.—No. 5.] OCTOBER i, 1898. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of poet, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. . ^ Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. FOB sorne years it has been the practice to insert, in every number of The Author, certain "General Con- eiderations," Warnings, Notdoes,&c., for the guidance of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to carry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements VOL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amonnt of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures oonnected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers oan also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true : but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will bo their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chanoe of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a oommon law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author mar rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. L 2 ## p. 102 (#114) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. i. "JT^VEBY member has a right to ask for and to receive I'J advice upon his agreements, his choioe of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Com- mittee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions conneoted with copyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Sooiety first—our solicitors are oontinually 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudulent houses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of every- thing important to literature that yon may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Sooiety now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Sooiety or not, are invited to- communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Office without previously communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Seoretary for information, rules of admission, &c. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of oourse they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanced 15 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, recently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly oorrect: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of course, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practiwe this method of swelling their own profits call it- NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6s. 6d. subscription for the year. The Editor is always glad to receive short papers and communications on all subjects connected with literature from members and others. Nothing can do more good to the Society than to make The Author complete, attractive, and interesting. Will those who are willing to aid in this work send their names and the special subjects on which they are willing to write t LITERARY PROPERTY. I.—Personal Experiences. 1. IT occurs to me that some of your readers may be interested in a true story of publication within my own experience. About a quarter of a century ago I entered into an agreement with a well-known London publisher, who undertook to bear the expenses of a small book, and to pay me half the profits. It was a very unpretending book, but there was ## p. 103 (#115) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. supposed to be a reasonable prospect of selling it. At the end of the year in which it was pub- lished I duly received an account of it, by which it appeared that the number of copies sold was insufficient to produce a profit. Each succeeding year a similar account came in, and each time the debt against the book grew somewhat smaller. A fair number of copies were sold, but the charges for binding and advertisements invariably went near to neutralising the profits made by sales. At last, after about thirteen years, the scale was just turned. All the copies were sold out, and the profits were equally divided. My share .came to about a guinea; and of course the pub- lisher's share came to the same amount. With this result I was prepared to rest satisfied. No harm had come of the experiment; and though the profits, amounting to about is. Sd. a year, were not magnificent, still it was all so much to the good. Much to my astonishment, the publisher took a, very different view. He was quite anxious for a second edition, and represented that the cost of reprinting would be less, and the sale would probably improve. It seemed to me not worth the while, and I gave it as my decided opinion that the result would be much the same as before. However, I was overruled, and consented to repeat the «xperiment. The result showed that I was quite right. The Accounts have come in yearly in the old style, though the expenses, instead of being less, were somewhat greater. At present the book has only been on sale for eleven years, so that some years must still elapse before we can expect to have anything to divide. And, as far as I can calcu- late from the latest accounts, I think that, when the edition comes to an end, we stand to lose the guinea which the first edition so successfully achieved. The conclusion which I feel compelled to draw is this, viz., that some of our publishers really know very little about business. I cannot but think that, in this case, I could have done quite as well myself. To sell two editions of a book in more than a quarter of a century, and to make nothing by it after all, seems a very poor performance. Walter W. Sxeat. ii. Since you have done me the honour of thinking that my experiences with publishers would be of interest and profit to our brothers and sisters " in arms," I shall briefly relate them. First of all let me echo the first half of the letter of the New York paper quoted in the September issue of The Author (p 86, col. 2), and sincerely repeat my own thanks to the founder of the Society and Editor of The Author, as well as to the Secretary, whose kind and prompt assistance have for the last four or five years been a constant guide to me, and whose suggestions I have always endeavoured to realise, though, I must admit, only with partial success. This restriction is necessary, for one of our tenets (with the royalty system) is an examina- tion of accounts by an authorised lawyer; to this condition neither I nor any author-friend of mine have ever found a publisher to consent.* The reasons given are always the same: "Self- respect," "pride," "never done," "suspicion of dishonesty," "no one likes his accounts to be pried into by a lawyer," <fcc. These objections, I need hardly say, are valueless. Has one ever heard of a concern in which one partner has no right to have an audit of the accounts of the joint business? Some publishers make a show of conceding the letter of our demand for an "examination of accounts "; they say that they have no objection to an author seeing their books, that these books are always at his disposal. Of course. Of what use is it to show accounts to a man to whom a simple sum is pain, and whose total yearly arithmetical practice probably con- sists in the addition of marks at the end of each term—when he does not get one of his boys to do it! I know that all authors are not so dull; but even if an author is shown the book concerning his works, of what use is that ?—it is the books concerning the printer of these works, those that will show whether the number of copies printed tallies with that accounted for in the royalty. In fact, I would go further, and say, with due deference to our Secretary, that the whole system of examination of accounts as at present suggested, is nugatory. Why should not a publisher have a livre d serrure, not for secret lost words, but for another pichi mignon? What can prevent his having a book for extra copies or extra editions? Of course, this would be dishonest; but an old, large, and respected firm has been found out paying royalty on zod. instead of 11rf! When an old, large, and respectable firm stoops to this infinitesimal swindling, I think authors may well feel suspicious. Again, an old friend who has had a life-long experience of authorship, a man whose name is well known to all who have been to school, who is an old man, and ought to be rich * I am speaking of the publication of school-books only, which alone haa oome under my observation. ## p. 104 (#116) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. (but is not), when asked as to the best mode of publishing said to me sadly: "My dear friend, whichever way you publish you will be swindled. It is a remarkable fact, but a fact, that books published on the 'lump sum down ' system run through a large number of editions, whereas those on the royalty system always run very slowly." The conclusion he left to me. To take the case theoretically, is it, humanly speakiDg, likely or even possible that a man who is irresponsible, and absolutely safe against detection, should give over to another a large sum due to him, when, first, he knows the latter to be totally ignorant of the amount, and to be in the impossibility of finding out; when, secondly, a small one does just as well; and when, thirdly, there are sundry excuses such as "office expenses," "advertising," &c., to salve our qualms of conscience? After all, does not a publisher want the money more f He has his wife's carriage to keep up, his retinue of servants, his sons at Eton and Harrow, his yacht; and all these expenses are very heavy. As to the poor author, what does he want the money for? He has no wants; if he is cold, he can wrap his rug round his legs! Seriously speaking, there are in the royalty system only two safeguards possible, to my mind. One is old; it was mentioned as possible last year in The Author. It consists in exacting that every authentic copy bear the signature of both author and publisher. This was actually carried out by my father from 1850 to 1870 for his dictionary, and I can remember piles and piles of books arriving to be stamped by him and his secretary. This labour many authors would now shrink from, but there seems to me to be an alternative. It would consist simply in this, that, in the agree- ment, a clause be added to the effect that the printer should be instructed to print not a single copy without the joint signature of author and publisher. As it is, the printer receives orders from the publisher only; he cannot go behind and inquire whether this order is put down in the publisher's accounts to the author. With this clause he could not print extra editions without breaking the law, and most publishers would not even be tempted to give extra orders; for many a man will sin if sure not to be found out, who will shrink before the remotest chance of detection or of appearing dishonest in the eyes of any one person beside himself. I must now humbly, and—I may add—despon- dently, confess a failure on this point. I was recently speaking to a junior member of a good firm. He was praising the absolute straightfor- wardness of his house, saying that he had been through the drudgery and routine, and knew all the wheels and cog-wheels of the huge machinery, concluding that with his own eyes he had seen the perfect honesty of the firm. 1 now asked how, theoretically speaking, his firm would consider the addition of this clause into their agreement. His answer was, I regret to say, that such a thing would be a " slur," Ac.—in fact, the old story. However, either of these clauses would be suffi- cient to relieve the present unpleasant strain in the relations between author and publisher. The ideal would be a complete audit of printer's and publisher's accounts; if this be conceded, there is no reason for the partners in literary property ever to quarrel and tight. An author would feel in his publisher the same confidence as in his. banker. It is therefore seen that within my experience no publisher consents in his agreements to a legal examination of accounts—nay, more, to any check upou possible dishonesty. In this suspicion of possible dishonesty lies all the unpleasantness of the relations between author and publisher, and until it is removed, this unpleasantness expressed or understood will subsist. If you are honest, show it. An honest man is glad to do so; in fact, he is grateful that suspicion of his honesty be made impossible. Honesty never shuns the light. How do you expect to be trusted (as you should be) if you purposely and deliberately take the attitude best calculated to rouse suspicion? In these remarks I have only considered the royalty system, because it is undoubtedly the most important; for it is the fairest to both, parties. With a sum down either publisher or author (theoretically, at any rate) loses a legiti- mate part of his profits. In the royalty system the publisher qua capitalist reaps a high profit for his investment and "risk." This is right; but this should be all, and no possible doubt should be left to lurk in the author's mind. Sooner or later, the system of honest royalty will prevail; if the large, old, and respected firms adhere to their high and mighty ways, they will be replaced by new firms whose dealings are above board, and therefore completely satisfactory to the author. But the sooner the older firms alter their ways the better, or they will only be supported by young and untried authors, and left by those who are sure of a certain amount of sale. I now come to the practical conclusion of my tdtonnements. Eighteen months ago I tried to* get a well-known firm to publish a book of mine "on commission." I went; I offered to take all "risks," and, whereas they give a 10 per cent, royalty, / offered them a 15 per cent. royalty on. ## p. 105 (#117) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. the sales. This proved too much. "What!" exclaimed the head, " / become author aud you publisher! No thank you!" The cat was out of the bag: huge profits or no deal. At last, after much seeking, I heard of a large firm of "distributors" who also take up pub- lishing, and came to the most satisfactory arrange- ment, which, I see in The Author (August, p. 59, col. 2) has been also adopted by Miss Braddon. I send my MS. to the printer and the books to the agent who distributes them to the booksellers, and asks me for supplies. All is here above board; and hitherto I have had nothing but satisfaction. There are three points I would finally men- tion: 1. Choose your publisher or agent in or near Paternoster-row—it will avoid disappoint- ment. Booksellers send there every day, and their profits are so low that they can barely be expected to pay extra fares for their col- lectors to go further away, hence the excuses "out of print" or "binding" that are given to inquirers. 2. The two other points are Nos. 3 and 4 in the scheme agreed upon by the Booksellers' Associa- tion and our Society and named in The Author (Aug. 1898, p. 63, coi. 1, fin.). "Books are to be sent on sale or return." Undoubtedly the plan offers many advantages. Unfortunately, on the one hand, I am told by a large firm of publishers that, after very many years' experience, they find that the system is not to be recommended; they say that many book- sellers strongly object to it, on the ground that books get mislaid in their stock and that they have to pay for goods they did not order and did not want; besides, that too many of the books are returned more or less damaged and require fresh binding. On the other hand, I must confess that book- sellers, for whom I feel the sincerest sympathy, are very remiss. A draper, a hair-dresser, or any other retail house will hardly allow you to leave the shop without making some purchase, however useless to yourself. On the contrary, I have hardly ever in England, save in Oxford, been shown a book that might be useful or agreeable, or urged to buy one;. and I suppose the experience of others coincides with mine. To this supine- ness might be attributed the regrettable depres- sion in the bookselling trade as well as to the cut-throat competition that booksellers have prac- tised against one another. If a member of the Society knew of an issue to this impasse I am sure he would be doing yeoman service to the Society by a communication. 3. My third remark refers to No. 4 of the scheme mentioned above: "the odd copy is to be abolished." As the odd copy is generally given to the bookseller on a whole order, even if it consists of different books, and as the profits of the bookseller are generally so small, it seems that the odd copy is an advantage that should hardly be denied to him. It is an encouragement for him to buy and therefore to place books before the public. I cannot conclude without anticipating a certain amount of misrepresentation to which my condemnatory remarks against some pub- lishers might give rise. I am fully alive to the valuable help given to authors by good publishers, and gladly acknow- ledge the same with a personal feeling of gratitude. How many readers, schoolmasters, and others will take up a book merely because it bears the name of a good firm ?" The book must be good since so-and-so publish it." That name is a sort of hall mark. Besides, a good publisher will give a young author a start which will be the initial point of a brilliant career. Finally, by friendly words of encouragement, pub- lishers often give fresh life and ardour to a despondent and nervous author. In a word, it would require but a very little concession on the part of the publishers to make their relation with authors perfectly pleasant and cordial, as they should be—as pleasant as those between an author and his banker. This long tale of experiences and these many remarks may be of use to other members. I trust they may. I offer them in that hope. At any rate, they will prove conclusively how useful The Author is, and what good work the Society does in a way that it probably never suspects. Many besides myself have doubtless imbibed and thought out the ideas and doctrines propounded in The Author, and have individually and obscurely approached the publishers in the same direction. If, however, there was a little more esprit de corps among authors, publishers would make at once con- cessions which they will have ultimately to make, and which seem to me to be merely a concession to the ordinary principles of honesty. Victor Spiers. II.—The Publishers' Draft Agreements. 1. I would call attention to certain facts in the publishers' draft agreements which deserve to be borne in mind very carefully. 1. There is not a word said as to any means of checking accounts or preventing dishonesty. Alone among all men in the world of any trade or calling whatever, the publisher regards himself as a person whose honour and honesty are ## p. 106 (#118) ############################################ io6 THE AUTHOR. absolutely beyond the reach of suspicion. He is like Caesar's wife: he is like the French army: he is unlike any other person or any other institu- tion, and this in the face of the scandals and exposures constantly made in these columns. 2. The right of taking—or purloining—as much of the profits as he pleases by advertising in his own organs or by exchanges is carefully reserved by preserving silence on the subject. 3. In second and following editions the cost of production is greatly—very greatly—reduced. There is no composition, no moulding or stereo- typing, no corrections, very little advertising. The cost of an ordinary six shilling book may be reduced to less than od., yet no change is made in the author's royalty and no better terms are offered to the bookseller. n. No criticisms in The Author on the methods of publishers have ever equalled in point and brutal frankness their own recent f ulmination. What do publishers take us for? Do they imagine that because we are authors we are entirely devoid of business capacity, and have returned to our first childhood? With them apparently might is right, and their publishers' agreements are clearly constructed with a cordial recognition of this principle. The insult of the whole thing is, to my mind, the worst feature. Authors are not credited with common sense, to say nothing of ordinary acuteness. They are therefore to be treated with a high hand. I am convinced that publishers have dealt themselves a heavy, if not disastrous, blow. In their blind and reckless policy they would kill the goose that lays the golden egss; for it is quite certain their very existence depends on the author, while the converse is not by any means the case. Do they really think that anyone except the struggling amateur will submit work to them under these new conditions? If so, their credu- lity is on a par with their " agreements." In these proposals publishers have found a short cut to the tether-end of the authors' patience; and those whose work is marketable will, in many instances, rid themselves of this publishers' incubus altogether and follow the excellent examples of Miss Braddon and others —examples which I, for one, will imitate at the earliest opportunity. Spero Melioka. m. Tour invitation in the September Author for an expression of opinion by all your readers on the subject of the publishers' Draft Agree- ments is my excuse for the present communica- tion. I at once confess that in the past I have thought your painting of the picture of the publisher rather on the black side than otherwise. I was grievously mistaken. As you remark, your past statements have fallen far short of the truth. All authors are deeply indebted to the Society for its strenuous fight—in the face of direst ridicule—on behalf of the rights and just dues of literary property. There is but one remedy for the present state of affairs, and now that the matter is laid bare befoi.e all who care to read, it is devoutly to be hoped that that remedy will be applied. It is that the stronger writers make a firm stand for equitable agreements. Beginners—like myself—are as dust in the balance. We can do little. It is for the giants in the literary world to turn the scale. Many of the best known names in literature are on the list of the Authors' Society. If they present their ultimatum much can be accomplished. It seems to me incredible that even the most inexperienced, most eager-to-get-into-print young author would sign the agreements put forth by the publishers; yet if this is not the case, why publish them at all? From a business point of view they are amazing—almost absurd. I have had many business agreements through my hands, but, so far as my experience goes, no business man who prides himself on any commercial acumen whatever, would so give himself away as to propound—even to his employee—such ridiculous conditions as those in question contain. I have always been led to believe that an agreement to be valid must set forth reasonable advantages accruing to both parties. In those under discus- sion where do the author's advantages appear? You ask for brevity; but before concluding may I state two suggestions which have occurred to me that may appeal to you as being worth dis- cussion: 1. Would it not now be advisable for the Society to frame a set of agreements which shall adequately protect the author as pro- ducer, whilst giving the publisher what is his due as distributor? 2. I believe that one or two well-known authors, to their own distinct advantage, have acted as their own distributors. On the same basis could not the Society establish a distributing department? This arrange- ment would, I think, serve a two-fold purpose. (1) To many members of the Society, whose names are a guarantee of good work, it would doubtless be a welcome innovation. (2) It would drive home the lesson the Society wishes to inculcate more forcibly than any other course. J. C. S. ## p. 107 (#119) ############################################ THE A UTHOR. III.—The Registration of Titles. There has been some discussion in the papers lately with regard to the question of titles in books and the registration of titles. As it appears from most of the correspondence that the writers are ignorant of the law that bears upon the question relating to the property in titles—as they speak of "Copyright in Titles," whereas no such thing as copyright exists in titles—it may be as well to make a few remarks on the subject. The law referring to the right of property in a title is very clear. The interpretation of that law is exceedingly difficult and complicated. Each ease has to be decided by its own particular evidence. The law bearing on the right of pro- perty in titles comes under, and is in some ways analogous to, Trade Mark law, but titles cannot be registered like trade marks. The main ques- tion to be decided on each case, however, is whether a fraud has been committed on the public. To take an example: Suppose A. pub- lishes a book with a certain title, and the book has an established reputation and a continued and established sale, it would be impossible for B. to produce a book with a similar title, as people might obtain B.'s book when desiring to obtain A.'s, and thus would be defrauded by B.'s conduct; but, to give A. a property, A.'s book must have established itself on the market, and must be in continuous sale. The difficulty of the interpretation of the law is therefore evident, as it can only be decided on the facts of each particular case and by each individual judge as to what will constitute an established position of A.'s book on the market. The most curious case on the subject was a case entitled Maxwell v. Hogg. Messrs. Hogg, in 1863, registered an intended new magazine to be called Belgravia. In 1866, such magazine not having appeared, Mr. Maxwell, in ignorance of what Messrs. Hogg had done, projected a maga- zine with the same name, and incurred con- siderable expense in preparing it, and exten- sively advertising it in August and Sep- tember, as about to appear in October. Messrs. Hogg, knowing of this, made hasty preparations for bringing out their own magazine before that of Mr. Maxwell could appear, and in the mean- time accepted an order from Mr. Maxwell for advertising his (Mr. Maxwell's) magazine on the covers of their own publications, and the first day on which they informed Mr. Maxwell that they objected to his publishing a magazine under that name was Sept. 25, on which day the first number of Messrs. Hogg's magazine appeared. Mr. Maxwell's magazine appeared in October. VOL. IX. Under these circumstances, on a bill filed by Mr. Maxwell, it was held, that Mr. Maxwell's adver- tisements and expenditure "did not give Mm any exclusive right to the use of the name '• Bel- gravia," and that he could not restrain Messrs. Hogg from publishing a magazine under the same name, the first number of which appeared before Mr. Maxwell had published his; and on a bill filed by Messrs. Hogg, that the registration by them of the title of an intended publication could not confer upon them a copyright in that name, and that, in the circumstances of the case, they had not acquired any right to restrain Mr. Maxwell from using the name as being Messrs. Hogg's trade mark. It would appear also that if one person pub- lished a scientific book with the same title as a book of poems by another person, no action would lie, as there would be no fraud on the public, it being impossible that any person in- tending to buy the scientific book would be deceived into buying a book of poems, or the reverse. The clear facts to be remembered with regard to title, then, may be considered as follows: 1. There is no copyright in a title. 2. An author has only property in a title when his book has a reputation on the market, is selling, and when such reputation and sale are prejudiced by the production of any book with the same or similar title. 3. The Courts must be the final arbiters on the facts of each particular case. 4. Though the law is clear, the interpretation of that law is exceedingly difficult. 5. Registration of a title merely gives no pro- perty in that title. 6. From a practical point of view, therefore, it is better for an author as a rule to settle a point on reasonable terms than to go to law. 7. It is better still for an author not to mention his title to anyone until his book is produced. Those who through personal experience have come across the question for the first time con- sider the matter as a difficulty but recently discovered, which needs immediate amendment; they may, however, rest assured that the question of legislating more fully on the point has been deeply and thoroughly discussed and considered by all those who have attempted to legislate on copyright or who are interested in the affairs of authorship. It is not a simple or one-sided question. It is exceedingly complicated, and has many sides. At present no remedy has been devised suffi- ciently satisfactory to embody in any of the draft Copyright Bills. "G. H. Thring. M ## p. 108 (#120) ############################################ io8 THE AUTHOR. IV.—Two Curious Cases, i. Refusing to Reprint a Book. Some years ago one of the largest publishing firms in England entered into a contract with a young author for the publication of a technical book. The terms of the agreement were roughly as follows: That the publisher should stand all risk of the cost of production, and should pay the author 10 per cent. after the sale of the first 2000 copies: That the copyright should belong to the publisher. The further details of the contract it is un- necessary to enter into, except to state that the publisher had practical control of the book over all the world. The book did not have a rapid sale, but, owing to its rather unique qualities, had a steady and continued one. Eight years after its first publi- cation the 2000 copies were sold out. On the author writing to the publisher and requesting that the book should be reprinted, he received a letter stating that, as there was not sufficient demand for the book amongst their customers, they would not reprint it, but they offered to sell the plates and their rights under the agreement to the author for £6, ending their letter with the fol- lowing statement: "Which is half of our loss to this date on the book." The following particulars may tend to explain the position of the author and publisher: First. The cost of production of 2000 copies of a book of the size and price referred to should be easily covered by the sale of 2000 copies. Secondly. The author should never have sold his copyright. Thirdly. Ten per cent. would have been a small royalty if offered to the author from the beginning. Lastly. After the publishers have reaped all the benefits they possibly can from the sale of the book they refuse to reprint. What their reason may be for this refusal of course it is impossible to know. They had the plates. There would there- fore only be the cost of print and paper. It could not possibly have been the very small re- muneration due to the author. The question, then, must be left an open one, but from the author's point of view the treatment was distinctly bad, and this treatment was from one of the largest firms of publishers in England. As the copyright belongs to the publishers the unfortunate author is practically at their mercy. 2. A Series of Mistakes. 1. The authors undertook to pay for the print- ing, binding—in a word, the manufacture. 2. Accounts were to be made half yearly, pay- ment six months later; so that the publishers gained, and the author lost, the interest on their property for an average of nine months. 3. The author retained the right of sale in Ireland. 4. Published price, 3s. Sales to be accounted for at id. over two-thirds, i.e., at 2s. id.; but 13 as 12, making the return of each book is. 1 i_fed. 5. For printing, binding, and stereotyping the author was to pay is. 1 \d. each for the first 2000, after that j\d. for following orders of 2000 each. That is to say, the book was alleged to cost £.112 10s. for the first edition of 2000, and .£64 iis. Sd. for all subsequent editions of 2000. The publishers were to receive 20 per cent. on all sales in England, and 10 per cent on all sales in Ireland, where the price was to be 2.1. net. The book sold largelv in Ireland. The author does not seem to have questioned the charge for printing, which may therefore be left. 6. When the first account came in a sum of .£5 was charged for moulding, which was actually included in the estimate, being a part of the process of stereotyping. The general charge for moulding is 5*. or 6*. a sheet, so that if the charge for moulding is correct, the book should contain i6| sheets, or 264 pages. 7. A second item in the account showed that the first 3000 copies had been charged at the same rate as that agreed upon for the first 2000. 8. A third item showed that a few pages over and above those of the original estimate had been charged for as printing aDd binding (!) Now, they would certainly make a difference in the printing, but could they make a difference in the binding? 9. On the author representing that the original estimate included stereotyping, the charge for £5 was withdrawn. 10. As to the second mistake, that, too, was withdrawn. 11. Then the publisher began to make delays and to send up accounts complicated and in- volved. Finally, the author placed them in the hands of an actuary, who found out that the publisher owed the author the sum of .£150 (less a small payment made on account), and the author compelled him to pay it. ANOTHER WORD ON ROYALTIES- fl^HKEE months ago we gave in The Author I certain figures which were actual estimates tendered by printers. The example is, as usual, the 6*. book, not necessarily a novel. From these figures the following may be made out. ## p. 109 (#121) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. A book of 20 sheets of 16 pages to a sheet: or of 10 sheets of 32 pages to a sheet: in small pica type: with 29 lines and about 300 words to a page, costs to produce, on estimates like all those given in these columns, real and not invented: An edition of 1000 copies will cost about Is. 6d. or is. yd. to produce. This is the kind of book which has a limited sale and will not go into a second edition. An edition of 2000 copies, including moulding for a second edition and a moderate amount of advertising, can be produced for thirteen or fourteen pence. An edition of 3000 copies can be produced for a shilling a copy, including moulding, but not stereotyping. But a second edition of 3000 copies, with stereotyping, can be produced for eightpence. In the second edition there is neither composi- tion, nor corrections, nor moulding, and very little advertising. It is quite possible to reduce these figures still lower. Paper was never so cheap, and becomes cheaper. Now any royalty that may be offered must be based upon these figures, or something like them. On the first, or only, edition of 1000 copies the publisher and author begin to divide after 520 copies are sold; they may make more, however, than is apparent, because they need not " mould" a book which is not going into a new edition: they do not bind more than they want: and they do not advertise so much as is set down. On the second supposition if all the copies are sold, a profit is made of about .£230. On the third, of about .£380. On the last, however, and on all following editions, there is a great change. The profit on every copy, if all are sold, may , now actually reach the sum of 2s. l0d. Observe carefully that no further concession is ever made to the bookseller when this improve- ment sets in. It is therefore quite clear that he has been, and is, treated with great injustice. What change is made in the position of the author? As a rule, none. The publisher sweeps all into his own pocket. It is therefore necessary that the whole system of royalties should be altered, and to this point we shall next proceed. Meantime we remark that the huge saving on the cost of production in the second and subsequent editions is not so much as alluded to in the publishers' Draft Agreements. We must imagine the committee agreeing together at their sittings, because they could not possibly ignore the point, in a solemn and heartfelt prayer that authors would never find it out. A bookseller, quoted on another page, writes: "The odd copy is a curse to us. I can get a 6*. book for 3*. gd. by taking seven. But I must sell them all or I lose. For an odd copy I must pay 4*. 2d." He sells it at 4*. 6d. In the latter case, he gets 4rf. profit, in the former gd., out of which he has to pay carriage and his office expenses. The publisher for the same volume—in the second edition which, by our figures, costs Sd. a copy—pockets 2*. l0d. less the sum he gives the author—rarely, until lately, more than 1 s. So we have the scale of profits :— Author, who contributes all the work, is. Bookseller, who takes most of the risk, 4d., or at best gd. Publisher, who takes the rest of the risk, if there is any, has I*, l0d. It hardly seems quite equitable, does it? Let us draw up another table showing what various royalties mean for the second and follow- ing agreements. We must, however, point out that these figures are not final. Every step which we take forward brings us to a clearer under- standing of the facts, i.e., of the enormous profits hitherto made by publishers. That they think themselves absolutely entitled by right to enormous profits, and that they believe book sellers and authors entitled to no profit at all, is clearly shown by their Draft Agreements. Here, however, are the figures for the second edition:— On a 6s. volume gives the A percentage of Publisher Author s. d. ,. d. 5 2 6f ° 3i 10 2 2| 0 7i 15 '"* 0 IOj 20 1 7i I 2f 25 1 4 i 6 3° • of '9s 35 0 8} 40 0 5* 2 4.i 45 0 if 2 8f But, says the publisher, "There are my office expenses." Quite so. Every business has its office expenses. There are also the author's office expenses, and there are the bookseller's expenses. Another way to approach the subject, and perhaps a better way, because all the copies will not perhaps be sold, is to let the royalty begin when the cost of producing the edition is defrayed. This method, however, can only be allowed where the publisher gives proofs of honesty. Thus, if the second edition of 3000 copies costs .£95, the expense is defrayed by the sale of 544 copies. If it costs a little more or less, because this ## p. 110 (#122) ############################################ tio THE AUTHOR. estimate is only for a book of a definite size and price, this number can be changed. Since the rest of the edition is pure profit, all that has to be done is to arrange the proporlion. I would suggest: (i.) For the bookseller, better terms in second and following editions: he should claim the right to share in the increased profit; (2.) For the publisher, one-third of what is left when the cost is paid. (3.) For the author, two-thirds. THE CASE OF THE BOOKSELLER, IEARNESTLY invite booksellers to a con- sideration of the figures given in these columns. The question of terms and shares and charges most closely concerns the author, which is my excuse for speaking on the subject. In reference to the figures, my own scheme is something as follows: 1. The present system, by which the bookseller has to take all the risk, should be replaced by a system of sale or return; that is to say, that the bookseller should be free to order, as at present, as many books as he pleases, but that, in order for other books to get a chance of exhibition or sale, the publisher should send him copies on sale or return. The bookseller, however, must be free to refuse or to take these books. It is objected that they sometimes get lost or soiled. Well, if they cannot be sold on the bookseller's shelves, they will certainly not be sold on the publisher's or the bookbinder's shelves. There is, therefore, no real loss. 2. In the choice of books on order, the book- seller is at present guided by the name of the author, his own judgment of a book, and the demand for a book. He wants them to unite advice and information. For this purpose he wants a small and private paper devoted entirely to his own interests. In this paper he should receive every month a brief account of such books as are likely to be popular. He might thus be saved from heavy loss. The cost of this little paper, with the editor or reader, would be covered by a guinea subscription from every member of the Association. Publishers would, of course, have to send copies of books to the office of the paper. This paper need not concern itself with any other ii'.atter than (1) the figures which have proved so useful to ourselves: those, namely, which show the cost of production, the position of the authors, and that of the booksellers; and (2) the advice as to the new books offered. It would be most necessary to find readers of the utmost integrity, who could be relied upon not to take bribes or to recommend friends. With this object it would be desirable to find a person wholly unconnected with London coteries. 3. Armed with a knowledge of these figures, it would be easy for the Booksellers' Association to demand equitable terms. It is ominous that many publishers, when the royalties of authors began to be raised, declared that they would have to raise their terms to the booksellers. 4. I have long thought that the Association might provide itself with editions of non-copy- right works. Such editions would cost them nothing—literally nothing. Consider," The Vicar of Wakefield" is a book that is certain always to sell. If a cheap shilling edition of that work were issued by the Booksellers' Association for themselves, and, if every bookseller took no more than three copies, the whole expense would be defrayed, while, if 10,000 copies were sold, there would be a considerable profit. This is a certain source of income: there would be no loss: the Authors' Society would perhaps advise in the choice of the series. The trade price of the Asso- ciation's own series, instead of being 8|rf. would be 6rf. and still leave a margin. A country bookseller sends a publisher's list of prices. It is as follows. They are nearly all cheap books: Published Price. d. 6 0 o 6 6 o 6 o 6 Trade Price. 8. d. 5 4 2 1 6 9 5 1 41 If seven Copies of each are Ordered. s. d. U Twelve "As- sorted," then as Thirteen. d. o o 4 3i 7 Ti o 7S 4 If, be points out, he takes an "assorted" lot— four at is.: three at 2*. 6rf.: three at 3*. 6d. -. one at 5*.: one at 6*.: one at 7s. 6d.: and receives in addition to the above allowances a discount of 5 per cent. for payment to time; "and if I sell the whole lot I make a handsome profit of 3s. 5<Z., out of which must be deducted the carriage, which amounts to is. or is. 3rf." In a word, out of a margin of 2s. 3c/*., outlay of £1 7*. 3rf., the bookseller takes sale, and has to pay rent, rates and taxes, ants and other expenses. "It is only," he writes, "a question of time for the country bookseller to be driven out of exist- on an risk of assist- ## p. 111 (#123) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. ence, unless the present arrangements are speedily altered." And so, indeed, it seems to me. How does the publisher stand, therefore, as regards author and bookseller? The following figures show the necessity of understanding the whole case, including the production, the book- seller and the author. We take the "assorted" price and 13 as 12. The cost of production is set do .vn on an average book: < ublished Price. Trade Prloe less 5 per Cost of Production. Author's Rojaltv 10 per ct-nt. Author's Royalty 20 per cent. cent. *. d. *. d f. d. d. ». d. 7 6 4 9 ■ 3 9 1 6 6 0 3 9i I 0 r. 1 1'i 5 0 3 2 0 10 6 I 0 3 6 2 i\ 0 8 4s, 0 8| 2 6 1 6 0 7 3 0 6 Now consider the respective winnings of each of the three in this delightful game: (1.) Author's royalty at 10 per cent.: Price of book. Author at 10 per <*r•nt. d. 9 71 6 41 1 Publisher. «. d. 2 9 2 If 1 10 o 8 Bookseller. d. o ioj o 8.1 o 7 ° 5i o 34 (2.) If the author has 20 per cent. we have the fol.owing figures, cost of production and trade price as before: Price of book. Author at 20 per <,mt. Publisher. Bookseller. ,. d. S. d. s. d. 7 6 1 6 2 0 0 ioi 6 0 I 2* ■ 5! 0 8^ 5 0 I O 1 4 0 7 3 6 O 83 0 7hl 0 si 2 6 0 6 0 5 0 31 These figures are recommended for careful consideration. The cost of production is only approximate, but it is just above the average. For instance, I have before me an estimate for producing a book which may be priced at js. 6d., 6s., or 58., according to the fancy of the publisher. The price for an edition of 3000 copies, composing, printing and paper, is 6d. a copy, and it is every day done more cheaply. The binding will be under 4d. These figures show the position of the book- seller, author, and publisher, on those books only which the bookseller buys of the publisher. But a j;reat part of the business is carried on by m ans of the distributing agents, who get better VOL. IX ti-nns. Therefore we have arrived at 3*. 6d. as the average sum received by the publisher for a 6*. book. As regard the cost, however, it must be remembered that the second and following editions cost a great deal less than the first. W. B. NOTES AND NEWS. IN another column I submit certain figures to the consideration of booksellers. I have long felt that their case demands the atten- tion of all persons interested in literature from the literary as well as the commercial point of view. In getting some relief for them we should be advancing our own interests from both points of view. If literature is to reach the people it must l.e exhibited and offered for sale. If the bookseller cannot do this, who can? I invite readers of The Author to consider this point, and if they have any advice to tender I shall be glad to receive it. Also in that other column will be found a note from a country bookseller about publishers' terms. It shows that if he takes an "assorted" lot, that is, thirteen, from a list, he gets them as twelve. It also shows that if he sells them at the discount price of 25 per cent. off, he makes the handsome profit of 2*-. 3rf. from the whole. It he does not succeed in selling the whole he loses that profit. Do these figures bring home to us the present position of the bookseller? What do the publishers want to do? They would raise the price of books to the public: they would make the bookseller still go on taking most of the risk: they would bind him in chains so that he should not be allowed to do what what he pleased with his own. What do they propose to do with the author: They claim the right to charge what they please in addition to every item of cost: to charge what they p/ease for office expenses. I have shown that they may, if they please, take what share of the profits they please, and call it humorously half profits. I do not think that one point in the recent pro- posal to enslave the bookseller has received quite the attention which it deserves. A 6*. book was to be "reduced" to 5*. That meant increased from 4.V. 6d. to 5s. The booksellers who now pay various sums from 3*. ~\d. to 4*. 2d., but averag- ing 3s. 8rf., were to pay 3s. l0d. The publishers therefore proposed an extra 2d. a volume for themselves under this arrangement. This they called a disinterested Btep in the interests of the ## p. 112 (#124) ############################################ I I 2 THE A UTHOR. bookseller. At their meeting one gentleman was so ill-advised as to ask what the author would gain —or lose—by the change. Nothing was said. It is easy to understand, however, what would happen to the unfortunate third partner. All his royalties now are calculated on the price being 6s. His friends the publishers would, perhaps, say, "My dear fellow, we sell the book more cheaply, but you shall not lose. You had the magnificent royalty of 10 per cent. before—you shall hare it still.' There! And now go and write to the papers, and say that even a publisher, despite the Society of Authors, can be nobly just!" .And I wonder how many of our members there are who see through the simple trick. Why, it is exactly like that really very pretty trick in which the author is made to agree to " half the royalty" if the publisher sells the book at " half the price." One practitioner, a deeply honourable man— religious, too—played this game, as has already been exposed, with a two volume novel. The "face " price was a guinea: the library price was generally something under half-a-guinea: all the copies, therefore, were sold under half price. And I wonder how many have fallen victims to a trick that is so barefaced and so simple. It would have been just the same with the royalties under the pro- pose'I change, and, as in the famous "half price half royalty " trick, no one would have been more surprised than the publisher himself when the truth was communicated to him. Here are some figures showing the " half price, half royalty" trick. The trade price of a 6s. book is, say, 3s. Sd. The author has a 20 per cent. royalty upon it, i.e., is. 2\d. The cost of production is is. The publisher gets is. 5frf. He sells the book at 3*., which is what lie calls "half price." The author has to take a half royalty, j\d. The publisher now gets is. 4-J-tf., so that if he were to reduce the price of his book he onlv gets *d. less, while the author is reduced b7 7\d. In the other case of a net book reduced to 5s., but the trade priee increased to 3s. i0d., the 10 per cent. royalty would be 6d.: the 20 per cent. royalty is., and soon, compared with 7|rf., i*. 2}d., and so on. _____ It is announced as a "new departure " that a firm of publishers — Messrs. Macmillan — are going to produce a book "on the instalment system." Is that new? Why, travellers have been going up and down the country getting subscribe s to pay by instalments for many years. The book tout is an old and well-established nuisance. The work is to be sold by the book- sellers, and the paragraph before m*» says, '• Book- sellers will now have an opportunity of showing to what extent they are able and willing to benefit by a departure which is clearly in their interest." How it is more in their interest to sell in this way than in any other is not explained. Clearly it is for the interest of the publishers that the booksellers should sell their wares for them. But, unless better terms than usual are offered the unhappy booksellers, of which the world knows nothing, it is difficult to understand the special interest to the booksellers in "the new departure." Now, when the slavery scheme was to the front the bookseller was admonished that the new departure was to " his intere-t," but nothing was said then, or now, as to the interest of the publishers. From time to time there appears in the papers a correspondence about a title the use of which has been challenged by some publisher or author who had previously used it. The case affords an opportunity for a good deal of loose talk on the difficulty of finding titles which have not been used. Everybody has adventures of his own to relate, and certainly some cases are very hard. A title which seems exactly to suit the book has to be abandoned in a hurry and a new one chosen. Yet the first struck a note: it seemed to prepare the reader for what followed. A few weeks ago I received and was asked to publish a correspondence on the subject. It seemed to me that more would be gained by getting a state- ment of the law upon the subject. Hence the paper by Mr. Thring, in which the reader is instructed as to the kind of protection which the law grants to owners of literary property in this respect. Tbe whole point seems to be this: There is no copyright in a title, but if A. B. brings out a book bearing the same title as one already before the public, and if it can be proved that the sale of the second book is injuring, or likely to injure, that of the first, a court of law would probably restrain A. B. from continuing the sale of his book under that title. Walter Besant. THE NAME OF THE PUBLISHER. 1. IHAVE made inquiries in various directions as to my opinion that the public do not care about the name of the publisher. The reply from the general reader has been mostly to the effect that he cares no more about the name of the publisher than the name of the printer. Two or ## p. 113 (#125) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. three reply that they know Dent's books to be wonderfully got up, and that they like John Lane's books for the same reason. Otherwise they do not mind. I subjoin two or three opinions. I am glad to publish the opinion of Mr. Alfred Wilson, though he does not agree with me, because his illustration of the importance to an author of getting his books all together shows that in such a case the name of the publisher is a considera- tion. W. B. II. I notice that in your August number the Editor says that "the public care nothing . . . who is the publisher of a book," and that ihey are absolutely indifferent to this. Any bookseller will know, as I do, that the public looks at a new book of travel, if published by Murray, or a new book of belles lettres pub- lished by Macmillan, with a prepossession in its favour. The remark is often made to me, " I don't know the author, but the book is published by , it is likely to be good." A cheap his orical resume has the chances much against it, prima facie, but let it be issued at 5*. in the Story of the Nations series, and it is (•ure of a certain amount of success at least. It is well known to all booksellers that if an author has an odd book or two by a publisher other than his regular one, however well it may sell at the time, it is soon forgotten, and has a comp iratively small sale. When "Romola" could not be had uniform with George Eliot's other works it had a much smaller sale than the others, now it sells quite as well. Certainly a new book by the writer of the moment will sell equally well at first, whoever publishes it, but the after sale will with equal cei tainty be much affected by its omission from the list of the author's other books. In short, I believe it to be to an author's interest to go to a good publisher, and to keep to himself if possible; and if his terms are some- what higher than those of a seconil-rate firm, it will yet be often worth while to accede to them. Perhaps I may claim that my opinions on the subject, whether right or wrong, are at least impartial, as I have not the least pecuniary interest in the matter, one way or another. Alfred Wilson (Bookseller). 18. Grracechurch-street, E.C. in. I am a reader of books, not a writer. I suppose I am one of the public. In answer to your question, I confess that I have never troubled myself with the name of the publisher. I know the names of Longman and Murray, and one or two more, I suppose, but I do not think they have any more to do with the contents of the book than the paper-maker. I suppose there is a paper-maker somewhere, but I am not concerned to know his name. One of the Public. IV. The question is a very simple one, and easily answered. I don't believe one ordinary reader in twenty ever troubles about the name of the publisher; but is not this on account of his modesty? Run your eye along any of your shelves. What strikes you is the title of the book and its author's name. In many cases the publisher's name is not apparent at all:— 4 Tennyson's Works id Sonnete Si i's Garden a tat W .*» Barrie. rCraftsma Q ..0 m a "3 W. Besant. '5 P £ i o < o Poems ai & M Veroniof Alfred Barraok R § & The Littl s TheMaste Still, the publisher has an important function to perform. We cannot certainly have a coat without the weaver of the cloth (author), but we should do very badly without the tailor (pub- lisher). Joseph Parkek. 39, Drvden-streot, Nottingham. Sept. i, 1898. V. Mr. Henry Glaisher, on being asked if the public inquire or care about the publisher of a book, says :—" If a buyer has come for a special book which he desires to possess, he cares nothing about the name of the publisher: it makes no difference to him. If, however, he is looking over the shelves, intending to buy a book and uncertain whether to do so or not, his decision will often be made with reference to the publisher. If he sees a name which he has not learned to associate with rubbish, but the reverse, he will take that book in preference to one issued by a publisher whom he does not know, or whom he knows unfavourably. For this reason it is a decided advantage to have the name of a pub- lisher of repute on the title page. That is to say, one of twenty houses, and it matters little which." ## p. 114 (#126) ############################################ ii4 THE AUTHOR. THE DRAMATISATION OF NOVELS. [From the Grwloi*.] NOUS recevons de notre correspondant de Londres l'intéressante lettre suivante: Londres, 25 août. L'éloquente et énergique protestation de M. Emile Bergerat, reproduite par le Gaulois dans le courant de ce mois, contre l'usage de drama- tiser les romans français en Angleterre sans l'autorisation des auteurs, et le caractéristique incident survenu ces jours derniers entre MM. Victorien Sardou et Oscar Méténier d'une part, et M. Paul Potter de l'autre, au sujet de la pièce dramatique lirée ou adaptée de la Haine et de Mlle. Fi/r par l'auteur américain, ont attiré à nouveau l'attention du public anglais sur quelques points particulièrement défectueux de la législation actuelle concernant la propriété littéraire. Une de ces imperfections, des plus graves, est sans contredit le droit légal, octroyé parle dixième article de la Convention de Berne, de faire repré- senter sur la scène un roman dramatisé sans le consentement de l'auteur. Cet article inique, M. Emile Bergerat nous l'a fait observer, n'a jamais pu être abrogé malgré les incessants efforts des délégués français aux congres internationaux réunis pour décider des droits artistiques et littéraires. La délégation britannique, seule entre toutes, s'y opposa systématiquement et de toutes ses forces, non sans reconnaître, par manière d'amende honorable, que " c'était là une chose fâcheuse." On ne saurait mieux s'accuser, et à la vérité ce serait se méprendre que de ne pas croire que tel est le sentiment unanime du monde des lettres en Angleterre. Et pour preuves voici deux lettres, que M. Henry Arthur Jones, un des auteurs dramatiques les plus distingués d'outre-Manche, et sir Walter Besant, le romancier bien connu, ont eu la courtoisie de m'adresser sur cette intéressante question. Lisons d'abord la lettre de M. Henry Arthur Jones. A sa mordante franchise, on y reconnaît l'auteur des Masqwraders et du Triomphe des Philistins: "Cher Monsieur,—En réponse a votre lettre, permettez-moi de déclarer qui ma cordiale sym- pathie est acquise aux auteurs français qui se plaignent que leurs œuvres soient mises à con- tribution et en état discrédit pour le théâtre anglais. Parmi les honnêtes gens, il ne saurait exister deux opinions sur cette matière. Que ce soit légal ou non, c'est un vol : un honnête homme ne s'appropriera jamais le mouchoir d'un autre, même s'il sait qu'il ne sera pas traduit devant les tribunaux pour ce fait; il s'appropriera encore moins le produit de la pensée d'autrui. "Je participerai cordialement à toute mesure tendant à protéger en Angleterre les droits légaux des auteurs français. En attendant, je ne saurai exprimer trop fortement mon dégoût pour un usage, qui est, en général, aussi préjudiciable aux intérêts du drame qu'aux intérêts de l'honnêteté internationale. "Veuillez agréer, cher monsieur, etc. "Henry Arthur Jones." La lettre plus détaillée de sir Walter Besant, l'éminent romancier qui, depuis de longues années, s'occupe activement de l'amélioration des lois relatives aux droits d'auteur, est non moins affirmative que celle de M. Henry Arthur Jones. La voici: "Cher Monsieur,—La question de propriété littéraire en ce qui concerne la dramatisation d'un roman est telle que vous l'avez expliquée. L'adaptateur est inattaquable devant la loi, si, en se servant du canevas, il ne se sert en même temps de la partie dialoguée du roman. "La Société des Auteurs *t institué, en plusieurs occasions, des comités à l'effet de preparer un bill sur la propriété littéraire. Une des clauses de ce 6/7/ interdit la dramatisation des romans. Ce bill a été lu déjà, en seconde lecture, par lord Monks- well, â la chambre des lords. Ceux-ci se décidèrent alors, bien inutilement, du reste, à instituer à leur tour une commission d'enquête, chargée de rédiger un rapport sur des faits connus de tout le monde. Croira-t-on en France que cette commission ne tint aucun compte de l'existence des auteurs? Elle se contenta de recueillir les témoignages de quelques éditeurs et ce fut tout. "Après que j'eus signalé dans la presse cette manque d'égards à la littérature, la commission me convoqua incontinent et sans cérémonie devant elle. C'était là un manque de courtoisie auquel je ne m'attendais guère de la part d'une com- mission nommée par les Lords. Comme je m'étais toujours occupé cependant de l'adminis- tration de la propriété littéraire par les éditeurs, et comme je ne faisais pas partie du " copyright committee nommé par la Société des Auteurs, je n'eus pas l'occasion de me plaindre de cette impolitesse. Je refusai néanmoins de paraître comme témoin alléguant que je ne fusais pas partie de te comité. "Le monde littéraire désire profondément re- médier, entre autres injustices, à celle dont il est ici question. Je doute cependant de l'efficacité de nos efforts, du moins pour quelque temps encore. Il se présente, en effet, cette difficulté: la colonie du Canada, et je crois aussi l'Australie,. ## p. 115 (#127) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. réclament le droit de rédiger leurs propres lois sur la propriété littéraire. La promulgation d'un bill en Angleterre pourrait donc susciter d'acri- monieuses discussions relativement au droit de législation de la mère-patrie, et à celui reven- diqué par ses colonies, et le gouvernement actuel ne se souci guère de soulever de telles discussions. Le cas et des plus intéressants et je vous con- seille d'y donner toute votre attention. Je n'ai pas de doute que notre secrétaire, M. G. H. Thring, serait heureux de vous donner connaissance des point s principaux de la question, laquelle ne peut manquer d'offrir un vif intérêt à vos compatriotes, toujours prêts à marquer aux hommes de lettres le respect que nos Lords ont jugé convenable de transmettre aux éditeurs. "Soyez cependant assuré, cher monsieur, que nous ferons tout ce qui est en notre pouvoir, afin que la loi actuellement en vigueur soit revisée et que les droits d'auteur d'un roman soient respectés. "Veuillez agréer, cher monsieur, etc. "Walter Besant." Il importe de s' arrêter ici sur un des passages les plus instructifs de la lettre de sir Walter Besant. C'est celui qui a trait au bill lu en seconde lecture, par Lord Monkswell, à la Chambre des lords, le 1 1 mai 1891. Ce projet de loi, élaboré, comme nous le dit sir Walter Besant, sous les auspices de la Société des Auteurs de la Grande-Bretagne, contient l'impor- tante clause qui suit: "Comme il n'existe aucune propriété sur les idées, il est facile de s'approprier, sans commettre aucun acte attentatoire au droit d'auteur, la trame entière d'un roman et de la reproduire en fait sous forme dramatique. Nous proposons de déclarer ces actes qui, maintenant ne sont que moralement condamnables, ligalement punis- sables. . . ." Pourquoi, depuis 1891, les législateurs de la Grande-Bretagne ne se sont-ils plus occupés du bill soumis par lord Monkswell 't Sir Walter Besant nous donne la raison, assez convaincante du reste, que le gouvernement actuel ne désire guère soulever des discussions tendant à régler sur une nouvelle base les rapports de la métro- pole avec les colonies. En effet, une des dispositions du projet de loi lu par lord Monkswell accordait aux colonies la liberté de législation relativement à la propriété littéraire, et cela eût éf é, selon l'opinion du comte de Kimberley et du lord-cbancelier, un achemine- ment vers la destruction de l'unité de l'empire britannique, au point de vue de la protection internationale de la propriété littéraire. L'année dernière cependant, lord Monkswell revint de nouveau à l'attaque et la Chambre des lords résolut de se réunir en comité secret afin de discuter le projet de loi, article par article. H est à espérer que les pairs d'Angleterre nous feront bientôt connaître le résultat de leurs débats et que le bill sera renvoyé à la Chambre des com- munes, pour y recevoir force de loi. On ne saurait trop se hâter, car les tripatouiLkws continuent leur besogne. n T. Beatjgeard. Nous recevons la lettre suivante :— "Saint-Lunaire (Ille-et-Vilaine), villa Caliban, 29 août 1898. "Mon cher Nicolet,—Il y a d'honnêtes gens dans les Lettres, et à Londres comme ailleurs. Deux de nos confrères d'outre-Manche, M. Henry Arthur Jones et sir Walter Besant nous en donnent fièrement la preuve. J'ai lu leurs lettres de réponse à la consultation de M. T. Beaugeard, le correspondant du Gaulois en Angleterre; elles me paraissent décisives. Au nom des principes de droiture communs à tous les peuples, et honneur de toutes les races, ces nobles esprits flétrissent la piraterie littéraire, sous quelque drapeau qui la couvre et dans quelques eaux qu'on l'exerce. Le débat est donc clos de ce côté par un arrêt de la simple conscience publique, et, elle aussi, grâce à Dieu, internationale. "Il n'y a plus qu'à en attendre la sanction.— Cette sanction, écrit sir Walter Besant, ne dépend plus que de la Chambre des lords, déjà saisie par lord Monkswell de la question d'ensemble de la propriété littéraire, question, ajoute-t-il, qui serait depuis longtemps résolue au gré des intérêts lésés, s'il ne s'y entremêlait point . . . de la politique !—Oh! cette politique que l'on recontre partout où l'on ne cherche que de la justice, quelle vie elle nous fait, et dans quelle Europe! "Ici, le plus simple et le plus modeste droit des gens, id est: le droit au revenu de la propagation des fruits du talent et du travail, ne se heurterait plus, paraît-il, qu'aux prétentions autonomiques de l'Australie et du Canada, qui pourraient refuser le bénéfice même d'une telle réforme parce qu'elle émanerait de la jurisprudence anglaise et lui viendrait de la mère-patrie. Ces colonies, en effet, ne souffrent plus d'autre législation que la leur, et la communauté de la langue ne leur impose pas la solidarité philo- logique. "Si j'entends bien sir Walter Besant, là serait le motif de la réserve des Lords et de leur retard à proposer aux communes les tables de la pro- priété littéraire garantie. Car, en effet, si l'Australie et le Canada nous leurrent au moment où l'Angleterre renonce à nous leurrer, si nos ouvrages paraissent, démarqués, non ré- munérés, volés enfin, à Sydney ou à Québec, en langue anglaise, au lieu d'être publiés à Londres, ## p. 116 (#128) ############################################ n6 THE AUTHOR. la mere-patrie est dupe du marche, et son honneur lui reste pour compte. Mylords, le propre de l'honneur est de rester pour compte. II me semble, d'ailleurs, que l'Angleterre est assez riche pour s'en payer de gratuit, de l'honneur qui demeure en fricbe et ne rapporte rien a ses seigneurs. "Au resume, mon cher Nicolet, attendons un peu, puisque ce tres loyal et brave homme de Walter Besant nous convie a la patience, et fions-nous a lord Monkswell, qui travaille pour nous la probite anglo-saxonne. II est vrai que, d'autre part, l'avise correspondant du Gaulois nous presse de nous defendre contre le dd- bordement grandissant de ce qu'il veut bien appeler, pour me flatter, le tripatouillage, de telle sorte que nous voila entre les deux conseils comme l'ane de Buridan entre les deux picotins d'avoine. "Le plus sage serait, je crois, de provoquer un nouveau congres de Berne et de renouveler l'essai d'entente professionnelle de septembre 1887. Un grand poete, Charles Algernon Swinburne, universellement admire, pour l'Angle- terre; le comte Leon Tolstoi, pour la Russie, et notre Victorien Sardou, ne refuseraient pas d'en presider les seances, et les autres pays de l'Tlnion s'y feraient representer par des maitres nationaux non moins illustres et autorises, car il faut en finir peut-etre. J'y invite de la part de sir Walter Besant le Canada et l'Australie, et au nom de la presse francaise j'y reinvite la Belgique, qui a adhere a la convention de Berne, mais dont un citoyen m'ecrit, ce matin meme, de Bruxelles, 'En sept supplements de dimanche, cinq journaux bruxellois ont reproduit, sans en indiqu < la source, souvent meme sans designation d'aut . , cent vingt-neuf articles, nouvelles ou chroniques du Journal, Gaulois, etc., etc' "Et ceci, ami Nicolet, est memorable "Cordiales poignees de mains. "Emile Bergerat." .?»•«*— THE DEMAND FOR CHEAP BOOKS IN AMERICA. THE article in a recent number of the New York Tribune on the subject of cheap books attracted much attention, and many people who read it believed (says that journal) that by placing wholesome literature on the market at reasonable prices the unclean books of the United States would be driven out of the market and would follow the "penny dreadfuls" of England. Mr. John Elderkin said that he agreed with Sir Walter Besant, and saw only good in cheap books of a superior kind. He said: "It is now over twenty-five years since Donnelly, Lloyd, and Co., of Chicago, began the reprinting of standard novels in cheap paper quartos under the name of 'The Lakeside Library,' in order to fill in the time in dull seasons, when their presses were unoccupied by commercial printing, which was the business carried on by the firm. It was fully a year before this enterprise attracted any attention, although the circulation of novels in this cheap form was constantly increasing and the New York people were growing restive at the probable results. I remember riding uptown in the street- car with J. W. Harper, jun., a noble man, who was at that time the head of the firm of Harper and Bros., and urging him to protect his library of select novels by beginning their reissue at once in similar form. Mr. Harper did not realise fully at that time the gravity of the situation, and it was not until after the 'Seaside Library' had achieved a great success that the Harpers entered the field with their ' Franklin Square Library.' "The magnitude of the issue in cheap form of the standard novels is not realised by the pub- lishers of books in good bindings, or by the public generally. In the ' Seaside Library ' alone there were half a million copies sold of every one of Dickens's books during the first five years of their publication in that form. The novels of Sir Walter Scott, Amelia B. Edwards, Mrs. Henry Wood, "Ouida," William M. Thacke- ray, Fenimore Cooper, W. Clark Russell, and all the popular novelists who have come on the stage since have enjoyed an enormous popu- larity through the facility and cheapness of manufacture and the low rate of postage, not to speak of the competition among publishers, which have combined to send their works over the country in almost incredible quantities, bringing them within the reach of rich and poor. Later have come the 10 cent magazines, which have had such great success, and which are a direct offshoot of the cheap library serials. "I believe that the habit of reading and the number of readers of books in this country have been increased many fold by this good literature issued in cheap form. Now everybody reads books, and not even the daily newspapers, with their war extras and all the stimulating attrac- tions of pictures and coloured inks and blanket sheets, are able to counteract the strong desire on the part of the public for good fiction, which continues to sell in rather better form of paper and binding in enormous quantities. I think we have the greatest reading public in America ## p. 117 (#129) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. n7 which has ever existed in the history of the world, and that the taste of this public is improv- ing and demands a higher quality of literary work and illustration. In the old library serials it was the really good novels that had the largest sale. "That the better class of books has decreased the demand for all the class of literature which was formerly published in the dime novel series and in the weekly story papers is well known to all publishers of such matter. The dime novel business has absolutely passed out of existence. All the cheap weekly papers that have not materially changed their form and improved their literary contents and their illustrations have lost greatly in circulation. I could name a dozen authors who supplied the weekly press with the popular serials whose names were kuown from one end of the country to the other who are now almost forgotten and who have left no successors. Some of these writers had incomes of 10,000 dollars a year. I once offered the late Mrs. May Agnes Fleming 75,000 dollars for ten stories, which offer was declined. There is no such demand for stories by writers of Mrs. Fleming's quality as would justify any publisher of a cheap weekly paper in paying more than 500 dollars for a serial by one of them. The indications ef the improvement in the taste of the public in reading matter crop out on every side, and, prices being equal, the majority of readers will take the better book. My experience of twenty-five years as an editor justifies me in saying that the average quality of literary matter offered in the weekly papers is higher, showing that literary cultiva- tion of aspirants has improved, and that the average intelligence and faculty of writing are advancing. "I believe that books and libraries in this country are to enjoy still greater appreciation, and that we have been sowing seed in the last twenty- five years which will give to our publishers during the twentieth century an immensely remunerative business." Stephen F. Farrelly, manager of the American News Company, did not agree wholly with Mr. Elderkin as to the dislodgement of the low grade literature. "Cheap books," he said, " have stimulated the business and have made the sales larger every year, and have surely given those people who had the inclination an opportunity to read good books; but they have not driven the blood-and-thunder novels from the market. There is still a great demand for them, and I think it will continue for some time. There can be no doubt as to the improvement of the public taste through cheap books. This is shown by the great demand for the popular modern novels, somo of which have sold in phenomenal quantities." Mr. Farrelly said that standard works in cheap form could not be sold, and were really out of the market. People who want sets of Dickens, Scott, Thackeray, or other standard writers buy them for their libraries and want good and expen- sive editions; but new English novels and popular translations are wanted in cheap form. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—His First Play. I'VE been for some years the at once happy and unhappy author of a first play. You'll have guessed rightly that my happiness arises from my appreciation of the merits of that play, but you'll have guessed wrongly that my unhappiness arises from want of equal apprecia- tion on the part of managers. "It's wus nor that": I'm unhappy because it seems to me use- less to offer the piece to a manager at all—and I've never yet done so. It's in two acts, contains nine scenes, and—as far as I can judge from reading it aloud, and allowing time for "business" and scene-shifting —would take about an hour and a quarter, certainly not over an hour and a half. Now, it used to be common for a manager to give three pieces in an evening, and usually one of them, often two, would be of middle length. But the middle-length piece seems to have disappeared altogether. The entire performance now consists either of a single play taking three hours, or of two plays, of which the first takes only from half to three-quarters of an hour, while the second takes from two and a quarter to two and a half hours. I can't either shorten or lengthen the play without injuring it. And, rather than do that, I'd print it as a piece of literature, and never try to get it acted at all. But, if I wait ten years, is there any chance that the middle-length piece will have its day again? Or is there possibly even now a manager here and there in this country, or in America, who'd take such plays if he could get them to his mind? If so, where or how may he be found? I've been asked "Why don't you print it? That wouldn't prevent its being played after- wards." But wouldn't it? Wouldn't a manager think its freshness lost? Of course, if I did print it, probably only a few dozen people would ever see it; but the manager wouldn't know that —or, if he did know it, he might be so unac- quainted with the habits of the reading public as ## p. 118 (#130) ############################################ n8 THE AUTHOR. to suppose that the number of its readers must bear some relation to its interest. But is there any objection to printing "for private circulation only," and sending in that form to managers for their consideration? And would there be any harm in sending to reviews as well, for the purpose of obtaining press opinions which might help to get the piece pro- duced? Van Drusen. II.—Cheap Literature—An Echo from a Bookseller. Do not worry about the man who win sell a magazine at $d. Some people were alarmed when Mr. Stead supplied the best of all litera- ture at one penny per volume. He sold them, I suppose, in millions. We stocked them, and sold hundreds of some numbers for the first dozen or so; then we had less call for them, the novelty had worn off. Lawyers could have plenty of work at a penny a letter, but their fee is 3*. \d. Authors, don't worry! Get as much as you can for your work. If you give men your brains they won't appreciate it, and if Harmsworth was to give his magazine away he would not get all the custom; and if the Nineteenth Century was a penny a time very few more people would read it. There must be people to provide "all sorts and conditions of men" with the literature they want, and it is the lucky man who can read what the public really want, and can afford to do it at a price that will suit the pocket s of those he caters for. Get a shilling magazine as much worth is. as Harmsworth's, and it will sell pro- portionately well. nii J. P. III.—Typewritten Manuscripts (?). As a new member, may I ask if any notice of what would appear a contradiction in terms, has up to now been taken in your columns? I refer to the term used by editors " type-written manu- script*." Now, if a MS. be type-written it is quite evident that it cannot claim to being manuscript. Perhaps it seems a small matter, but surely our langua.e is not so poor, as be obliged to keep to the old term, when such an order of things has almost passed away. Permit me to make clearer my meaning. Pub- lishers advertise sometimes after this manner, as do also editors— 1. Type-written manuscripts (?) will receive careful attention," or 2. "Manuscripts of all kinds will receive con- sideration, &c." Alas! for the writer who knows no better, his beautifully Aanrf-written MS. receives but a passing glance—unless his writing is already well-known to the reader—many publishers not troubling to read books or articles unless type- written. Now, beginners are not all aware of this fact. Would not it be to the credit of the Society of Authors to put right this little matter? Auden Amyand. IV.—Amateur Journals. I have read with interest the correspondence on this subject, and while I believe that amateur journalism is no occupation for adults, I am assured from my own experience of it that very many writers of eminence have made their first bows to a reading public (small, but enthusiastic perhaps) by its means. As a child's toys predict the future tastes of the man, so does association with amateur journalism—in the youthful— indicate a natural inborn love of literature. The mature amateur journalist avows incom- petency and vanity since he would gladly join the ranks of paid writers had he talent enough for the purpose, but not being able to encompass this object, gratifies his conceit by gratuitous con- tributions to whatsoever publications will accept them. "No man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money," observed Dr. Johnson. Amateur writers of years of discretion should ponder upon it awhile. The inclosed little production I venture to send for your inspection, in which I am un- certain whether to take pride or shame after the lapse of intervening years, but over which I was at the time greatly busied, sufficed to introduce at least one young scribbler to print, whose book- lets are now familiar in our mouths as household words, and whose personality is pronounced in the London world of letters. The list of contributors will, I am sure, prove very interesting as years roll on. Meanwhile the editor is striving to emulate the successes of one or two of his staff. As Miss M. L. Pendered says, a magazine for young—necessarily amateur—writers, conducted by a professional editor, sympathetic and dis- criminating, might act with wholesome effect on the rising generation of writers; but its circula- tion would be restricted to the contributors and those interested in their work. To the general public their names would still remain unknown. Herbert W. Smith. ## p. 119 (#131) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. n9 BOOK TALE. DEAN STUBBS has written for the Vic- torian Era series a work entitled" Charles Kingsley and the Christian Social Move- ment." The book will contain two poems by Kingsley, which were originally published anony- mously in the group of tracts called " Politics for the People," and which have not appeared in the .collected edition of Kingsley. Messrs. Blackie will publish the book next month. A series of twelve books, furnishing a view of the world in 1900, is projected by Mr. Heine- oiann, under the editorship of Professor H. J. Mackinder. The first will be published at the beginning of next year, and the whole series will be completed early in 1900. Among the volumes and their authors are the following: "Britain and the North Atlantic," by Professor Mackinder; "Scandinavia and the Arctic Ocean," by Sir Clement R. Markham; "France and the Mediter- ranean," by M. Elisce Eeclus; "Central Europe," by Professor Joseph Partsch; "Africa," by Dr. J. Scott Keltie; "The Near East," by Mr . D. G. Hogarth; "The Far East," by Mr. Archibald Little; "The Russian Empire," by Prince Kro- potkin; "India," by Colonel Sir Thomas Holdich; and " Australasia and Antarctics," by Dr. H. 0. Forbes. Mr. Harry Quilter is about to start business as publisher, with a view of filling the place left vacant by the death of William Morris and the closing of the Kelmscott Press. Fine art works will be his chief mitier, but he will also publish novels and general works, in which the printing, design, decoration, and binding will be made a feature. The first book from Mr. Quilter will appear next month. Mr. John Davidson's long-expected new lite- rary play will be published by Mr. Lane this month. "The New Rorne " is the title of a volume of verse by Mr. Robert Buchanan, which is to appear shortly. Miss Helen Hay, daughter of the American Ambassador, will bring out in London this autumn, through Messrs. Duckworth, a volume of poems, with the title " Some Verses." A new volume of stories, by Ian Maclaren, will appear during the autumn from Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton. Mr. Crockett's Graphic serial, " The Red Axe," will be published shortly by Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. A new serial by him will begin in the Cornhill for 1899. A new edition of the works of Whyte-Melville is being edited by Sir Herbert Maxwell, for pub- lication by Messrs. Thacker. Mr. J. W. Headlam, of Cambridge, is preparing a volume on Bismarck and the new German Empire, which Messrs. Putnam will publish. Mr. William Jacks, formerly M. P. for Stirling- shire, who published a translation of Lessing's "Nathan " four years ago, has for some time been engaged upon a life of Bismarck, which will appear shortly. Two forthcoming biographies which will appeal to ecclesiastical readers are the Life and Letters of Dr. Henry Robert Eeynolds, by his sisters, and an account of the late Dr. Stoughton's career, by his daughter. Both will be brought out by Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton. A third work of similar interest is the Life of the Master of Uppingham, the Bev. Edward Thring, which has been written by his friend, Mr. George B. Parkin, Headmaster of the Collegiate School, Frederiekton, New Brunswick, and will be published shortly by Messrs. Macmillan. The life of Professor Henry Drummond, by Professor George Adam Smith, and that of the Rev. Dr. Dale, by his son, Mr. A. W. Dale, both to be published also by Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton, are other interesting contributions to the leligious bio- graphies of the year. For the art interest, the book of this autumn will be the memoir of Sir John Millais, which has been done by his son, Mr. J. G. Millais, assisted by the copious diaries and notes kept methodically by the late President of the Royal Academy. Mr. Justin McCarthy has written a short history of the United States, designed for Eng- lish readers. It will come shortly from Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton. Mr. George Gissing is editing an issue of Dickens's works for Messrs. Methuen. The last story written by the late Mr. James Payn is believed to be that which a " Christmas Tree," to be published by Messrs. Downey, will contain. It will be side by side in the volume with contributions by Miss Braddon, Mr. Frankfort Moore, Mr. Christie Murray, Mr. Baring Gould, Mr. G. Manville Fenn, and others. A new novel by Mr. Anthony Hope is to begin its serial appearance after Christmas, the title being " The King's Mirror," and the hero a royal lad, whose nurse not only imparts to him an idea of his greatness as a born king, but spanks him. Sportswomen are about to have a library for themselves. Miss Frances Slaughter is editing a series of volumes in which Mrs. Burn, daughter of Colonel Anstruther Thomson, writes on fox- hunting, Mrs. Penn Curzon, whose father was formerly master of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds, on stag hunting, and Susan, Countess ## p. 120 (#132) ############################################ 120 THE AUTHOR. of Malmesbury, on angling, while other noted sportswomen deal with various fields. There are to be two volumes at present, and possibly a third afterwards in this Sportswoman's Library, which Messrs. Constable are to publish, and which will be dedicated to the Countess of Worcester. One of the most popular books of this year is likely to be the biography of the late "Lewis Carroll," the children's favourite, which has been written by his nephew, Mr. S. D. Collingwood, and will be published at a moderate price by Mr. Fisher Unwin. It will be illustrated by many of his own sketches. Mr. Dodgson in his early years compiled three magazines, in manuscript, in which the genius which was afterwards to be shown in " Alice in Wonderland," is exhibited in little. There is also the record of a Russian tour with Canon Liddon, and new portraits of Mr. Ruskin, Tennyson, the Rossettis, Mr. Holman Hunt, Mr. George Macdonald, and others. Official people will be interested in the life of the late Mr. Henry Cecil Baikes, Postmaster- General, which is written by Mr. St. John Raikes and will be published this autumn. The new novel by Mrs. Edna Lyall, which is to appear this month, is laid in Keswick and London during the seventeenth century. "Hope the Hermit" is its title, and among the real characters who are introduced are George Fox and Archbishop Tillotson. A volume of essays on the philosophy of religion, by Mr. T. Bailey Saunders, will appear shortly. An interesting contribution to the literature on the pre-Baphaelite movement is about to be published. It will be Mr. Ruskin's letters to Rossetti between the years 1852 and 1867, which relate to various subjects, but are mainly con- nected with art. The volume, which is edited by Mr. William Rossetti and published by Mr. George Allen, will also contain letters by Brown- ing, Bell Scott, Coventry Patmore, and others. Mr. Euskin enjoys good health. "The Life of William Morris," by Mr. J. W. Mackail, will appear this autumn from Messrs. Longmans. A study by Mr. Sheridan Pureell, of Cardinal Newman as Anglican and as Catholic, will be published by Messrs. Macmillan. A novel by Mr. A. J. Dawson, dealing with Moorish life in the Riff country, and in Tangier, and entitled " Bismillah," is to be published in a few days by Messrs. Macmillan. Miss Charlotte M. Yonge has written a history of the parishes of Hursley and Otterbourne, which Messrs. Macmillan will publish. A biography of Sir Astley Cooper Key, by Admiral Colomb, is among Messrs. Methuen's forthcoming books. A new threepenny magazine is to follows fast on the appearance of the Harmsworth, and in the same field. A million copies of the Royal Magazine, as it is to be called, will be printed and out by Oct. 14. Messrs. Pearson are the firm to publish it. It is eloquent of the scale upon which such things are done, that Messrs. Pearson pro- pose to spend .£20,000 in advertising the maga- zine, and to put aside £50,000 which they are pre- pared to exhaust to run it. The Harmsworth last month, by the way, raises its price to $\d. in order to give the booksellers a working profit. A sixpenny magazine for girls is also being started this month. It will be called the GrirVs Realm, and the publishers are Messrs. Hutchin- son. "Paterson's Parish, a Lifetime Amongst the Dissenters," by the Rev. Dr. Joseph Parker, of the City Temple, will be published in October by Mr. Thomas Burleigh. A story of peasant life in the Ardennes entitled "God is Love," by Mr. T. Mullett Ellis, author of " Tales of the Klondyke," will be published very shortly by Mr. Thomas Burleigh. An unconventional novel, entitled "A Social Upheaval," by Isidore G. Ascher, will be pub- lished in the early autumn by Messrs. Lawrence Greening and Co. The book will present certain aspects of socialism in a novel and humorous manner, with a background of strong sensational incidents. "The Main Chance," by Miss Christabel Cole- ridge, which has been running through the Monthly Packet for 1898, will be brought out in one volume form by Messrs. Hurst and Blackett. during the autumn. Messrs. Chapman and Hall have in the press a work by Mr. A. Eedcote Dewar on "From Matter to Man : a New Theory of the Universe." The work demonstrates in detail the natural evolution of man, life and mind; the arguments, being backed by a wealth of illustration from every department of science. Mr. Herbert Morrah, author of " The Faithful City," published last year by Messrs. Methuen„ has a new novel ready. The book is entitled "The Optimist," and will appear during the present month. Messrs. Pearson are the pub- lishers. Professor Skeat has nearly completed his edition of "jElfric's Saints' Lives," printed for the Early English Text Society. This edition,, begun nearly seventeen years ago, is founded on MS. Julius E. 7, in the British Museum, and con- tains about thirty-seven Homilies, most of which ## p. 121 (#133) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 121 are here printed for the first time. -SUlfric's Homilies, originally written at the close of the tenth century, were re-transcribed and imitate 1 during nearly two centuries, and he is therefore justly regarded as the father of early English prose, for which reason his name is worthy of being held in honour by students of pure English. A new book by the Poet Laureate will appear shortly. The title is " Lamia's Winter Quarters." Mr. Wasey Sterry leads off, with a volume on Eton, a series of histories of our great public schools by various writers, which Messrs. Methuen have projected. We summarise as follows a number of works of fiction which are announced: "Windy Haugh," by Graham Travers (Blackwood); "The Phan- tom Army," by Mr. Max Pemberton; and "Despair's Last Journey," by Mr. David Christie Murray (Pearson); "Rodman, the Boat-Steerer," by Mr. Louis Becke, and "The Romance of a Midshipman," by Mr. Clark Russell (Unwin); "The Battle of the Strong," a romance of 1798, by Mr. Gilbert Parker. Mrs. Gertrude Atherton is just publishing, through Mr. Lane, a story entitled "The Cali- fornians," and in the spring a short novel called "A Daughter of the Vine" will be published from her pen. Mr. George Laurence Gomme is extending his studies in the way of illustrating periods of history by the means of romantic literature. A year ago he edited some specimens of this kind in English history, calling the volume " The King's Story Book." He is editing Constable's Library of Historical Novels and Romances (which has been coming out at somewhat long intervals) in which are Lord Lytton's "Harold, the Last of the Saxon Bangs," Charles Macfarlane's "The Camp of Refuge," and Kingsley's "Westward Ho! Mr. Gomme is now editing a Tolume to be called "The Queen's Story Book," which will begin with the Battle of Hastings, and end with the Chartist riots, and contain examples selected from Scott, Thackeray, Lytton, Galt, Ainsworth, Defoe, Peacock, Beaeonsfield, and other writers. The International Press Congress at Lisbon has just finished its work, and we hope to give some account of its sittings in our November issue from the pen of Mr. James Baker. This writer, who was in September acting as special corre- spondent in Holland at Queen Wilhelmina's installation, his articles appearing in the Pall Mall Gazette and the Queen, is now in Lisbon. He has just seen the last sheets of his new novel through the press. This is of the same period as his last work, " The Gleaming Dawn," but does not deal with the religious struggles of the 15th century; it is a story of adventure. Mr. Michael MacDonagh proposes t:i do for Irish wit and humour in his book, " Irish Life and Character," which Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton will shortly publish, what Dean Ramsay in his popular work "Reminiscences of Scottish Life and Character" has done for Scotland. It will be the first attempt which has been made to give a complete picture of the manners, customs, and ways of thought of the Irish people, illustrated by copious anecdote and the personal experiences of the author. Among forthcoming novels is one by Mr. James M. Graham, whose historical romance, "The Son of the Czar," took a conspicuous place among the successful books of last year. Mr. Graham's new story is called "A World Bewitched." As the title indicates, the subject dealt with is that most painful of superstitions which was almost universal among Christians a few centuries ago. There were men of commanding genius, men. like Rabelais, Montaigne, Shakespeare, who heartily despised the prevailing belief in witchcraft. There were sceptics of a more sinister kiud, who, from motives of gain, vengeance, or delight in human wretchedness, took advantage of the general credulity to keep the fires of the stake in constant activity; and the sceptics last referred to figure prominently in Mr. Graham's tale. The period chosen is the early part of the 17th century. The scene is laid in the neighbourhood of the Pyrenees. The publishers will be Messrs. Harper and Brothers. PUBLICATIONS OF THE YEAR 1397. LE DROIT D'AUTEUR " gives the follow- ing statistics for the year 1897 in an extremely interesting article containing a mass of information, for which we must refer our readers to the pages of our valuable con- temporary: Great Britain— New books New edition,.. Total United Sea tea France Germany Italy Holland Denmark Norway Sweden . 1896. 1897. 1 5234 6244 1339 1682 6573 7926 5703 4928 12,738 13.799 23,861 23.339 9778 9732 2880 1128 1167 S77 529 1506 1642. ## p. 122 (#134) ############################################ I 22 THE AUTHOR. It will be remarked that the United States «hows a diminution. Austria and Russia have made no returns. Those for Hungary have not advanced beyond 1895 (1407). The analyst of the publications of the United States presents several interesting features:— Works by authors of other nationalities printed iu the United S a'es. New Publications. Works by American authors. s ■ n 11 0 3d O 0 m ■ k 0 K >5 713 156 358 352 «59 474 35 491 — 18 447 45 376 23 93 Educational 395 36 385 4 42 Literary history and 261 '54 313 ■5 87 3'9 50 299 9 61 175 21 155 2 39 180 67 ■34 29 84 166 22 116 7 65 History 189 49 180 11 47 Biography 193 12 71 22 112 129 24 132 3 18 Travels 149 20 99 9 61 Fine arts and illus- trated works 108 3« 11 4 124 Mechanical arts ... 96 H 82 28 Philosophy 70 6 47 4 25 Domestic and rural economy 52 5 35 — 22 Comic and satirical 33 5 19 — 24 17 5 15 1 6 Total 4171 757 3?i8 495 i"5 OBITUARY. WE regret to announce the death of the Earl of Desart. His lordship caught a cold while on board his yacht at Wendur, and died a few days later—on September 15— from internal inflammation. He had been an invalid for many years, and was fifty-three years of age. William Ulick O'Connor Cuffe, the late Earl of Desart, was the fourth Earl, and was a son of the third Earl and of a daughter of the first Earl Cawdor. He succeeded his father in 1865, and married Ellen, daughter of H. L. Bischoffsheim, of Bute House, South Audley- street, London. He was the author of numerous novels, including "Children of Nature," "Kelver- .dale," "Helen's View," "Lord and Lady Piccadilly," "Love and Pride on an Iceberg," and others, his last work being "The Raid of the Detrimental," which was published by Messrs. Pearson last year. He also did a little in journalism. His death makes the second loss within a few months to the Council of the Society of Authors, of which the late Earl was a member for ten years. The remains were interred on Monday, the 19th ult., at Lord Falmouth's picturesquely situated little cemetery. The coffin was borne to the graveside by eight y a chtsmen. The chief mourners were the Countess of Desart, the Hon. Sir J. Hamilton, and Lady Margaret Cuffe, Major and Lady Kathleen Pilkington, Captain the Hon. Otway Cuffe, the Hon. A. E. Henniker, and Mrs. Wemyss. THE BOOKS OF THE MONTH. [August 24 to Sept. 23.—304 Books.] Adcock, A. St. J. In the Image of God 3/6. Skefflngton. Alexander, A. Physical Training at Home. 2/- net. Cox. Anderson. R. J. Hereiity. 1/2. Galway: M. Claytosu Andom, R. Martha and I. 3/6. Jarrold. Andrews, S. J. Christianity and anil-Christianity in their Final Con- Iliet. 0- Putnam. Andrews, William. Bygone Punishments. 7/6. Andrews. Anonymous. A Bitter Penitence. 1/6. Stevens. Anonymous. Booke of Sundry Draughtes, principalv serving for Glasiers, and not impertinent for Plasterers and Gardiners, Ac. 10,6. Reprint of original 1615 edition. Leadenhall Press. Anonymous (Author of "Bertha's Fate"). Knight or Knave? 1/6. Stevens. Anonymous (E. A. D.). Gift of Best. 1/- Frowde. Anonymous (An Expert Oil Refiner). Oils, Tallow, and Grease, for Lubricatira, Ac. 7/6 net. Scott and Greenwood. Anonymous (E. E H.). Allie. or The Little Irish Girl. 1/6. Gall. Anonymous (A German Staff Officer). Greco-Turkish War of 1897. Tr. by Frederica Bolton. 5/- Sonnenschein. Anonymous (Auth ir of " Laddie "). Belle. 3/6. Chambers. Anonymous. Elizabeth and her German Garden. 6/- Macmillan. Arnold, D Tales and Rhymes for Happy Times. 2/6. Bel. Tract Soc. Arnold, T. Notes on Beowulf. 3/6. Longmans. Asplen, L O. A Thousand Years of English Church History. *7- net. Bell. Avery, H. The Triple Alliance. A Tale 3/6. Nelson. Bslfour, Andrew. To Arms! 6/- Methuen. Ballard, S (tr.) Fairy Tales from Far Japan. 2/6. Bel. Tract Soc. 1'ankea, A. Essays and Enigmas. 2/6. Partridge. Barlow, Jane. From the East unto the West. A Novel. 6/- Methuen. Barnby, L. H. Some Elementary Remarks on Musical Theory. 1/- Weekes. Barrett, G. S. Musings for Quiet Hours. 1/6. Rel. Tract Soc ^arrows, S. J. The Isles and Shrines of Greece. 8/6. Low. Bedford, H. L. The Twins that did not Pair. 2/- Bel. Tract 8oc. Bell, Mackenzie. Pictures of Travel, and other Pi 7/6. 3/6. Hurst. Cath. Truth Soc White. Banks. 7/6. Cox. Ward and L. Oliphant. Low. Bellord. Meditations on Christian Dogma. Bentley, H. C. A Near Thing, Ac. 1/- Berry, G. J. Iscah: A Tale for the Times. 3/6. Bickerdyke, John. Practical Letters to Young Se Bird. M. The Seeker. 1/- Black, M. M. Robert Louis Stevenson. 1/6. Black, William. Wild Eelin. 6/- Blake, E. On the Study of the Hand for Indications of General Disease 2/6 net. H. J. Glaisher. Block, Louis J. Oapriccios. 5/- Putnam. Blunt, Wilfrid. The Poetry of. Selected and arranged by W. E. Henley and George Wyndham. 6/- Heinemann. Bosanquet, Mrs. B. The Standard of Life, and Other Studies. 3/6 net Macmillan. Brassey. T. A. The Royal Naval Reserve, the Mercantile Marine, and the Colonies. 1/- Stanford. Rrocklehurst, F. I was in Prison. 2/6 net. Cnwin. Brodrick, Hon. Mrs. A. Ananias: A Novel. 6/- Methuen. Brooke, Emma. Factory Laws of European Countries in so far as they relate to Women and Children. 2/6 net Richards. Biuce, C. Birthday Book of Proverbs. 1/- W. P. Nimmo. Bryant, Sophie. The Teaching of Christ. 2/6. Sonnenschein. Burchard, H. H. A Text.Book of Dental Pathology and Therapeutics. 22/- net. H. Kimpton. Burns, D. Temperance in the Victorian Age. 1/- Ideal Publishing Union. ## p. 123 (#135) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 123- Barrel 1, A. He*r Speaking and Good Beading. 2/6. Longmans. Batch, Dr. M. Bismarck: Some Secret Pages of his Hhvory. 30/- net. Macmillan Butler, W, C. Modern Practical Confectioner. 1/- net. Caine, O. V. Face to Face with Napoleon. 5/- Caird. Mona. The Pathway of the Hods. 6/- Campion. H. The Secret of the Poles. 1/- net Simpkin. Niabet. Skjfflngton. Birmingham: tVhite and Price. Constable. Arrowsmitb. Hutchfnson. Hodges. Rivington. Putnam. Cassell. Tract Soc. Wesley. Unwin. The Rights Longmans. From the Quaritch. Wesley. Campbell, W. D Beyond the Border. 6/- Capes, Bernard. The Mysterious Singer. I/- Carey. RosaN MolhVs Prince. 6/- Carv. U. H. Key to Elementary Book-keeping by Double Entry. 3/6. S mpkln. 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JC4 0 0 3 0 0 I 10 0 0 15 0 o 7 e per Inch 0 6 0 per 2000 3 0 0 Reductions made for a Saria of Six or Twelve Insertions. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the Advkbhbcuknt Manaqkb, The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street, W.C. Front Page Other Pages Half of a Page Quarter of a Page Kishih of a Page Single Column Advertisements Bills for Insertion Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 05 (October 1898) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 05 (October 1898) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1898-10-01-The-Author-9-5 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/322/1898-11-01-The-Author-9-6.pdf e115074037d8e44adf4891f27f98e811 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1898-11-01 Volume 9 Issue 6 Pages Page range in volume 125–148 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18981101 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin XL he H u t b o r, (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. IX.—No. 6.] NOVEMBER i, 1898. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by retnrn of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- joots whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. FOB some years it has been the praotioe to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices, &o., for the guidance of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to oarry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor I (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both rides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true : but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a oommon law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the seoretary before he signs it. ## p. 126 (#138) ############################################ i26 THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. i. LI VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive ITi advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advioe sought is such as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the 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 publisher's agreements do not generally fall 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the oase of fraudnlent houses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the oountry. 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of every- thing important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of coarse, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Sooiety now offers:—(1) To read and advise npon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points oonnected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Offioe without previously communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Seoretary for information, rules of admission, Ac. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether ho was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to- sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanced 15 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, reoently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly oorrect: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made npon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of course, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into hia own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of a welling their own profits call it NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Seoretary the modest 08. 6d. subscription for the year. The Editor is always glad to receive short papers and communications on all subjects connected with literature from members and others. Nothing can do more good to the Society than to make The Author complete, attractive, and interesting. Will those who are willing to aid in this work send their names and the special subjects on which they are willing to write? THE AUTHORS' CLUB. ri^HE Directors have the pleasure to inform I the members of the Authors' Society that the new lease of the club premises has now been settled, and that the additional rooms will shortly be opened. One obstacle to the prosperous development of the club has been the comparatively limited accommodation offered to members, and com- plaints have been put forward from time to time that it was impossible, for that reason, for ## p. 127 (#139) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 127 members to ask their friends to join. The new large coffee room will give increased facilities for dining, and the directors expect to see an accession of new members to the club. They feel assured, after the very cordial expression of goodwill at the last general meeting, that in taking over the new rooms they have adopted a course which will receive the hearty support of all the members, and which will be to the advan- tage of the club. G. Herbert Theing, Secretary. LITERARY PROPERTY. I. —A County Couet Decision.—Spicer v. Nutt. ON the 17th Oct., in the Westminster County Court, Judge Lumley Smith, Q.C., and a jury heard the case of Spicer v. Nutt, an action brought by an Oxford clergyman against a Strand publisher and bookseller, to recover .£41 is. Sd., profits on the sale of a book called "The Baba Log." The defendant claimed £21 is. Sd. as a set-off, and paid £20 into court. The Rev. J. M. Macdonald, a missionary in India, wrote the book, a work for children in British India, and got the Rev. Mr. Spicer to have it published. The plaintiff agreed to pay Mr. Nutt. He did so for some editions, and guaranteed to pay for any further editions Mr. Macdonald ordered. Mr. Macdonald had a cor- respondence with Mr. Nutt as to publishing a cheaper edition for use in schools in India as a text-book, and ordered eventually 500 copies as a school edition. The plaintiff refused to pay the loss on that edition, £21 is. Sd., as he only, he said, guaranteed to pay for further editions of the book as he saw it—the higher priced edition. The defendant contended that the school edition was precisely the same except the binding, and was practically the same book. The jury found for the plaintiff for the amount claimed, and judgment was given accordingly with costs.—Daily Graphic. II. —Copyright in Holland and Germany. The following, which we quote from our con- temporary Das Jiecht der Feder, a German organ for the protection of copyright, is probably of greater interest to English authors than the majority of them suspect. Not everyone has noticed in how many Dutch newspapers the feuilleton is a translation of an English novel. The Netherlands Union for the Advancement of the Bookselling Trade has, at its general meeting, decided, by a majority of eighty-one to forty, to take no steps in favour of the adhesion of Holland to the Berne Union. Herr A. J. Robbeen, a partisan of adhesion to the Union, divides the opponents of that step into three classes: 1. A few small printer-publishers who procure translations of foreign novels, and print them to keep their presses going. The cost of production being inconsiderable, the smallest sales produce some profit. 2. Editors of newspapers who wish to procure feuilletons at starvation prices. 3. Theatrical speculators. On the contrary—so Herr Robbeen asserts— all Dutch authors, all the great publishers, and all the educated public are in favour of adhesion. This opinion of his is hardly supported by the fact that a number of Dutch statesmen and jurists have always declared themselves to be opponents of international copyright. Amongst these Dr. J. D. Veergens has, in his writings, expressed the following opinions: "I consider the exploded doctrine of so-called intellectual property to be absolutely untenable. "Translation is not piracy, but original work. "An idea as soon as it is expressed is public property. "Holland has not joined the Berne Union, first of all, because, in the interests of the community, the Government was indisposed to sacrifice the fundamental liberty of transla- tion. "To this liberty Holland must hold fast." From these and some other principles of equity adduced by Dr. Veergens, Dr. Robbeen deduces the conclusion that, "according to Veergens, copyright exists only in consequence of legal enactment. Were there no legislation on the subject there would be no right." Dr. J. A. Levy, a former deputy, seconds Dr. Veergens by saying: "Thought is the highest expression of the intellectual faculty of man. Thought exists in order to be disseminated. Only dissemination can make it fruitful. In conse- quence, any hindrance of its dissemination is an unpardonable crime against the evolution of humanity. For this reason no one any longer speaks of literary property as a legal right. . . One respects the rights of authors. But transla- tion forms no part of an author's rights. . . . The translator works in his own sphere of thought, in his own world of imagination. Into that sphere the original author does not enter: the translator is absolute master. By what pretence, by what shadow of right, can the translator's ## p. 128 (#140) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. intellectual labour be denied the quality of origi- nality? No two translations are alike." Das Recht der Feder remarks on these charm- ing statements: "That the liberty defended by these gentlemen is that of the highwayman has entirely escaped their observation. And are the highest nights of imagination those which they have been so desirous to reproduce? Certainly not. Only his own interests make the translator a thief. The foulest pamphlet that delights the herd is by far more precious to him than the most important intellectual work, which pleases only a few cultivated people. The former brings in, the latter costs, money. Culture that takes money out of his pocket? Not if he knows it! Multa- tuli was right. There is a robber State between East Friesland and the Scheldt. When will the Dutch open their eyes to the fact that the protec- tion of the rights of foreign authors is the best protection of national production?" The German Union of Authors ("Schrifts- teller Verband") on the occasion of the annual general meeting at Wiesbaden, in September, turned its attention to the proposed revision of the copyright law of the German Empire, and passed several important resolutions :— 1. That this meeting expresses its satisfaction at the prospect of a revision of the law. 2. That the meeting trusts that before the projected law is placed in the statute-book it may be submitted for public criticism. 3. That the union shall appoint a commission to determine (after making general inquiries ainongst authors) what are the particular points which should be taken into consideration by the new legislation, and to lay the results of its in- quiries before the Legislature. On the motion of Herr M. Hilde brand four general propositions respecting the lines which the new Legislature should take were also passed, the second and fourth not without opposition :— 1. The passing of a single enactment, replacing the imperial laws of June 11, 1870, and Jan. 9, 1876. 2. Protection of copyright irrespective of the nationality of the author or original locality of publication. 3. Reproduction of newspaper articles to be piracy—if for pecuniary advantage, or in order to avoid the expense of procuring independent 'information. 4. A tax—to be applied to benevolent insti- tutions for authors — to be imposed upon all works of which the copyright has lapsed. In defence of his second proposition, Herr Hildebrand pleaded that making a distinction between authors of different nationalities pro- duces in the mind of the public a confusion of ideas respecting the nature of literary property. In a civilised State, such as the German Empire, a man ought not to be robbed because he happens to be a Roumanian or a Greek. Translation of an Article Reprinted from "Hannover schen Courier" in "Das Recht der Feder" No. 143, October 2, 1898, p. 156. We may express the hope that it [the revision of the German Copyright Law] will not result in a mere recension intended to amend certain par- ticulars in which the law of 1870 has been left behind by subsequent international conventions, but that the Government may show itself disposed to favour more advanced wishes. For some time past a tendency that certainly deserves respect, has existed in the German literary world, or at least in that section of it which concerns itself about these copyright questions that so closely affect literary men—it is much to be regretted that more great names do not belong to that section of the literary world. On this subject a correspondent writes to us: "Discerning authors have already availed them- selves of the opportunity of discussing the revision of the law at congresses. Our present copyright law protects only the German author from un- authorised reproduction. Foreign authors are protected only in so far as conventions exist with their respective States. Literary works produced in States with which we have no such conventions (for example Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Turkey, and many others) can be translated or reproduced amongst us without restrictions, and vice versd. The wishes of literary circles, so far as these have been expressed, now go so far as to desire that the new law should protect all intel- lectual productions from translation, reproduction, dramatisation, performance, &c., irrespective of the country in which the author lives. This pro- posal at first sight appears to result from taking a purely idealistic point of view. The Russian author will be protected in Germany, and the German author will be absolutely unprotected in Russia. Nevertheless, solid realities lie at the base of the proposal. When we protect the foreign author from being taken advantage of, we compel the German publisher who desires to bring out a foreign work to come to terms with the author. The publisher will have to pay the author and the translator, and, in consequence, the foreign work will be made more expensive; for example, the foreign novel, which at present plays so im- portant a rile in our newspapers and elsewhere. Under these circumstances only those foreign ## p. 129 (#141) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. works will be translated upon which it is worth while to spend some money. The German author will be liberated from the base competition of bad translations of foreign mediocre works which are practically mere poor imitations either of our own or of French literature; and German intellectual labour will consequently increase in both material and ideal value, seeing that the German author, liberated from the meanest competition, will be able to emancipate himself from anenervating over- production. The proof of the correctness of this view is at hand. France has had a law of this sort—ein solches Gesetz, but this statement seems to require qualification—since 1852, and French literature and French authors stand in the highest estimation. Supposing that a few journalistic pirates, in Russia or Holland or elsewhere, wrest foreign literary productions to their own advan- tage, they do so at the cost of the development of their own literature, which cannot but be a gain to us. It is to be anticipated also that this view may be taken by the representatives of our Government; for example. Privy Councillor Reichard, of the Foreign Office—I am unable to find the name of Reichard in the books of reference at my disposal—on one occasion re- marked at a conference on international negotia- tions, 'Only the nation which has a strong copy- right law can possess a literature.'" The opinions here expressed certainly contain much that is to the point. On the other hand, it is not possible at once to set aside the considera- tion that by this one-sided protection of literary work we may be surrendering a weapon that might compel foreign States to abstain from pirating German literature. Revision of the German Copyright Law. Herr Hildebrand, president of the Deutscher Schriftsteller Genossenschaft, in his excellent journal, Das Recht der Feder, is making strong protests against the constitution of the commis- sion of experts entrusted with the preliminary consultations respecting the very important pro- ject of the revision of the German imperial copyright law. "Nine publishers, but not a single literary celebrity!" he exclaims, and not without reason. Associated with the names of imperial officials and legal authorities we find those of Brockhaus, Mulbrecht, and Voigtlander, of the musical booksellers Birkmeyer, Bock, Strecher, also of Engelhorn (President of the German booksellers' Borsenverein) and of Von Hase (President of the Musical Booksellers' Society). But literature is represented by Herr Hildebrand himself alone, whilst, to quote his own words, " the name of no single author of celebrity vol.. rx. appears on the list." He adds modestly: "That the honourable enterprise of defending the rights of authors against the interests of publishers should have been left to me alone, appears to me by n'o means a satisfactory arrangement." Mean- while the protests of some of the trade journals against his large-minded views of copyright draw from him the strong remark " that certain pub- lishers should be alarmed at the prospect of being compelled to earn their bread honestly, and of being prevented from stealing, is quite compre- hensible." And in conclusion he adds: "What the interests of authors are must be learned from authors, not from their publishers," in which we entirely agree with him III.—The Pall Mall on Mr. Victor Spiees. "There is a long letter in The Author this month from Mr. Victor Spiers which raises an interesting point in the relation between the publisher and the writer of books. . . . Mr. Spiers has taken to issuing his books through a distributing agent, as, it appears, Miss Braddon does also, and his reason for recommending that method is practi- cally this: that you should not trust any man in the dark. Suppose one publishes a book on the royalty system; the publisher after a due period says that so many copies have been sold and pays accordingly. But, says Mr. Spiers, how do you know how many copies have been sold? You rely on the publisher's bare word, and that is not businesslike. Mr. Spiers proposes as an amendment to this practice that the printer should take his orders from the publisher and the author jointly, and should render his account to both. But every publishing house would refuse to accept such a clause in an agreement, and would regard the proposal as a slur upon its integrity. That is, of course, the case; and I think that there is a good deal to be said against the attitude adopted by publishers in this matter. For, even if it be granted that nine publishers out of ten are to be trusted implicitly, there is always the tenth man to consider. If A., B., C, and D., whom I can trust blindfolded, do not want to publish my book, how can I go to E. and say: 'The arrangement which I should be willing to accept with A., B., C, or D., implies more confi- dence in the publisher than I should be willing to extend to you'? Thus the action of the trustworthy houses throws temptation in the way of those who are less honest. And it must be remembered that publishers have no control over members of their trade. A solicitor who has defrauded his client may be struck off the rolls, but a publisher cannot be. What Mr. Sp calls ' the large, old and respected houses' would P ## p. 130 (#142) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. have probably everything to gain by accepting 'a legal examination of accounts.' Once the point was conceded in theory not one author in twenty would care to pay the expenses of such an inquiry."—Pall Mall Gazette, Oct. 8. Mr. Victor Spiers has sent a second letter to the Pall Mall Gazette. It contains a statement of the greatest interest: In my first letter I suggested a simpler alternative than a legal audit of accounts : it was merely that into the agree- ment should be inserted a clause to the effect that the printer should print only upon receipt of an order bearing the joint signature of author and publisher. Some of your many readers may be interested to hear that a large Paris house actually gives these very terms in its contracts; at any rate, I have just heard that they have been given to one author, who moreover has the stereos under his oontrol, and actually has in his possession a few plates of one of bis books. Nor is it likely that he is the only one thus privileged. The general adoption of this clause would do away with the unpleasant feeling that undoubtedly exists in the minds of most authors, and that, undoubtedly again, should not be permitted to exist in the relations between honourable men. Suspicion ought not to exist in the relations between honourable men. That is true. It is impossible to exist between honourable men. But when we have two sides, one of whom, like Mr. Spiers, demands nothing but honesty and the ordinary proofs of honesty, and the other side absolutely refuses these proofs, on which side does honour lie? Let us remember that in the famous " draft agreements'' there is not one word of concession. Why, even the charge for advertise- ments not paid for is left without a word of remonstrance! . IV.—A Question of Eight. In the number of the Publishers' Circular dated Oct. 8 a letter appeared, signed "A Publisher." The writer begins with the usual petty spitefulness about this Society. It appears that we are not "representative." He then pro- ceeds to state certain considerations, especially that when cases are submitted to the Publishers' Association or the Authors' Society, neither of these bodies is pledged to secrecy. "Has either publisher or author the right of referring a dis- pute, including communication of all documents bearing upon it, to the Publishers' Association or to the Society of Authors without first obtaining the consent of the other party; and, if he does so, will an action for damages lie?" His question in effect is: "Has an author or a publisher the legal right of making public to his association the terms of any dispute and the com- munication of all documents bearing upon it?" I write from the author's point of view. An author has a certain property. He employs an agent to administer that property on certain terms. He subsequently has a dispute with that agent. J£ he thinks it desirable he can refer the dispute, with all papers concerning it, to any person. In the case of referring it to the Authors' Society he refers it to them as an Asso- ciation which can be of valuable assistance in defending him and his property. The same remark would apply where the author sells the copyright or his property outright to the pub- lisher. Apart from this broad principle, how- ever, an author refers to the Secretary of the Society in the first instance as to a solicitor, and receives advice from the Secretary as from a solicitor, the Secretary holding all such communi- cations in confidence. If, subsequently, owing to the dispute not being satisfactorily settled, the author desires the matter referred to the Com- mittee, it is still treated in confidence as far as the Committee are concerned. The author, how- ever, has the right of putting his statement of facts before anyone he may choose, whether the Secretary of the Society, the Committee, or the public. The writer states as follows: "It is obvious that neither body can be regarded naturally as an arbitration tribunal." Such a remark is wholly unnecessary, though in some cases, with the con- sent of both parties, it might be advantageous to accept the Authors' Society or their authorised representative as an arbitrator. In three cases that came before the Secretary last year when matters were in dispute between author and pub- lisher, and the issue was one that could be best settled by arbitration, the publisher accepted the settlement of the case on the basis proposed by the Secretary and the Society's solicitors. That such should be the case speaks very favourably for the Society's fairness in cases of dispute and to a recognition of the fact that while the Society exists for its members it does not entertain any desire to injure other people. The main gist of the question, however, appears to be that the "Publisher," whoever he may be, strongly objects to have his own practices or those of his brothers in trade made public. Q-. H. T. V.—CONTKIBUTIONS TO MAGAZINES. (From the Law Journal, by permission.) Section 18 of the Copyright Act of 1842 (5 & 6 Vict. c. 45) provides that, when the proprietor or conductor of an encyclopaedia, magazine, review, or periodical or serial work, employs persons to compose articles, essays, poems, or any portion of such works, the copy- right of the articles, essays, &c., shall vest in such proprietor or conductor, provided that the articles ## p. 131 (#143) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. »3i were composed " on the terms that the copyright shall belong to such proprietor," &c., and have actually been paid for, and subject to a right on the part of the composer to publish his composi- tions in a separate form at the expiration of twenty-eight years from the date of their first appearance in the encyclopaedia, magazine, or other work. Tor some years after the passing of the Act it was a disputed question what was the precise meaning of the words "on the terms that the copyright shall belong to such proprietor," <fec. Was it sufficient to show that there had actually been payment for an article in order to vest the copyright in it in the proprietor of the magazine in which it appeared? Must there have been an express agreement that the copy- right should pass from the author to the pro- prietor, or could a transfer be implied from circumstances? In Sweet v. Benning (24 Law J. Eep. C. P. 175; 16 C. B. 459) the Court of Common Pleas held that the transfer of copyright to the magazine proprietor might take place by implication, as well as by express agreement. "Where," said Chief Justice Jervis (24 Law J. Eep. C. P. 179; 16 C. B. 480), "the proprietor of a periodical employs a gentleman to write a given article or a series of articles or reports, expressly for the purpose of publication therein, of necessity it is implied that the copyright of the articles so expressly written for such periodical and paid for by the proprietors and publishers thereof, shall be the property of such proprietors and publishers; otherwise, it might be that the author might, the day after his article has been published by the persons for whom he contracted to write it, republish it in a separate form, or in another serial, and there would be no corres- pondent benefit to the original publishers for the payment they had made." But the impli- cation does not arise from the mere fact that payment has been made for the article ( Walter v. Howe, 50 Law J. Rep. Chanc. 621; L. R. 17 Chanc. Div.). The copyright was in the first instance in the author, and it remains in him except in so far as he can be shown to have parted with it {Hereford v. Griffin, 17 Law J. Rep. Chanc. 210; 16 Sim. 190; Smith v. John- son, 33 Law J. Rep. Chanc. 137; 4 Giff. 632). Under the existing law, therefore, the offer of an article to the proprietors of a periodical will not carry copyright even upon payment, if the article has not actually been written in pursu- ance of a previous arrangement, express or implied. The section, in fact, is only applicable when the author, before commencing to write, has entered into an agreement with the maga- zine proprietor in express terms, or in terms which may be implied to have existed through VOL. IX. the subsequent action, relations, or behaviour of the parties. The two bills recently before Parliament, intro- duced by Lords Herschell and Monkswell, made the following proposals as to this class of litera- ture. Unlike the Act of 1842, which treated encyclopaedias and magazines in precisely the same way, the present bills divide them into two classes consisting of (1) encyclopaedias, dictionaries, and similar collective works; (2) magazines, reviews, and other periodicals. In the first class the copyright in contributions will belong to the owner of the compilation dur- ing the entire period for which copyright will exist, and he or his assigns will be the only persons entitled to take action in case of an infringement. If the author wishes to reserve copyright to himself, he must enter into a special written agreement to that effect. It is obvious that this is a more favourable arrangement for proprietors of collective works than exists in the present state of the law, when at the latest, con- tributors to such works are entitled to republish their contributions in separate form at the end of twenty years. In the second class the copyright in contribu- tions will remain in the authors; but, provided that payment has been made by the owner of the magazine, &c., to which they are contributed, the authors will not be at liberty to republish their contributions in a separate form until the expira- tion of three years from the date when they first appeared (or three years from the end of the year in which they first appeared, as Lord Herschell's Bill proposes). Authors are, how- ever, at liberty to register their contributions at Stationers' Hall as separate publications imme- diately on their appearance, and can then claim damages for infringement of copyright although the three years have not elapsed. As under the existing law, the magazine proprieters will have the sole right of publication in their magazines (but not otherwise) during the entire subsistence of the copyright. Here, again, the proprietors will be somewhat more favourably placed than at present, because they will be legally entitled to prevent separate publication on the author's part for the specified period of three years, whereas the only check that at present exists upon separate publication by an author on the day after his article has appeared in a magazine is, in the absence of a special stipulation, the im- probability that he would see his signature at the foot of any further contributions in the same magazine. With most contributors this would, no doubt, be a sufficiently powerful incentive to refrain from any unfair dealing, but the new proposal places the rights of the various parties ## p. 132 (#144) ############################################ 132 THE AUTHOR. on a clearer and more settled basis than at present, and is therefore desirable from every point of view. Under existing conditions it is not an unusual course among authors, when submitting their contributions for an editor's approval, to notify their desire to reserve the copyright. As the law stands, this would appear to be a work of supere- rogation, but what will be necessary when the provisions of these bills become law will be a notification that the contributor desires to reserve the right of republication before the statutory three years, if such is the case. Probably, how- ever, the majority of contributors will not object to the practical relinquishment of their copyright for a period which does not seem to be unreason- ably long to duly safeguard the interests of the owners of periodicals. VI.—The Question of Overs. This point has been raised before. It was brought before the notice of the Secretary for the first time by receiving a publisher's account, in which the author was credited with the " overs." In three editions of a thousand each they made a considerable difference in the sum due to him. Now it must be remarked that this is the only account ever received at the office in which the "overs " were so much as mentioned. If a pub- lisher is asked about them, he says that they are not worth mentioning, or that there are no "overs," or that the "overs" were used up to complete imperfect copies. He might, however, just as well say that two or three copies, or two or three dozen copies, are not worth mentioning. Now, a certain authority states that publishers expect from 5 to 10 per cent. of " overs." This seems to mean that, on an edition of 1000, there are fifty to 100 "overs," which seems too many. On this subject some exact information is greatly to be desired. If "overs" mean anything like fifty in a thousand, then a monstrous system of fraud has been practised, so far with absolute impunity. THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONGRESS AT LISBON. THREE years have elapsed since I had the pleasure of writing upon the International Press Congress in The Author. In Nov., 1895,1 described the work done at Bordeaux, where a goodly gathering of English were present; but since then, owing to the action of the Institute of Journalists, the English have taken no part in this international work for the better- ing of journalists. But this year, thanks to the establishment of the "British International Association of Journalists," with Miss G. B. Stuart as the energetic secretary, and Mr. P. W. Clayden as president, again English journalists have had a voice at this important congress. The meeting at Lisbon promised to be an important and interesting one, and those of us who were in Holland for the Queen's enthrone- ment felt, perhaps, more than others the care of the combined Dutch and Congress committees, for we were pleasantly sent direct, on a well-found Dutch East Indiaman, to Lisbon, where we were received in state by the ex-Minister of Marine of Portugal. In this fascinating capital we met 396 journalists of eighteen nationalities, the French predominating in numbers, and we soon found the local committee had indeed done everything for the "congressites." The blue "Carnet" with the "Ordre du Jour," "Emploi du Temps " we quickly found was a passe-partout in Lisbon. The solemn inauguration on Monday, the 26th Sept., was a short but important ceremony, H.M. the King of Portugal presiding, with the Queen and Dom Alphonso Infanta on either hand, the members of the Corps Diplomatique and the Municipality of Lisbon ranging round their Majesties. The Great Hall of the Geographical Society (the whole building being given over as a club to the congressites) was filled with a brilliant gathering of Portuguese, and when M. Singer, the president of the Congress, rose to give his opening address, the scene was im- pressive. The King replied in a happy impromtu, referring to the fact that he had just presided at a medical congress,a gathering of those who cared for the body, whilst before him were those who cared for and healed the mind. The cheers at the end of the King's speech in every European tongue were very cordial. The English secured seats in the front at the gangway, and near them were the Dutch, Scandi- navian, and Polish contingents; the Germans this year numbered thirty, Professor Koch, of Heidelberg, presiding on the third day. International Telegraphic Tariffs. On Tuesday, at the first session, Mr. P. W. Clayden was elected to the Central Bureau as the English representative, and took his seat on the platform after the reading of the secre- tary's and treasurer's reports. The very im- portant matter of international telegraphic tariffs was brought forward by M. de Beraza, of Spain. ## p. 133 (#145) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. i33 For four years the Central Bureau, with M. Beraza, has been working for a reduction iu the tariff for international Press telegrams, and have succeeded so far, that a convention has been signed between France and Spain, and an arrange- ment has been entered into between France and Luxembourg. Other countries have been loth to take the matter up. England was disposed to accept an arrangement, and asked for further information, and later on was inclined to agree to a reduced tax during the night. A brisk discussion arose on this report, the speakers being Dr. Israel and M. Elont, of Holland; M. Constant, of France; and S. Beraza, of Spain; the writer hereof causing some amuse- ment by pointing out that the telegraphic Press rate to England was only 400 reis for 100 words, at the same time urging that the English suggestion of a reduction during the night be accepted as a step in advance. Finally it was agreed that the committee of direction should carry on their negotiations with the various countries. A little diversion was caused during this debate by an English member demanding that, as in all international congresses, the question to be voted upon, and any amendments, or rdsumd of any important speech, should be given in English and German, if spoken in French. The President (M. Singer) added his weight to this suggestion, and it was agreed to, but only in one or two cases acted upon. The subject of an International Bureau for Journalists was then brought forward by M. Torelli-Viollier and M. Janzon. This bureau is already at work, 431 journalists being inscribed upon its roll; so that any editor can know at once whom to apply to all over Europe for news, upon any important event happening where he has no correspondent. . This ended the work of the first session, and in the afternoon the "congressites" betook them- selves by special train to that paradise Southey has rapturously described—Cintra. The Moorish palace of the King on its rocky height, with the vast, glorious views of piled volcanic crag, vintaged plain, and olive and palmed-clothed vales, were long lingered over; but an al fresco lunch in the grounds below, and some of the vintage of the district, transformed sedate profes- sors and aged journalists into jovial schoolboys decorated with palms, and feathers, and flowers, trophies of the feast. In the cool of the evening the wondrously beautiful tropical gardens and park of Monserrat were visited; and the drive back beneath the soft light of the full moon, beneath the arching trees, was a most delightful experience. The Reproduction op Articles. At 9.30 on the next morning, with a full house, the stormy question of the "Right of Reproduc- tion of Political Articles " was introduced by M. Albert Bataille. At Stockholm, in 1897, the copyright of telegrams had been sustained, but, in the interest of a free propaganda of ideas, this question had been reserved for the Lisbon Congress. M. Bataille's report was well worked out, and gave rise to a most animated discussion. Personally, I was much interested in this debate, for on Jan. 15, 1891, at a meeting of the Society of Authors, Sir F. Pollock in the chair, I brought up the question of " Copyright in Lite- rary Style in News Notes "; and in the Law Journal of Jan. 24 Mr. J. M. Lely wrote a leader- ette upon the subject. Here, from the report, the thing I had spoken for seven years ago was within measurable distance of becoming inter- national law. M. Bataille urged that no article should be printed without the consent of the author or the journal, but this was combated strongly by MM. Waalwijk and Elont, of Holland; and a brilliant passage of arms occurred between M. Constant and M. Bataille. I ventured to claim copyright, not only for political and other articles, but also for " notes," as so much journalism now consists of "notes." Finally, after a warm dis- cussion that never descended into chaos, as did the discussion on this knotty question in Bor- deaux, it was unanimously voted: "That, as far as concerns the reproduction of articles, treating of political, religious, economical, and social sub- jects, the right of citation is recognised in the superior interest of free discussion; but, in all cases, the journal reproducing must quote the name of the author and the journal from which the article is taken." Mr. Warden, the secretary to the English section, pointed out that few English articles were signed, but the word "author" was introduced into the motion, as, of course, foreign articles are so usually signed. The whole matter will now be prepared for the Diplomatic Conference at Berlin, in 1901—that is, preparatory to the completion of the Berne Con- vention; and it is hoped that all literary news- paper work, including "notes"—that I was assured by the "rapporteurs" upon this matter should not be overlooked—will become inter- nationally copyright. There is already a clause in Lord Monkswell's Bill partially to effect this in England. This was the most exciting debate of the Congress, and it showed how the members had advanced in self-control since the Bordeaux meeting. Yet, as M. Bataille remarked to me at the banquet in the Opera House, "we must go on improving." A sense of satisfaction was ## p. 134 (#146) ############################################ 134 THE AUTHOR. very widely expressed that an English contin- gent was again present, and hopes uttered that next year our numbers would be greater. At the third session, the subject of profes- sional education for journalists was brought up by M. Bataille. Dr. Koch, of Heidelberg, explained his course of lectures on journalism; and a report was received that a school for journalists was to be opened in the Figaro office. On the question of an international tribunal of arbitration, it was decided the Central Bureau should be this tribunal; and it was also left to the Bureau to take up the matter of cards of identity to act as passports for journalists. Altogether, in spite of a somewhat weak agenda, good work was done, and many an international friendship made that ought to work for good, individually and collectively. A Social Success. Socially the Congress was an immense suc- cess. The King and Queen held a special reception at the Ajuda Palace on their joint birthdays, that fell on Sept. 28, a brilliant function that was succeeded by the birthday levie in the Throne-room, at which I also had the pleasure of being present. The gracious affa- bility of the Queen and her majestic beauty completely won the hearts of all the "con- gressites"; and the Lisbon committee sought every possible means to give pleasure to the journalists. An excursion to the historic Thomar and to Cascaes, with banquets and luncheons and illuminations, and an exceptionally brilliant bull- fight of the Portuguese type, that has none of the brutal cruelty to the horses, gave the members a good insight into Portuguese life. The send- off to Oporto with luncheon en route at Pampil- hosa, was a most hearty and enjoyable ending to the Lisbon festivities, Oporto taking up the warm hospitality in a most cordial and even bewilder- ing fashion. Few who were there will forget the rare charm and beauty of Lisbon, and the rich nature and wild scenery of Portugal. After the President, Councillor A. Ennes, the English were especially indebted to Dr. M. Lima and Sefiors Mendonca de Costa and Tavares, and, as usual, the whole of the " congressites " owe much to the indefatigable and courteous secretary, M. Victor Taunays. The next Congress will be held at Borne in 1899, Paris asserting its claim for 1900. James Baker. NOTES AND NEWS. THE Secretary has been instructed to ask the Committee of the Publishers' Association if they desire to reply to the strictures on their Draft Agreements contained in the July number of The Author. In reply they have- expressed a desire to confer on the Draft Agree- ments. The Committee of the Authors' Society have refused to hold any conference on these documents. The Daily Chronicle (Oct. 18), in an article naturally called for by the De Rougemont expo- sure, spoke strongly of the gradual degenera- tion of periodical literature. "The spread," it said, "of a certain education, the constant cheapening of production, and the rapid expan- sion of the means of distribution to all the world, have substituted for a small and cultured public an immense audience whom no man can number, but who ask only to be amused. . . . With this movement there is combined another to the full as parlous, unless some better influences can overrule it. That is the astounding expansion of advertisements. The moment a cheap sheet of any sort can achieve a circulation counted in five or six figures, advertisers compete for the spare pages and its covers. For the word " sub- stituted " in the above, I would read "added."' The second part of this complaint seems inevit- able. As soon as a sheet arrives at an immense circulation, it naturally attracts advertisers, who- will pay largely for the use of the spare pages. This is an inconvenience that we shall nave to put up with. As regards the first part it is most true and most lamentable that there are millions of people who only read for sensation—to laugh, or to- shudder, or to while away the time. But, again, what does this mean? It means, I believe, a certain stage of intellectual development: all these multi- tudes have arrived at those lower levels of mental activity when the brain likes to be occupied but has not yet arrived at the power of continuous attention. It must be fed with comic scraps, with little bits of useless information, with short stories. It is a stage through which the better sort quickly pass, but it is always receiving new comers. We ought not to deride this condition, of mind any more than we deride children who run about shouting. i3-r, There is, however, one person who is respon- sible for the growing degradation. It is the editor of those sheets which appeal to the popular taste and make no attempt at leading or improv- ing it. The ideal editor is the man who under- stands how to guide and lead while lie. seems to. ## p. 135 (#147) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. i35 follow. The mischievous editor is the man who picks out what is worst and lowest in his readers and panders to that taste. There are at this moment half a dozen journals which between them have a circulation of millions. What will the editors do with these papers? Will they endeavour to impart to their readers, little by little, literary taste and literary culture? They can do it: the thing is possible: but the public will not by itself " create," as the Daily Chronicle asks, "an opinion in favour of work that will keep sweet the wells of their delight in the great Art of Letters." , , One more point from this article—it is not often that one finds so much to say on a leader. The writer says," Time was when the magazine was an instalment of current literary work, addressed by writers who were able and entitled to write to a public which was able to criticise." Yes, but that public has not disappeared: it remains as strong and as large as ever. Its old magazines are not swamped by those which circulate by the million: they still flourish and lead and teach. The Nineteenth Century: the Contempo- rary: the Fortnightly: the National: the Quarterly: the Edinburgh: the Athenseum: the Academy: Literature; none of these organs address the uncultivated class: none of these are bought to while away an hour: and they have not, I believe, gone down in circulation while they have kept their old character. The surging millions around us cannot influence these papers nor can they influence their readers. What they have always done, they still continue to do. There is no hope that they will circulate among this multitude of imperfect mental development. In a word, the higher magazine is not sinking down: there is no sign of decay or deterioration in its tone or in its style. It remains to be seen whether the lower kind of magazine is capable of rising. LITEBARY PUPIL required by Editor of well-known London Magazine, resident in fashionable seaside town; young Lady or Gentleman with literary tastes preferred; a year's apprenticeship ; premium 100 guineas; salary jgi a week; good referenoes essential.—Address, in first instance, It is not surprising that one who undertakes to teach the art of writing, which is useful for the production of literature, should express a prefer- ence for a pupil with literary tastes. Is it possible, however, to open the door of the literary life by any teaching? Here, as in other questions of the kind that come before us, we must distin- guish. It is no more possible to turn any casual person into a man or woman of letters than it is to make him understand, against his powers of mind, the Integral Calculus. Given, however, the natural aptitude, then a certain amount of judi- cious instruction might possibly save many disap- pointments, and put a young man in the right way. What is offered in this advertisement is too vague for any practical purpose. The advertiser has certainly not taken lessons in the art of writing advertisements, which is a distinct branch of the literary profession. First, the young person is to pay ,£105 down. That is a serious haul. Next, he is to receive a pound a week. To begin with? To last how long? In return for what duties? Is he to board with the advertiser? If not, is he to reside in the same fashionable sea- side town? What is to be the curriculum of study? What are the advertiser's qualifica- tions for the task? What is his literary baggage? Has he ever had a literary pupil before? If so, does that literary pupil now touch the stars? And, above all, we repeat—what about that pound a week? When does it begin? When will it end? And, lastly, what is it for? In another column is noticed, by Mr. Thring, a letter from the Publisliers' Circular. I have only one thing to add—viz., the animus discovered towards the Authors' Society. It is a body, says the writer, which "lacks any representative character." One would like to know what this ingenuous sniffer means by a "representative " character '( What is it? What constitutes " representative charac- ter "? The Society has between 1400 and 1500 members. Has this publisher seen their names? He certainly has not. How does he know them? But there are the names on the Council: are not these names sufficiently repre- sentative? There are among them leading names of statesmen, historians, poets, artists, lawyers, scientific men, musicians, educational men, novelists, dramatists, journalists, antiquaries, essayists, and travellers. What more is wanted to make it a representative body? As for the ques- tion asked, Mr. Thring has sufficiently answered it in his paper. The publisher quoted actually disputes the right of any person, in any quarrel, to refer the subject to any other person he chooses, with all the documents connected with it: and especially the right of referring a question, with all the documents connected with it, to a solicitor —to any solicitor he chooses, whether to Mr. Thring, or to the other solicitors to the Society, Messrs. Field, Roscoe, and Emery. Certainly we should be quite prepared to defend any action brought by any publisher, or company of pub- lishers, against ourselves for receiving and ad- vising upon any documents whatever connected with literary property. But the letter-looks as if the publisher had just seen an unfortunate author, and heard from him (or her) that he (or ## p. 136 (#148) ############################################ i.36 THE AUTHOR. she) was going to take all the documents to the Society. And although, which is quite true, the Seen tary points out that both the Committee and himself are bound to secresy, the Committee may, if they please, and if the author allows, publish the whole case. It would then be open to the poor ill-used publisher to take any action he chose. . In another column will be found an extract from the Library World, the organ of libraries. The writer complains of the cramped condition of English free libraries owing to the limitation clause as to the rate. I confess that I have small sympathy with the complaint, for these reasons. First, I do not think that a free library ought to be expected to furnish all the new books, or even all the best new books to its readers. Even at the London Library, for which the members pay three pounds a year subscription, we frequently wait some months for certain new books greatly in demand. But if the library goes on adding every year only a hundred pounds' worth of books, many of them cheap and second hand, it will before long have alibrary equal to any demands likely to be made upon it. As regards the limitation clause, one or two London districts have endeavoured to get it raised. The action terrifies the ratepayer, to whom an extra penny in the pound means an additional burden. People in easy circumstances do not understand what the extra penny may mean to a struggling shop- keeper who must consider every sixpence. I am persuaded that it is the fear of this increase which has hitherto defeated all attempts made to get a free library in Islington and Marylebone. Let us do all we can with the penny rate and get as many libraries as we can. Could not the librarians, where the library is cramped, make a list of books wanted and send it round among the more wealthy classes? Mr. Andrew Lang has been complaining that "the world is fundamentally hostile to litera- ture ": that it hates to spend money on books. And then he has a gibe at The Author as follows:— The spirit of these remarks I find rebuked whenever I torn from literature to authorship and study The Author. In that great commercial organ, among the most eloquent remarks on discount, I seem to find traces of optimism, traces of belief in a great literary public. I do not believe in any such thing, even if some novels, at 6s., find a market for 100,000 copies. Even that (considering how bad most of these books are, how ignorant, coarse, emphatic, and illiterate) is relatively a very small demand. Think of the millions of England, and think of how many of them buy a book, say, of an author who is a man of genius, and "popular," Mr. Kipling or Mr. Stevenson. What a beggarly account! As for those who read Marlowe, or Montaigne, they are the tiniest of remnants. It is pleasing to find that he does read The Author. It is the business of the paper to dis- course upon discounts and everything else which may concern the management of Literary Pro- perty. Those who are not interested in the sub- ject are not expected to read the paper at all. Ab regards the " optimism," my own opinion of the subject is utterly different from that of Mr. Lang. It is based upon a study of the actual facts, which are, briefly, these :— (1) The question of money: The vast mass of the people simply have no money to buy books at the price at which they are issued, say from 2*. 6d. upwards. How can a working man on 30*. a week spend 10s. in buying a book? How many books of 4*. 6d. can he buy in a year? In fact, he never buys a book at all. To get at the class of book-buyers eliminate a vast majority of the people. What about the remainder, which means about two and a half millions, or 400,000 families? It is for these 400,000 that all our books are published. And I do think that if a book is bought by a quarter of these families, and borrowed by the other three-quarters, it is as much as any one can expect. 2. The use of the free libraries: The working man reads books, though he does not buy them. He goes in multitudes to the free libraries, where the librarians' lists show that he makes a very good choice of books. 3. The wide purchase of cheap books: Whenever a good popular book —" Lorna Doone," for instance—is issued at sixpence it is bought by the hundred thousand. There is a so-called "library," containing many excellent books, which is printed on vile paper and sold at less than sixpence. This "library " has sold by millions. For these reasons I say that the people do read books: that they do buy them when they can afford it: and that their choice in the free libraries is on the whole sound. Of course it would be easy to pick out certain books and hold them up to derision as popular favourites. They may be favourites for a season: but they quickly die and are forgotten. Walter Besant. THE LIBRAEY AND THE LIMITATION CLAUSE. IT is perfectly certain that the cramped and poverty-stricken condition of English libraries, brought about by a grudging Parliamentary limitation, has prevented, or at ## p. 137 (#149) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. i37 least postponed, the progress and development of these institutions to a great extent. When we contemplate what has been accomplished on the meagre income doled out to libraries, we marvel at the high measure of efficiency and degree of success attained. But when we look a little closer and consider what could be done with sufficient means, and what ought to be done to give public libraries their maximum value, it is soon borne in upon us that the most popular library in the country does little more than just touch the fringe of its area of work and useful- ness. According to the statistics carefully col- lected by the Government of the country, about 60 per cent. of the inhabitants of any town are possible users of public libraries. That is to say, 60 in every 100 of population are between the ages of ten and sixty, with a fair allowance for illiterates. But suppose we knock off other 10 per cent. as a further allowance on account of children under twelve and illiterates or weaklings of all ages, we still get 50 per cent. of readers who are capable of using a library. How, then, does it happen that not a single town in the country has even 25 per cent. of its population enrolled as borrowers, while a majority of places can only boast of from 5 to 10 per cent.? The reason is not far to seek. Owing to the starvling income aforesaid, few libraries can afford to buy more than one copy of a popular newspaper or maga- zine, or one or two copies of a popular book at a time. And what is the use of a single copy of a popular book among 10,000 possible borrowers, or of one solitary copy of a very popular illus- trated journal among 50,000 possible readers? Has anyone ever imagined what would take place in a town of 100,000 inhabitants supposing every possible reader availed himself of his right to use the library? According to our computation there would be 50,000 persons anxious to be served with the latest books and journals on topics of the day, and to do this effectually would Tequire not one, but five large libraries with huge news rooms attached and stocks of not less than 20,000 volumes each. Instead of this, all that a town of this size can generally do for itself is to provide 20,000 or 30,000 volumes, 300 journals and magazines, and seats for 200 or 250 readers! For every reader or borrower who uses a public library, at least two others decline to come because they cannot obtain what they want and will not trouble to wait. Again, no public library can reach the poorer classes because it will not, and cannot afford to, seek them out and bring literature to their very doors. We have thrown out these thoughts in the hope that they may suggest to librariaus the connection between extension of work and increase of income, and the necessity which exists for agitation, in order to receive such a recognition as will make it possible for libraries to double, if not quadruple, their present volume of work and usefulness.—From the Library World. REEVE, OF THE "EDINBURGH." * TO have edited the Edinburgh Review for forty years is an experience which could not fail to be guarantee of an interesting history, and the Memoirs of Henry Reeve, which have just been published by Professor Laughton, possess, doubtless, considerable value for the literary aud the political observers of the period. Political, for Henry Reeve at the age of twenty- five was introduced to official life by being appointed, through the influence of Lord Lans- downe, to the Clerkship of Appeals; he became a great political journalist, on terms of inti- macy with Cabinet Ministers and Princes, abroad as well as at home, and receiving those confidences which exalted personages impart only to such as do not fail to command an excellent discretion. After a long connection with the Times, Eeeve in 1855 succeeded Sir George Cornewall Lewis in the editorship of the Edinburgh Review, and served it, as we have said, for forty years. The Author is not a review; and we do not attempt to review these volumes, but merely to record, as far as our space will afford, a few of the literary incidents contained in them. Born at Norwich in 1813, Reeve as a mere lad enjoyed the society of great men. "It often occurred even to himself," we are told, " that there was something unusual and extraordinary in a lad of eighteen or twenty, or even of twenty- four, with no particular advantage of birth, associating familiarly with men of European reputation, Ambassadors, Ministers of State, poets, painters, or musicians." In his twenty- second year he was in Paris, and frequently met Thackeray there. Writing from Paris in January, 1835, Reeve says:—"Thackeray is flourishing, and after the opera we took tea, and had a long talk of the doings of French artists. He com- plains of the impurity of their ideas, and of the jargon of a corrupt life, which they so unwisely admit into their painting rooms." Again in 1836 Reeve writes from Paris to his mother:— I continue to see the Macaulays a good deal. The girls are dreadfully like Tom Babington, and very amusing from * " Memoirs of the Life and Correspondence of Henry Eeeve, C.B., D.C.L." By John Knox Laughton, ALA Two voIb. Longmans, Green, and Co. 28*. ## p. 138 (#150) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. a mixture of saintship and politios, ignorance of the world, and knowledge of Parliament. ... I have seen a good deal of Thaokeray this last week. That excellent and faoetious being is at the present moment editing an English paper here, in opposition to Galignani's. Bat, what is more ominous, he has fallen in love, and talks of being married in less than twenty years. What is there so affecting as matrimony? I dined yesterday with his objeot, who is a nice, simple, girlish girl—a niece of that old Colonel Shawe whom one always meets at the Sterlings'. Professor Laughton says that the statement about Thackeray editing an English paper" seems to be a mistake." Reeve visited Balzac, too, in those days—January, 1835—and was extraordi- narily impressed:— Such a singular contrast of profound philosophy—more of intuition than of analysis—combined with the variety and prodigality of an Eastern story-teller, expressed in a oopious and brilliant language, frequently degenerating into the violence or rising into the ostentation of positive insanity, I have never met with. Balzac was seated in an elegant apartment, situated at the very extremity of this side of Paris, which he took because from some whim or strange reason the house is called " La Fabrique de l'Absolu." To this Fabrique we found our way, and, at the end of a long, low room, as it were, between a study and a boudoir, we found the Magician himself, ■urrounded by proofs and manuscripts, which he was correcting and composing with a rapidity that sets all the printers of Paris at naught. He talked chiefly of himself, with the most boisterous and fantastical self-acclamation, for it was more than approba- tion. . . . There are many glimpses of famous people up and down these volumes. Of Sydney Smith, for instance, we have the following anecdote:— We got Sydney on the overpowering topio of Macaulay. Macaulay is laying waste society with his waterspout of talk; people in his company burst for want of an oppor- tunity of dropping in a word; he confounds soliloquy and colloquy. Nothing oould equal my diversion at seeing T. B. M. go to the Counoil tie other day in a fine laced coat, neat green bodied glass chariot, and a feather in his hat. Sydney S. had said to Lord Melbourne that Macaulay was a book in breeches. Lord M. told the Queen; bo when- ever she sees her new Secretary of Wax, she goes into fits of laughter. I said that the worst feature in Maoaulay's character was his appalling memory; he haa a weapon more than anyone else in the world's tournament. "Aye, indeed," s&id S. S.," why, he could repeat the whole History of the Virtuous Blue Coat Boy, in three vols., post 8vo, without a slip. He should take two tablespoonfuls of the waters of Lethe every morning to oorreot his retentive powers." Bulwer Lytton, Landor, Macaulay, and Sheridan Knowles are names that occur fre- quently in the memoirs. "Dinner at Proctor's with Harriet Martineau, Carlyle and his wife, Thackeray, and Kinglake "—is one of the entries in Reeve's diary. "Carlyle was so offensive I never made it up with him." The circumstances of the breach with Carlyle are not related, but it is known to have occurred through Carlyle remark- ing softly, when Reeve had the temerity to differ with him in discussion, "You're a puir creature, you're a puir creature." Of Landor this 1 related:— Landor, you know, is quite as vain of not being read as Bulwer is of being the most popular writer of the day. Nothing can equal the contempt with which he treats any- body who has more than six readers and three admirers, unless it be that saying of Hegel's, when he declared that nobody understood his writings but himself, and that not always. Reeve was perfectly sensible of his own value. In his fifteen years' connection with the Timet (1840-1855), he tells us, he wrote about 2482 full-paid articles, and received upwards of £13,000 for them. "Its circulation rose in fifteen years, from about 13,000 when I joined it to 62,000 when I left it, and although I do not take to myself any peculiar share in this result, for many other contributors wrote as well as I did, and the editor was usually judicious and always active, yet I doubt whether any other writer had occasion to do as much." And on a subsequent occasion he wrote: "The Review suffers when I am too busy to write in it." There is much of interest in these volumes regarding the publication of the memoirs of Greville, for whom Reeve was, of course, literary trustee. Journal- ist of the old school, and holding in high regard the moral responsibility of the journalist, Reeve was opposed to anything in the nature of "log- rolling," and on that ground was a firm believer in anonymity. Writing to Mr. T. N. Longman on Dec. 26, 1891, he says:— I thought it best to tell Froude frankly that the review of his book (" The Divorce of Catharine of Aragon ") in the Edinburgh would be an unfavourable one. At the same time I disclaimed in the strongest language any disposition to make a personal attack on himself. Unfortunately he seems to ascribe adverse criticism of his works to personal animosity, which, in his case, is entirely wanting. It is a painful necessity. Froude and his book are too important to be passed over in silence. But the judicial character and consistency, and I may say honour, of the Review absolutely require that the truth should be told about the book. I should consider it a derogation to my duty to the Review if, from personal motives or affection, I suppressed an adverse criticism of a work which impera- tively demands an answer. ... I have modified as far as possible any expressions which appeared to be of too censorious a character; but it is impossible to avoid condemning a mistaken book because the author is a per- sonal friend. Judex damnatur si nocens absolvitur is our motto. Finally, there is the following interesting reference to Reeve's literary advice to the Messrs. Longman, whose "reader" he was for many years:— Books in French, German, or Italian, offered for trans- lation, MSS. in English offered for publication—whatever there was of grave, serious, or important, as well as a good deal that was not, was sent to him for a first or a revised opinion. And this opinion was given very frankly, and most oommonly in the fewest possible words:—" My advioe ## p. 139 (#151) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. is that you have nothing to do with it " was a not nnfrequent formula. Another, less freqnent, was:—" He—the aspirant to literary fame and emolument—can neither write nor spell English"; "I wish they wouldn't send their trash to me" was an occasional prayer. "Seems to me sheer non- sense"; "What a waste of time and labour!" "It's very provoking that people should attempt to write books who cannot write English," were oooasional reports. Of course many of his judgments were very different: "A work of great interest, which must have a large sale "; "Secure this if you possibly can"; "A most able work, but will scarcely command a remunerative sale." . . . As it was with printed books and larger MSS., eo it was with articles submitted for the Review; but he did not encourage casual contributions, and seldom—perhaps never—accepted any without some previous understanding. The political articles and the reviews of important books were almost invariably written in response to a direct invitation; but whether the articles sent in were invited or offered, he equally reserved the right to express his approval or dis- approval or disagreement, and to insist, if necessary, on the article being remodelled or withdrawn. SOME SOUTHEY LETTERS. AN interesting series of Southey's private letters appeared for the first time in the August number of Blackwood's. They are written to his friend John May, with whom he became acquainted in 1795 at Lisbon, and to whom he dedicated his short and incom- plete autobiography. They are very personal, and give many valuable glimpses of the poet's state of mind. When his little daughter is dying in the autumn of 1803, he writes that "never man enjoyed purer happiness than I for the last twelve months," and "my plans are now all wrecked." After having been at a bull fight, he wrote that "the pain inflicted by the sight was expiation enough for his folly in going at all; and he added, "I cannot under- stand the pleasure excited by a bull fight, and it is honourable to the English character that none of our nation frequent these spectacles." In a letter dated Oct. 29, 1800, he discusses the pro- posal to put his brother Henry in a profession, and remarks that for the first time in his life he has the power, "or at least it seems so," of raising 100 guineas to place him under a provin- cial surgeon for four or five years till he is old enough to practice for himself. He explains the expectation of this money, and indicates the self- sacrifice in his disposal of it, as follows: My metrical romance goes by the King George to market, and I ask this sum as the price of a first edition. I have little doubt of obtaining it. I had designed to furnish a house with this money, and anchor myself, but this is a a more important oall. Southey had been advised at this time to try his fate at the East Indian Bar. He doubted whether the fortune to be gained could pay for the loss of the friends in whose society "so much of my happiness consists. The fate of Camoens stares me in the face, and if I did go, prudence would be the ostensible motive, but the real one would be curiosity. I do long to become acquainted with old Brama, and see the great Indian fig tree; so at the end of twenty years time I should come home with a copper-coloured face, an empty purse, and a portfolio full." He expresses the following amusing philo- sophy also in 1800 :— Yon remember the doggerel that " learning is better than house or land." 'Tis a lying proverb! A good lifehold estate is worth all the fame of the world in perpetuity, and a comfortable honee rather more desirable than a monument in Westminster Abbey. And on his financial position we have the following very interesting light in the autumn of 1816: Herewith I send you a draft upon Longman for .£100, at three dajs' sight. The last twelve months have proved highly advantageous to my monied ooncerns, and for the first time have made the balanoe of his account in my favour. There is good reason for hoping that it will oon- tinne so, and that it will not be long before I shall be able to dear off my debt with you. "Koderick " has produced for me above .£500, by three editions, and the fourth will by this time have paid its expenses. Of the " Pilgrimage" 2000 were printed; they were all sold in the course of two- months, leaving me a profit of £2X5. My account only oomes up to midsummer, and therefore does not inolude the '. Carmen Nuptiale," but of the fate of which I know nothing, nor indeed what number was printed. The prospect before me is very good. The produce of my current publications may be reckoned at .£200 a year certainly, not improbably at twice the sum; and Murray pays me so well for the Quarterly that I hope there will be no occasion to draw much upon the other fund for my household expenses. For some artioles he offers me .£100 per article—such was that upon the Poor in the last number, and one upon Foreign Travellers in England which is designed for this, and which I am busy in completing. The preface to "Mort Arthur," for which I am reading much black letter, at some oost of eyesight and no little expense of time, will give me .£200, and the second volume of " Brazil " about half as much—a preposterous instanoe of the caprice upon which a man of letters depends for his remuneration! Perhaps the average may be fair at last, but it is injurious as well as ridiculous, and I shall derive my main support from what other persons might do as well, and what might never be done at all; while for works of permanent value and great labour, for which peculiar know- ledge, peculiar talents, and peculiar industry are required, the profit I obtain would scarcely exceed, and perhaps not amount to, the expenses of the documents. The letter from which the following is extracted was written by Robert Southey, on April 22, 1834, to the late John A. Heraud, in whose "Memoirs," by his daughter, just published by Mr. George Redway, it appears for the first time, with many other letters from the same poet:— Yon oould not apply to a worse person than myself for counsel as to any dealings with publishers. My general ## p. 140 (#152) ############################################ 140 THE AUTHOR. practice is to let them take the whole risk of the work, and give me half the eventual profits. Tha&is, after the costs -of publication are defrayed, a third of the surplus goes as the allowance of the trade (this need to be Longmans' allow- ance—Murray allowed somewhat more than a third), half of the remainder then oomes to me. The publishers have then the lion's share—but they have the lion's power, and can always help themselves, which an author cannot. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—The Pecuniary Position op Writers. IT is impossible to feel anything but the highest admiration and respect for the altruistic movement to better writers' pecuniary position. But are there not insuper- able difficulties in his way? The point seems to be this: Taking a full average of books published, there is a certain profit. These books are created by writers; they are printed, bound, and put before the public by publishers. It is objected that (on the average) the profits are unfairly divided—the authors get too little, the publishers too much. The question of binders' and printers' profits does not, I think, •come in? The supply of books comes from writers, the .demand for books is from publishers. Surely the relative profits made are subject to the ordinary laws affecting supply and demand? And what have we? A fairly constant periodic demand, and at all times a supply enormously greater than the demand! Necessarily, I submit, publishers can make their own terms. But the matter does not end here. The supply is almost infinitely variable in quality, variable both in artistic merit and—a very different thing—in selling value. Now, the few writers who can supply things of known, acknowledged value can, I believe, always make their own terms with publishers? But the others? No man can assess either the artistic or pecuniary value of his own work. And the publisher? Aided by his reader, he guesses at the value, and on his guess pays. Surely in all these cases the author cannot complain if, with no personal pecuniary risk, he gets the chance he wants of catching the ear of the public. Let the author .once catch that rough, thick-skinned ear and he may hold it for even a lifetime and make his own terms with the publisher for the dullest repeated vibrations he may choose to supply. Again, can you lay down hard-and-fast rules fixing relative profit? The goods suppplied vary from garbage to pearls; the public demand is bizarre. My friend Jones's little romance " Totsey, a Stray," is in its tenth thousand, while my work of genius, "An Investigation into the Psycho- logical Aspects of the Loves of Amelia Chol- mondeley, with Notes on the Connection between the Darwinian Theory and the Evolution of Affection," cannot find a publisher I I have written above from a purely pecuniary point of view. But there is a moral, an artistic view. Dealing with romance, of the many books weekly published it were better for the world if most had never been. There has never, I believe, been a time when England has shown greater general power, even genius, in romance. But achievement? How many men, possibly of genius, have we who have startled us by a first great work of originality and who now repeat themselves with careless, pale imitation? Has art gained from the modern pecuniary success of great writers? Has not the absorption of known men into the inhumanity, the cross-gartered art of London society led to the concealment of the wood of humanity by the veneer of elaborately polished language? Let no man, no woman, take up romance writing as a profession; let only those write who cannot help writing. And then, though many of us must still continue to give the world bad work, the literary man will take that position which is rightly his, and the supply will be reasonably decreased. X. [The answer to the above letter seems to be as follows: (1) The writer's position has been so much improved by the action of the Society, that the difficulties are proved not to be insuperable. (2) The demand for books does not come from pub- lishers, but from the public. The supply of what is wanted is below rather than above the demand. The supply of what is not wanted by the public, but is furnished by the publisher, is certainly in excess. (3) The demand for certain writers is always below the supply. In many branches of science and in general literature the writers whose works are in request by the public ought to be able to make their own terms for the administration of their property. There are certain writers who "X." seems to think are supplying the demand, but if the public does not care for and does not want their work, how can they supply a demand? The artistic side must not be mixed up with the commercial side. We have again and again repeated that the business of the Society is simply the maintenance and defence of literary property. This, we are ready to admit, and have always admitted, may be totally different from literary art. As regards the danger of writing feebly after the production of strong ## p. 141 (#153) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 141 work, there is no doubt that this danger does exist. It would be, however, more to the point if our correspondent would suggest how a novelist or an artist who has once devoted his whole time to the production of the best work possible to him, is to continue to live when he becomes conscious that his work is no longer on the same high level.—W. B.] II.—A Plea, for Cut Edges. Once or twice, recently, protests have appeared against the custom many publishers have of issuing books with uncut edges. Nothing, I venture to say, is more annoying than to purchase a book, to settle oneself for an hour's enjoyment, and then to have the unnecessary and uncom- fortable labour of cutting its edges. If, as is sometimes the case, this occurs in a railway carriage when one is minus a paper knife, the enjoyment of the book is considerably jeopardised. This can be easily obviated by three or four strokes of the printer's guillotine. Moreover, edges so cut are infinitely preferable to the rough state they assume when cut with even the sharpest paper-cutter. Lately several publishers have adopted the method of sending out their books with cut edges. This arrangement is a distinct boon to the reader, and if the practice were made a hard-and-fast rule the innovation would, 1 feel sure, be hailed with unfeigned delight by every book-lover. John C. Shannon. III.—"Exchanges." A few evenings ago, my own favourite journal being sold our, I purchased for id. eleven square feet of paper bearing printing both back and front. Placed one on top of another, the columns of printed matter might rival in height a three-storied dwelling-house, whilst the total length of the lines would extend over a quarter of a mile. You will probably wonder that I should write to complain of so generous a pennyworth, but, after perusing it, I felt that I should not be doing my duty to that large body of your members who can be classified under the heading of "Occasional Contributors," if I failed to draw attention to the growing tendency to fill the pages of a paper with "Exchanges "—though what the proprietors of the journals who kindly lent their contents to fill up this paper got in exchange I am unable to say. In the most prominent part of the paper I found that the New York Herald, per Reuter, contributed the news from Jamaica; the Daily Telegraph (two separate paragraphs), the Egyptian news; the Morning Post, matter apper-1 taimng to Canada. The Dreyfus case was dealt with in a satisfactory manner through the kind- ness of the Figaro, the Journal, the Gaulois, and the Matin, per Reuter, who also supplied the tidings from Denmark. A column and a quarter of CasselPs Magazine must have saved 30s. at least to the proprietor of the paper; whilst the Local Government Board's Report must have been worth 10s. to the same individual who had to thank the special correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, the Figaro, the Daily Chronicle, and, of course, Reuter, for "The Fashoda Question." Some iuteresting personal pars were culled from Vanity Fair, the Daily Telegraph—our editor's favourite journal—the Daily Mail, and the Times. A special article on the late Queen of Denmark (cheerfully contri- buted by the English Illustrated Magazine) ran to three-quarters of a column, and the Daily News "exchanged" half a column of "Mount Vesuvius." The City Press lent a small paragraph about a house in six parishes; Reuter and the Daily Telegraph tackled the question of Crete's future, and other interesting paragraphs came from the "Central News" and the "London News Agency. The Chinese crisis was considered so important that only telegrams from the Times and Dalziel could do satisfac- tory justice to the subject, but they did not occupy so much space as the two-thirds of a column from the Daily News on Mr. Watt's latest scheme, even when a par. re " Samory * contributed by the Eclair was thrown in. Two paragraphs based on Daily Telegraph and Times reports completed the editor's " exchanges," and we can imagine that gentleman laying down his weary scissors with a sigh, and saying : " Thank you, my friends, for your kindly hospitality, in exchange for which I offer several pages of adver- tisements, my leading article, a few columns of book reviews, our Money Market columns, and the signed articles that begin with 'Sir,' and are contributed by my 'obedient servants.'" If the example of this particular editor is followed by his brethren, the "Occasional Con- tributor" is doomed; let him take warning, therefore, and ere it be too late invest his savings (if he has any) in a stock of well-tem- pered scissors, for a time will assuredly come when there will be nothing for him to do but start an evening paper on modern lines, unless something can be done in the way of limiting the proportion of an article, paragraph, or tele- gram that can be printed with or without acknowledgment of its original source without payment to the person who wrote it or the firm who paid for it in the first place. An Occasional Victim to Steel and Steal. ## p. 142 (#154) ############################################ 142 THE AUTHOR. IV.—"The Author" and the Publishers. After studying for many months your exposures ,of publishing methods, one conclusion is forced upon me, namely, that if a publisher wishes to swindle, no amount of dexterity on the part of the author can prevent him from doing so. With all the machinery of secret profits at his disposal, with little or no probability of checking the number of copies he professes to have sold, with the advertisement swindle which you have so often explained to us, and all the other dodges, the author is practically at the publisher's mercy. On the other hand, if the publisher is an honest •man, precautions will be unnecessary. An author is too poor and too busy to investigate the rami- fications of a dishonest publisher's business methods. Give him an honest publisher and let him do his work in peace. My suggestion is that the Society should publish for him. By "publish" I do not mean buy his book out- right or "speculate" in any sense of the word, but merely print his book for him, and put it- upon the market at the best market terms, with all the advantages of "wholesale" prices for paper, &c., which the publisher now puts in his pocket. Let the whole business be absolutely "straight" and above board. The author pays for the publication of the book on the advice of the Society that it has a fair chance of success (or against the advice of the Society if he chooses). The Society charges him the actual cost of paper, eomposing, correcting, binding, advertisement, and distribution, such a fixed percentage on the .outlay as experience may show to be necessary to prevent the Society from losing. All profits would then go to the author. It is true the author would have to pay for publication, but in the <ase of the writer of established repute the risk would be non-existent; in the case of the unknown man it would be smaller than it is at present when his book is published on com- mission. The So.ciety could then offer the book- sellers those improved terms which it believes to be their due, thus stimulating the sale of its books. All that is wanted for this scheme is a sound business man, with experience of printing and publishing, at its head. There must be scores of members of the Society whom it would pay better to publish in this way than to take ostensibly a 15 per cent. royalty while paying the publisher unacknowledged profits in the form of discounts and percentages on every item in ms A Member of the Society. [I quite agree with the "Member" as to the only method left possible. The publishers have deliberately announced their intention of laying hands on everything except perhaps a miserable residuum. The only reply is to change the method. I doubt whether the Society would act as the " Member" suggests. It would be, how- ever, quite possible to create a commission pub- Usher—one who would do no other kind of busi- ness. For the moment any other business is taken in hand, the commission work begins to be neglected. This is natural, for if a publisher can make 10 per cent. by commission and anything he pleases by any other way he will prefer that other way.—W. B.] BOOS TALK BY general consent Mr. John Morley had been selected as the probable writer of the accredited Life of Mr. Gladstone, and now the announcement of the fact is formally made. The task is likely to occupy about three years, and already Mr. Morley has dealt with a large part of the correspondence, and has made considerable progress with the chapters relating the history of the Home Rule movement of Mr. Gladstone. During his twenty years' intimate acquaintance with Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Morley received long letters from him on practically every public topic that was engaging his atten- tion. The biography will be published by Messrs. Macmillan. Sir Edward Hamilton, one of Mr. Gladstone's private secretaries, has written a monograph on the late statesman, which will be published by Mr. Murray. Another political biography, which has just been completed, is that of Sir Robert Peel, by Mr. C. S. Parker. This work has been an exceedingly laborious one, from the amount of correspondence that had to be gone through and sifted. Letters to and from the Queen, the Duke of Wellington, Disraeli, and other impor- tant contemporaries will be contained in the work, which Mr. Murray will publish shortly. Mr. Kinloch Cooke's biography of the late Duchess of Teck, from her journals and diaries, will be published probably in the early days of next year. Sir Mountstuart Grant Duff, who published two interesting and entertaining volumes of his diary recently, is now adding two others, containing his diary during the period when he was Governor of Madras, and also containing his views on home affairs. Mrs. Alec Tweedie has in the press a life of her father, Dr. Harley, of Harley-street. It will be published by the Scientific Press. ## p. 143 (#155) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 143 Mr. Frederic G. Kitton is preparing a centenary memoir of the late Dr. Zechariah Buck, the organist and choirmaster of Norwich Cathedral. Many of Dr. Buck's pupils, now in distinguished positions in the musical world, contribute remini- scences of him, and the family give their assist- -ance. The work will be issued in a limited edition shortly. A biography of the late Professor Calderwood, who occupied the chair of Moral Philosophy in Edinburgh University for twenty years, is being written by his son and the Rev. D. Woodside of Glasgow. Principal Fairbairn has written a book entitled "" Catholicism—Roman and Anglican," which will be brought out immediately. The Rev. Leighton Pullan is general editor of a new series of Church Text Books which has been projected by Messrs. Rivington. The volumes will be written by Oxford scholars, and are not intended only for scholars, but also for the general readers who are desirous of informa- tion on church history, forms of worship, criti- cism, &c. Robert Browning destroyed all his letters and papers with-the exception of the letters that had passed between Mrs. Browning and himself before their marriage. These letters were care- fully preserved, and while still in vigorous health Mr. Browning said concerning them: "There they are—do with them as you please when I am dead and gone." The Athenaeum makes the interesting announcement that the letters will shortly be published. The Rev. H. C. Beeching is reprinting his "Pages from a Private Diary," papers which for a time were a conspicuous and entertaining feature of Comhill Magazine. The volume will be published soon by Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. Mr. John Halsham is the author of "Idle- hurst: A Journal Kept in the Country," which Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. will publish this autumn. The identity of the Mr. W. H. of Shakespeare's Sonnets having given rise again to some discus- sion, h propos of the article by Mr. Sidney Lee on Thomas Thorpe in the " Dictionary of National Biography," Mr. Lee has now asked the critics of his theory to await, before passing further censure, the appearance of his forthcoming biography of Shakespeare. Mr. Alfred Whitman, of the British Museum, has written a work on "The Masters of Mezzo- tint," which Messrs. Bell will publish, with sixty illustrations. A new novel by Mr. W. C. Scully, author of "Between Sun and Sand," and other tales of the South African desert, is being published by Messrs. Methuen, under the title " A Vendetta of the Desert." Mr. William Westall's new novel, "A Red Bridal," is to be published by Messrs. Chatto and Windus, who will also issue soon a volume entitled " Slum Silhouettes," by Mr. J. D. Bray- shaw. Mr. F. G. Aflalo is editing a book on the cost of sport, with practical information contributed by a number of the specialists who wrote for the "Encyclopaedia of Sport," of which splendid work Mr. Aflalo was one of the editors. The actual expenditure involved in angling, shooting, hunting, and other sports will be estimated for various incomes, and the scope of the work will be comprehensive. Those rights in Mr. William Watson's works hitherto held by Messrs. Macmillan have been purohased by Mr. John Lane, who is preparing a collected edition of Mr. Watson's poems in a single volume, which will appear this season. Mrs. Pender, an Irish lady, some time ago wrote an Ulster story of the '98 period entitled "The Green Cockade." The book was printed in Ireland, and the other day the London firm, Messrs. Downey, received a consign- ment of 100 copies. Since then, however, a fire at the printers has destroyed not only the other sheets of the book that had been printed, but the type as well. "The Gospel Writ in Steel" is the title of Mr. Arthur Paterson's new novel. It is about the American Civil War, but the interest is romantic rather than historical. Messrs. Innes are the publishers. One of the chapters of Mr. Justin McCarthy's reminiscences, to be published shortly by Messrs. Chatto and Windus, is entitled " The Princes of Literature," and contains Mr. McCarthy's recol- lections of Dickens and Thackeray, Carlyle, Tennyson, Browning. Another chapter deals with his acquaintanceship with John Stuart Mill. This week the third volume of the Blackwood Annals will appear. Mrs. Oliphant, of course, edited the two already published, and this one, which brings the story of the publishing house down to John Blackwood's death in 1879, has been compiled by Mrs. Gerald Porter. Mr. Bennet Burleigh, the war correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, who has distinguished himself so greatly in the Soudan, is writing an account of the campaign down to its close at Omdurman. ## p. 144 (#156) ############################################ i44 THE AUTHOR. "Book Auctions of the Seventeenth Century" is the next volume in the Book-Lovers' Library, published by Mr. Stock. The author is Mr. John Lawler. The Christmas issue of the Portfolio will be a monograph on " George Morland and the Evolu- tion from him of some later Painters," by Mr. J. T. Nettleship. The latest of new magazines is a penny one, that aims at being fully equal to the sixpenny monthlies. It is published by Messrs. Cassell, and its title, the New Penny Magazine is after the periodical "originated by Charles Knight, and dear to the reading public in the days of our fathers." There are sixty pages, with numerous illustrations, and the character of the contents is the same as that of the popular magazines of to-day. "The Lays of the Knights," a book of poems by the Rev. C. W. Barraud, will be published by Messrs. Longman. Mr. J. H. Adeane has edited a work entitled "The Early Married Life of Maria Josepha, Lady Stanley, from 1796," which Messrs. Long- man will publish shortly. The letters given in Mrs. Richmond Ritchie's introduction to the seventh volume in the valu- able Biographical Edition of Thackeray's Works which she is editing, deal chiefly with the novelist's experiences as a lecturer. At a time when all the relations of the home country with America are so much discussed, an extract from one of the letters from Thackeray during a tour in the States may be found interesting. He is writing from Boston on Dec. 22, 1852, to Mrs. Proctor:— Ab for writing abont this country—about Goshen, about Canada, flowing with milk and honey, about the friends I have found here, and who are helping me to procure inde- pendence for my children, if I cut jokes against them may I choke on the instant. If I can say anything to show that my name is really Makepeace, and to increase the source of love between the two countries, then, please God, I will. The laugh dies out as we get old, you see, but the love and the truth don't, praised be God! And I begin to think of the responsibilities of this here pen now writing to yon with a feeling of no small awe. Mr. Wheatley's edition of Pepys will be com- pleted by the issue of the ninth and tenth volumes in January. The former will contain an exhaustive index; the latter, a supplementary volume, will contain appendices and Pepysian miscellanea. Bismarck's memoirs will be published in English this month by Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. in this country and Messrs. Harper and Brothers in the United States. A small album presented by Tennyson to a fellow-undergraduate when at Cambridge has just been sold at Messrs. Hodgson and Co.'s sale-room in Chancery-lane. It contained the original MS. of St. Agnes' Eve and two other poems, in the poet's own handwriting. The little volume realised the high price of .£32. "The History of a Man," by the Man, will be published shortly by Mr. Burleigh. It deals with that aspect of human nature which Mr. Balfour declared the most interesting — the development of character. A hitherto unpublished series of historical studies of the Stuart period by Thomas Carlyle is being brought out by Messrs. Chapman and Hall. These were for a projected history of the first two Stuart Kings of England, and they are printed from a MS. left under the author's will to his niece, and edited by her husband, Mr. Alexander Carlyle. The volume will be pub- lished under the title "Historical Sketches of Noted Persons and Events in the Reigns of James I. and Charles I." The portion devoted to James I. contains chapters on Elizabeth's Funeral, Shakespeare, the Gunpowder Plot, the Hampton Court Conference, &c. A new Irish story by "Rita" will be published shortly by Messrs. Hutchinson. Miss L. S. Tiddeman has just brought out two- new stories. The first, called " Reine's Kingdom," is published at the National Society's Depository. The second, "Rosa's Repentance," by Messrs. Blackie. A new work by Mr. Fred Reynolds, author of "A Tangled Garden," will be published at once by James Bowden, under the title of "An Idyll of the Dawn." Mrs. Aylmer Gowing's new book, entitled " A Touch of the Sun," will be published early in this month by Mr. Burleigh. "The Genius" (6d.), by Lessey Beard, will be published on the 5th Nov. Another book by the same author, comprising a collection of short stories, sketches, &c., will also be ready in November. Mrs. Edith E. Cuthell's new children's book is just published by the S.P.C.K., under the title of "A Bad Little Girl and her Good Little Brother," illustrated by Mrs. Farmiloe. A new novel, entitled "Uncle Jack from America," by Edith C. Kenyon and R. G. Soans, is being published by Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. The story has been very successful as a serial in England and America. ## p. 145 (#157) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. »45 OBITUARY. THE BOOZS OF THE MONTH. MR. HA.ROLD FREDERIC died at his residence at Kenley, Surrey, from syncope, on Oct. 19. He was in his forty-third year, and had been prostrated since Aug. 12, on which day he had a stroke of paralysis. Journalist and author, he was a native of Utica, and, before becoming a member of the staff of the New York Times, he edited for brief periods—first, the Utica Observer, and afterwards the Albany Evening Journal. In 1884 he came to England as the special corre- spondent of the New York Times, for which he did much brilliant work, and travelled over Europe. His first novel to appear was " Seth's Brother's Wife" (1887), a study of American rural life. "In the Valley" and several others followed, but Mr. Frederic's most striking success was achieved with " Illumination," published in the spring of 1896—a novel which, by the way, had the somewhat exceptional distinction of being published under another title in America, namely, "The Damnation of Theron Ware." "March Hares," which followed, appeared under a nom, de guerre, and was a slighter work on London life; and the one which will be compared with "Illumination" is his "Gloria Mundi," a romance of English social life, which will be pub- lished to-day. Just before his death he had revised his last work of fiction, which is called "The Market Place." The late Mr. Gleeson White, the editor of the Studio, was one of the best-known writers on art subjects in the metropolis, and connoisseur of woodcuts and rare prints. His works include "English Illustration in the Sixties," " Practical Designing," "Salisbury Cathedral," "Master Painters of Great Britain." He published anony- mously a series of rather notable prose parodies of well-known authors, under the title " Letters to Eminent Hands," and another series, " Letters to Living Artists." The ex-Libris series of books was edited by Mr. Gleeson White, who also compiled a charming collection of " Ballads and Rondeaux" for the Canterbury Poets series. He died suddenly on Oct. 19, at the age of forty- seven, from typhoid fever contracted during a recent visit to Italy. From Ottawa the death is announced of Mr. William Kingsford, the distinguished Canadian historian. Mr. Kingsford was born in London in 1819. [Sept. 24 to Oct. 22—502 Books.] Abbott, E. A. St Thomas of Canterbury. 24/- Black. Adams, E. D. A Girl of To-Day. 3/6. Blackie. Addison, Kate. Economical Cookery. 1/6. Hodder. Alexander, W. Primary Convictions. 3/6. Harper. Alexander, Mrs. The Cost of Her Pride. 6/- White. Allen, Grant. Venice. Historical Guide. 3/6 net. Richards. Allen, Phcebe. May-Duke Blossoms. -i,- S.P.O.K. Ambrose, W., and Ferguson, W. B. band Transfer Acts 1875 and 1897, and mnd Transfer Rules and Forms 1898, with Notes. 10/- Butterworth. Andrews, 0. M. Historical Development of Modern Europe. 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Front Page Other Pages Half of a Page Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Column Advertisements Bills for Insertion per inch per 2000 ..£4 0 ..3 0 .. 1 10 .. 0 15 ..0 7 0 6 3 0 Reduction! made for a Series of Six or Twelve Iruertiow. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the Advertibkiient Mahaskb, The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street, London. W.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 06 (November 1898) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 06 (November 1898) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1898-11-01-The-Author-9-6 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/323/1898-12-01-The-Author-9-7.pdf 3e72d061c25f0ea9db352ce3b5717b1a PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1898-12-01 Volume 9 Issue 7 Pages Page range in volume 149–172 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18981201 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin tTbe H u t b o r, (Tlie Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. IX.—No. 7.] DECEMBER 1, 1898. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notioe that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- joets whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. EOB some years it has been the praotioe to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices, &o., for the guidance of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to oarry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:—. I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements VOL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " offioe expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give np American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both aides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum oiroulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to tl e secretary before he signs it. Q 2 ## p. 150 (#162) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. I. INVERY member has a right to ask for and to receive lu advice npon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispnte 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. If the case is snch 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 oopyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society first—our solicitors are continually engaged upon snch 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed dooument to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudnlent houses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of every- thing important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reoeption of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 2let of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Offioe without previously communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanoed 15 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, recently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly correct: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amount 0barged in the " Cost of Production " for advertising. Of course, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6«. 6d. subscription for the year. The Editor is always glad to receive short papers and communications on all subjects connected with literature from members and others. Nothing can do more good to the Society than to make The Author complete, attractive, and interesting. Will those who are willing to aid in this work send their names and the special subjects on which they are willing to write? FROM THE COMMITTEE. THE following resolution was passed by the Committee of Management at their meeting held at the offices of the Society on Tuesday, June 14, 1898: "It was resolved that if it was thought advis- able the Committee would elect the chairman or other officers of any corporate association as a member of the Authors' Society, to represent such association, on payment of 2 guineas per annum on behalf of such association. The chairman or ## p. 151 (#163) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. other officers 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." LITERARY PROPERTY. I.—A Curious Question. APUBLISHER sells a large amount of books to a distributor or to a bookseller, and in the return of accounts to the author pays the author royalties on such books. At a later date, for some reason or other, the sale of the book ceases, and the wholesale distributor or bookseller asks the publisher whether he won't take the copies of the book back. It is some- times politic of the publisher to do so in the case of a large wholesale distributor who is very active in the sale of books, and he accordingly takes, say, 100 copies of the book back, although he is not legally bound to do so. The author has already been paid royalty on these copies, so he has no further claim. Ought the publisher, in the continued sales of the book, to sell the author's copies in priority to those that he has received back from the distributor? Opinions are invited on this point. 1. I do not think there is any legal point to be raised here. It is rather one of moral obligation. —O. H. Thring. 2. The books have been sold. The author is entitled to his royalty. They are taken back. Why? In the interests of the publisher, not of the author. My opinion is that the books returned cannot be sold again until all the others in the edition have been disposed of. When this has been done, the publisher can begin to sell again for his own advantage the books which have been returned.—W. B. II.—." The Battle of Dorking." "Tbe year 1871 is known in the annals of the House of Blackwood as 'tbe "Battle of Dorking" jear.' Colonel Chesney's brilliant jtu d'esprit (as he himself called it) was probably the most successful magazine article ever written. It was reprinted in the form of a sixpenny pamphlet, of which over 80,000 copies were sold in a month, and more than 110,000 in all. Itappears from what Mrs. Porter says (though this is not absolutely clear) that the author's share of the profits when the sale had reached 80.000 was £250. If so, the Society of Authors ought to take no'e of the fact, for supposing that the royalty on the issue was only 25 per cent.—an extremely moderate one, in view of such an enormous sale—the author's profits would be .£500, exactly twice what he appears to have received. If the £250 was a mere payment on account, this ought to be made clear; otherwise Messrs. Blackwood have published a serious reproach upon their own firm." The above is a note from the Daily Chronicle. If 80,000 copies of this little pamphlet, which cost perhaps i^d. a copy, or .£500, were sold, the proceeds were about .£1200, so that the profits were £700, of which perhaps .£50 went in adver- tising. These figures would show that the House of Blackwood pocketed eight thirteenths of the whole, giving the author five thirteenths. This would be quite in accordance with the common practice of that period and with the practice advocated by the present publishers in their draft agreements. I do not think that Blackwood was any worse than his neighbours. It must be remembered that the royalty methods had hardly yet been commenced: those writers, if any, who understood what was meant by "trade price " and "cost of production," kept their know- ledge for their own benefit, and had no idea of helping other writers. I remember, some fifteen years ago, being assured by a publisher that a 10 per cent. royalty was a most fair arrangement, equitable for both parties. At that time I had some glimmerings of the truth, and I replied that it might be so for a small first edition, but it could not be so for larger and succeeding editions. Upon which his face assumed a pained look, with a touch of disappointment in it, such as is natural when one meets with want of confidence. I think, therefore, that it is very unlikely that any royalty was given in this case. If it was a royalty, it means 12\ per cent., which is con- temptible. It could not have been a half-profit arrangement, as it would seem to have been based upon imperfect accounts. I believe it was just a cheque tossed to the author without any account whatever. . III.—A Personal Experience. The Author has been very interesting of late on this subject. Perhaps my experience may be useful. I was anxious to publish, and to secure the profit while willing to take the risk. After four years' reading of this valuable paper I had become educated. Mr. Thring gave me the names of five printing firms and a distributor (he has done nothing to deserve to be called a publisher), who read my MS. and expressed his willingness to publish for me. With his valu- able hints I obtained estimates for printing, interviewed papermakers, and gave my own orders. The same for binding. (I am not an idle man.) I paid cash and got discounts. Result, 120,000 words, 3000 copies—say all bound—£118, advertising extra, and typewriting. The book is well groomed, and the publisher ## p. 152 (#164) ############################################ >52 THE AUTHOR. nowhere—not wanted. The woful condition of the bookseller is improved, as he gets much larger profits, and when more books are thus published he will be able to resume his former status and prosperity. He, too, was fearfully sweated by the publisher. He has my book on sale or return, and I have secured what seems a right—the right to place my book upon the market, that it may live or die according to the strength that is in it. For this I am indebted to the Society of Authors. I shall become a life member of the Society. It can do no more for me—it cannot command success. In the summer a literary friend wrote me that he had been over a castle now in the hands of a wealthy publisher, and said he thought he pre- ferred the robber baron. How long will the great ones of literature continue to lay this pub- lisher's golden eggs? My egg may be addled— they know theirs will not be. Yet I am no plutocrat, and the penniless may like to know that I have been penniless enough to satisfy the most exacting. Zeitgeist. IV.— Missing Music Hall Sketches. Judge Emden was engaged for several hours at the Lambeth County Court on Nov. 22 in hearing an action brought by Harry Williamson, play- wright, of Portland-place, Clapham-road, to recover from G. H. Macdermott, music hall artist and theatrical agent, carrying on business at Denison-street, York-road, .£50 damages for the loss of four music hall sketches entrusted to the defendant. The plaintiff deposed that he had been writing plays for the past eighteen or twenty years, and works of his had been produced at a number of West-end theatres. In February, 1897, he met the defendant at the Tivoli, and at his request subsequently left at his office the MSS. of four music hall sketches, entitled "Killarnev," "Mixed," "Wanted," and " Not Guilty," and "he had not copies of any of these—only rough pencil notes. He warned the clerk of their value. When he subsequently applied for the return of the sketches, they could not be found. He had valued them at a low figure, so as to come within the jurisdiction of the County Court. He did not for a moment allege that Mr. Macdermott had the sketches. What he believed was that they had been stolen, and would be put on the market in another name. That was frequently done. For instance, he lost on board ship the original manu- script of "Retiring," produced at the Folly Theatre, and when he sought to secure the Ameri- can rights he found that it had been brought out in the States as " Out of Harness." Mr. Lionel Brough, asked by Mr. Lincoln Reid if he was an actor, replied, "They say so." (Laughter.) He said he knew the plaintiff to hold a good position as a dramatic author and to have a considerable reputation in the theatrical world. The price he put upon the sketches was very moderate indeed. The defendant, Mr. Macdermott, said he had known the plaintiff for twenty-five years. He remembered that Williamson approached him on several occasions with regard to the sketches, and the witness told him to send them to his office, but he had never the smallest intention of charging any commission or fee of any kind if by a good word he could induce a manager or artist to accept them. The evidence of the defendant's manager and his clerk having been heard, Judge Emden, without calling upon the defen- dant's counsel, said there was no doubt in his mind that this was a case of gratuitous bailment —that is to say, that the defendant, in offering to read the manuscripts was not doing it for financial advantage, but as an act of friendship. That being so, and the plaintiff having failed to prove affirmatively that the documents were lost through negligence, there must be judgment for the defendant with costs. He could not help stating that Mr. Macdermott had given his evidence in a frank and candid manner, which was positively refreshing after the usual experi- ence of cases in that court. [This case, quoted in extetuo from the Daily Graphic of Nov. 23, is interesting to authors, as it bears to some extent on the position of an editor to whom MSS. are sent.] V.—Receipts. An article appeared in The Author some time ago with regard to a given form of receipt for the use of serial work which was issued by the Religious Tract Society, and which ran as follows: Copyright. This reoeipt conveys the copyright to the trustees of the Religions Traot Society, with liberty for them, at their dis- cretion, to republish in any form. Republication by authors on their own account must be the subject of special arrange- ment. There is no doubt that from time to time great difficulties arise owing to the form in which receipts are sent to authors. If the Religious Tract Society before publishing work in serial form made a special agreement with the author, con- veying the rights mentioned in the receipt, then there would be no objection to signing it when payment was made, but if no such agreement was made the contributor should refuse his signature, ## p. 153 (#165) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. *53 or he should strike his pen through the objec- tionable words of conveyance. If the Religious Tract Society refused to pay without these words, he should then, unless his necessities compelled him to endure anything, place the business in the hands of the Secretary of the Authors' Society. If no contract had been made before the publi- cation in serial form, taking the worst view of the case, it would have fallen under the 18th section of the Act, which is the section which deals with copyright in magazines. Under this section the right of republication in separate form would not lie with the Religious Tract Society, but would be a matter of separate agreement between the author and the proprietor of the magazine during the period prescribed by law of twenty-eight years, when the right to publish separately would revert to the author. This would be the position of the author, taking the most disadvantageous view of the difficulty, for the 18th section runs as follows in brief: "That when any publisher of a magazine shall have employed or shall employ any persons to compose any parts, essays, articles, or portions thereof for publication in or as part of the same, and such parts, essays, articles, or portions thereof shall have been or shall hereafter be com- posed under such employment on the terms that the copyright therein shall belong to such pro- prietor, and be paid for by such proprietor, then the copyright shall belong to the proprietor," with the proviso stated above, that he cannot re- publish the same separately without the sanction of the author for twenty-eight years. It is very probable, however, that the article may be sent up to the magazine, and there may be no evidence whatever of employment by the proprietor of the magazine on the terms above stated. In that case the copy- right would belong to the author, and the right that he has sold to the magazine would be serial publication in that magazine only. It would therefore be absolutely unfair to ask the author after the publication of his article to assign the copyright and the right to republish in any form when nothing had been stated with regard to these rights previously to the publica- tion. It should be pointed out that, in the absence of special agreement, the contract is com- pleted with the publication, and that the signing of a receipt in the form set forth above would not necessarily convey the copyright, as there would be no fresh consideration for such conveyance, but it might be such very strong evidence of the intention of the author that it would be impos- sible to dispute his position subsequently. This article was commenced not with the idea of bringing forward the old form of receipt of the R. T. S., but with the intention of putting authors very strongly on their guard against endorsing cheques which have got a form of receipt on somewhat of the same lines, as the one above quoted, printed on their backs. It is easy to strike out the words of the receipt quoted above, and to return it to the office, taking the cheque in payment of fair serial use of an author's work. The author thus obtains his fair remuneration, and if the proprietor likes to dispute the price the action must lie with him. Here, again, the Society might be of use. But the proprietors of several magazines have devised the method of printing the receipt on the back of the cheque, and giving orders to their bank not to cash the cheque under any circumstances unless it is endorsed with the name of the author at the bottom of the receipt—conveying all these extra rights—and the receipt has no deletions upon it. Here the author is met with a considerable diffi- culty, as he cannot get his money until he has endorsed the cheque, and he cannot endorse the cheque without practically handing over to the proprietor the copyright and other rights that were never bargained for, In this case the author must return the cheque, and the cause of action lies with the author. Is it possible that the pro- prietor relies on the reluctance of the author to go to law? It is necessary again to repeat that the difficulty only arises when no agreement whatever has been made before the publication of the work. How then should an author avoid this difficulty? As a matter of fact, an editor, if he desires to accept an article, should write to the author and state so, mentioning at the same time what rights he desires to purchase and the price he is willing to give; but editors are not perfect, and under certain circumstances such a course might be impossible. In practice there are a great many things published without any formal acceptance from the editor, and an awkward position is the result. It is possible, however, for the author, from his point of view, to prevent himself from falling into the trap by forwarding his work with a letter stating exactly the rights he desires to convey if the work is published in the magazine, and the price he asks for such rights. He might have a stereotyped letter in this form, and he should keep a copy of the same. If, then, his work is subsequently published, and he receives no notice until after the publication, then it would be published, failing any evidence to the contrary, on the terms of the author's letter. These points have been put forward many times in The Author, and have been embodied in the "Addenda to the Methods of Publishing," but it is thought worth while to repeat the warnings, as ## p. 154 (#166) ############################################ i54 THE AUTHOR. the process of issuing cheques with the receipts indorsed purporting to convey the copyright, when no previous agreement has been made, is as unfair to the author as it is unjust on the part of the proprietor. . G-. H. Thring. VI.—A Point or International Law. The following was the first resolution passed at the International Literary and Artistic Confer- ence, which was held at Turin this year. It refers to the retrospective action of the Berne Convention, and to modifications which the con- ference desired to see made in the English law. The CoDgross considering that the English law respecting International Copyright is not completely in accord with the text of the Berne Convention (and more especially that the Article 6 of the English Law of the 25 th June, 1886, as it is legally interpreted, contradicts the principle laid down in Artiole 14 of the Convention of Berne, and leads to violent and numerous violations of the rights of authors and artists), expresses the hope that diplomatic steps may be taken with the Government of Great Britain so that a new text of the law in question may be placed in complete acoord with the text of the Convention of Berne, and may especially assure the application of the principle of Article 14 of that Convention; that is to say, the effective protection of a work which has not fallen into the public domain in the country of its origin, and this even against the publisher who may, before that date, have published in England without the consent of the author. The question here put forward seems on the whole to be unnecessary, The section of the International and Colonial Copyright Act of 1886 referred to, runs as follows:— Where an Order in Council is made under the interna- tional Copyright Acts with respect to any foreign country, the author and publisher of any literary or artistic work first produced before the date at which such order comes into operation shall be entitled to the same rights and remedies as if the said Aots and this Act and the said order had applied to the said foreign country at the date of the said production. Provided that where any person has before the date of the publication of an Order in Council law- fully produced any work in the United Kingdom, nothing in this section shall diminish or prejudice any rights or interests arising from or in connection with such productions which are subsisting and valuable at the said date. The section of the Berne Convention referred to runs:— Under the reserves and conditions to be determined by common agreement, the present Convention applies to all works which at the moment of its coming into force have not yet fallen into the public domain in the country of origin. It is difficult to see what the Congress can possibly have meant by passing this resolution, and stating that the opposition in principle leads to violent and numerous violations of rights of authors and artists. Firstly, it is exceedingly doubtful if there is any opposition in principle, as the Congress would have discovered if it had thought fit to consider paragraph 4 of the final protocol to the Convention ;* and, secondly, the only rights that can possibly come into question would be the rights that publishers had acquired before the passing of the International and Colonial Att of 1886. At the most there have been two or three cases in the English courts referring to the rights of publishers in England acquired before the passing of the Act, touching works that come within the region of the retrospective working of the 14th section of the Berne Convention. How far the 14th section of the Berne Convention is retro- spective, and what are the limits of that retro- spection, have never been really decided, but there is no doubt that any rights obtained before the passing of the International Copyright Act, which confirmed the Berne Convention, must have been ot* so small a character as hardly in any way to affect authors and artists; otherwise action* would have been more frequent and the matter would have been discussed and settled long ago. Further, as regards authors, the rights that are of most value—translation rights—even if ob- tained under the Convention, lasted only ten years, and have now fallen into the public domain. In addition to this, every year makes it more im- possible for other rights to be of any value owing to the period of protection given expiring by lapse of time. The resolution which has been passed appears, to anyone who has really studied the two articles side by side, and the reading of the International Law, to be entirely futile and unnecessary. The Congress might, however, with much more advan- tage have turned its attention to the fact that the acquiring of copyright in a dramatic piece by performance in England prevents the English law from being in accord with the laws of most of the other countries that are signatories to the Berne Convention. This is a grave point, as it is a continuing cause of disintegration. The other point was never of much import, and grows less and less important every day. Q Herbert Thring. VII.—Author and Publisher. Most of your readers will endorse the opinions expressed by " A Member " in your last issue, as well as your own comments on the same. You seem, however, to think that the Society as yet might not wish to undertake the publication of books on the lines laid down by your corre- spondent. * This opinion is supported by a legal expert on Inter, national Copyright Law. ## p. 155 (#167) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. '55 But if a powerful concern were established, publishing on commission only, as you suggest, a great step would be gained. In order to secure the success of such an undertaking it would require the steadfast patronage of the more influential members of the Society. Some of your readers may remember that a small company, called The Authors' Co-operative Publishing Company, was started some eight or ten years ago on these lines; but, as it possessed the patronage of neither the Authors' Society nor of its principal members, the company almost died before it was born. There is no doubt that a certain proportion of the more mercenary critics are considerably under the influence of pub- lishers, and that unknown writers are more or less at the mercy of these mercenary critics. As, at first, books published by such a firm would probably have to stand the attacks of these light- fingered gentry, the concern would require the continued support of writers of established repu- tation, who could afford to sneer at unfair reviews. A surreptitious attempt would certainly be made by publishers and their creatures to boycott their rivals; but perseverance would prevail, and the public would gradually come to learn that the great difference of such a firm from the ordinary publisher would be that the works would be pro- duced cheaper, and that the profits would go more into the pockets of the poor author and bookseller than into the coffers of dishonest pub- lishers. The present relations between author and publisher are so entirely one-sided as to be truly ridiculous to contemplate. "You give me your book," says the publisher to the author, "and you see nothin', and you ask nothin', except what I may be jolly well pleased to give you, for I am the immaculate Llama of Literature." Till such links of bondage are broken the author remains a slave. There would be something more to say on the subject, and distribution of per- centages, in promoting such a concern. Glenfktjin. FEOM THE SUNNY SOUTH. PERHAPS a few lines—not entirely about books—from Australia may be of some interest to readers of The Author. A literary man in Sydney is not quite in the back blocks, indeed, less so than if he were in (say) Manchester, for the place is cosmopolitan in character: the terminal port for three or four English bines, one German, one French, one American, and one Canadian line of mail steamers; is the centre of government for a VOL. IX. million and a quarter of people, the headquarters of the British fleet in Australian waters, and a few other things besides. The city is fairly large, contaiuing as it does a population of 410,000 souls, is well-built, furnished with railways, electric trams, telephones, and all the other aids to the business of the nerve specialist, possesses many theatres, good libraries, and an art gallery which competent critics declare to be very credit- able for so young a city. The natural advantages of the place constitute its chief charm however, for in the whole world there is not so splendid a site for a city. Sydney harbour, with its 200 odd miles of coast line, its numerous arms, bays, and inlets, its surroundings of bush-clad slopes and craggy gullies, is indeed a vision of beauty, but a very real "vision," which can be engaged any day for a few pence. Then the harbour is not the only attraction, for there are miles of open coast close by the city, and countless pretty drives. Intellectually it is, perhaps, as yet a trifle pro- vincial, and frozen meat and gold mines bulk rather too largely, but there is an improvement in this respect. One or two of the dailies pose as being quite abreast of modern thought (which they are not), and all kinds of ideas are discussed freely and without much prejudice. People here have passed out of the materialistic stage in con- nection with the religious question, and have either swung right back to some form of Chris- tianity or adopted some form of Deism. One or two leading ministers of various denominations have no hesitation in announcing themselves evolutionists, and yet adherents of revealed religion. It is a tolerant place, people are not very preju- diced, and divorce is made more easy than in any portion of the British empire, without the remotest sign of the degradation prophesied at every stage of advance in this direction. Literature can hardly be said to have had a beginning in Australia as yet—at all events a purely literary career is not yet possible here unless the worker takes his wares to the London market. Only one firm as yet publishes locally, and there is no literary magazine. An attempt to form an association of Australian authors and produce a paper in which Australian work could appear was not successful. The firm which publishes (and prints) in Sydney has had several successes, principally with poems and ballads, but the market for local work— especially fiction—cannot be said to be strong. English works have a ready sale, but it is notice- able that many of the works which have achieved success in London do not catch on here. That fact was very noticeable last year, when some of ## p. 156 (#168) ############################################ >5<5 THE AUTHOR. the " spooky" books which sold freely in London were scarcely asked for here. Justin C. MacCartie. Bridge-street, Sydney, Aug. 20. NOTES AND NEWS. CONFIRMATION has reached me of my estimate as to the number of families in this country who can be considered as possible buyers of books. I put the number at 400,000, and the lowest income at .£250. People with less than that income may buy a cheap book, one at 4f</. in a draper's shop, or a second-hand book, out of the twopenny box, but they certainly cannot afford to buy new and expensive books. Indeed, book-buying only begins when the standard of comfort is reached. I do not myself believe that many families with incomes under .£750 a year spend much upon books, especially when the children are receiving their education. When there are no children: when a man is unmarried, he can buy a good many books with an income of .£250. However, my confirmation is based upon Mr. Charles Booth's Analysis of the 1891 Census. From that analysis it is made out that the number of families in London with such an income is 65,000, and that for the whole country in the same proportion it would be 480,000. But as the proportion of rich to poor is much less in the country than in London, it is safer to take 400,000. So far, this is satisfactory. But, in addition, I should like to know how many families have an income of .£750 and over, because I should be inclined to limit book-buying to any considerable extent to those families. "What has your Society done? Not a single publisher driven to smash yet!" This objection was seriously advanced the other day to the Secre- tary. One hardly knows how to reply. The Society has never tried to "smash" publishers. It is not one of the objects of the Society to "smash" publishers any more than printers, paper-makers, or bookbinders. The object of the Society is solely to defend literary property in the interests of the author, to whom it belongs. How has the Society sought to effect this object? Partly by jireparing an amended Copyright Bill: partly by putting the law at the service of authors: mainly by ascertaining and publishing the facts and statistics concerning literary property. For instance, the cost of printing, paper, and bind- ing: the meaning of advertisements: the trade price of various books—so that the creator of literary property may understand exactly what, under given conditions, ought to come to him as the owner, and what, under the same conditions, is demanded by the middleman. This seems a tolerably useful thing to do. It may even be called a humble piece of work. But it had never been done before; and the want of this knowledge kept the writer in a condition of helpless and galliug dependence. He could not object, what- ever was offered, because he did not know. Now he does know. What is the result? It is, beyond all doubt, an advance all along the line. The old royalties are no longer offered: the old prices are no longer proposed. It is certain that for popular work of all kinds the position of the author is increased enormously in consequence of the Society's action. There are persons who to-day enjoy the fruits of the Society's labours, and neither join it nor acknowledge their obligation—and even attempt to abuse and misrepresent the Society. "You have not yet, after all your work, driven a single pub- lisher to smash!" We might sit down, then, these results dis- covered and published. Not so: they must be republished again and again. We must keep before the eyes of writers the facts and the figures. We must show them again and again the cost of production: the meaning of advertisements: the meaning of risk, the meaning of royalties, and the tricks, dodges, and devices by which the author is met at every turn by the greater number of publishers. And there is another side. It is that the Society acts as a police, always on the lookout: preventing iniquities and detecting iniquities. Every week brings in "cases" for investigation. The work is necessarily confidential. Only the Chairman and the Secretary know the full work that is done by the Society in this way. The cases are not, as a rule, brought before the Com- mittee. I do not say that the complainant is always right. Perhaps he may be wrong: in this case it is well that he should learn the law and the equity of his own case, and should cease to accuse. _ A point about the "Draft Agreements" of the Publishers' Association has not, I think, been noted. It is this. Up to the present it has been the custom with a great many to overstate every item. They could do this with impunity because there was no audit. But no provision has been made in the "Draft Agreements" for any audit. ## p. 157 (#169) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. •57 Therefore the same impunity remains. But they do propose to put a percentage on everything—a percentage of what they please. Therefore, if these agreements are carried out, we shall soon have (i) the items all overstated as before, and (2) a percentage charged on the fraudulent return. This, it appears, is not only possible, but certain to be done. For those who have always practised the old knavish custom of overstating the cost, will continue to do so with impunity, and will then cheerfully make use of the liberty claimed by the Association of adding on what they please as a percentage. Let us apply these considerations to a half- profit system. We take a book which costs .£150 for an edition of 3000 copies. We suppose all to be sold, less Press copies, i.e., 2950 copies at 3.?. 6d. each. Here is the honest return:— Cost of production .£150 0 0 Author's share 183 2 6 Publisher's share... 183 2 6 — - .£516 5 0 Sales—2950 at 3s. 6d .£516 5 0 Next, the return partly based on the old iniquity and partly as maintained by the Pub- lishers' Association. Cost of production fraudulently set down as .£200. Eeturns "at customary trade price," i.e., at anything the publisher chooses to say. Perhaps he will own to 3*. a copy, or .£442 i0.«. Also, though the returns are for actual money received, he deducts a percentage for bad debts. He adds, besides his percentages (which are allowed here by the agreement), a charge for advertisements not paid for. This he can also do with impunity. We now have the account as rendered :— Cost of production .£200 0 0 Percentage: 15 per cent 30 0 0 Advertisements not paid for 30 0 0 260 0 0 Author's share 47 0 0 Publisher's share... 47 0 0 .£354 0 0 Returns £442 10 0 Less 10 per cent. bad debts ... .£44 5 0 Less 10 per cent. office expenses.. .£44 50 88100 .£354 0 0 But observe that the publisher has got— I. .£50 0 0 2. Percentage on alleged cost ... 30 0 0 3- Advertisements not paid for .. 30 0 0 4- Bad debts 44 10 0 5- Office expenses ... 44 10 0 6. Alleged share of profits 47 □ 0 .£246 0 0 To the author's .£47. And this is an alleged half-profit system! I desire readers to mark very earnestly and seriously the dangers which these draft agree- ments threaten. If they are successful, then there will be an end of literature. It cannot be too often repeated that literature, like any other art, must be free: must be respected: must be indepen- dent. No profession can continue in respect which is daily wilfully robbed, and without any power of redress. It may be argued that the very publishers who advance these pretensions would not dare to offer such an agreement to a writer of repute. This shows the inherent dishonesty of the proposals. They know that such an agree- ment would be flung in their faces. Why, then, are these drafts put forward? In the hope that they may be little by little put forward and adopted with the writers who are helpless, or with those who desire above all things to get their books published, and that so, in the imme- diate future, they may be recognised by writers of standing. The scheme is crafty. It is based on the ignorance and artlessness of writers, which have been abundantly proved in the past. We shall see what writers will do. A writer in a daily paper informs the world about Mr. Rudyard Kipling's private affairs. I shall not follow his example, because I have not received information from the only person who knows these things—the author himself: nor have I received his permission to publish the facts. But the paragraph concludes with these words: "This pecuniary return seems adequate." What is the meaning of " adequate "? It is the old, old story of confusing literary and com- mercial value. Nothing is "adequate" for a writer, and nothing is "inadequate," because there is no connection possible between the two values. But put it in another way. This writer has created a literary property. It is his, as much as a house, or a terrace, or a farm, or a hundred farms. The returns from that pro- ## p. 158 (#170) ############################################ ■58 THE AUTHOR. perty are his own: if he did not get them, some person who had no right or claim whatever to them would lay hands upon them. I have never heard of anyone in the paper calling out upon the amount realised by that person, but I con- stantly see little touches like this use of the word "adequate," which show the confusion I have often indicated, together with a kind of feeling that an author ought not to be allowed the use and the returns of his own property. Every other kind of property the owner may be allowed to enjoy to the full, but not literary property— no—not literary property. Tbat, it appears, does not belong to the creator and the owner. This confusion cannot be too often pointed out and insisted upon. There is no connection what- ever between literary and commercial value. They are incommensurable as much as the circle and the radius. It is impossible to say that this poem is worth a million or that essay a shilling. "When a worthless book is for a time successful, people should cry out—not at the money which it brings in, but at the bad taste of those who buy it. In the same way a good book may have a very limited circulation—witness, for a long time, Browning's poems, and, now as always, Walter Pater's works. Circulation, that is, money, does not make a book good or bad. On the other hand, there are, happily, many cases every year in which good work is largely recognised. Even if all good books were recognised, that would bring us no nearer to the establishment of an equation between the two separate factors of poetry and trade. Nothing, however, was more common a few years ago than to find the reviewers talking about certain sums of money being "more " or "less" than a book was "worth." The expres- sion, which they did not understand, stamped them with the mark of ignorance as to the entirely separate character of literary worth. Of late one has heard less of the expression Yet the above example shows that it still lingers. (From the Book News and Trade Gazette, Oct. 2 2, 1898.) "Unfortunately for the bookseller, tbe same manner of carrying on business prevails to-day in tbe publishing trade as it did in the early days of the century, when fewer books were issued and a greater discrimination was shown in selection of MSS. for publication. In those days publishing and bookselling were a profession where the publisher and bookseller pursued their work more from a genuine love for it than in a commercial spirit. To-day that is all changed; the publisher in the majority of oases never reads a MS. before it is published, relying entirely on his expert readers. The bookseller, harassed by the competition of the libraries, has no time to grasp the inside of the books and thereby in- telligently sell his wares to the public. He has to buy his ■took chiefly on the representation or misrepresentation of the publisher-traveller, a creature whose conscience has deteriorated, or in some cases disappeared, through stress of ciroumstances and struggle for existence. Through him the publisher vicariously leads the bookseller astray. This un- businesslike system, based on a rotten foundation, is gradu- ally ruining the bookselling trade. Even the trade have awakened to that fact, but unfortunately they have not been able to accurately diagnose the malady which is killing them. Instead of coming to some simple basis of agreement, and presenting a firm front to the enemy, they actually invite those who are trying to ruin them to devise some means whereby the end may be quickened, and the result of their concentrated wisdom was to try and institute a system which would still further alienate the publio from buying books. This fell through, and though some more futile propositions were put forward, nothing apparently has come of them, and the survival of the fittest will probably be the only solution to tbe question. "We set forth again the only remedy that, in our opinion, will at least save the trade, and especially the country book- seller, from accumulating bad stock, the great cause of ruin to many. The Booksellers' Association should approach the publishers and get them to send a copy of every book to them a fortnight before publication. They should then appoint an expert who would read every book and write a short resume, if suitable, which would be issued to the trade. The bookseller would then, when the book was pre- sented to him for subscription, be able to know whether it would suit his particular trade, and buy in such a way as to reduce the item of bad stock to a minimum. This seems to us the only intelligent way of doing business. Other trades guard themselves in the same way, and the book- sellers would only be doing a wise thing if they followed their example. The retrograde step proposed last year— namely, to raise tbe price of a commodity which is essential for the welfare of tbe country, was perhaps the silliest pro- position ever put forward by business men. We maintain that everyone would be benefited by our proposal—the pub- lisher, the bookseller, and the public. Though at first sales might not increase, losses would be diminished, and in the end renewed confidence in the superior quality of the wares would encourage the publio to buy." The above proposal is at once practical and sensible, and certain to produce the best results. I had myself, before this article appeared, advo- cated exactly the same method: but with certain modifications. Thus it would not be possible for an expert to read and report on every book. But he might do this: There are many books which a bookseller would desire to offer his people on the recommendation of the name only. There are many books which can be condemned almost at a glance. There remain the books on the border line which require to be considered before they are recommended or condemned. This expert with the weekly sheet of recommendations or descriptions — a brief description should accompany every recommendation—would cost ab,/ut .£400 a year, or a yearly subscription of, say, 15*. Surely this is not too much, considering the advantages to be gained by this method. But I am always of opinion that the sale-or-return method is the only way of getting books really published, i.e., produced and offered for sale. ## p. 159 (#171) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. '59 And as no bookseller's shop can hold all the books that are produced, this reader would guide him as to the books he would accept on sale-or-return. Walter Besant. "A SPRAY OF LILAC." (From an unpublished book of words for music.) "No tender stalk of juicy green Is mine," it murmured low; "No feathered leaf, nor drooping branch It is, that lilacs know." "But lovely shades of violet, And snowy white are mine, In dusters fair, and greeny leaves A-near each branch entwine." "There is no flow'r more sweet to see, No flow'r so scents the gale, No bridal wreath it does not deck, In semblance, 'neath the veil." "And one sweet spray I place on this, Thy last lone resting place; And as I gaze, and tears arise, I see thy sad pale face." Thus spoke he, as he paused to view Her grave where she had lain Full twenty years, while lilacs bloom'd, And went and came again. M. A. C. C. [Copyright.] CHALONER'S MASTERPIECE. WHEN he was eight years old John Fyvie Chaloner ran away to sea. At least, he partly ran and partly walked to the side of the canal-dock which lay three-quarters of a mile distant from his home. Here he saw a burly man lounging on a barge, and after a little hesitation offered 6d. as the price of a passage to "the big London docks." The man asked ques- tions in a good-humoured way, and little John revealed his purpose. He feared it was unwise to do so, but what was he to say? Among other matters he told the bargee where Mr. Chaloner senior lived. "Here, you come along with me," said the bargee when John had made an end of his tale. "1 know of a tremendous fine sea-going steamer, I *lo, and I know the captain of her, and you'll see if it isn't just what you're a-looking after." John consented, round-eyed, and the bargee jumped ashore. Then he grasped John by the hand and led him by a circuitous route to the house of Mr. Chnloner senior. John was told to VOL. IX. go upstairs and wait till his father came to him, and the bargee was handsomely rewarded. When John was fourteen his father died, and a year later his mother married again. Then John ran away to sea once more. He was a strong, smart lad now with a pleasant address, and he got his way this time. The life fascinated him even after he had learned to hate it, and he remained at sea six years. Then he suddenly grew tired of the water, and began to think of falling seriously in love and renting a cottage. He came ashore, and tried to earn his living in London. He did manage to escape starvation. He was alternately a dock labourer, check-taker at the pit-door of a theatre, sandwich-man, stage carpenter's hand, walking gentleman, and attendant to a lunatic. It was during the leisure which he sometimes enjoyed in this latter service that he found time to write a book. It was a novel, of course, and it was a curious one. Round a plot of which he had thought during his very first voyage he spread a jumble of his experiences, and the book was very sensational in some places and very funny in other places, and it was long and somewhat formless; but it was alive. Twelve publishing firms rejected it within six months, and then John Chaloner begau to think that he was not cut out for a novelist. "The jury's dead against me," he said. "Well, what will be will be. Let's try the thirteenth man, and see if he's as bad as his number." After two months John received a brief letter from Messrs. Beaner and Baske—the thirteenth firm. They were prepared to offer him £20 for the copyright of his novel, provided they had the option of publishing his next long work, " such work not to take the form of a collection of short stories." John sat for some time dangling the letter between his fingers. He knew nothing of pub- lishers and nothing of the prices paid for books. True, it was a long while since he had handled £20 in a single sum, but the terms offered to him appeared small for so much work. He wrote to Messrs. Beaner and Baske and asked if they could not be a little more generous. They replied that they could not—in this instance. They enclosed a form of transfer of copyright, which John signed, and by return of post he received a cheque for £20. The book attracted a great deal of attention; it was not only sensational and funny, it was true. The sales were brisk; twelve thousand copies went off in two months, and the publishers made a very neat thing of selling sheets to an American firm; besides, they sold a big colonial edition, and they sold the continental rights to Tauchnitz, and they sold the story as a serial to B ## p. 160 (#172) ############################################ i6o THE AUTHOR. a number of more or leas obscure newspapers, which all paid something. So both Beaner and Baske rubbed their hands over that book. But John Chaloner knew exactly how far .£20 would go, and he continued to attend upon the lunatic. There was a reason why the book was true, and the reason was that John Chaloner respected himself when he sat down to write. He had strong views about the dignity of authorship. So when he found that his first venture was successful he set himself to write the very best book he could think of. It was a long book, rather gloomy and very powerful. John knew all the people who were to live in it before he began to write it, and the people actually lived in it when he had done. Beaner and Baske told him that they did not like the book, but John assured them it was better than his last. Mr. Baske shook his head. "We will hope it may prove so," said Mr. Beaner, with a sour smile. John was I o receive a royalty upon every copy of this book which was sold in England—nothing was said about America; and Mr. Beaner and Mr. Baske both assured the author that the royalty was a very handsome one, and that the treatment which he was receiving was very handsome altogether. The book was published, and the Press notices of it turned John Chaloner's head slightly; at least, they made him think that he had carved out a road to com- petence and freedom, and he gave up attending on his lunatic. That was three weeks after the book was published. Then came the eternal bread-and-butter question, and John called on his publishers. Mr. Beaner advanced him .£20 with a pleasant smile, and said it would be "all right." John began to take his pleasure a little, and within three weeks the twenty pounds had been spent. Then John Chaloner called upon his pub- lishers again. Mr. Beaner was not so agreeable, talked vaguely of the book not quite answering expectations, and, when he advanced John the fifty pounds for which he had asked, requested him not only to sign a receipt, but a formal promise that the firm should have "the first refusal" of the next book. John hesitated; but rent and dinner had to be considered, so he signed. And it is easy to picture his astonish- ment when, six weeks later, he received a statement of account from Messrs. Beaner and Baske, which set forth that only 850 copies ot the book had been sold, and lhat Mr. John Fyvie Chaloner was rather heavily in debt to the firm of Beaner and Baske. John was frightened. He had begun another sombre novel, but he set it aside to follow a counsel which he had from Mr. Beaner at their last meeting—and write adventures. Perhaps the following conversation which had taken place between Mr. Beaner and his partner before Chaloner's second book was published will explain why so few copies of it were sold. "I don't much like the report on Chaloner's new book," said Mr. Baske. "It's high art, and all that sort of rot, and I don't believe it will sell." "I don't believe it will," replied Mr. Beaner, and he swore at high art. "I've read the begin- ning and the end of the stuff myself and a good bit of the middle, and the man's left out the blood. If the public learns to expect blood from a man they will take nothing else." "Quite right." said Mr. Baske. "All the same, though I don't believe in this book, I believe in the chap." "When he writes adventures," observed Mr. Beaner, "so do I." "Well, let's make him write blood," said Mr. Baske. "We can just let this book drop quietly and lend the man a little money. His boots and his hat and tie show that he wants money. Then we can make him do what we like." "Not a bad idea," remarked Mr. Beaner. "And we can make him give us the option of his next, besides telling him what it's to be like. I don't think we can lose much, and his last was meaty. Anyhow, we needn't lend him much. We'll just print a thousand and distribute the type: there'll be over sixty review copies—I mean to prepare the ground for his next blood handsomely, and we can keep a few copies unbound and tell him the total sales are eight hundred and fifty. After all, one must teach these authors their business; they've no sense to find it out for themselves." At first John Chaloner was disgusted at the idea of another adventure story. But the more he thought about it the more he warmed to his work. He began to see that much of the material he had rejected in writing his first book was better than the material he had retained. His repugnance for the work gradually turned to love of it, and thus his masterpiece was fashioned; for it was a masterpiece. He took it to Beaner and Baske; he had no alternative as to that. Mr. Beaner read it, and Mr. Baske read it. "My word, it's a plum," said the senior partner. "It's a real live plum." said the junior, "and now let's t-ee if we can't get it cheap." Chaloner called at Beaner and Baske's place of business again and again. He heard a great many excuses, but he could not get a decided answer about the book until two months and a half had passed. Then his total indebtedness to the firm was one hundred and fifty pounds. ## p. 161 (#173) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 161 "We can give you one hundred and fifty pounds advance," said Mr. Beauer, at last, " and mind it's a thumping advance, on account of a 15 per cent. royalty running all through; and that's very high, very high. But we have hopes that this book will redeem our losses on the last, you know." "But I owe you one hundred and fifty already," said Chaloner, frowning, "Well, you'll clear yourself," observed Mr. Beaner, " and then there's the rovalty." John sighed, and accepted the bargain. He was very anxious to "clear himself." But there seemed no end to the delays in publication. The autumn and the winter slipped by, the spring season was over, the summer books were being issued, but still Chaloner received no proofs. "My dear sir," said Mr. Beaner, haughtilv, in reply to remostrances, "we know when to publish. That's part of our business. No date is fixed in your agreement. Very well then. It's in your interests as well as ours that the book should wait for the propitious moment. You really must not try to dictate to us, sir. We shouldn't dream of dicating to you about your part of the business of production." John had got deeper into debt. Mr. Beaner was more petulant every time he was asked for money—and the sums which were asked were small now. John lest heart. He began two new novels, but abandoned both before he had written a dozen chapters. He was not only dispirited but unoccupied, and he drank rather freely in con- sequence. Mr. Beaner's manner had grown so repellent that John Chaloner had recourse on one occasion to a moneylender. He knew it was foolish, but he did it. And soon he was involved to such an extent that he dared not think of his finances, and he grew desperate. One afternoon late in the summer he penetrated into the offices of Messrs. Beaner and Baske. He was kept waiting a long while, but he saw Mr. Baske at last. "I tell you frankly what it is," said Chaloner, "I'm fearfully hard up, and I want you to pub- lish the book as soon as possible." "Oh, but we couldn't possibly before the autumn," replied Mr. Baske. "What do you mean by the autumn ?" asked John with a sigh. "We can't say exactly," answered Mr. Baske. "Most likely November." "1 can't wait till then," remarked Chaloner. Mr. Baske shrugged his shoulders. "Well," he said at length, "we're not inclined to go to much more expense about your book, Mr. Chaloner, as to which, frankly, we're doubtful. But if it will suit you best, we'll cry quits over the money advanced, hand you a cheque for twenty pounds, and take over the copyright, lock, stock, and barrel. But only to oblige you." "Let me go home and think of it," said Chaloner. "You can always write another one," said Mr. Baske as he bowed the author out with an agree- able smile. John went home and thought over it bitterly enough; but then—he could always write another one. He believed that himself. So he accepted Mr. Baske's offer and sold the copyright. The book was published within six weeks after that, and 50,000 copies of it were sold in three months in England alone. Then Chaloner tried "to write another one." He drank still more freely to drown his anger and disgust, and he could not make his next book live. There was not a spark of inspiration in it. Beaner and Baske rejected it after ten other houses had seen it and con- demned it, and by this time Chaloner was once more attendant to a lunatic. He tried two more novels. One was published by a new firm and was a dead failure. The other was rejected by a score of publishers. Then John Fyvie Chaloner ran away to sea for the third time, and gave up literature and the idea of falling in love and renting a cottage. But those copyrights are still real "properties" to the firm of Beaner and Baske. Molecule. ECCLEFECHAN. THE traveller to the south will remember the details of the scenery, where the Cale- donian express combines the contingent of people from Glasgow and Edinburgh. The panorama viewed on the carriage windows (those Euston carriages whose green-and-white so aptly relieves the hills beneath and clouds above) is characteristic of the lowlands of Scotland. Likely he will recall the halt—and if he does so, also he may have seen that nice bevy of damsels—at Lockerbie Junction. Then the train, with a good speed and a zigzag motion, cleaves its way through the rugged hills and moors of Annandale. With- out delay it drives by the historic hamlet of Eccle- fechan. Ecclefechan has only one absorbing interest in its association with the name of Tom Carlyle. Here the Sage of our Era began the anxious toil of life, and here his mortal part has found its resting-place. Mr. Sam. Donald and his wife made a pilgrim- age to Ecclefechan. Donald, who was a journalist ## p. 162 (#174) ############################################ 162 THE AUTHOR. and follower of the prophet, wanted intensely to see this spot of earth. What manner of place might it be which gave birth to such amazing genius? It happened that Dumfries was the scene of the honeymoon, and so one day the couple paid a visit to the prophet's native place. They wondered if the hills and dales were more didactic tban usual here, if the ozone was any thicker than it is elsewhere. But the case is not so. Ecclefechan is such a village, lying in such environs, as we have seen the like of many a time in Scotland. In the valley, traversed by the railroad, crossed by a modest stream, surrounded by wooded hills, lies the quiet village. Several rows of haphazard houses, gathered at the meeting of the roads, range into some half-a-dozen streets. There are at least two churches in the place, not to speak of the countryside. The population is less than a thousand people. There is a street that goes by the name of Carlyle Place. Here in a dull-white house—behind a burn and a hedge—and then in a low-ceiled and dark room, they told them the prophet was born, and showed them his things. The natives talk familiarly of him as "Tom." The village has the choice of some nice walks (that specially to the west a favourite) in the neighbourhood. Donald commented on the usual plethora of churches in so small a village. "I happen to know," he said, "that one of the preachers was prize-poet of his year in College, and I credit him with brain enough to supply the needs of the whole village." And his wife gave the right answer. "Why on earth do they not unite?" Quite near the little town, they found the old churchyard. The patch of ground is homely and overgrown with grass. Over from the gate there is a white pile, more conspicuous than the others. It belongs to the family of a relative of our hero. Beside oue wall of the yard were stones bearing the names of Aitken and Carlyle. Here repose the mother and brother of our hero. Amid these, beside the grave of a literary name, the red stone of simple design is the tomb of the immoTtal Carlyle His grave was plain then in the extreme. Amid simple and ordinary things, the extraordinary man lies in the dust of earth. Surrounded by a cluster of his kindred, like priests that guard the inner secret of his temple! The sandstone is slightly ornamented and bears this inscription: "Here rests Thomas Carlyle, who was born at Ecclefechan, 4th Dec. 1795, and died at 24, Cheyne Row, Chelsea, London, on Saturday, 5th Feb. 1881." There is over the words—the family crest—a dragon-device, and beneath it the single word, so suitable, " Humili- tate." There in that corner, yes, they left the yard in vain effort to speak the meaning con- tained in that one word, "Humilitate !" Carlyle lies in ashes there. As they wander out the road, that skirts the wooded hill, sad and thoughtful, with the verdant soil under-foot and the blue-and-white sky above, they wonder, as he used to do, what it is that life means: and the mystery of it cannot better be resigned than by taking the hint of that word on his tomb, and learning the lesson of humility, that the great soul is ever born out of lowliness. "I would have expected somehow," said Donald, "that this patriotic land might have raised some kind of monument in the streets of its capital, or else in Ecclefechan." "It would be natural enough," the lady said with a comic laugh, "but do you know what you recall to me V When Schumann heard of the movement to raise a monument to the glory of Beethoven, he said they might as well raise one to the Lord Almighty." When they returned to the village, somebody in the shop (where they made a purchase) told them of a Roman camp to the east, within easy walking distance. But that idea had to be aban- doned on the score of time. "I remember once before," said he in his naive way, "I visited a tiny village. And there was a Roman camp there—" "I daresay," she said, interrupting him, "and it was inevitable." Although they found no marvel there, Donald and his spouse declare that the day spent in Carlyle's village was one of the best, if also the most sad, of the wt dding-tour. While in the falling shade they waited the train at the station, they watched the faultless lines of rail cutting with a cold gleam away into the distance—the lines that vanish and ever remind us, how little the finite can know of the infinite. And the same sad mood covered the landscape. "Do you know I have been thinking, ever since we left the grave," said the lady, "but perhaps 1 ought not to indulge fancies." "And why not, my dear?" "I have been thinking," she said, "of another tomb, and what the angel said of its tenant, 'He is not here, he is risen.'" "It would be no harm," said Donald, "but the reverse, to think so." # # # # • "Therefore we learn the lesson," wrote Donald in giving some account of this visit to readers of his own paper, "which all his work was calcu- lated to teach, that not the chance of life's setting ## p. 163 (#175) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. is of any value, but the mystery of endeavour. Carlyle would not have forbidden us to pay his memory the tribute of a sentimental visit to his grave. But in doing that we realise that it is in vain. How little, after all, can we find of him there! The life-work we all know to admire has passed into many a life, the teaching has fused itself into many a form and fashion. The majesty of great genius, showing the kinship of our little life to the star-life in nature, strictly speaking, belongs not to this time-tied life of ours. Each noble worker, as he 'grapples with his evil star,' inherits the timeless and tideless life. And in that sense Carlyle's identity is else- where. The gospel of sincerity and love, which he spread abroad, is the shrine of his worship, the tomb of his repose—the element that we must reach to find him in life and not in death, in power and not in frailty, in hope, in joy, in satisfaction. And of him also, as of the Scion of the Highest, may it be said,' He is not here, he is risen!' Now he inhabits an eternal life, which we best feel in the fond hearts of his fellowmen." 1892. R. Welsh. MEMORIALS. Miss Christina Rossetti. ALARGE congregation assembled on Nov. 1, in Christ Church, Woburn-square, London, to witness the Bishop of Durham dedicat- ing a beautiful memorial to the late Miss Christina Georgina Rossetti, which has been erected there. The memorial consists of five paintings, designed by the late Sir Edward Burne-Jones, partly executed by the artist and partly by his chief assistant, Mr. F.W. Rooke, set in a reredos designed by the Rev. J. Glendinning Nash, incumbent of the church. The reredos is divided into five com- partments. In the central one is a figure of the Saviour, standing with bowed head, and hands folded across His breast; and on the table beside Him is a chalice. In the other compartments are figures of the four Evangelists, each with a pen and a book, in which they are inscribing the words of the Lord. The musical part of the dedi- cation service consisted of hymns written by Miss Rossetti. The Bishop of Durham, in his address from the pulpit, said there was a saying attributed to our Lord at a very early date which appeared to him to express a divine truth—" He that wonders shall reign." Wonder, the direct consciousness of the immeasurable depths of nature and of life, with the power of disclosing them to others, was the characteristic endowment of the true poet. It must appear strange that in clas- sical times few women were known as poets, and it was still more surprising that in the crea- tive period of English poetry no woman took her place beside the great masters. At last in our own century not a few women had delivered their message as poets, and had found a wide welcome. The explanation of the fact was probably to be found partly in social changes, and still more in the larger conception of the Christian faith which had at length enabled us to see tha.t every variety of gift was required for the interpretation of human experience and hope, so that if women were silent the absence of their voice made itself felt as never before, and, therefore, they had answered at last to the claim which had been made upon them. In Miss Rossetti we recognised the com- plete!^ consecration of woman's gift of poetry to the highest uses. The poet, the pure in heart, beheld the truth, and sang, not with elaborate music, but, to use Goethe's image, "As the bird sings." This was perhaps the first characteristic which struck them in Miss Rossetti's work. It was like Wordsworth's early poems, absolutely simple and spontaneous. There was no straining after effect. The melody was the natural expres- sion of the thought. The contrast between "Amor Mundi" and "Uphill" in rhythm and language and form was as complete as in subject; but the contrast was the result of feeling and not of art. At the same time, Miss Rossetti saw all, saw the whole, " the world as God made it," in spite of the ravages wrought by man's self-will. Miss Rossetti was essentially the spiritual poet of our age. On her spiritual teaching she con- centrated her powers more and more as time went forward. He did not underrate the cost of the choice. We had lost, no doubt, some studies of deep passion like the " Convent Threshold," not a few delightful parables of life, like the "Prince's Progress," countless delicate fancies, and passages of weird music, but the message which we had received outweighed them all. The message was specially one for our own time. The physical aspects of nature, the visible sequences of life, became ever more and more engrossing, and we were tempted to forget that they were but signs of the eternal. The poet disclosed their true significance, and invested common things with an atmosphere of marvel and reve- rence. So they were brought back to the splendid promise from which they started, and, under a great teacher's guidance, confessed, with deeper intelligence than before, that "he that wonders shall reign." Nay, they went further and completed the saying, "He that wonders shall reign, and he that reigns shall rest." ## p. 164 (#176) ############################################ 164 THE AUTHOR. "Lewis Carroll." In the "Alice" Ward of the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond-street, Bloomsbury, London, there is now placed a cot which bears the name of the late "Lewis Carroll." On Friday, Oct. 28, Mr. James Tait Black, on behalf of the subscribers to the memorial fund, pre- sented to Mr. John Murray, vice-chairman of the committee of management of the hospital, a cheque for £ 1000 to endow the cot for ever. The proceedings took place in presence of a company which included Miss E. L. Dodgson, Mr. Wilfrid Dodgson, Mr. Hugh Chisholm, General Sir Andrew and Miss Clarke, Lady Wharton, Canon Jelf, Canon and Mrs. Girdlestone, and many others. Mr. Murray, in returning thanks, ex- pressed the opinion that no more appropriate memorial could have been erected to "Lewis Carroll" than a bed in a hospital which was devoted to the lives of children. Alfred the Great. A meeting of the general committee appointed for the commemoration of Alfred the Great, at the public meeting in March last, was held at the Mansion House on Nov. 3, Lord Welby in the chair. It was unanimously resolved: "That the national memorial decided on at the Mansion House meeting of March 18 shall be at Win- chester and consist of a statue of King Alfred, together with a hall to be used as a museum of early English history." It was estimated that .£30,000 would be re- quired in order to provide a memorial worthy of the nation, and it is contemplated to open a sub- scription list in the spring of next year, as it is hoped that the memorial will be completed in the 1000th anniversary year of his death. Amongst other suggestions advanced was that the executive committee should consider whether some popular publication might be issued with a view to diffus- ing public knowledge of Alfred's life and works. Also that a loan exhibition of objects pertaining to the Alfred period should be held in London during the anniversary year. The general com- mittee expressed a wish that the executive committee should take into consideration the desirability of approaching the Government with a view to obtaining their support to the com- memoration, and that communications be opened with the Universities and the historical and learned societies of the United States and the colonies in order to obtain the formation of committees to co-operate with the general com- mittee. Andrew Marvell. London County Council have decided to mark the site of Andrew Marvell's cottage at Hamp- stead with a brass plate bearing the following inscription :— Four feet below this spot is the stone step, formerly the entrance to the cottage in which lived ANDREW MARVELL, Sometime M.P. for Hull, and Latin Under Secretary to Oliver Cromwell, Patriot, Poet, Wit, and Satirist. Born 31st March, 1621. Died 18th August, 1673. He was buried in St. Giles-in-the-Fields. This memorial brass was placed here by the London County Council, November, 1898. The County Council have also before them a proposal to erect statues to Chaucer and Milton in London. BOOK TALK. R. HARDY'S volume of poems will be out in a few days. The title is "Wessex Poems." Mr. Laurence Binvon's "Second Book of London Visions" is nearly ready in Elkin Mathews's Shilling Garland Series. Mr. Mat- hews is projecting a volume which will contain verse by several writers—Mr. Selwyn Image, Mr. Victor Parr, Mr. Binvon, and "Anodos." The title of this will be "The Garland of New Poetry." Professor Geikie is the author of "Earth Sculpture," which will appear immediately as a volume in Murray's Progressive Science Series. Mr. R. E. Prothero has resigned the editor- ship of the Quarter/;/ Jteriew in order to become agent to the Duke of Bedford. He is succeeded by his brother, Mr. George Walter Prothero, Professor of Modern History in the University of Edinburgh. An enlarged edition of Messrs. Darlington's handbook "London and its Environs," by E. C. Cook and E. T. Cook, has lately been issued from Llangollen. The Londou agents are Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent, and Co., Limited. "A Forgotten Past," and other stories, by Fred. J. May, has lately been published by the Friars Printing Association, Limited. The Life Story of the late Sir Charles Bright will be out in December. With it is incorporated the story of the early hand telegraphs, the Atlantic cable, and the first telegraphs to India ## p. 165 (#177) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. and the Colonies. The work will be published by Messrs. Archibald Constable and Co. in two large octavo volumes. The authors are Mr. E. B. Bright and Mr. Charles Bright, F.R.S.E. The Queen has been pleased to accept a copy of "The Theft of the Princes," by F. Bayford Harrison. It is a small volume con- taining an account of a curious incident in the lives of two young princes, one of whom became the common ancestor of both Her Majesty and the late Prince Consort. "Studies in Scottish Ecclesiastical History in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries," by M. G. J. Kinloch, has just been published by Messrs. E Grant and Son, of Edinburgh. Price 6*. net. "Dona Rufina" (the romance of a cycle tour), by Heber Daniels, author of "Our Tenants," has just been published by Messrs. Greening and Co, Price 2s. 6d. Messrs. A. and H. B. Bonner have recently published, in cheap form, a revised edition of the Life of James Thompson ("B. V."), by Mr. H. S. Salt. The book contains a new portrait of the pessimist poet, and some additional matter that will be of interest to readers of "B. V.," including a full account of the closing scene, from the pen of Mr. H. E. Clarke, and a hitherto un- printed letter from Mr. George Meredith, who speaks of Thomson's life as "the most tragic in our literature." Mrs. Alec Tweedie's last book of travel, "Through Finland in Carts," has run through two large editions, and Messrs. A. and C. Black have just issued it in a new and cheaper form. Mrs. Tweedie has now in the press a memoir of her father, entitled "George Harley; or, the Life of a London Physician," which deals with the popular side of the life of a very able scientist and physician, whose death a couple of years ago was a great loss to medical science. George Harley's early life was not devoid of adventure; he was taken up as a spy when his youthful enthusiasm as a medical student prompted him to join Omar Pasha's army, and was condemned to be shot. He was in Paris shortly after the coup <Titat, and saw the marriage of Napoleon III. But his later life is of particular interest. Ill-health dogged his footsteps for twenty years, twice necessitating his retirement from his profession, bat mental strength baffled physical weakness, and he became one of the best-known physicians in London. The volume will be published by the' Scientific Press. Mr. Andrew Tuer's newly published "Pages and Pictures from Forgotten Children's Books" contains numerous excerpts and about 400 fac- simile illustrations selected from a large and exceedingly scarce collection of books which appeared for the amusement of children early in this century or the later years of last. The modern child will probably find much of the text and many of the cuts startlingly ludicrous. Forty plates, reproduced from watercolour drawings by Mr. William Gibbs, of the most remarkable among the art treasures at Windsor Castle, are to be issued in parts to subscribers by Messrs. Eyre and Spottiswoode, the Queen's printers. These chromo-lithographs are all done on English-made paper of the large size known as imperial folio, and each of the four parts will contain letterpress descriptions of the pictures written by the Marquis of Lorne. The sword of Napoleon when First Consul, the Royal baptismal font, the Queen's chair in the corridor, and Anne Boleyu's clock, are some of the subjects of the first section, and the whole issue of the work, which is called "Queen Victoria's Treasures at Windsor Castle," will not be more than 1130 copies. Mr. Kipling has been writing in the Morning Post a series of naval articles, entitled "A Fleet in Being." These will be published shortly in a volume by Messrs. Macmillan. An important medical encyclopaedia is being projected by Messrs. William Green and Sons, Edinburgh. It will attempt to do such a service to medical science as the " Encyclopedia Britan- nica " does for general literature, and the most distinguished specialists will write for it. The "Encyclopaedia Medica," which is the title of the work, will consist of twelve volumes, to appear at the rate of one every quarter, beginning early in 1899. A volume of Dr. Pusey's letters, which will be of the nature of a supplement to the Life by the late Canon Liddon, will be published shortly by Messrs. Longmans. The work consists of "Spiritual Letters," which is its title, and it has been prepared by the Rev. J. 0. Johnston and Canon Newbolt. Major Sharp Hume is writing for the Cam- bridge Historical Series a volume on " Spain: its Greatness and Decay, 1479-1788." Major Sharp Hume is, of course, the author of Lives of Sir Walter Raleigh and Philip II. of Spain, and other works of the period. An article on the Book Catalogue of the British Museum appears in the current number of the Quarterly Review, from which we learn that the work, which began in January, 1881, will be finished about the end of the year 1900, and will ## p. 166 (#178) ############################################ THE A UTHOR. then consist of about 600 quarto volumes. "If an ideal standard of perfection in details had been set up, the work would have been indefinitely protracted, and must have sunk under the accu- mulated mass of arrears," therefore speed and regularity have been the essential points kept in view during the progress of the work. When the printing began in 1881, there were 3.000,000 titles in the manuscript Catalogue, but since that time the accessions exceed half a million. What an amount of cross-references has to be made, however, is evident from the fact that the number of printed volumes in the Museum is about 2,000,000. Although arrangements were made for issuing the Catalogue to subscribers, the revenue from this source is extremely meagre. The Treasury defrays the cost of the Catalogue by an annual grant, which has gradually risen to the sum of .£3000 a year. Mr. Stopford Brooke issued during the past month the first volume of "The History of English Literature," in the series published by Messrs. Macmillan, to which volumes have already been contributed by Professor Saintsbury and Mr. Gosse. Another volume to come from Mr; Stopford Brooke will complete the series, and it will deal with the period between the Norman Conquest and Elizabeth. Thackeray's opinion of Tennyson in 1841 is contained in a letter quoted in a preface to "Sketch Books," in the new biographical edition of Thackeray's works:— Alfred Tennyson, if he can't make yon like him, will make yon admire him—he seems to me to have the cachet of a great man; his conversation is often delightful, I think; fnll of breadth, manliness, and humour. He reads all sorts of things, swallows them, and digests them like a great poetical boa oonstriotor, as he is. Now I hope, Mrs. Proctor, you will recollect that if your humble servant sneers at small geniuses he has, on the contrary, a hnge respect for big ones. Perhaps it is Alfred Tennyson's great big yellow face and growling voice that have made an impres- sion on me; manliness and simplicity of manner go a great way with me, I fanoy. Mrs. Gertrude Atherton is venturing into the field of boys' stories. Her book of adventure, entitled "The Valiant Runaways," will be brought out by Messrs. Service and Paton immediately. A new monthly magazine for secondary schools, to be called the School World, will be launched next month by Messrs. Macmillan and Co. It will include articles upon methods of teaching at home and abroad, detailed syllabuses of instruc- tion, and lesson notes by specialists in the chief subjects taught at secondary schools; test-papers to enable teachers to mark the progress of their forms month by month, and various other features. Mr. Gladstone's trustees will be greatly obliged if anyone possessing letters or papers likely to be useful for the purposes of Mr. Gladstone's bio- graphy will send them either to the trustees, at Hawarden Castle, Chester, or to Mr. Morley, care of Messrs. Macmillan and Co., St. Martin's-street London, W.C. All such letters or papers will be carefully and promptly returned. Chapman's Magazine of Fiction, hitherto owned by a private syndicate, has been bought by the General Magazine and Review Company, and will continue on the same lines and under the editorship of Mr. Oswald Crawfurd, with a new title, namely, Crampton's Magazine. Mr. Clement Shorter retires from the editor- ship of the English Illustrated Magazine after the Christmas number. Volumes of verse to appear shortly include "Love Triumphant," by William Bedford; and "Edmund: a Ballad," by Albert Carpenter, both of which Mr. Elliot Stock will publish. The number of libraries in London has recently been increased by two—one situated at the corner of Melody-road and Allfarthing-lane, Wands- worth, and the other in Cable-street, St. George's- in-the-East. In declaring the former of these to be duly opened, Sir John Lubbock delivered an interesting address, remarking that no doubt we had in London access to grand art galleries and the richest museums in the world, but this only made libraries all the more inestimable. From 1850 to 1866 only two districts of London, namely, Wandsworth and Westminster, availed themselves of the Public Libraries Act; from 1876 to 1866 only two more; but from 1886 to 1896 no fewer than thirty-two. Lord Russell of Killowen opened the new library of St. George's-in-the-East, to the cost of which Mr. Passmore Edwards has given .£5000 and 1000 books. Lord Russell said it was a most gratifying thing that a locality in which the great bulk of the population consisted of daily wage-earners had been ready to submit to be taxed for this great and worthy object, and it presented a favourable contrast to other divisions of the metropolis which could probably claim to be better educated and which were certainly much more wealthy. Mr. Grant Allen has written a book on the habits, ways, and doings of insect and plant life, which Messrs. Newnes will publish, entitled "Flashlights on Nature." Mr. Swinburne has written an enthusiastic prefatory note to a new edition of Mrs. Brown- ing's "Aurora Leigh," which Messrs. Smith, ## p. 167 (#179) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. Elder, and Co. have published. He remarks that " no English contemporary poet by profes- sion has left us work so full of living fire," and that while Mrs. Browning's genius "has less hold on earth than Tennyson's or Browning's or Miss Ingelow's, and less aerial impulse, less fantastic or spiritual aspiration, than Miss Rossetti's," yet "all these noble poets seem to play with life and passion like actors or like students if compared with her." Mr. Swinburne concludes his examination of " Aurora Leigh " as follows: The piercing and terrible pathos of the story is as incom- parable and as irresistible as the divine expression of womanly and motherly rapture which seems to suffuse and imbue the very page, the very print, with the radiance and the fragrance of babyhood. There never was, and there never will be, such another baby in type as that. Other poets, even of the inferior sex, have paid immortal tribute to the immortal godhead incarnate in the mortal and transitory preaenoe of infancy; the homage of one or two among them, a Homer or a Hugo, may have been worthy to be mistaken for a mother's; but here is a mother's indeed; and "the yearlong creature" so divinely desaribed must live in sight of all her readers as long as ha man nature or as English poetry survives. "Lithography and Lithographers," in which the history of the art is told by Mr. and Mrs. Pennell, will be published shortly by Mr, Fisher Unwin. This year, of course, is the centenary of the discovery of lithography by Alois Senefelder. Mr. G. A. Storey, A.R.A., is calling his book of reminiscences "Sketches from Memory." It is chiefly, but not solely, a record of studio experiences, and of the celebrities he has met. As a lad Mr. Storey wknes-ed the sacking of the Tuileries in 1848, and this is described in his volume. There will be about a hundred repro- ductions of sketches of figures, interiors, and other subjects. Messrs. Chatto and Windus will pub- lish the book. "A History of the Quorn Hunt and its Masters," by Mr. William C. A. Blew, is to be published by Mr. Nimmo in a few days. Death came to Mrs. Oliphant before she had completed the task of writing the Annals of the Blackwood Publishing House, and so the third volume of the work is from the hand of Mrs. Gerald Porter. This lady is the daughter of John Blackwood, with whose reign as the head of the house the present volume deals. There are many glimpses of George Eliot, Anthony Trollope, Lever, and other writers. For example, here is a letter from Dickens, whom John Black- wood had evidently been innocently trying to convince that the "great unknown" author of "Scenes from a Clerical Life " must be a man:— The portions of the narrative to which you refer had not escaped my notioe. But their weight is very light in my scale, against all the references to children, and against such marvels of description as Mrs. Barton sitting up in bed to mend the children's olothes. The selfish young fellow with the heart disease in " Mr. Gilfil's Love Story" is plainly taken from a woman's point of view. Indeed, I observe all the women in the book are more alive than the men, and more informed from within. As to Janet, in the last tale, I know nothing in literature done by a man like the frequent references to her grand form and her eyes anil her height and so forth: whereas I do know innumerable things of that kind in books of imagination done by women. And I have not the faintest doubt that a woman described her being shut out into the street by her husband, and conceived and executed the whole idea, of her following of that clergyman. If I be wrong in this, then I protest that a woman's mind has got into some man's body by a mistake that onght immediately to be oorrected. There is also a rather quaint example of an author's letter. It is written by Kinglake in reply to suggestions that John Blackwood had been making with regard to Kinglake's History:— I am almost alarmed, as it were, at the notion of receiving suggestions. I feel that hints from you might be so valuable and so important it might be madness to ask you beforehand to abstain from giving me any; but I am anxious for you to know what the dangers in the way of long delay might be, the result of even a few slight and- possibly most useful suggestions. . . . You will perhaps (after what I have said) think it best not to set my mind running in a new path lest I shonld take to re- writing. The Countess of Warwick has written an account of her garden at Easton, Essex, under the title "An Old English Garden," which Messrs. Hatchard will issue in a handsome volume. Mr. Powis Bale will shortly publish, through Messrs. Wm. Rider and Son, Limited, a handbook of "Sawmill and Woodworking Machinery "; and Messrs. Longmans and Co. are printing a sixth edition of " A Handbook for Steam Users," by the same author. Mr. Bernard Hamilton's re-incarnation romance,. "The Light?" is now in a second edition. A fourth and cheap edition of Mr. Mackenzie Bell's "Life of Christina Rossetti," completing 2500 copies in this country and in the United States, will be published immediately, with the original illustrations, by Mr. Thomas Burleigh. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—Translation and Copyright. IN your notice on copyright in Holland and Germany in this month's Author, you quote remarks contained in Das Recht der Feder on "dicta" found in the writings of Dr. J. D. Veergens, where he asserts as his opinion that ## p. 168 (#180) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. "translation is not piracy, but original work," and that "an idea as soon as it is expressed is public property." As the German paper correctly asserts, there may be cases in which such liberty may be looked upon as the rights which "high- waymen " take on themselves, and it is quite com- prehensible that any author should require the work of his brain to be protected and respected by demanding good work in his translator. If, however, the translator tloei furnish original work (by using his own mind and completely merging himself in the author he endeavours to reproduce), and if the author also guards his own expression by only making public what he has no reason to be ashamed of, and himself regards in the light of public property, is any further pro- tection of the author's rights needed after he has given well-considered assent to its reproduction by means of translation, and would not transla- tion rank higher if it were treated as original work? Could a more scathing criticism of ordi- nary translation be found than in the words of Das Jtecht der Feder, when that journal remarks, speaking of the translator: "Only his own interests make the translator a thief. The foulest pamphlet that delights the herd is by far more precious to him than the most important intellectual work, which pleases only a few cultivated people." Can "piracy" of the sort described in Das Jtecht der Feder claim for itself the honourable name of translation? And is not the real thief in translation work he who does not rob enough from the original author, interpolating his own ideas instead, as also he who chooses to remain anonymous? We can put up with no piece-work in translation, but it must so resemble the original as to seem what "forgery " would be to original handwriting. Again, the author ashamed of his expression should never dare to make it public unless prepared to take the consequences. Ida L. Benecke. II.—Cut Edges. As having successively in The Author, in the Fall Mall Gazette, and in Literature protested against the issuing of books with uncut edges, I was delighted to read the " plea for cut edges" of Mr. John C. Shannon in The Author for November, and delighted also to see that Mr. Marston has been taking up the subject in the Fublishers' Circular and in Literature. Both as authors and as readers all authors are deeply interested in cut edges. As authors they would gain better reviews and increased chances of sale; as readers they would save much lost time and temper. I would venture to suggest that authors should have a clause inserted in their agreement pro- viding for publication with cut edges; also that the proprietors of all magazines and newspapers should follow the example of The Author and of Literature, and issue their publications with cut edges. .i.i J. M. Lely. III.—The Pessimism of Young Writers. The name subscribed to a short Indian story (" Thirty Years After ") in a late issue of the Temple Bar Magazine is one of hereditary prestige. Miss Zoe Procter is the granddaughter of " Barry Cornwall," the friend of Lamb and Shelley, a poet himself, and father of Adelaide Procter, whose name is still familiar. One of her uncles is Professor Forrest, of Bombay, who has been a skilful contributor to the history of Warren Hastings's administration, another being a successful novelist, whose " Eight Days " made many friends in the Comhill, under the editor- ship of the late Mr. Payn. Miss Procter pro- mises to chasser de race; she can write with taste and eloquence; her subject, too, is viewed squarely, and in high relief. It is, however, right that she should be warned against the tempta- tion so apt to beset young artists—that of at- tempting to make our flesh creep, like the Fat Boy in "Pickwick." A little experience is sure to show her that real life is sorrowful enough; and that Bacon never said a wiser thing than he did when he laid down the canon that it was the mission of art to "conform the shows of things to the desires of the mind." Buckleigh, Westward Ho. H. G. Keene. IV.—Christmas Literatube. Christmas is drawing near apace, and the bookstalls are already flooded by Christmas numbers, but unless these are very different in character to what they have been of late years, they can hardly be included in Christmas cheer. Although most current literature is of the sensational pessimistic kind, it seems there must be a special collection of horrors and tragedies for the so-called festive season. Formerly Christinas stories were uniformly bright, everything came right in the end, even at the risk of probability. But now we have changed all that, and the pro- bability is strained in the opposite direction. Even the old-fashioned ghost story has degenerated, and in the effort to produce some- thing abnormally blood-curdling and thrilling, has missed its effect. Is it because, like the Germans, when we feel merry we must sing sad songs, or is it that the up-to-date imagination craves excitement and ## p. 169 (#181) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 169 sensation of a morbid nature, and cannot be con- tent without them? However, every one is not youns and modern Surely some people would still prefer a reminder of the good old stories. Some who possess a calm and healthy mind, which, like a healthy appetite, requires no unwholesome condiments. But probably, as the masterpieces of the great writers of the Renaissance were the offspring of sound minds and stalwart bodies, the present style of writing is the product of overwrought neurotic beings, who, in their turn, are the result of the rush and hurry—the feverish unrest of the age. Anyhow, the demand at present appears to be for a copious amount of the horrible in Christmas literature, and as there is neither art nor genius required to supply it, no doubt the quality will be kept up, and the Christmas number will have numerous tales of misery and crime and illustra- tions in keeping. _ I. S. V.—Editorial Autocracy. Would it not be well for authors to combine and form themselves into an Authors' Protection Society. At present editors have us all on the hip, except, of course, front-rank writers. I do not mean to say there are not courteous editors, but they are certainly in the minority. It should be made an impossibility for editors to keep MSS. at their own pleasure, and to pay for same just when they fancy. I think it is high time that authors should in every particular put their affairs on a business footing. There is entirely too much servility amongst us. Let us be honest and admit it. Let us also recognise that any reform must come from within, and that tee must help ourselves. No assistance can possibly come from outside. It is quite plain that we must steadfastly and strenuously resist the publishers' agreements just promulgated, and I would earnestly suggest that a firm stand be also made against editorial autocracy. My proposition is that authors, instead of send- ing contributions direct to a magazine or paper, should forward them to a society, to be called the Distribution Society (or other suitable name), each MS. to be stamped with the name of the Society. A fee of Is. to be inclosed for each firm the MS. is submitted to. All editors called upon by the agents of the society to be made clearly aware that MS. left with them must, if rejected, be returned within a fortnight to the society. Payment to be made within a month. No less rate than one guinea per thousand words to be offered. Editors refusing these terms to be severely let alone. Acceptance of MSS. from the society to be deemed as compliance with said terms. The Authors' Syndicate might be asked to undertake the reception and distribution of the MSS. of the proposed society. Perhaps the editor will kindly give his opinion on these suggestions. Spero Meliora. VI.—A Disagreeable Experience. Perhaps, as a warning to other writers, you will kindly give publicity to the methods adopted in my case by the Strand Magazine. I sent in two type-written stories for the editor's consideration—one on May 21, the other on June 9. Both were returned on Oct. 27. The length of time for which the MSS. were detained is in itself a sufficient grievance; but that is not the worst feature of the case. The MSS. were utterly disfigured by scribbled com- ments and suggestions, which would have been ludicrous had it not been for their unwarrantable impertinence. On my writing a letter of complaint to the editor, asking him to refund me for having the MSS. re-typed, he replied, without the least attempt at apology, that if I sent him my manu- script, he would have it cleaned! There is no need for concealment in the matter. I therefore give the title of the magaziue, and append my own name. W. B. Wallace, B.A. (Member of the Society of Authors.) THE BOOKS OF THE MONTH. [Oct. 24 to Nov. 22—457 Books.] Aekworth, John. The Scowcroft Critics. 3/6. Clarke. .VI mis. W. M, The Book of the Master. '6/- Murray. Adeney, W. F. Women of the New Testament. 3/6. Service. Aitken, E. H. The Five Windows of the Soul. 6/- Murray. Alexander, Mrs. The Coat of Her Pride. 6/- White. Alford, H. S. L., and Sword, W. D. Egyptian Soudan. 10 - net. Macmillan. Allen, A M. Gladys in Grammar Land. 2/6. Slmpkin. Ambrose, W., and Ferguson, W. R Land Transfer Acts (75 <fc '97). 10/- Butterworth. Ames, Mrs. E. An A B C for Baby Patriots. 3/6. Dean. Anderson, T. McC. Contributions to Clinical Medicine. 10/6 net. Pentlond. Andrews, William (ed.). Bygone Middlesex. 7/6. Andrews. Anne, Mrs. C. One Summer Holiday. 5/- Macqueen. Anonymous. Pages from a Private Diary. 6/- Smith and E. Anonymous. The Fortunes of the Charlton Family. 16. Wells Gardner. Anonymous (author of " Tip Cat,"' Ac.). Bob. 3/6. Innes. Anonymous. Genealogy of the Earls of Llandaff of Thomastown, 12/6 net. Sands. Anonymous. Tbe Hypocrite. 2,6 I irecning. Anonymous (H. B. and B. T. B.). The Modern Traveller. 3/6 Arnold. Anonymous. A Prisoner from France. Memoirs of Ohas. Boothby. 6/- Black. Argyll, Duke of. Organic Evolution Cross-examined, bj- Murray. Armstrong, W. Gainsborough and His Place in English Art. 10.5 - net. Heim-mann Arnold-Forster, H. 0. The Coming of the Kilogram. 2/6. Cuscll. Archer, J. G. a Social Upheaval. A novel. 6/- Greening. Ashbourne, Lord. Pitt: Some Chapters of His Life and Times. 21/- Longman. ## p. 170 (#182) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. Ash ion. John. History of Gambling in England. 7/6. Duckworth. Atlee, H. Falconer. A. Woman of Impulse. 6/- White. Aut-ten. W., and Nesblt, E. A Book of Dogs. 2/6. Dent. Avery, Harold. The Dormitory Flag. 5/- Nelson. Bail ie, J. Walter Grighton. 2 6 net. Edinburgh: Livingstone. Baker, James. The Cardinal's Page. 6/- Chapman. Baring-Gould, E. M. E. "With One Accord." 2 - Chuich Missionary Society. Barraud, C. W. Lays of the Knights. 4/- Longman. Barilett, A. D. Wild Animals in Captivity. 7/6. Cbapman. Battersby, O. The Song of the Golden Bough, Ax. 3/6 net. Constable. Beylis, J. B. Mind and Voice. 1 - Boaworth, 4, Berners-street, W. Beach, H.P. Dawn on the Hills of T'ang. 1/6. Student Volunteer Missionary Union. Beaman, A. G. H. Twenty Years In the Near East. 10/6. Methuen. Beaton, D. Selfhood and Service. 3/6. Olipbant- Bell, J. J. The New Noah's Ark. 3/6. Lane. Belside, Iris. The Minor Labe. 2/- Unwin. Benson. E. F. The Money Market. 1/6. Arrowamith. Bishop, J. W. The Christian Year. 5/- Stock. Bjorneon,B. Absalom's Hair, a Painful Memory. 3/-net. Heinemann. Blaine. R. G. Quick and Easy Methods of Calculating. 2/6. Spon. Blake, E. On Study of the Hand for Indications of Disease. 2/6 net. Glaisher. Blakeborough, B. Wit, Character, Folklore, and Customs of the Noitb Riding of Yorkshire. 5/- net. Frowde. Borsch. J. (tr. by A. Comyn). Wajland the Smith. 2/6 net. Paul. Bowhill, X. Manual of Bacteriological Technique and Special Bacteriology. 21/- Oliver and B. Bowie, A. G. The Romance of the Savings Bank. 1 6. Partridge. Boyd-Bavly, E. A Bit of Wool 3/6. Jarrold. Bra> shaw,J. D. Slum Silhouettes. 3/6. Chatto. Breul, Karl. The Teaching of Modem Foreign Languages in our Secondary* Schools. 2/- Clay. Brice. S. The Law of Tramways and Light Rallways. 12 6. Stevens and H. Bridges, J. A. In a Village. 5/- net. Mathews. Bridges, G. J. Imaginations in Verse. 1/- Exeter: Pollard. Briggs, W . t*ud Bryan, (I. H. Tutorial Algebra. Part 2. 6/6. Clive. Broose, S. A. Eng. Literature from Beginning to Norman Conquest. 7/6. Macmillan. Brown, H. The Secret of Good Health. 1/- Bowden. Browne,H. D. Papers from Punch. 3/6. Mathews. Browne, Phyllis. Dictionary of Dainty Breakfasts. 1 - Cassell. Pnchan, John. History of Brasenose College. 5/- net. Rohinson. Buckland, JameB. Two Little Runaways. 6/- Longman. Budge, F. A. Isaac Sharp, an Apostle of the li'th Century. 4<«. Headley. Burgh, N. Short Guide to the Reading cf the Prophets. 1/6. Stock. Iturgln, G. B. Settled Ont of Court. 6/- Pearson. Burnett, Frances H. The Captain's Youngest, Ac, (Child Stories). 3/6. Warne. Butler, H. M. Belief in Christ, and other Sermons. 5/- net. Ma' millari. Caird, John. University Sermons. LS73-1898 6/-net. MacLehose. Campbell, Lewis. Religion in Greek Literature. 15/- Longman. Campbell, R. J. The Making of an Apostle. 1/6. ularke. Campbell, R. 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Essays on Dante. Being Se'ections from the two vols, of Dante-Forschungen. 7/6. Duckworth. Woodward, G. R. Legends of the Saints. 3/6 net. Paul. Woollam, W. Child Ilia, and other Poems. 4/6 net. Simpkin. Wright, M. O. Four-Footed Americana and their Kin. 7/6. Wrottesley, the Hon. G. Crecy and Calais (from the Original Records). 30/-net. Harrison. Yerlock, Frank. Phil Flippin's Rise. 3 6. Digby. Yorke, P. C. (ed.). Letters of Princess Elizabeth of England, daughter of King George, III. 12/- Unwin. Young, Charles. The Shark Hunter. 3/6. Chapman. Zimmorn, A. Renaissance of Girl's Education in England. 5/- Innes. Zuckerhandi, O. ^ed. by J. C. Dacosta). Atlas and Epitome of Operative Surgery. 12/6 net. Bebman. THE AUTHOE. SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. Front Page Other Pages Half of a Page Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Oolumn Advertisements Bills for Insertion £4 0 0 3 0 0 1 10 0 0 I5 0 0 7 B per Inch 0 6 0 per 2000 3 0 0 Reductions made for a Series of Six or Twelve Insertions. 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Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 07 (December 1898) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 07 (December 1898) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1898-12-01-The-Author-9-7 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/324/1899-01-02-The-Author-9-8.pdf 0d274a5f263d37a187f5b23470af4a58 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1899-01-02 Volume 9 Issue 8 Pages Page range in volume 173–196 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18990102 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin XT b e Hutbor, (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. IX.—No. 8.] JANUARY 2, 1899. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. FOE some years it has been the practice to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices, &c, for the guidance of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to carry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements VOL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work ont the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all disoounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. T 2 ## p. 174 (#186) ############################################ i74 THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. I. in VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive ITi advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advioe sought is such as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the 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 publisher's agreements do not generally fall 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advioe as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudulent houses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of every- thing important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to- communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Office without previously communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, Ac. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to oome, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanoed 15 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, reoently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly oorreot: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of course, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who oall this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6s. 6d. subscription for the year. The Editor is always glad to receive short papers and communications on all subjects connected with literature from members and others. Nothing can do more good to the Society than to make The Author complete, attractive, and interesting. Will those who are willing to aid in this work send their names and the special subjects on which thoy are willing to write? LITERARY PROPERTY. 1.—Canadian Copyright. ALONG article appears in the Pall Mall Gazette of Dec. 26 on Canadian Copy- right. It is therein stated that Mr. FitzPatrick, the Solicitor General, will bring in a Bill during the next Session. We have good reason to believe that this will not be the case. Canadian Copyright has been in the air for some time, and no doubt the Canadians will, sooner or later, make a fresh endeavour to obtain Copy- ## p. 175 (#187) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. i75 right legislation. We have good reason to think that this endeavour will not be made next Session. II.—The Literary Agent and the Society. An old member of the Society writes to the Secretary to the effect that her business is now .conducted for her by a literary agent, and that she resigns membership. She supposes, in a word, that the literary agent can do for her what the Society undertakes to do: and she supposes that the Society exists for each member individu- ally. These two suppositions are both wrong and mischievous. (1.) The literary agent can place her books and get an agreement more or less satisfactory. His powers may be measured by the popularity of the author, which is as it should be. But in the case of a dispute with publisher or editor, where is the literary agent? He can only advise going to a solicitor. The Society supplies a solicitor. The literary agent, again, can only lay the agree- ment before an author: it is the Society who teaches him what the agreement means for both sides—an inestimable service to literary property. (2.) But the Society, though it is ready to work for each member individually, works for the whole profession of literature. The subscriptions of the more powerful members pay for the law expenses incurred in the defence of the weaker. In this way a feeling of brotherhood, the sense of a common profession with common aims, is for the first time growing up among those who create literary property. This most invaluable result of common action demands absolutely the adhesion of every man and every woman of letters to the Society. It may be that all the members do not agree with every act of the Committee. But they must agree in the main object—the maintenance and defence of literary property, not only for the individual but for the whole profession. There have been cases in which members have resigned simply because they did not approve of some small vote or resolution. They were unable to under- stand that behind that insignificant vote lay the grand object of the Society, namely, to repeat, "the maintenance and defence of literary property, not only for the individual but for the whole pro- fession." Again, suppose a case of disagreement between author and literary agent—I think nothing more likely when I look round and see the many new agents and the many duties which are laid upon them. In such a case the author is only protected by going to law at his own expense. If he were a member of the Society, the case would be con- ducted for him. I say nothing of the danger which is rapid ly rising before us, of committing to the agent the whole of the literary business unchecked. It is the old confidence game once played between author and publisher. We must never forget the lessons of the past. It is as dangerous to intrust blind confidence to an agent as to a publisher. W. B. III.—Translation and Reteanslation. Messrs. George Bell and Sons have raised a curious, and, as far as we know, a quite novel question of copyright in the Times. They pub- lish, it appears, four copyright works in English in England on the British Navy. A Captain Von Stenzel, who has been bringing: out in German and in Germany a treatise in many volumes dealing with the armies and navies of the European powers generally, has, in a volume dealing with the British navy, translated amongst other things portions of Messrs. Bell's copyright works. So far as this officer is concerned, Messrs. Bell have no complaint to make, having, we presume, sold or in some other legal manner parted with their translation rights. What they complain of is that an English translation, called the "British Navy," of the volume of Captain Von Stenzel's work which deals with the British navy has been recently made by Mr. A. Son- nenschein and published in London. The result- ing competition with Messrs. Bell's original works (it is not stated by what authors) is obvious. "The origin of the work is not revealed in the English edition, but, on the contrary, the translator in his preface seems rather to imply that the book was designed to supply a want existing in this country," but there is an acknowledgment of the use which has been made of the English books in a list given after the preface, where they are stated to have been con- sulted by author and translator. Two questions arise upon this statement: (1) Is what has been done in accordance with usual literary practice and ordinary literary courtesy; and (2) has there been an infringement of copy- right in the legal sense't To the first question we must answer, yes. Acknowledgment, of course, is no excuse for infringement of copy- right, as it is by far too often thought to be, but acknowledgment should clearly be made in a case like this. The answer to the second question is a little more difficult. The fact of the alleged infringement being the result of a retrans- lation, however, cannot affect it. The only question is whether the matter published by Mr. Sonnen. schein is materially and substantially the same as that published by Messrs. Bell. Absolutely the same the two productions cannot be. The mere rolling of many books into one would prevent that ## p. 176 (#188) ############################################ 176 THE AUTHOR. IV.—A Copyright Case in India. An interesting case coming under the 18th section of the Copyright Act has just been tried in the High Courts in India, but unfortunately the main difficulty of that section was not in dispute, as it was acknowledged between the defendant and the plaintiff that the plaintiff had been employed under that section. The case was shortly as follows: The editor of the Madras Standard (the defendant) employed the plaintiff to write certain articles on the lives of representative men of Southern India for his paper. Such lives were written and produced in the paper, subject to certain editorial alterations, and it was acknow- ledged by both the plaintiff and defendant that this employment came under the 18th section of the Act, and that the copyright lay with the defendant, subject to the terms of that section. The matter thus used in the paper was then reproduced in book form, together with other lives written by the defendant in a book called "The Representative Men of Southern India," and subsequently in another book of Representative Indians ' published in England. The plaintiff's action was brought because the defendant had infringed the plaintiff's rights under the proviso in the section referred to, which runs as follows: Provided always that during the term of twenty-eight years the said proprietor, projector, publisher, or condaotor shall not publish any such essay, article, or portion separately or singly without the consent previously obtained of the author thereof or his assigns. The point the judge had to decide was whether such consent had been given directly or impliedly. There was scanty evidence on this point, and it appeared a difficult question for decision. Finally, however, the judge, after a very careful summing- up of the whole facts of the case, gave a verdict for the plaintiff. The final words of his summing- up were as follows: No doubt his (the plaintiff's) feelings may have been hurt, particularly by the announcement that the defendant is the author of all the lives therein published, but in pocket it cannot be said that he suffered substantially by the publica- tion of that book. The plaintiff was awarded 200 rupees. The judge's decision seems to be a thoroughly fair one, as the plaintiff was unable in any case to utilise his own work for twenty-eight years, and thus could not have been damaged pecuniarily to any extent. This is a short epitome of the case. It is an interesting case, but iinfortunately does not bear directly on the great difficulty of the section under which the judgment is given. V.—"A Curious Question." I think Sir Walter Besant's solution is nearer the point than that of Mr. Thring, but neither is to my mind correct. In such contracts as I have signed I have granted a licence "to print, bind, advertise, and sell." This is what most contracts mean but very few specify. No contract is in- tended to mean that a publisher has a right to traffic in an author's works. The publisher has no right to buy or re-acquire or re-sell an author's works, and I contend that licence to sell means to sell once and once only and to only one. If this were not so, there would be nothing to prevent a publisher re-acquiring copies of a book which he had "remaindered" at a few pence, a fraction only of which he paid to the author, and then re-selling it for several shillings and paying the author no royalty. If my view is held to be correct, "A Curious Question" is as badly put as the answers. A publisher agrees to pay an author 10, 15, 20, or 25 per cent. on the nominal selling price of every copy, and it matters not a jot whether the copies sold come direct to him from the printers and binders or have passed back into his hands through a bookseller. The author is entitled to receive his full royalty, less the amount paid on the copies when treated as remainder—assum- ing, of course, that the author has not given the publisher power to re-acquire. Martin J. Pritchard. VI.—The Charge for Corrections. The question of corrections has been from time to time referred to in The Author, but it seems necessary to refer to it again, as the matter is one of great importance to all authors, and is one of those items which are exceedingly difficult to check in a publisher's accounts. The author should be careful in correcting his proofs to note what are printers' errors and what are his own corrections, and he should, when possible, keep duplicate proofs with all his corrections, so as to be able at a subsequent date to refute any charge which might appear extortionate. In making his own corrections the author should be careful where he deletes one word or phrase to put in a word or phrase corresponding in length, as to run over from page to page is often a very heavy and expensive matter. The reason for these hints is the fact that in agreements a clause somewhat on the following lines is generally inserted: The cost of correction of other than the printers' errors in the proofs of the said work exceeding shillings per sheet of sixteen pages is to be borne by the said author. ## p. 177 (#189) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. '77 It is quite fair that the publishers should be protected from expensive and troublesome authors' corrections, as cases have been known in which authors have altered proofs and made corrections to such an extent as absolutely to prevent any profit accruing from the sale of the work, but this is an exception. The practical working-out of this clause is difficult. The amount generally allowed to the author per sheet of sixteen pages is ten shillings. Under no circumstances should an author allow .the amount to be reduced as low as five shillings, unless he feels quite certain that his MS. needs no correction and is typewritten. After the book is produced an account is some- times forwarded to the author charging, say, .£10 for corrections. If the book is twenty sheets, that would mean that the whole cost of cor- rections, supposing the author was allowed ten shillings, would be £20. Corrections are generally reckoned by the time of the man employed, at the rate of one shilling per hour. As a matter of fact the printers do not pay is. per hour to their employes, so that there is always a margin of profit; but, supposing is. per hour is the actual payment, then it would mean that the corrections in the book amounted to the work of one man for 400 hours, or the work of one man for forty days at the rate of ten hours per day. That would be merely reckoning authors' corrections, as you will see the clause (which is the usual one) does not charge for printers' errors. If the authors' corrections amount to this heavy item, it is possible that the printers' errors also amount to a fair sum, in which case you would have to add so many more days' work on to your compositors' labour. It is very important to keep in mind that daily papers have to be corrected with great rapidity, in order to get them before the public in time. Compare, then, the time expended in the corrections of a book, as shown above, with the time which must be necessarily expended in the correction of a daily paper. It is almost impossible to place any con- nection between the size of an alteration and the time it takes, as sometimes the insertion of a word will throw out the type for some pages. To be able to put a firm check on the corrections the author should certainly note the difference between printers' errors and his own corrections, and ought to try to make his full corrections when the type is what is technically called in "slip form," before it is made up into pages. G. H. T. VII.—An American Literary Agency. The agency undertakes (1) to read MSS. and to advise on their defects, (2) to give them "grammatical and rhetorical" revision, (3) to advise as to their disposal, and (4) to make type- written copies. The charge for these services are:—(1) For read- ing MSS., 50 cents for the first 2000 words and 25 cents for every additional thousand words. (2) For a letter of general advice, 50 cents, or 2.1., in addition to the fee for reading. (3) For cor- rection and revision, a dollar an hour, in addition to the reading fee. (4) For typewriting, 60 cents a thousand words; if two copies are taken 80 cents a thousand words, i.e., 3*. 3rf. a thousand words, which is more than double the usual type- writing charge with us. (5) For reading a MS. of more than 40,000 words, and less than 100,000, and for giving a list of publishers and a general letter of advice, the fee is 10 dollars, or £2. If the Bureau sells a MS. for an author it takes a commission of 25 per cent. instead of the 10 per cent. which contents our agents. On the whole, it seems as if the Bureau expected to deal with short papers, and with candidates whose work was hopeless. There is an enormous number of such unfortunates in America as well as here. VIII.—By the Agreement. Especial attention is desired to the following case. The author does not wish her name to be mentioned, so that one must also suppress the name of the worthy publisher. A lady was anxious to produce a book—the one book she would ever write. She took her MS. to A. B., who, without giving her a formal agree- ment, offered by letter to publish the book for her on commission. The following are alleged to have been the terms: (1) The author was not to pay more than .£30. (2) The publisher was to print and bind an edition of 500 copies. (3) He was to advertise to the extent of .£15, but no more. (4) The book was to be sold at 6s. (5) He was to account to the author for sales at 3*. each. (6) He was next to take 10 per cent. on the sales. [Observe that a small edition of 500 only, even if all the available copies, 450, are sold at an average of 3*. 6d. each, only produces the sum of .£78 15s., out of which would come the publisher's commission, so that a large sum for advertising is out of the question. That of .£15 represents over jd. a copy.] The lady was perfectly ignorant about publish- ing. Nor did she seek advice. What the man proposed to do was to sell the book at 3*. 6d. or 3s. jd. and call it 3*. That gave him 14 ?- per cent. ## p. 178 (#190) ############################################ 178 THE AUTHOR. on the sales to begin with. He was then to take 10 per cent. on the sum thus curtailed. This meant 8-*- per cent. on the actual sales, in all, 22f per cent. And this he called a commission busi- ness at 10 per cent.! This, however, was not all. When the account came in it was found that he had printed 750 copies instead of 500, and that he had spent, according to his own showing, £45 in advertising. Now this was against the agreement in the first place, and for a publisher 10 expend so large a sum on so small a book argued cither ignorance of his trade, or else—whatever you please. For .£45 on the book meant actually is. ggd. on every single copy, landing the book in certain loss. His bill ran as follows: 500 copies: Cost of composition, printing, ^640 7 O 5 3 0 «5 0 0 To tbis he added 10 per cent., 60 10 O I know not by what right .. 6 1 8 To 250 copies: 66 11 8 4 13 4 Sales, 376 30 9 8 Free, 77 453 56 8 0 5 2 y £101 14 8 Having, therefore, added 10 per cent. to the cost of production, and taken the same from the sales, and having broken the agreement by printing other 250 copies and charging £45 for advertising, he thus brought in a lots of .£50 odd. At this juncture the lady took advice, and there was a correspondence in which it became manifest- that the advertising had been in great part the filling up of columns secured in advance. But of course he had no right to charge a farthing more than the £'15 agreed upon. However, he sent in a second account. The item of advertising now appears as .£42 144-. 3^/., instead of .£15, and the cost of machining and paper for the extra 250 copies is still entered. But on the other side he cancels ..£23 S.1. gd., which still leaves .£4 odd more than he is entitled to. And instead of 10 per cent, added to the cost of production he puts in £8 16*. 5<7. for " indirect expenses," which mean, I suppose, taking a 'bus home in the evening. A man may argue that he must make money out of a book in order to live. The answer to that is, to make it above board: not by persuad- ing an ignorant woman that the trade price of a 6*. book is 3*. : nor by adding "indirect expenses." Let him say flatly "I must have so much out of the book or I cannot undeilake it. If I am to sell it on commission, guarantee so much." Of cour.-e if the man says this candidly and openly, but then proceeds in the way indicated above, then we are no farther forward. My correspondent in sending me these accounts calls attention to them as coming from "a pub- lisher who is a gentleman." Yes, the wordnow- a-days may cover a very large proportion of male humanity. Indeed, there are indications that it covers the whole. Quite a " gentleman." IX.—A Pending Copyright Action. In the Chancer; Division yesterday Mr. Justice Stirling had before him the case of Boosey v. White, brought before the judge by Mr. Butcher, Q C. Mr. Butcher said that the point raised in the case was a novel and interesting one. The plaintiff had certain songs, the copyright of which was vested in bim. The defendant, it was alleged, had been using and copying the songs by means of perforated sheets of cardboard, which correctly reprodnoed the music, and all people had to do «as to turn the handle of the organ in which the sheets were placed. That process, he suggested, amounted to an infringement of the Copyright Laws. There was a good deal of evidence to prepare, and as Mr. Monlton, Q.C., who represented the defendant, was willing to treat the motion as the trial of the action he would consent to the motion standing over for the present. The motion accord- ingly stood over until a future day. The above cutting has been taken from the Daily Graphic of Dec. 17, 1898. Those who are interested in copyright will look forward to the settlement of the action when it comes before the courts. PARIS NOTES. HENCEFORWAED Normandy can boast a national litterateur! M. Jean Revel, whose name is well known in the Parisian world of letters, has just produced an exquisite little volume of Norman tales, entitled "Rustres," several of which are entirely written in the Bas-Normaiid patois. On perusing this work (published by Fasquelle, ed. Bibliotheque- Charpentier) one feels that the author himself is truly a son of the people he describes so faith- fully and tenderly, and the most trivial details of local traditions and characteristics it affords arc rendered interesting by the artistic talent of the writer. ## p. 179 (#191) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. '79 M. Gustave Revel's proposal to establish a Chair of Dramatic Literature at the Sorbonne is by no means relished by the majority of his countrymen, who—while strenuously objecting to the 10,000 francs thus added to their annual taxes—maintain, with reason, that this depart- ment is already well represented in the literary curriculum of their great national institution. We subjoin the names of the professors especially qualified to lecture on dramatic literature and the subjects they will this year undertake, in order that our readers may judge for themselves. They are as follows:— M. Emile Deschanel, who will instruct his hearers on French dramatic literature, as illus- trated by Corneille, Racine, and Victor Hugo; M. Gaston Bossier, who undertakes the Latin dramatic literature, as exemplified by Plautus and Terence; M. Maurice Croiset, who will lecture weekly on "L'Histoire de la Tragedie Grecque"; M. Louis Leger, who is responsible for the Slavic tongues and literature; M. Barbier de Meynard, who is a proficient savant in all matters pertaining to the Arabic theatre; MM. Edouard Chavannes and Maurice Courant, than whom no better authorities on the Chinese theatre exist; M. Morel Fatio, who initiates his audience weekly into the mysteries of the "Theatre de Tirso de Molina "; M. Gazier, who analyses "Moliere" each Wednesday, while M. Beljaine pefonns the same friendly office for "Shakespeare" on the Thursday; M. Larroumet, who conscientiously expounds on Fridays " L'His- toire de la Tragedie Fran9aise dans le Theatre de Racine," and M. Gebhart, who undertakes the "Theatre Espagnol " every Monday. Apart from this, there are the lectures given at the Odeon, Bodiniere, and the Mathurius—where the play, or representation, follows the dissertation, like the jam after the pill. A Chair of Dramatic Litera- ture likewise exists at the Conservatoire; but yet —oh Heavens! M. Revel considers the rising French generation requires further dramatic instruction. The name of M. Alexandre Hepp heads the army of illustrious contributors to the newly- founded Revue des Rhumatisants. Among the list we remark the names of Francois Coppee, Jules Claretie, Marcel Prevot, Armand Silvestre, Aurclieu Scholl, Emile Bergerat, Leon Daudet, Le General du Barail, and a host of other witty, scientific, and political confreres, who all alike suffer from the same insidious complaint, and desire to ease their woes by confiding their suffer- ings and their pet remedies to a mirth-loving public. Another literary association—La Societe Pierre Dupout—has just been founded at Lyons, to pre- VOL. IX. serve and bring once more into vogue the works of the dead poet, Pierre Dupont. Despite his undoubted genius and popularity, this gifted singer of the people, this true child of Nature, lived and died a poor man. The pretty tale of his introduction to Victor Hugo is too well known to need repetition here; and the effort to replace the banal and often obscene ditties of the Parisian concert hall by the introduction of the melodious verse of Pierre Dupont is a step in the right direction. That indefatigable writer, M. Jules Verne, has now published his eightieth volume for the amuse- ment and instruction of youth. Some critics affirm that the " Superbe Orcnoque" is inferior to many of his preceding works; but, when an author has the linn intention to produce no fewer than a hundred volumes—when, above all, he has provided his generation for almost half a century with a healthy and pure literature in a country whore a healthy and pure literature is, unhappily, the exception rather than the rule—he can afford to snap his fingers at the critics, secure of the gratitude and support of a wide circle of readers. The popularity of M. Andre Laurie, who belongs to the same school in a modified degree, is also steadily increasing; and this is the more remark- able, since his tales d*-al chiefly with seminary life in foreign countries—a fact which should win him the good graces of the French Colonisation Society. M. Paul Bourget has quitted Paris to establish himself for the winter at Costebella, near Hyeres, the place where he last year wrote "La Duchesse Bleue," the great literary success of the season. His departure was delayed in order to enable him to take part in the recent Academic election, which bestowed on the spirituel Henri Lavedan the fauteuil vacated by the death of poor Henri Meilhac. M. Emile Zola figured, as usual, among the unsuccessful candidates. There is something impressive and heroic in his obstinate determina- tion to accept no defeat as final. He is the modern Prometheus eternally debarred from entering the erudite Olympus of his desires, which at the present moment boasts five novelists, five dramatic authors, seven historians, two critics, three poets, and two journalists among its list of illustrious members. The identity of one of the above-mentioned five novelists has become so completely merged in the personality of the hero of his popular romance, that his real name is absolutely forgotten by the general public. Thus, when M. Pierre Loti was this month elected to deliver the annual oration on the occasion of the presentation of the prix de vertu, his brother Academicians were rather at a loss how to announce the fact to the outside v ## p. 180 (#192) ############################################ i8o THE AUTHOR. world. Should the real name of the orator be printed (according to time-honoured custom) they foresaw the invidious storm of criticism which would greet the supposed innovation before the matter could be satisfactorily explained; yet to deviate a hair's breadth from the ordinary- routine was beneath both the dignity and the altitude of the Immortals! The difficulty was finally solved by ingeniously addiug the latter half of the pseudonym to the original patronymic. Thus many of M. Pierre Loti's friends and admirers were greatly surprised to see him figure under the name of M. Loti-Viaud on the Academy bills; and still more so to find that the brilliant author's real name was Julien Viaud. Apropos of this subject, we may mention that M. Pierre Loti's latest work, "Judith Renaudin," which is now being performed at the Theatre Antoine, has not attained the high level of popular success that was anticipated. The dainty, idyllic muse of Pierre Loti is, perhaps, too ethereal for the glare of the footlights; the successful fin-de-sihcle dramatist must either possess transcendent dramatic verve and inspiration, or, at least, an inexhaustible fund of a certain genre of super- ficial wit, a ready repartee, and a dashing, devil- may-care style which carries away and electrifies an audience, which invariably prefers the thrill of a new sensation to the discovery of a new truth. M. Saint Marceaux has just finished his plaster cast of the monument to bc erected to Alphonse Daudet. It represents the great writer as sitting beneath an olive tree with clasped hands, in a reflective attitude. The site the sculptor desires for his work is the Garden of the Luxembourg, near the monuments of Sainte Bouve and de Watteau, within easy walking distance of the great national rest ing place raised uii.t grands hommes par Jti pat He reconnaissance 1 Daruacotte Dene. FROM THE AMERICAN PAPERS. AN interesting observation on what he calls "the new English attitude towards us" is made by Dr. Talcott Williams it propos a book on America entitled "Land of Contrasts," written by Mr. James Fullarton Muirhead, which has just been brought out. Books on America by the travelling Englishman, says Dr. Williams (writing in Book News), " were once all unfavour- able, now they are all the other way, and English newspaper criticism is moving in the same direc- tion." (It might, by the way, be pointed out to Dr. Williams that American newspaper criticism is meeting this spirit half-way with correspond- ingly favourable consideration of England.) Mr. Muirhead has studied American life for twenty years, and his book is described as a close, keen, penetrating analysis of the current play of American forces. "It is hopeful. All the books by people who really understand this country are hopeful." "The truth is," says Dr. Talcott Williams, " we have pimples for the same reason as a growing boy or girl—because we have not digested our hasty meals of new population." The Boston Public Library (says the New York Critic) has accepted from Miss Lilian Whiting the gift of a large collection of the autograph letters written to the late Kate Field by the Brownings, Walter Savage Landor, George Eliot, Dickens, Thomas Adolphus and Anthony Trollope, E. C. Stedman, Helen Hunt, Mme. Ristori, Adelaide Phillips, Dr. Schliemann, and a great number of other notable people. These are called "The Kate Field Memorial Collection." Before Miss Whiting sailed for Europe last spring she had typewritten copies made of all these for reference in preparing the biography of Miss Field, giving the originals to the Public Library. With the collection there is to be placed a reproduction of the portrait of Kate Field by Vedder, signed by him, the original of which is in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The Critic is associating itself with Messrs. G. P. Putnam's Sons, the well-known publishers, beginning with the January number. Mr. and Miss Gilder of course retain the editorship, and they are to signalise the change by giving their influential journal a new dress and new tvpe. Mr. Charles Belmont Davis, lately the U.S. Consul at Florence, has allied himself with Mr. R. H. Russell, the publisher—the latter taking charge of the art and other books,and Mr.Davis, in another street, taking the plays. Mr. Davis is a brother of Mr. Richard Harding Davis, and published his first volume of short stories only the other day through Messrs. Stone. Mr. Cable has been engaged, since his return from England, on a story of the Civil War, in which we may expect to have some of his own experiences on the Southern side. Most of the scenes will be laid in New Orleans, and the title will probably be "The Cavalier." James Lane Allen also has another novel in hand, which will be longer than his very successful "The Choir Invisible." It may be looked for in the spring. Mr. Stanley Waterloo's reason for writing his latest book, "Armageddon," is interesting to know. "I believe," he says in Book News, " there will be some sort of union of the Teuton stock, including the English shaking, the German and the Norse, and I want it. I believe there will yet ## p. 181 (#193) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 181 be devised some more or less practicable way of mounting above the earth and directing move- ments there. It occurred to me that the two ideas might be made to assist each other in a story. Of course the tale as told is not such an expression as I would make were I a statesman. It implies antagonisms which are exaggerated for the purpose of the novelist." Messrs. Appleton have published a " limited" edition (i 00,000 copies) of Mr. Hall Caine's " The Christian" at fifty cents. This cheap edition was resolved upon to meet a special demand. It was all taken up before it left the press. The Dial has been discussing the swing of the pendulum towards romanticism, and sums up by saying that" the romantic revival is at full tide, and contemporary literature bids fair to offer us once more the solace that it brought us of old. We have learned that it is extremely foolish to insist of a writer that he give us all the facts con- nected with his theme. We have learned the limitations of literary photography, we have learned that it is unwise to approach literature burdened with a sense of responsibility for the preservation of the literal truth and the obtrusion of the ethical meaning." The ^Vew York Tunes in a recent issue prints this touching little incident of American author- ship :— It is related of Mr. F. Marion Crawford, the novelist, that when he was making a tour of America, and was travelling through a rich agricultural region to fill an appointment at a large town, a brisk-looking young man, with his hat on the back of his head, came into a car in which the novelist was sitting, held ont his hand, and said, in a most affable and companionable way: "I presume this is the celebrated Mr. Crawford?" "My name is Crawford," replied the novelist. "The conductor told me you were aboard," rejoined the other. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Higgs. I am somewhat in the book-line myself, and I know how it goes." "Yon are an author?" said Mr. Crawford. "I am glad to meet yon." "Yes, I have published a book regularly every year since 1890." "May I ask the name of yonr latest book," asked Mr. Crawford. "It's the Premium List of the Jones County Agricul- tural Fair," cordially responded Mr. Higgs, taking a small pamphlet from his pocket and handing it to him. "Allow me to present you a copy of it. I am the Secretary of the Jones County Agricultural Board. We are going to have the best fair this year we ever had. Balloon ascensions, Koman chariot races, baseball games, and trials of speed on track till you can't rest. Come and spend a day with us and it shan't cost you a cent. Well, this is where I get off. Good-bye, Mr. Crawford. Glad to have met you." NOTES AND NEWS. ACOR1IESPONPENT sends a letter on tln. conduct of a prize competition by a popu- lar magazine. Such a competition does not fall within the range of the Society's work and aims. It does not, that is to say, represent literary property in any sense. There is no doubt that these competitions interest vast multitudes of people, and that they should be conducted with the most jealous regard to openness and fairness. But complaints concerning the conduct of these things cannot be admitted in these columns. The editors of the New York Outlook invited their subscribers and readers on Oct. 1 to draw up lists of the ten best books published in the year ending Sept. 30, 1898. The following is the list now published in the December number. "Life of Tennyson." "Helbeck of Bannisdale.'' By Mrs. Humphry Ward. "Story of Gladstone's Life." By Justin McCarthy. "Caleb West." By F. Hopkinson Smith. "The Workers." By Walter A. Wyckoff. "Bismarck." By Dr. Moritz Busch. "Penelope's Progress." By Kate Douglas Wiggin. "Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning." "Rupert of Hontzau." By Anthony Hope. "Old Virginia and Her Neighbours." By Jchn Fiske. Here we find five English books, four American, and one German. Four of the books are of exceptional interest. It is not often that bio- graphies of such importance as those of Tennyson, Gladstone, Bismarck, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning appear in one year. Had it not been for these we should not, probably, have seen a preponderance of our own books. One would like to know something of the books to which must be accorded a " proxime accessit." The death of Mr. William Black removes a figure of importance in the world of letters. He had of late somewhat fallen behind his former popularity: but there was always a wide circle of readers for everything he produced. He began life by studying art: he then entered journalism, and was for a time a war correspondent: he began writing novels in 1869, since which time he has published the respectable number of thirty- three. His fir.-t success was in 1871 with " A Daughter of Heth." A story has been going round the papers to the effect that the novel was brought out anonymously in order to avoid the malignity of the Saturday Review, which " always " slated him. There had been no more than two novels to slate, not enough to justify this sweeping asser- tion. Everybody knows the leading character- istic of Black's style : he had very considerable ## p. 182 (#194) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. descriptive powers: he took his readers into the Highlands and the Hebrides. He brought his heroines into situations of strong contrasts: he was always gentle and well-bred. It would be interesting to know which of Black's novels the public will select for the limited immortality which awaits even the most popular novelist. He was a retiring man for the most part, who was yet fond of society of his own choosing and of his own friends. The cause of his death seems to have been some affection of the brain. The Pall Mall Gazette quotes the suggestion that booksellers should appoint their own reader. "It is obvious," the writer says, " the gentleman with the very moderate salary " — .£400 a year was named —" would, if his report was taken seriously, make or unmake almost any book. If the booksellers do not order a book what chance has it of winning recognition? Surely every publishers' reader makes it his business to con- sider whether a book is likely to sell, and I do not see why the booksellers' man should be any better judge." It also says that the appoint- ment of such a reader "would reduce the in- flueuceof newspaper critics to an amazing degree." Several points occur in this criticism. (1) Do newspaper critics write for the booksellers or for the public? I have always given them credit for writing for the public, in other words, for con- sidering the literary and not the commercial side of literature. As I have pointed out over and over again, there is no necessary connection between the two. (2) The chief function of the reader would be to pick out and recommend from the books whose subjects or whose authors do not carry certain popularity with them. (3) He might undoubtedly make a book; book- sellers would be greatly helped by his reports; and authors as well. Observe, however, that if his recommendations fell into disrepute or into suspicion he would be most certainly sacked. (4) About the publishers' reader. Booksellers do not trust the publishers' reader. They point to their shelves full of failures, and they refuse to trust the publishers' reader. Why, everyone knows dozens of stories of publishers' readers and their mistakes. The best publishers' reader is, in many cases, the publisher himself. Now, in reading a MS., the best reader in the world is liable to make mistakes. But the book- sellers' reader may also make mistakes? He may: but he comes after the other reader, and he reads a printed page, which is better than writing or typewriting. Further, there are multitudes of books which the publishers' reader never sees, notably the books published by the author at his own expense. The writer of the paragraph in the Pall Mall Gazette does not consider, I am afraid, the very serious position of the bookselling trade at this moment: the precarious standing of book- sellers, and the absolute necessity for doing some- thing for them. In The Author for October we set forth a scale showing the respective shares in the profits of a book taken by author, publisher, and bookseller. On an average six-shilling book, if the author had fifteen per cent., the shares would be: author, i0±d.; publisher, is. 7\d.; bookseller, 8§rf. This hardly means a division according to the strictest principles of equity or the nicest sense of honour. At a meeting of a publishing company the other day, one of the shareholders said that the management had no right to gamble with the shareholders' money by publishing any book that was not absolutely certain to sell. He did not go on to inform the meeting how the management were to get enough books of that kind. There are, for instance, hundreds of writers whose books carry no risk of loss, though some of them bring very little profit. I suppose that it is impossible for a publisher to carry on his business without risk of some kind; under that head it has been often defined in these columns. It is the diffe- rence between the cost of production and the first subscription. The difference is not generally great: frequently it is nominal. Two publishing companies have recently held their annual meeting. One of them is about a quarter of a century old, the other is four or five years of age. The former declares no dividend: the latter pays a dividend of 22\ per cent. The chairman of the former laments that "the difficulties of the publishing trade are many and serious." The report of the other says nothing about difficulties, but speaks of success upon success. Now, in the case of the first there are special reasons which have for some years operated against the success of the com- pany, but still it is time that these difficulties should have been got over. In the case of the second company, it is directed by a man who possesses a remarkable power of understanding what people want. This is, in fact, the most important qualification in a managing director— to know what people want. One sees in every list of new books a certain number which people do not want. An intelligent publisher may be "spotted" by the absence of such books in his list; and a small dividend may assuredly be the direct result of publishing what the world does not want. ## p. 183 (#195) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. '83 Mr. Daldy has been making another wail about American copyright. He wrote to the Times and suggested that this was a favourable moment to make another appeal to the Americans. Well, with a Copyright Commission still sitting, with a Copyright Bill still on the stocks, with no certainty whether the Lords mean to proceed with the Bill, >t seems as if a more inopportune moment could hardly be chosen. But it advertises Mr. Daldy, which is, of course, the main point. Mr. Daldy goes on .to state that the manufacturing clause debars four-fifths of the books published in this country. It is to be hoped that no American will read this statement, for if anything in the world could reconcile him to the present arrangement it is the reflection that if it were abolished the whole of the books published in this country— think of it—the whole !—would be poured into the States! As it is, it is not possible to agree with Mr. Daldy that one-fifth of all our books secure American copyright: more likely—one- tenth. Does Mr. Daldy imagine that there is no literature in America? Does he believe that the Americans crave for everything that we publish? If so, he must have arrived at a very remarkable depth of ignorance. Moreover, the present clause does not debar any book that the American wants. It is a simple condition that the book should be printed in America. The only hardship is the additional cost of setting up, which in a book on demand is not of much importance. But suppose the clause abolished, and in its place the same clause that we have here, of simultaneous publica- tion—what would happen? Books that the Americans want—and none other—would be sent over either in stereo plates or in sheets. Just as at present, it would be necessary to find a pub- lisher and to submit the work in advance. In fact, nothing would be saved except the cost of setting-up, and against that would be placed the stereo plates. And Mr. Daldy's "four- fifths" would remain, as at present, deprived of their valuable copyright by an unappreciative public. It is a pity that we have not reciprocity; but the clause, after all, is a very small thing, and only troublesome in the case of books about which there is doubt whether they shall be taken or not. Have my readers forgotten the proposed memorial to Felicia Hemans? It is only a small amount that is wanted: about .£135 is already promised, and I learn that the committee are anxious to close the fund. Those, therefore, who have promised but not yet paid are invited to do so without delay; and those who have not sent anything should do so at once to Mr. A. Theodore Brown, treasurer of the fund, Exehange- VOL. IX. court, Liverpool. It is suggested that the memo- rial shall take the form of au annual prize for a lyrical poem, the prize-winner to be a student in Liverpool College. For my own part I like not prize poems: no really fine poem was ever obtained in this way. I should have preferred an annual examination in English literature open to all comers under a certain age. Should librarians buy review books? The question was raised recently at a meeting of the Library Assistants' Association. The discussion was begun by Mr. Dyer, who attacked the practice of librarians in purchasing review copies of books, defaced with various stamps embossed or im- pressed, and also with pencil marks, &c., consider- ing that ratepayers might well ask him how money came to be expended on books marked " with the Publisher's compliments."' He considered it an injustice to the author that public money should be spent on books thit are given away, not sold, and that booksellers should not be allowed to sell these books any more than Baron Tauchnitz's publications. Mr. Wood strongly supported the purchase of review copies, as the stamps did not matter. Did not libraries themselves deface books? and did an extra defacement matter't What a librarian wanted was cheap books, and review copies were cheap, and new, and good; therefore these should be bought. Mr. Thome and Mr. Vellenoweth defended the exclusion of these cheap but defaced books, the latter asking how readers could be forbidden to make pencil marks, &c., in books already so marked, as review copies often were. The opinion of the meeting seemed to be in favour of buying review books because they are cheap, while the members present refused to listen to the principle involved. Now, there are 700 free libraries in this country, and the number of copies sent out for review is not more than fifty as a rule. If, out of the fifty, thirty are offered for sale, that leaves 670 libraries which must buy direct. It is not therefore a burning question or an intolerable burden. Yet one would like the matter settled. Ought libraries, as a matter of principle, to buy those review copies? Thev get them very cheap; they may be sometimes marked a little, and it cannot be said that the sale is underhand. Many reviewers have the book in addition to the cheque. When the latter is small the book is thrown in as some compensation, and it is understood that it will be sold. Walter Bbsant. x ## p. 184 (#196) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. THE PUBLISHER, THE BOOKSELLER, AND THE LIBRARIAN. THIS is the title of an unconventional article in the " Christmas Catalogue," published from the office of the Newsagent and Book- seller's Review. The writer in the first place discusses the cheapening of literature, and prophe- sies that "the 6*. novel will soon have to give place to 2*., and the author, who is now paid huge and disproportionate sums of money for his MS., will have to be content with a more modest- sum and a smaller royalty. The publisher, then, who can look ahead, and who is bold enough to enter the arena, will have no cause to regret it, for although the task may be heavy, he will most assuredly win fame and fortune." Then follows a lament that the libraries have not of late years teen helping the publisher to the extent that is naturally expected, for if the author's name happens to be a new one, he is passed by. The section of the article devoted to publishers con- cludes as follows: The publishing world should be considered more in the light of a charitable combination, for if the publisher did not risk his money to introduce new authors, a very pre- cious few would ever see themselves clothed in fresh ink, newspaper, and gorgeous binding. The article then passes to the bookseller, the writer admitting that the publisher cannot exist without him; remarking his ignorance as to the books he sells, compared with the bookseller of the "old times," and deploring the small pay of the bookseller's assistant. A "new departure" at the biggest circulating library in London is noted, and this, says the writer, is a matter in which the publisher should step in and put his foot down. This is it:— As soon as books can be withdrawn from circulation (and they are often withdrawn much too soon) they are re-bound, cleaned, and sold for half the published price! This, then, clearly is not helping the poor bookseller. There will be lots of people who will wait for these oopies, and thereby save a matter of is. 6d. on a book, to the loss of the bookseller. Again, as to the position of the new author, and giving him a better chance, it is suggested "that the two large Metropolitan libraries relegate a couple or more of competent literary critics to a room set apart for the examination of new books—advance copies being sent them by the publishers for that purpose—and upon the report of these critics, the new writer would be judged according to his merits." As for the librarian, to him is imputed want of enteqmse. "The London librarian is one of the most important men in English literary circles, but it is extremely doubtful if he has ever risen to, or taken advantage of, his opportunities. The libraries of London are dead," &c. "MERLIN AND THE GLEAM." IHAVE waited for the Life of Tennyson to throw some light on a small Tennyson puzzle—why the poet chose to represent Merlin, the bard and wizard of the Arthur legends, as following "The Gleam." Now the book has come, and upon this point I am as unsatisfied as ever. The preface gives a delightfully interesting study of the poem, and some explanation of Tenny- son's feeling for the wizard. "From his boy- hood he had felt the magic of Merlin—that spirit of poetry—which bade him know his power and follow throughout his work a pure and high ideal . . . which helped him through doubt and difficulties to 'endure as seeing Him who is invisible.'" Then the connection with "The Gleam" appears to be traced in Vol. II., p. 366, where we find the note :— "Of Merlin and the Gleam, written in August, 1889, he [Tennyson] says, ' In the story of Merlin and Nimue I have read that Nimue means the Gleam—which in my poem typifies the higher poetic imagination." But Nimue had already been treated by Tenny- son in "Merlin and Vivien," and with no more respect than was shown in Malory's chapter upon "How Merlin was assorted, and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone, and there died." Take the ending of this poem :— For Merlin, overtalk'd and overworn, Had yielded, told her all the charm, and slept. Then, in one moment, she put forth the charm Of woven paces and of waving hands, And in the hollow oak he lay as dead, And lost to life and use and name and fame. Then crying, " I have made his glory mine," And shrieking out " O fool!" the harlot leapt Adown the forest, and the thicket closed Behind her, and the forest echo'd "fool." Can this wicked little will-of-the-wisp represent the spirit of poetry? The close of " Merlin and the Gleam" quite forbids one to believe it. I can no longer, But die rejoicing, For through the magic Of Him the Mighty, Who taught me in childhood, There on the border Of boundless ocean, And all but in Heaven Hovers the Gleam. It is hard to think this lovely moral has grown from the Nimue of Malory's tale! I shall be bold enough, at any rate, to make another suggestion. Newman, when asked about the angel faces in " Lead kindly Light." frankly ## p. 185 (#197) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. confessed that he had forgotten what he meant by them. Tennyson himself for the moment may have mistaken the origin of his Gleam. We know he was a student of Dante. The "sorrow's crown of sorrows" passage is only one of many delicate enrichments from that source; and, in Canto XIII. of the "Purgatorio," we find this allusion: Sapia describes how, "waxing out of bounds " in gladness after a victory, she lifted up her brow, And, like the merlin cheated by a gleam, Cried, "It is over. Heav'n! I fear thee not." Cary's Translation. A note explains the reference: "Canto XIII., v. 114.—The story of the Merlin is that, having been induced by a gleam of fine weather to escape from his master, he was soon oppressed by the rigour of the season." My theory involves a little confusion between Merlin the bird and Merlin the man. A bird following light, a singer reaching after the highest poetic inspiration—the two ideas would be easily merged in one another. Bird or poet might fail of full achievement—strike out too soon for light and freedom, and find death instead of summer. But I shall contend, at least, that it was some transmutation of this bird story in Tennyson's mind which suggested the 1889 poem, and that the wicked little amateur sorceress, whatever her coincidence of name, had really nothing to do with it. Mary Colborne-Veel. New Zealand, 1898. NAXOS. When lonely on the once-delightful shore Stood Ariadne, and the stern wind blew Steadily seaward, till at last she knew Theseus could come no more: Behold! A God, a God rush'd to her side! —Think yon she cared? I know which way she tnrn'd Fair eyes, and longing heart, and lips that burn'd; I know which name she cried! For now the god-like lot draws near to me; Yea, Love-of-one denied, oomes Love-for-all. —But, where art thou? Canst thon not hear me call, O lost, lost Love! to thee? B. E. B. LONDON LIBRARY. THIS important institution opened on Dec. 5 its new buildings which have been erected on the old site, St. James's-square. A distinguished company came to hear Mr. Leslie Stephen, the president, declare the new buildings open. Mr. Stephen in his address explained the history of the movement—the entire breakdown of the old buildings, the want of space, the diffi- culty in finding books, and the lack of a proper reading room. These difficulties have now been removed and these wants supplied in a simple well-lighted airy building. The expense has been met by .£2000 subscribed among the 2472 members, and a loan of .£5000. Mr. Stephen described the increase of the library since 1841, saying that at last there was no way out of the difficulty but to build or to burst, and, of course, they had to set about building. The result was that they had a very great increase of accommo- dation, and their librarian in future would be in the position of a general presiding over an encampment where every regiment had its proper place, and where he knew where to call on every- one of his troops. Mr. Stephen said that when he looked at the great clubs which surrounded them, and in which he was afraid the kitchen was a much more important part of the apparatus than the library, some of his complacency in the new building departed, and remembering that it was the only institution of the kind in London which undertook to give an essential means for the enjoy- ment of good literature in their own houses, he thought after all that it was a mere cottage com- pared with what it ought to be. CORRESPONDENCE. I —Book-Buyers and Booksellers. THE note in the December Author referring to the possible buyers of books is interesting. I have often wondered who are the book- buyers, besides the managers of circulating libraries and literary men. People with incomes of .£500 a year, and more than that, tell me that they cannot afford to buy books. In thousands of big, well-furnished houses one little case, holding fifty or sixty books, at the outside estimate, is considered a fair library. Books are the last things that many wealthy persous dream of buying. Sometimes they have a two-guinea library ticket. Very often they beg or borrow books from impe- cunious friends. It is necessary for a man with .£1000 a year to economise. These people will even ask a half-starved author to lend theiu a copy of his last book, published at 3*. 6d., and to be bought at 3*?. in the 1 i. discount. An enormous number of those who neither toil nor spin can "never find time to read," and another multitude "hate reading," and despise the writers of books as useless, idle fellows, who ought to be trying to make money on the Stock Exchange instead of amusing themselves with ## p. 186 (#198) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. pen and paper. I have been asked sometimes by pursy people to recommend a book. They inquire if I know anyone who will lend it to them. So far as my experience goes, I am convinced that the keenest readers and the most liberal book-buyers are authors. A philosophical writer known to me, whose income is less than M200 a year, has thousands of books, many of them costly. Another scholarly author, who never earned more than £2 per week, has contrived to fill a study with volumes. Half of his earnings are spent upon books. The other day a well-to-do lady promised to buy a book in which I was interested. It was in the press, and the publishers had proposed to issue it at i*. Subsequently, they changed their minds, and priced the book at 2*. 6d. The well-to-do lady also changed her mind about buying the book. She could not afford more than is. I believe it would pay publishers to print cheap books. Lately, one of the new publishers refused the manuscript of a novel because it was too short for the ordinary Volume form of fiction. If the book would not sell at 2*. 6rf., might it not sell at is. 6d., and perhaps sell much better at the lower price? A word upon booksellers. "The trade" is in a bad way, and this is partly due to the fact that so many persons are niggardly in their expendi- ture upon books. But some booksellers aie not " pushing"; they cannot expert to succeed. When the reprint of "The Dolly Dialogues " was selling in thousands, and lying upon every railway bookstall, I went into a big book shop at Ply- mouth and asked for the book. The shopkeeper said, "I don't keep dialogues." I explained that it was not a theatrical book. "Well, I haven't got it, and I've never heard of it," returned the bookseller, without offering to order it. On another occasion I tried to buy J. A. Symonds' "Study of Walt Whitman," at four large central shops in London. "No, we haven't it," said the assistants. There was no suggestion of obtaining a copy. I should have imagined that a js. 6d. book was worth selling. I sympathise with booksellers in their struggle to pay rents and make a living. Many of them can scarcely live, in spite of energy and enter- prise; but others come to grief through listless- ness and neglecting to display and recommend new books. I was much gratified some time ago by the kindness of two leading members of the trade, who both offered to stock my books when I, as a complete stranger, asked them if they would do so. I think that booksellers would welcome cheaper books, especially works of fiction. Constantly people tell me that they would buy a new novel if it only cost 2*. 6d. They refrain from buying a novel at 4*. 6d., and wait until they can find someone to lend it to them or until the book is in the local free library. I believe that authors, publishers, and booksellers lose in the long run through fixing the price of a novel too high. The book is bought by the few, and it may be read by many; but the majority of readers will be borrowers, and some of them unabashed and unblushing wealthy borrowers. Bryn Aber, Geoffrey Mortimer Llangollen, North Wales. II.—Editor and Contributor. 1. When an editor keeps a MS. months and months, wearing out the writer's patience, and causing him, in many instances, real distress of mind, does it not point to a defective sense of honour in that editor? The author is in his power, has no redress if his copy becomes lost or dog-eared, is obliged to bear meekly neglect or insult, so that, it seems to me, the abuse of his confidence is very like the non-payment of a debt of honour. There is obviously no action we who write can take, but simply sit still and wait for a reformation of charactor in such doers unto others as they would not others should do unto them! Not long ago I wrote to an editor asking when my story, accepted last May, would be likely to appear. He did not reply to a letter and two post-cards, so I wrote for the fourth time with some irritation. This was the imperti- nent answer: "I think it a kindness to tell you that peremptory letters to editors can have but one result." Another story accepted last May was returned in August, and it was only through the services of Mr. Thring that it is accepted again now. When it will appear, Heaven knows! If one dares to beard editorial majesty there can be but one of two results—malicious delay or return of the MS. Truly we may pray for reform of manners. With regard to the ill-bred person who scribbles his presumptuous and often illiterate "corrections" all over another man's literary pro- perty (I have experienced this, and shar* Mr. Wallace's disgust—see last month's Author), he is, of course, so hopelessly void of inborn courtesy or good taste that nothing could touch him but being obliged to pay for re-typing. Surely we can legally claim this if we take the the trouble; or am I mistaken? M. L. P. 11. Most authors, whether of prose or verse, have, I presume, their little " differences " with editors. ## p. 187 (#199) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 187 1 have, moreover, occasionally to put up with no little injustice. My own experiences in this line have been so numerous that I am tempted to give a few of them in The Author. I must premise by saying that I am one of the most courteous of men myself, and never willingly give offence to any one. More than that, I am ever ready to forgive an affront when sorrow is expressed by the giver of it, and not seldom making the first overtures even here; and yet in spite of all this I have at the present moment the following—what shall we call them ?—say "misunderstandings," to put it mildly. Imprimis.— One of our best known critics and authors once wrote me in reply to a present of a volume of my verse a most kind and appre- ciative letter and highly praised my poetry, rank- ing me among the sweetest of Devon singers now alive. Since then, though I wrote him a most warm and grateful note in reply, I have never had a line from him, and moreover he has just curtly declined for his magazine one of the best poems (in my opinion) I ever wrote! I have written him more than once without any response. Why? Another well-known literary man and poet in the north, who also highly admired, so he said, my poetry, suddenly ceased to write to me or to answer my letters, without any conceivable reason. Nothing could have been more courteous than my letter to him. Why? No. 3 is a west country editor with whom I had a difference, and though I amply apologised to him for a hasty letter, up to this day he has never accepted my apology! No. 4 is a literary friend now living in London, who introduced himself to me years ago, has stayed with me, and now never answers my letters, without any reason. If they are busy, so am I, only I am old-fashioned and foolish enough to forget and forgive and to reply to letters. Dec. 13. F. B. D. nr. Tn your last issue you devote some paragraphs to the recent decision of Judge Emden at the Lambeth County Court, and you say that this case "bears to some extent on the position of an editor to whom MSS. are sent." I should like to point out that this decision is favourable to authors, and ought to be supported in every way. Judge Emden laid down that here the " bailment " was gratuitous; that is, the "bailee," or pers m to whom the MS. was entrusted, had no interest in the matter, and therefore could not be made responsible unless shown to have been guilty of gross negligence. From this argument it logically follows that, had the "bailee" had an interest in the " bail- ment" of the MS., he would have been liable, and the onus would have been shifted on to him to prove that he had exercised reasonable care in preserving it. It appears to me that, in most cases where MSS. are sent to an editor or a publisher, the "bailment" is not gratuitous, for the latter has an interest in the "bailment," as it is thereby he is enabled to make selections on which his business largely dermls. If I am a manu- facturer, and send goods to a dealer on approval, he cannot lose them and say he is only a "gratuitous bailee," and that you must prove he has been grossly negligent before you can claim recompense for the loss of your property. Why, then, should an editor or publisher claim this position? It is true editors sometimes in their advertise- ments repudiate liability for lost MSS., but it is by no means certain they can thus evade a "common law" liability. Howard v. Harris is somewhat against (his con- tention. That was a case similar to the one decided by Judge Emden, but there the play- wright had sent the MS. straight tu the manager of the theatre. The decision of the County Court judge, however, seems to me to have been given on more intelligible grounds than that of the higher court. As the matter is of great importance to authors where a wanton loss of MSS. has occurred, I think it might be advisable to test the matter further. Major Greenwood, LL.B., Barrister-at-Law. III.—The Society as Publishers. I notice in the November number that a writer signing himself "A Member of the Society" raises a question or suggestion upon the impor- tant matter of publishing; and there is also a note on the same by our esteemed " W. B." The first-named wishes the Society to undertake the very much talked-of publishing of books, which the latter thinks would not be done, suggesting, as a medium course, that we might, so to speak, grow a publisher of our own for the purpose. So far as I can say—and I know a good deal about authorship, printing, publishing, &c.—I would think that sin. e both writers (not to speak of thousands of others) are agreed upon the desirability of the project, "W. B." himself might venture to place the matter before the Society at an early meeting; and since he is of opinion that the man procured to publish for authors at 10 per cent. profit should not be allowed to undertake other business, what better way is there than for the Society to procure such a ## p. 188 (#200) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. man and publish themselves, getting another manager when death or the 101 things would cause a single individual to throw up the sponge? Thus the good work, like the river, even though men men might come and go, would go on for ever. W. B. Lappin. IV.—Fourteen Months' Delay. May I be allowed to corroborate Mr. Wallace's evidence concerning the methods adopted by the Strand Magazine? I submitted a short story for the editor's con- sideration, and after twelve months had rolled by I wrote asking for information concerning it. My letter, however, was ignored, as was a second (although I enclosed stamped addressed envelope for reply). In a third letter I informed him that I should be compelled to make the matter public. This produced an apology from the sub-editor, and a statement that he was "holding the story over in order to bring it to the editor's notice at a favourable moment." Another month passed, and then the MS. was returned as unsuitable, having been detained fourteen months. One of the Rank and File. [One would like to know how many MSS. were waiting their turn to be read: and how many officials were reading them. Without judging any case, it must always be remembered that with every popular magazine the pressure of MSS. is very great—enormous. I should imagine that the explanation of this case is probably that the MS. was slipped among others and so was mis- laid. The writer is naturally—most naturally— angry, but I would suggest some such explana- tion.—Ed.]. BOOK TALK. ME. RIDER HAGGARD has written a new story of South Africa, entitled, " Swal- low: A Tale of the ' Great Trek.'" It will be illustrated by Mr. Maurice Greiffenhagen, and will be published in the spring by Messrs. Longman. Mr. David Christie Murray's new novel, to be published in the spring by Messrs. Pearson, is called "Despair's Last Journey." Mr. William Archer has written an introduc- tion to the English translation of Dr. George Brandes's monograph on Ibsen, which Mr. Heine- mann will publish very soon. A selection of Robert Louis Stevenson's letters to various people will be given by Mr. Sidney Colvin in Scribner's Magazine, the first instal- ment to appear in this month's number. Mr. Henry Murray Lane, Chester Herald, is engaged upon a large genealogical work which Messrs. A. D. Junes and Co. will publish, entitled "The Royal Daughters of England." It will be a compendium of most of the royal and illus- trious families of Europe for over 800 years, and the object with which it is undertaken is to show who are the actual living representatives of the sixty princesses, beginning with the daughters of William the Conqueror, who have issue surviving to the present day. The work will run into four volumes. Mr. F. J. Jackson's book on the Jaekson- Harmsworth expedition to the North Pole will be published by Messrs. Harper in a week or two. It is the record of three years' adventure and scientific research, and includes, of course, an account of the leader's meeting with Dr. Nansen. The title of the book is " A Thousand Days in the Arctic." Mr. J. Grego is editing, with notes, a book on Charles Dickens and his illustrators, which will be published in two volumes by Messrs. Chapman and Hall under the title " Pictorial Pickwickiana." It will be illustrated with drawings and engrav- ings by Seymour Leech, " Phiz," Sir John Gilbert, R.A., C. R. Leslie, R.A., and others. Mr. J. W. Headlam, Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, is writing for the Cambridge His- torical Series a volume on the modern German Empire, 1815-1871. Mrs. H. J. Tennant and Miss Mona Wilson have written a handbook entitled "Working Women in Factories, Workshops, and Laundries, and How to Help Them." It will be published shortly by Messrs. Duckworth and Co. Herr Charles Neufeld, who was released from his long imprisonment in Khartoum when the victorious British troops entered the city, is writing an account of his experiences during his long captivity in the stronghold of Mahdism. Miss Mary Bateson is editing for the Royal Historical Society "A Narrative of Political Events, 1765-1767, by the Duke of Newcastle." Mr. F. G. Kitten's forthcoming memoir of Dr. Buck, formerly organist and master of the choristers at Norwich Cathedral, will contain new letters of Jenny Lind, Professor John Hullah, Professor Sedgwick, Sir Sterndale Bennett, Dean Stanley, and others. Messrs. Jarrold and Sons will publish the work. In the Atlantic Monthly for December Mr. Pierre la Rose gives a hitherto unpublished poem by Byron — namely, a version of Ossian's "Address to the Sun." This is accompanied by many notes on Ossian written by Byron when he ## p. 189 (#201) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. was about eighteen years of age. The whole of these—poem and notes—are written in Byron's own hand in a copy of the 1806 edition of "The Poems of Ossian" which is now one of the treasures of the library of Harvard University. It came into the possession of the college in 1874, as part of the bequest of Charles Sumner, who had acquired it for twenty guineas. Byron at this time swallowed Macpherson, of whom his notes show him to be an enthusiastic admirer. The following are the opening lines of the poem :— 0 thou! who rollest in yon azure field, Bound as the orb of my forefather's shield, Whence are thy beams? From what eternal store Dost thou, O Sun! thy vast effulgence pour? In awful grandeur, when thou movest on high, The stars start back and hide them in the sky; The pale moon sickens in thy brightening blaze, And in the western wave avoids thy gaze- Alone thou shinest forth—for who can riso Companion of thy splendour in tho skies! Some good literary plums will be ripe next season (says the Westminster Gazette) to fall into the hands of those who reprint notable books as soon as the copyright expires. This season an example of this sort has been "John Halifax, Gentleman," by Mrs. Craik, a charming edition of which Messrs. Dent have just issued. That very popular novel has been reprinted by six publishers at least, besides the six different editions from the authorised publishers on sale before. In 1899 another portion of Tennyson's poetry will be out of copyright; Dr. Livingstone's first African travels, issued in 1857; "Tom Brown's School- days," and Borrow's " Lavengro." Sir William Wilson Hunter, K.C.S.I., is writing a history of British India, which will occupy five volumes. The first of these, which will carry the narrative through our struggle for the spice trade of the Eastern Archipelago and our expulsion by the Dutch from the Spice Islands, will be published by Messrs. Longman next month. The attention of Messrs. A. D. Innes and Co. has been called to a curious error on the title page of Mr. Arthur Paterson's last novel, "The Gospel Writ in Steel." He is there credited with the authorship not only of "A Son of the Plains," which he did write, but also of "The Man from Snowy River," which is the work of Mr. A. B. Paterson, an entirely different person. "It does not appear," Messrs. Innes say, "that Mr. Pater- son passed this title-page for press himself." The Saturday Review has again changed hands, the Earl of Hardwicke having acquired the controlling interest of Mr. Frank Harris. The new editor will bo Mr. Harold Hodge, barrister, who is connected with the firm of Sothcby, Wilkinson, and Hodge, the well-known book dealers. Mr. David Williamson is to edit the Puritan, a new magazine for Free Churchmen, which will be started shortly, with Mr. Bowden as pub- lisher. Mrs. Adeane, author of "The Girlhood of Maria Holroyd," is continuing the record of this lady as Lady Stanley of Alderley in a book to be published by Messrs. Longman. Mr. W. M. Rossetti contributes to the December number of the Pall Mall Magazine some unpublished fragments by his brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Mr. Bernard Wentworth, author of "The Master of Hullingham Manor," "Anti-Agnosti- cism," &c., has been commissioned by Mr. Garnet Wolseley Cox to write the libretto, in blank verse, of a new grand opera by Mr. G. W. Cox. Mr. Wentworth has lately been appointed to the staff of one of the leading Warwickshire papers, the Leamington Advertiser. A new short story by Mr. Wentworth appears in the Christmas number of that journal, entitled "Estebau Cortes," a tale of Spain and the late Spanish-American war. "Excursions in Comedy," a small volume of dramatic sketches by Mr. William Toyubee, has just been published by Mr. H. J. Glaisher, of 57, Wigmore-street, who also announces a volume of verse by the same author, entitled "On Oaten Flute," of which a limited number was privately printed in 1897. Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of York and the Duchess of Fife have both graciously accepted copies of a new book for children entitled "A Story Book for Lesson Time," or a child's first English grammar. The volume has recently been published by Messrs. Constable and Co. On the 11th of the current month CasseWs Saturday Journal will commence the serial pub- lication of a modern novel of adventure by Mr. John Bloundelle-Burton, this being the first present day romance which the author has pro- duced for ten years. In it Mr. Bloundelle-Burton returns to the locality of some of his earlier stories, viz., the region of the West Indies, he having chosen British Honduras for his scene. It will be entitled "A Bitter Birthright," and will also be produced serially in the United States at the same time. "The Cardinal's Page," James Baker's new novel, was only issued on the 12th November, but the first edition is gone and a second is now being sent out. ## p. 190 (#202) ############################################ 190 THE AUTHOR. "Divil-May-Care," a new novel by Miss May Crommelin, has just been published by Messrs. F. V. White and Co. This novel deals with adventures in Ulster, and some of the magic and folklore of the peasantry, interspersed with rather sensational, but, as we are assured, true stories. "The New Far East," by Arthur Diosy (Vice- Chairman of the Council of the Japan Society), with a map and illustrations from special designs by Kuboto Beisen, of Tokio, has just been pub- lished by Messrs. Cassell and Co. Mr. E. M. Garnier, author of "The History of the Landed Interest,'' "Annals of the British Peasantry," &c., has token to historical fiction, and Messrs. Harper and Brothers have just pub- lished for him "His Counterpart," a romance dealing with the early life of John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough. A novel, by Mrs. Neville Walford, called " Until the Dawn," is now ready for publication, and will shortlv be issued by Messrs. Chapman and Hall. Within three weeks of its publication by Messrs. Chapman and Hall, a German edition of Mr. A. Eedcote Dewar's book, " From Matter to Man," was called for. The eminent German scientist Professor Ludwig Biicherer, of Darm- stadt, has undertaken to be editor. Mr. W. B. Lappin, the Irish author, well known in the Emerald Isle for his descriptive scene paint- ing and "special" article work, is just now engaged on a new novel entitled "Mad Mag," the scenes of which are laid in the author's native province of "the black north," added to a mythical continental creation. The Christmas number of Household Words contains a story entitled "The Warning Bell," by Mrs. do Courcy Laffan (Mrs. Leith Adams). About the last week in January a volume of collected stories, by the same writer, will be published in six-shilling volume form by Messrs. Digby, Long, and Co., of 18, Bouverie-street. The initial story gives the title to the book, "Accessory Before the Fact," and will be illustrated by Mr. Trevor Haddon, R.B.A. Early in the spring a serial by Mrs. Laffan, entitled "The Vicar of Dale End," will commence to run in Household Words; and a series of papers, run- ning in the Oakleaf— the magazine of the ist Battalion "Cheshire" Regiment, now quartered in the Deccan—will assume volume form, under the title of "Regimentol Memories." "Georgie's Wooer "—a story by Mrs. Laffan that has had a great vogue in America—where the publishers are Messrs. Harper and Co., of New York—. appears this week in the popular cheap series entitled "The Welcome Librarv," published by Mr. F. White, of Bedford-street. Strand. Mr. Stephen Wheeler has been authorised by Lady Graves Sawle to publish a final selection from Walter Savage Landor's correspondence with the sister and niece of Rose Aylmer. Messrs. Duckworth will publish the volume. A movement is being made to secure a Civil List pension or a grant for the family of the late Mr. Gleeson White. The friends of Mr. White are in the meantime raising a subscription, sub- scribers to which are asked to communicate with Mr. H. R. Hope-Pinker, 22, Avonmore-road, West Kensington. An appeal is also made to friends and the public on behalf of the widow and four children of the late Mr. Harold Frederic . The hon. secretory and treasurer of this fund is Mr. W. J. Fisher, 88, St. George's-square, S.W. A meeting of subscribers for the Liverpool memorial to Mrs. Hemans will be held at the Common Hall, Hackins Hey, Liverpool, on the 6th inst. It is expected that a sum of ^6135 will be available, and the meeting will decide what form the memorial shall take. A movement is on foot to erect a statue of Byron in Aberdeen city, which is, of course, inti- mately associated with the poet's early days. Subscriptions to the fund are being received by the City Chamberlain, Town House, Aberdeen. A Lever Society is being formed in London for the purpose of interchanging views and opinions concerning his novels, and also with the intention of getting together material for a new Life of Lever. Anyone who has any documents or letters, or who can supply any reminiscences of Lever, or who is interested in the man and his works, is invited to communicate with the hon. secretary of the Lever Society, Mr. Arthur Dana, 67, Guilford-street, Russell-square, W.C. The 150th anniversary of Goethe's birthday occurs this year, and it is proposed to erect a statue of the poet in Strasburg, at whose college he studied. A monument to the memory of Mathilde Blind was unveiled at Finchley Cemetery a few weeks ago, in the presence of a large gathering of friends of the late poet. The second number of the Windmill, an illustrated quarterly of literature and art, contains a short paper by Vernon Gibberd, on " Periodical Literature. "The advertising agent," says the writer, " is fast beeouiing a more important per- sonage than the literary contributor, for upon ## p. 191 (#203) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. him more than upon the buyers must the pro- prietors rely, not only for the sources of the cost .of production, but also for the means of profit." "But there are higher things in art than novelty," "and it is to vindicate the dignity of literature and the honour of art that certain literary and artistic quarterlies have at different times made their appeal, not so much to the reading public as to the lovers of literature and the appre- ciators of art." The writer continues :—. In some degree they may be said to represent a revolt, and it is perhaps their misfortune that so many of the B. P. regard all rebellion as immoral. Their voice has been lifted no against convention and conservatism, in art and litera- ture, against arbitrary standards and dogmatic conventions. If they have attempted the impossible it is that they might attain a high point in the possible. They at least formed a medium for the newer spirit to make itself articulate, and the cynicism of the Philistine that "in these days men mount to fame on a Fallout Book article " covers the truth that writers before denied a hearing have by subsequent appreciation justified their literary existence. We understand that Mr. Stanley Lane Poole, author of the volume recently published in the "Heroes of the Nations " series by G. P. Putnam and Sons, entitled " Saladin: and the Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem," has just been appointed Professor of Arabic in the University of Dublin. Mrs. Molesworth has been writing in Chambers's Journal (December) on story-writing for the young, which, she says, " is yet a different thing, almost a different art, from that of writing for adults." It is necessary to become in some sense a chilil again, yet one must retain one's older experience and greater wisdom, for there is so much to be avoided:— All suggestion of many of the sadder facts of our com- plex human nature, which, though learnt they must be when the boy and girl become man and woman, it would be cruel as «ell as sinful to teach prematurely; all elements of suspiciousness, of distrnstfulness of others—above all, of those whom onr darlings naturally look up to and revere; all painting in too gloomy colours of this life, sorrow- burdened, even almost hopelessly tragic as it often seems to us—till, as the " eventide" approaches, with a wonderful return to the faithful child nature, we come to believe again in the " light " as the reality—all these rocks and shoals of danger and injury must be steered clear of with perfect skill. For " humbug" in any form is quickly detected by children; many points a child's story-teller must be content to evade, simply to leave untouched upon, never to tell untruths about. Those who have studied the subject will feel especially the force of what Mrs. Molesworth calls "the important distinction which should be drawn between writing about and writing for children." Miss Ehoda Broughton's new story, "The Game and the Candle," begins in the January number of Temple Bar. The identity of C. E. Raimond, the author of 'The Open Question" (and other earlier novels), has been disclosed as Miss Elizabeth Robins, a lady well known in various Ibsen role*. Mrs. John Richard Green is writing a history of England, designed principally for use in schools. Mr. Neil Munro's new Higland story, "The Paymaster's Boy: His Fancy, His Love, and Adventures," begins its course as a serial in the January number of Good Words. Sir Willi *m Harcourt (according to the Man- chester Guardian) is likely to employ his increased leisure in a work which he has long had in his mind, and for which he has been collecting materials for some years. This is a study of the life and political career of Henry St. John, Viscount Bolingbroke, the great Tory statesman of Queen Anne's reign. Sir George Trevelyan is publishing through Messrs. Longman in a few days the first part of his new work " The American Revolution (1766- 1776)." In his preface, the author says he is aware that an expectation exists among those who have read "The Early History of Charles James Fox" that he would carry on the account of that statesman's life from the point at which he dropped it eighteen years ago. When the con- sideration of the project was seriously approached, it became evident that the difficulties of writing a political biography, as distinguished from a political history, were in this case insuperable. The story of Fox between 1774 and 1782 is in- extricably interwoven with the story of the American Revolution. What was done and spoken at Westminster cannot be rightly ex- plained, nor the conduct of British public men fairly judged, without a clear and reasonably detailed account of that which occurred contem- poraneously beyond the Atlantic. The story of the times in which Fox lived and wrought has hitherto been told as it presented itself to the author; and he trusts that his telling of it may interest others sufficiently to encourage him in continuing it. A writer in the Medical Press and Circular has been remonstrating with novelists ou the absence of births from the incidents of their books. The proportion of births to deaths in fiction is placed at one to ninety-six; and the writer has therefore no difficulty in predicting that the world of fiction will at this rate be de- populated in eleven years or so. Particular reference is made to Mr. Marion Crawford's works, in which there are nin-ty-oue deaths and seven marriages, but only two obstetrical inci- dents; whde Mr. Anthony Hope's "Prisoner of Zenda" has on an average five deaths to a chapter, but not a birth in the whole book. ## p. 192 (#204) ############################################ 192 THE AUTHOR. "Is the Modern Novel Helpful or Harmful to Morality ?" is the subject of a paper by Dr. Johu Clifford, M.A., in Great Thoughts for Dee. 31. His discussion of the question may be reduced to a simple statement that there are novels which do and novels which do not help in making the best men and women. In classifying faulty types from the point of view of moral progress, the writer places those novels wherein it is insinuated that wealth is the fount of virtue—" I thiuk I would be a good woman if I had .£5000 a year," said Becky Sharp; an observation which Dr. Clif- ford describes as the hackneyed text for "book after book." The second objection is to the treat- ment of tragedies of love, as to which the writer says:— To paint a man puling- and whining because be has fallen in love with another man's wife and cannot marry her, is bad Art and bad Ethics combined. Why not sketch a man pnling and whining because he cannot steal £ 10,000 with- out risking the prison, or because he cannot appropriate a few aores of land he would like to have? Such a novel menaces the strength of the will. It takes the iron out of the blood. It gives the rein to passion, and imperils the man, the home, and the State. Even in these respects, however, Dr. Clifford thinks the Modern Novel advancing; and, apart from his objections, "we gladly recognise," he says, "but we can never repay, our debt to the Modern Novel." The dinner of the Anglo-African Writers' Club took place on Dec, 21, in the Grand Hotel, London, Mr. H. Rider Haggard presiding. Mr. Bryce, the honorary president, delivered a speech on colonial possibilities in literature. If, he said, we had understood our colonies of North America in 1776 they would have been our colonies still, and if better results had come in la'e years it was largely because by literature and personal communications the two nations knew each other better. He did not think it idle to suppose that the time would come when the literary activity of our colonies themselves might be far more abundant and powerful than now. At present they were in the state of bringing things into order and developing the agencies of commerce, and the time for literature had perhaps hardly yet come. The time, however, might come when the literary activity of the English race would be largely replenished by the assistance of our fellow countrymen beyond the seas, aud he pointed out that this had been in some measure anticipated in the International and Colonial Copyright Act of 1886. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Smollett and the Preface. CAN any reader of The Author inform the undersigned in what book occurs a passage to the effect that " A preface, according to Tobias Smollett (?), is something which, though usually put at the beginning of a book, ought really to come at its end?" A somewhat similar passage occurs in the preface to " Waverley," but that is not the one to which I refer. H. Ha.es. A Question of Form. "The world-customer — with the polyglot German at one elbow with his cheapness, and the American at the other elbow with his smartness —is now beginning to leave the Englishman, to his but 110 one's else astonishment." This is a sentence from a recent article in the Saturday Jtecieir. May I inquire which is the correct form-—no one's else or no one else's? T. OBITUARY. MR. WILLIAM BLACK died on the even- ing of Saturday, Dec. 10, at his resi- dence, Paston House, Brighton. Over- work had affected Mr. Black's health during three or four years; about September the illness took a terious form, and for the last few weeks of his life he suffered from brain fever. Born in Glasgow in 1841, Mr. Black studied art at the Government Art School there for two years, and then turned into journalism. He left the staff of the Glasgow Weekly Citizen in 1864 to come to London, where he joined the late Morning Star, and had for colleagues Mr. Morley, Mr. McCarthy, Sir Edward Russell, and Mr. Charles Cooper. In the same year he published "James Merle: an Autobiography," and after serving his paper in the capacity of war correspondent in the Prusso-Russian War of 1866, Mr. Black wrote for the Echo and afterwards for the Daily Neves, occupying for four years the post of assistant- editor of the latter journal. He also edited the Examiner for a short time. "Love or Marriage," which he came to dislike, was published in 1867, "In Silk Attire," two years later, but attracted very little attention: Mr. Black's first great success was achieved in 1871 with "A Daughter of Heth." "A Princess of Thule," issued in 1873, found Mr. Black's reputation established, and since then stories came from his pen at the rate of about one each year, and everything he wrote ## p. 193 (#205) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. i93 found a ready public. His books were so often laid in tbe Scottish Highlands that this part of the world was recognised as his particular field, whose atmosphere and scenery he loved so well and presented so vividly to his readers. It is only necessary to name "Macleod of Dare," "The Strange Adventures of a Phaeton," " White Heather," "Far Lochaber," "Briseis," and his last novel, published last year, " Wild Eelin," to 1 all up in one's mind the wholesome characteris- tics of Mr. Black's work and the deep feeling for Nature which it exhibits. Mr. Black did not occupy the public eye much except through his novels. He was accustomed to seek recreation in his favourite sport of salmon-fishing on Highland lochs, and to think out his plots during solitary perambulation on the sea front at Brighton. The late Mrs. Haweis was the author of "The Art of Beauty," "The Art of Decoration," "Chaucer for Children," and other books, includ- ing a novel dealing with the problem of divorce, entitled "A Flame of Fire." Mrs. Haweis, who was the wife of the Rev. H. R. Haweis, did much journalistic work, including London correspon- dence for the Sydney Herald, and was deeply devoted to the causes of higher education for women and female enfranchisement. She had been in failing health for some time, and died at Bath five weeks ago. The late Mr. John L. Owen was well known and popular in journalistic circles in London. His books include "The Great Jekyll Diamond," "Piccadilly Poems," and "Seven Nights with Satan," the last being published only a few weeks since. Mr. Owen died after an illness lasting several months. SOME SAYINQS IN 1898. BUT with regard to the general public, the reader of a review article finds it impos- sible to escape from the authority of the editorial " we," and the power of a single writer to benefit or to injure an author is so great that none but the most deeply conscientious men ought to enter the ranks of the anonymous reviewers.— Alhenseum. If you would succeed as an author, be one and nothing else. If you can beg, borrow, or steal as much as .£50 a year, cut yourself off from every- thing and write.—Julian Croskey on the results of his experience (in the New Century Review). I think our friends the publishers should try publishing books somewhat cheaper.—Mr. Bryce. The novel at a guinea-and-a-half died hard in this country ; the novel at 5*. or 6*. still cumbers the earth.—Daily News. Our bookstalls are flooded with works of fiction mostly written by women—often ungrammatical,. largely worthless in character, and wholly devoid of any reasonable interest.—Daily Telegraph. The spread of a certain education, the constant cheapening of production, and the rapid expan- sion of the means of distribution to all the world,, have substituted for a small and cultured public an immense audience whom no man can number but who ask only to be amused.—Daily Chronicle. THE BOOKS OF THE MONTH. [Nov. 23 to Dec. 22—445 Books.] Abell, H. F. History of Kent. 6/- Ashford: Kentisli Ej-preu. Abercromby, Hon. John. The Pre- and Proto-Historic Finns. 21/- not. Nutt. Addy, S. O. Erolution of the English House. 4/6. Sonnenschein. Alexander, Mrs. The Cost of Her Pride. 6/- White. Allen, Grant. Flashlights on Nature. 6/- Newnes. Allen, Grant. Linnet. A Bomance. 6 - Bichards. Andrews, O. W. Hand-book of Public Health, Laboratory Work, <fcc. Part I. 2/6 net. Portsmouth: Charpentler. Anonymous (*' A. H. S."). Lessons in Line for Little Learners. 5/- Stock. Anonymous I" A. V."). Olivette, snd other Poems. 1/- neu Burleigh. Anonymous (" B. V."). Ten Days at Monte Carlo. 2/- Heinemann. Anonymous. Early Recollections of a Journalist, 1832-1859. Edinburgh: A. Elliot. AnonymousO'G. M. S."). Glory. 1/- Nelson. Anonymous (••G. W."). The Life of Charles Alan Smythies. 4,- Universltles Mission Office. Anonymous. Sursum Corda: A Defence of Idealism. 3/6. Macmillan. Anonymous (•' T "). World Politics. 5/- Low. Anonymous. The Book of the Cambridge Beview, 1879-1897. 5/- net. 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Blount, G. The Song of the Sower. 7 6. Peasant Arts Society. Boland, Msry A. The Century Invalid Cookery Book. 3 6. Unwin. ## p. 194 (#206) ############################################ i94 THE AUTHOR. Bourget, P. (tr. by W. Merchant). Some Portraits of Women. 6/- Downey. Bradfleld, M. B. Songs of Faith and Hope and Love. 2/6. C. H. Kelly. Bradley, A. Gh Highways and Byways in North Wales. 6/- Macmillan. Bradley, C. The Reminiscences of Frank Glllard (huntsman) with the Belvoir Hounds, 1860-1896. 15/- Arnold. Bradhhaw, Mrs. A. S. The Gates of Temptation. 2/6. Greening. Bridgelt, T. K. Sonnets and Epigrams on Sacred Subjects. 3/6. Burns and 0. Briggs, H. B. Recent Research in Plainsong. 3/- Vincent, Berners-street. Bright, E. B. and Bright. O. Life Story of the late Sir Charles Tilston Bright. 63/- net. Constable Bright, W. Some Aspects of Primitive Church Life. 6/- Longman. Britten, F. J. On the Springing and Adjusting of Watches. 3/- net. Spon. Brooke, S. A. The Ship of the Soul. 1/6. 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SCALE FOR A])VERTISEMENTS. Front Page Other Pagos Half of a Page Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Column Advertisements Bills for Insertion Reductions niatlt\for a .S , of Six or Ticelr per inch per 2000 : Insertion £i 0 3 0 1 in 0 IS u 7 ,. :i .. All lettors respecting Advertisements should bo addressed to the Advkrtisement Hanagkk. The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street. London, W.O. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 08 (January 1899) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 08 (January 1899) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1899-01-02-The-Author-9-8 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/325/1899-02-01-The-Author-9-9.pdf 77a7118c5ef4fa3a7bd01711a9f4ef86 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1899-02-01 Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages Page range in volume 197–216 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18990201 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin TLhc Hutbot\ (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. IX.—No. 9.] FEBRUART 1, 1899. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Sooiety begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. ______ Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. FOB some years it has been the practice to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices,&c., for the guidance of the reader. It has been objeoted as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to oarry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements VOL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both aides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors oarry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are oarefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. Y 2 ## p. 198 (#210) ############################################ 198 THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. I. IiTVEBY member has a right to ask for and to receive Pj advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the oonduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advioe sought is such as can be given best by a solicitor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Com- mittee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any oost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with oopyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudulent houses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 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 advanoing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of every- thing important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Sooiety now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. NOTICES. ri 1HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the I Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6>. 6i2. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21 st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communioate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Office without previously oommunioating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White - hall-court. Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanced 15 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, recently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly correot: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production " for advertising. Of oourse, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. LITERARY PROPERTY. I.—The History of Copyright. IT is not often that we can depart from the principle generally observed in these pages —not to review or to pass under criticism any new books. It is obvious that hostile criti- cism of books by our own members would be inju- dicious, to say the least. Aud it is obvious that laudatory notices might possibly be expected by all the members as a right. It is also necessary to remember that the Society has nothing to do with the literary value of books, but solely and entirely with literary property. There has, how- ever, recently appeared a work on literary pro- perty which must be noticed in these columns, partly on account of the subject, which concerns, every reader of The Author, and partly because, for the first time, that subject has been treated in ## p. 199 (#211) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 199 such a manner as to make the dry bones of law and Acts of Parliament full of life. The Origin of Copyright: the Stationers' Company and the First Copyright Statute: the Battle of the Booksellers for Perpetual Copyright: Legis- lative Enactments: Literary Larceny: and the Present Situation, are the subjects of as many chapters in this volume by Mr. Augustine Birrell (Cassell, 3*. 6rf. netl. Now, as the Law of Copyright is every day becoming of greater importance to authors, because they are every day learning more about the value and import- ance of their own property, and are becoming more jealous about its administration, this book, the only one on the subject which does not bristle with impediments and impossibilities in the way of the non-legal reader, should be in the hands of every member of the literary profession, in which is included every person who writes a book. There has grown up in the minds of many writers a singular apathy as regards their own property. This feeling has sprung from the apparent hopelessness of the situation. One publisher after another springs up, with the same old tale of secret profits and overcharges. There is the same attempt at concealment of real profits: the same outcry when the true figures are produced. The work of the Society ought to have done much in dispelling this apathy: the advance of the author towards independence has been of late years marked and rapid, in spite of the most strenuous hostility and the most violent opposi- tion. The situation, in fact, is no longer impos- sible. And the brief survey of the history of publishing which may be read, some times between the lines, in the pages of Mr. Augustine Birrell, will be found most helpful to every one who wishes to understand the subject. Among other excellent things the learned author presents us with the case of George Wither in the year 1603, and quotes that poet's description of the "Honest" and the "Mere" Stationer and Pub- lisher. The description of the Honest publisher could hardly be put better even in this day; as, for instance, when he says that the Honest Stationer "loves a good Author as his Brother, and would be ready to yield him the due portion of his Labours without wrangling." As for the " Mere" stationer, he says: If an Author oat of meere necessity do but procure meanes to make sale of (i.e., to publish) his owne booke or to preuent the combinations of such as he by some Royall or laufull priveledge, he presently cryes it downe for a Monopoly: affyrming that men of his profession may go [and] hang themselves if that be suffred. Marry ; Authors haue a long time presented a very thankfull generation of them from hanging if they cannot afford them one booke of ten Millions to releeue them withall in a case of need—and when that booke was the Authors owne alsoe and no parte of the Stationers former liuelihood. This is just as reason- able a complaint as if a Company of Hagglers should prefer a bill against the Cnntry Farmers, for bringing their own Corne and other prouisions to the next markett. The book contributes a passage which should effectually clear the air of the confusion which prevails between the literary and the commercial value of a book. In these pages it has been con- tended over and over again that the two things are not commensurable. They have nothing to do with each other. If a bad book gets a great circulation, it means that it is a great property. Whether it deserves its popularity is a question for critics, not for the Society. So, if a good book fails, the Society has nothing to say to its failure: that is for the critics. Mr. Birrell puts the case strongly and unmistakeably. The com- mercial value of a book is represented by its sale, and nothing else. Literary property may be created by very bad literature, but property must be defended, whether it belongs to good or bad literature. If it is objected to the Sooiety that it too much empha- sises the commercial side of literature, the answer must be, it is with the commercial side of literature the Society is concerned. After all, why should not a really bad author like Mr. Thomas Hot or Miss Blatheria Gabblegoose make £ 100,000 out of their trashy books, if as a matter of fair commerce* that sum represents their true share of the profits? Why should Rot's children and Gabblegoose's nephews and nieces be deprived of the cash value of their relatives' ridiculous popularity? Educate the masses if you can, so as to make that popularity impossible, but so long as it exists it is as much (within the limits of the period as signed by the law which, indeed, it will never exceed) the property of its creator as if it were somebody's soap or so-and-so's pill8- __=»c__ II.—Copyright in Press Telegrams. In the Ceylon Legislative Council, on Dec. 2, Mr. Layard moved the first reading of "An Ordinance to secure in certain cases the right of property in telegraphic press messages." Sir E. Noel Walker seconded, and the Bill was read a first time, and set down for second reading at the next meeting of the Council. The text of the Bill is as follows. "Whereas it is expedient to secure, in certain cases, the right of property in telegraphic press messages: Be it therefore enacted by the Governor of Ceylon, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof, as follows:— "1. When any person, in the manner hereinafter mentioned, publishes in any newspaper or other printed paper, published and circulated in Ceylon, any message by electric telegraph from any place outside the said island, lawfully received by such ## p. 200 (#212) ############################################ 200 THE AUTHOR. person, no other person shall, without the consent in writing of such first-mentioned person, or his agent thereto, lawfully authorise, print or publish, or cause to be printed or published, such telegram, or the substance thereof or any extract therefrom, until after a period of forty-eight hours from time of first publication; provided that such period shall not extend beyond sixty hours from the time of the receipt of such message (Sundays and public and Bank Holidays excepted), and the publica- tion of the whole or any part of such telegram, or of the substance thereof, or (excepting the publi- cation of any similar message in like manner sent) of the intelligence therein contained or any comment upon, or any reference to such intelli- gence, shall be deemed to be a publication of the same. "2. If any person wilfully print and publish, or cause to be printed and published, any matter contrary to the provision of this Ordinance, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred rupees; and every person who is con- victed a second time of any offence against this Ordinance, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred rupees. "3. Telegraphic messages published under the protection of this Ordinance shall be printed under the heading 'By Submarine Telegraph,' and shall state the day and hour of their receipt, and such statement shall be prima facie evidence of the time of the receipt of such messages. "4. (1) During the period of forty-eight hours hereinbefore mentioned, no intelligence protected by this Ordinance shall be transmitted by electric telegraph to any person outside Ceylon by or on behalf of any person other than the person who, nnder the provisions of this Ordi- nance, is entitled to the exclusive use of such intelligence. (2) Any person acting in contra- vention of this section shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred rupees for any subsequent offence. '5. In any prosecution under this Ordinance, the production of any document which purports to be a telegraphic message from some place out- side Ceylon, and which contains the intelligence published in the newspapers as aforesaid, and which has been delivered to some person entitled to receive the same by the proper officer of the Telegraph Department, shall be prima facie evidence that the message published as herein- before described in such newspaper is a message within the meaning of this Ordinance; and proof that any person is owner, or is, or is acting, or appears to be acting as editor or manager of any newspaper in which there has been any publica- tion contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance, shall be prima facie evidence that such person has wilfully caused such unlawful publication. "6. Nothing in this Ordinance shall extend to any document published by the Government Printer, or to the report of any proceedings in the Legislative Council. "7. This Ordinance shall be cited as 'The Telegram Copyright Ordinance, 189—.'" The above extract has been printed from the Indian Daily News. _____ It appears that the Ceylon Legislative Council is going boldly to deal with a question which has been agitating the Press and all those interested in copyright in England for many years, and which has not been satisfactorily dealt with in this country owing to the many difficulties that surround the question. According to the Ceylon Bill, clause 1, copyright is given for forty-eight hours, and is on the whole very comprehensive. The Bill that was before the House of Lords last session by clause 11 asks, as regards newspapers, for "Copyright in such news and information as have been specially and in- dependently obtained." Mr. Moberly Bell, the manager of the Times, was called and examined at great length on this clause. The questions put to him and the answers he gave are exceedingly interesting and instructive to those who desire a full knowledge of the subject. It seems altogether unfair that where a paper like the Times has obtained a telegram at enormous expense it should have the benefit that may be likely to accrue to it destroyed by publication of a copy of the telegram in other papers the same day. Mr. Bell was in favour of a twenty-four hours copyright. Of course if the telegram had been also in- dependently obtained by another newspaper there would be copyright in that telegram also. The Bill was drawn to prevent papers taking the news from one another without a fair payment, and if some such copyright law were passed it is quite probable that the Times or any other paper that obtained independent news would sell the right of reproduction, and thus obtain an adequate remuneration for the trouble and expense in- curred. No doubt the point will be satisfactorily dealt with when the Government have thought fit to take up the long deferred question of copyright. ai[ III.—The Same Old Agreement. Memorandum of Agreement made this day of , 189 between of , hereafter called the publisher of the one part, and of hereafter called the anthor, of the other part. The said publisher agrees to produce in tasteful form, and publish in the usual manner at his own expense, an edition of a volume written by the said author and entitled ## p. 201 (#213) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 20I "," the said volume to consist of one hundred and ninety-two pages orown octavo size, and to be published at five shillings per copy. The said author hereby agrees to be responsible for the sale of three hundred and fifty copies of the said volume, and undertakes at the expiration of six months from the daet of issue to purchase at the rate of three shillings per copy whatever number of oopies, if any, may be necessary to make the sales up to the said number of three hundred and fifty copies. This edition to be the property of the said publisher, bnt it is understood that the copyright is and remains the pro- perty of the said author. All proofs of the said work to be oorrected and returned promptly to the printer by the said author. The agreement printed above has again been handed by a member of the Authors' Society to the Secretary. Three or four times already the agreement has been printed in The Author and the other productions of the Society, and the dangers arising from such agreement explained. That in one certain case the agreement may have worked out fairly is not an argument that the agreement i3 a good one, but this argument has been urged by the publisher, for an agreement should be so drawn that in any case and whatever the sale of the book, it should be an equitable agreement between the parties concerned. The dangers of this agreement have so often been set forward that it was hoped, as indeed has been the case for some time, that no such agreements had been recently circulated. Perhaps it will be necessary to explain once more in general terms the unreasonableness of the agreement as it stands. To begin with, the book is a small one, 192 pp. cr. 8vo., and it is published at a large price for such a small book, viz., 5*. The author guarantees to purchase 350 copies by the end of six months at the price of 3$., making in all a sum of .£52 i0s., a sum which must go a long way towards paying the cost of production if not covering it alto- gether, especially as no mention is made of the size of the edition. If 750 copies only were printed, it may be understood that the publisher would virtually have no risk. This is not all however. It does not pay the publisher to push the book in the least degree for the first six months, for if he should do so he will not obtain the author's money. He therefore has nothing to do but let the book lie on his shelves and at the end of the six months send in his account for the number of copies unsold. No agreement should be drawn on such lines that it is not for the benefit of the author and publisher to be working in unison. Looking into the agreement further, it is obvious that no mention is made whatever of the profits to accrue after the sale of 350 copies, except in the last clause, in which it says: "This edition is to be the property of the pub- lisher." As has been pointed out no hmit is mentioned to the edition. If, therefore, the book chances to be a success the publisher could go on printing and selling the book, putting all the profits into his own pocket and stating that the first edition was, say, 10,000 copies. The Pub- lishers' Association have not as yet settled that great point, what should be the number of an edition. Summing up the whole results, therefore, of the agreement, it does not pay the publisher to work in unison with the author. Their benefit is not mutual. The publisher runs no risk and may possibly make a large profit. From the author s point of view the author stands to lose .£52 i0*., and cannot possibly make anything, however suc- cessful the book is. This agreement, therefore, cannot possibly be called equitable as between the parties. G- H- T- IV.—A Friendly Critic. I have been an associate of the Authors' Society now for six years, and have during that time tried to keep in touch with it by occasionally making some irresponsible comments on the contents of its journal. Having just polished off my year's work, and received a copy of the December Author, I take the liberty of criticising that number—for publication or not, as you like, of course. The motive, as I say, is merely that of keeping in touch—marking my gratitude, perhaps, for the education I receive through the journal, which I might, if I did not acknowledge it some- how, be thought not to appreciate. Page 151: "A Curious Question." Sales reported to date, say, 500; account delivered and royalty paid thereon. The week after, a certain bookseller tells the publisher he has 100 copies of that publisher's dead books on hand (which include, say, twenty copies of the book in ques. tion), and will he " exchange" them? (the same thing as buying them back). Publisher does so; he has therefore paid author royalty on twenty more copies than he has sold. The "curious question " (and it is aptly called) amounts, then, divested of "fatal generalisation," to this: If the book manages to sell again (or not, for that matter), shall the author refund the royalty on those twenty copies? Sir W. B. says No. The publisher took them back for his own purposes, and the author has nothing to do with that. Mr. Thring replies with admirable equivocation (which may be non- committal, but does not assist the author), " It is a point of moral obligation." ## p. 202 (#214) ############################################ 202 THE AUTHOR. Since you expressly invite opinions, this is mine: The books were not sold, and, although no publisher would think of asking for a cash return, he would be justified in reselling those twenty copies before any other, and the author if asked would assuredly reply that it was his moral obli- gation to be glad that the publisher had an oppor- tunity of recovering his over-payment. And this is why I have the temerity to gainsay Sir Walter. If you put your invention in the hands of a dealer to sell for you, it would be fool-pidgin (in the language of the East) to restrict him in the management of the sales. The Authors' Syndicate itself stipulates, I believe, that, once put in charge of an invention, the inventor shall not meddle with their management of it. Now, one of the most difficult matters for the publisher (and the difficulty arises chiefly on account of the author's suspiciousness) is that everlasting ques- tion of " Sale or Return." You may notice that Mr. Zeitgeist (Literary Property, III.), who apparently proceeded by the advice of the Society, put all his books "on sale." Very often you simply can't deal with " Smith's" except on that arrangement. When the time for rendering accounts comes, the publisher finds that Smith has taken 500 copies " on sale." What is he to do with the author? He can't leave the whole parcel out of his account; it probably represents the major part of the edition. If he gives him the royalty on the 500, what is he to do when next week 100 soiled copies come back on his ,hands, with the curt remark, "Book dead"? This is a question in itself worth your treat- ment if you have not already treated it; but there can be no doubt that in such a case the books have not been sold, and that, if the author has received royalty on them, he ought to refund it. I know that you will immediately reply, " This is beside the question; we were not talking of books on sale." With your leave I shall say that you were. In reality, a number of books sold to a bookseller are not really sold; they are placed on the counter for sale. I could mention to you at least three London booksellers, and two provin- cial ones, who make a constant practice, and a very annoying one, of arranging with the "traveller" to make certain exchanges of dead books for live ones; their invariable argument is, "Well, if we weren't sure that you would see we were not'left' with dead paper, we should not order so many." Now the traveller has a new book in his bag which he is anxious to place by the dozen (his own commission is in question, too) and he exercises his proper discretion (if you wish a traveller to push, you must give him discretion) by arranging for the return of the old books, or at least by promising that in the case of this particular new book he will see, if the bookseller will take a dozen, that he is not "left." In short, there is always a certain amount of " on sale or return " business going on; the publisher himself kicks at it, but his traveller (the most important part of the firm) insists on discre- tionary powers, and the author should be ready to grant similar discretion to bis publisher. As another instance, I will take the liberty of men- tioning Messrs. Denny Brothers, not only a very large and important firm of booksellers, but very prompt, honest, and practical business men. I believe they can only take stock once a year. Suppose they find to their surprise that they have £100 worth of dead stuff from a single publisher (not, of course, bought in one year, but consisting of special books which are carried forward for a long time before their demand is certainly dead), what are they to do in this case? They put it to the traveller; the traveller puts it to the firm; the publisher kicks, and says it is their own look-out if they overstock, and, if they like to be fools, he is not going to pay for their folly. Now, what is Mr. Denny going to reply to this? If he does not ominously say nothing, and quietly return the traveller his samples with a conclusive " Two each," he may very justly reply: "I buy your books by the dozen and give them a good show. I get no better terms than anyone else, but I do more for your authors than many smaller dealers. I cannot keep an eye on every book I buy, and they go into the shelves and are lost sight of. I own that I have bought and paid for these books, and that I have no right to ask you to buy them back. None the less, I find that I have lost over them, chiefly through taking your word that they were better than they are. I must sell them for waste paper and lose .£90. Do you care to bear part of that loss with me? If I had not stocked them, you would have lost that <£i00 yourself. If you cannot meet me, I must give over pushing your books and buy them only to order, devoting my show space to more lucrative stuff." Now, what is the publisher to do? He knows, more than your authors appear to do, how much a book depends on the bookseller. He knows that if Denny takes a dozen, he will sell nine; but if he only takes two, he will only sell that two. Is it not better to virtually put that dozen "on sale," even if, a year after, he has to buy back three? I will own that as a rule the publisher does not see it in this light, chiefly because it muddles up the accounts, and because the author will not treat him with the same give-and-take. But it illus- trates my theoretical contention that no book is sold until the bookseller has sold it, and that the author has no right to royalty on books which the publisher buys back. I reply to the "Curious ## p. 203 (#215) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 203 Question," then, that the publisher has not only the right to resell those books which come back, first, but that, if they ave dead, he has even a right to ask the author to refund the royalty on them. [Very well. But why does the publisher return as "sold " books which are not paid for? He can surely wait till he gets the money or till the books are returned.—Ed.] "Literary Property—III." merely calls for a repetition of my remarks above concerning the "traveller." "Zeitgeist" tells us that he has printed 3000 copies for <£118, "advertising extra." But what on earth is printing and advertising? That is not publishing a book. He says triumphantly, "The book is well groomed, and the publisher nowhere — not wanted." I venture to " beg his pardon." He says, "My egg may be addled." "With every regret I am bound to say there is every likelihood of that catastrophe, because he has- overlooked the true raison d'itre of the publisher's existence. Publishing consists not in printing and adver- tising, but in putting the book on the market. How is this done? By travellers. The author may, if he likes, " travel " London himself at a cost not exceeding 6d. a day and his time. Unless he has the good fortune to have been a trave ler by profession, he will find that it will take him a good fortnight to do London alone, and then he will probably miss the most important exporters. There is no way of finding out the full list of buyers in London except by tedious experience or the advice of a professional, and, after all, it would be peine perdue, for he would find that three-fourths of them would not "open an account" with a private person. Then he has to collect his accounts, deliver his small parcels—oh Lord! he little knows who would be his pub- lisher himself. To travel " the country" would take about three months, at a minimum expense of 15*. a day. And, in short, no author is fit to "travel" at all, and he would only make a fool of himself. I presume that "Zeitgeist" sold through Simpkins; it' he didn't, he can't have "published " himself at all. It is too long to go into, but I believe I could jirove conclusively that an unknown author has a far better chance of a sale and of profit on a 15, or even a 10, per cent. royalty from a good firm, than by playing amateur publisher himself. That is one mischief you do, Mr. Author. You uncon- sciously persuade young aspirants to undertake something quite out of their line, and which they are entirely unfit for. Your only off-set to this misdirection of zeal is your old advice that a book which a publisher will not accept is a book that is not worth publishing. You ought VOL. IX. certainly to add this to your permanent front page. And I wish next time anyone tells you how they had gone behind the publisher you would exact a full account of the methods employed vis-a-vis the booksellers, and the result. That would be useful; we should learn by other authors' mistakes. [Very well, again. But my correspondent is mistaken. No one wants a young author to "travel" for himself, or to become an " amateur publisher." Nor is Simpkin the only distributing publisher. Nor has every firm its own travellers. The '• Method of the Future " has nothing to do with amateur publishing, and nothing to do with private attempts to sell a book.—Ed.] I pass on to "VII. Author and Publisher" —" Glenfruin." To begin with, I have a fault to find with the tone of this letter, a tone con- stantly recurring in The Author; it is one which is not "business," and does great harm to the business character of the journal. "Glenfruin" says: "The present relations between A. and P. are truly ridiculous to contemplate. 'You give me your book,' says P. to A., 'and you see nothin', and you ask nothin', except what I may be jolly well pleased to give you, for I am the Immaculate Llama of Literature.'" Mr. Author—that "nothin'," that "jolly well"! It is all very jolly, but it is not la guerre. With all respect to Mr. Glenfruin, I think the older or sager members of the Society might ask you to use the blue pencil occasionally so that we may not seem children. And now for " Grlenfruin's" contentions. How comes it that you insert this letter without a note re-stating your own frequent refutation of it? "Glenfruin " thinks that a book depends on the critics, and that the critics are in the pay of the publisher. Both these are exploded fallacies. A book is subscribed before it is published, and no bookseller reads reviews. Bad reviews cannot alter the "subscription," which is the only sale the new author gets unless his book is good. If it is good, sufficient reviews will find it out to persuade a certain number of readers to take it from the library, and these readers do the rest. If Jones tells you the book is " jolly good," are you influenced because Literature tells you it is tiresome? No. The vivil voce recommenda- tion is the one that tells. You know Jones; you don't know the critic. Secondly, I repeat, if the book is good, you may be sure the majority of the critics will say so. Every unknown book gets from thirty to fifty notices in the English Press; every book by a kiiown author from fifty to 100. Out of a score of critics, how many will be influenced by a publisher, by "private enmity," z ## p. 204 (#216) ############################################ 204 THE AUTHOR. or by inherent malice? At the outside, five. The rest may not know a good book from a bad one, or share your own notions of what is good, but you may be pretty sure that ten of them, taken together, have a better "general idea" of what the public likes than you have. But apart from this, and "thirdly," out of that score of critics not more than five are so much as read by book buyers ; people who can afford to buy books, if they want criticisms at all to go by, look to a dozen papers at the outside, and not many of that dozen will notice you at all, unless you are "good." The idea of a critic of any importance sedulously hobnobbing with a dozen publishers daily, and going over with them the pile of books on his table, is pretty, but "it won't wash clothes." Here and there an important critic has a friendship, or an interest, with one or two publishers, and may receive a hint that a good review of one of the firm's books would be grate- fully received, but it doe< not occur "every time "; and such influence could only be secured to praise a book, and a book that would bear praising without loss to the critic's prestige. With unabated admiration for the work of the Society. M. Ottawa, Dec. 1898. [The practice in these columns has been to let members of the Society have their say, within reasonable limits. What "M." says has been said already, over and over again, as to the value of reviews. As to the connection between critics and publishers, that is not a point to be settled out of hand. One hears so many stories, and makes so many observations, that such a connection some- times exists, to the destruction of fair reviewing. That it is a common practice one would be very unwilling to believe.—Ed.] >«^——. THE AMERICAN BOOK TRADE. THE book trade of America is in an exceed- ingly prosperous state so far as the sale of books goes, but there, as in this country, the position of the bookseller is becoming a matter of anxiety. An extremely optimistic article on book-buying appeared lately in the New York Times, wherein it is stated that the most remarkable evidence of increased demand is the very conspicuous place which books now have in the shops and in the advertisements of the department stores and other mercantile esta- blishments that have lately entered that branch of trade. What a few years ago was at most a book counter has in many of these establishments become an immense book store, furnished forth with a great stock of books, and prepared to take and fill orders to supply any book published any- where. Old houses seem to be doing a larger business than ever, and the new ones that are established from time to time seem to find room for themselves. The conclusion is inevitable, therefore, that the people are buying more books, and the Areic York Times finds the reason for this to lie in the fact that books are cheap to- day: "The old, well-known books, the classics of literature which it is commonly assumed that everybody has read, and which comparatively few have really ever had in their hands, are so very cheap that persons who ever talk about books are ashamed not to own some of them, and have them in the house. Cooper, Thackeray, Dickens, not to mention Macaulay and Gibbon, are at anybody's command for a surprisingly small sum: not in sumptuous editions, not in library bindings, but still in readable form." Yet in the midst of all this activity the dis- tributor of books is in difficulties. In the words of the Dial, "his occupation is slipping from him, through the action of irresistible economic laws, and the thoughtless public pays little heed to his plight." The great dealers in miscellaneous merchandise are absorbing the retail trade in books, and are even getting possession of the customers who have hitherto supported the book- sellers of the smaller towns. "The bookseller who used to think 50 per cent. not too large a profit upon his wares, considering that he offered as a bonus his good advice and genial friendship, has given place to the merchant who can wax fat upon 10 per cent., or less, of profit, but is too busy to have either advice or friendship to spare for you." It appears that a striking experiment has recently been made by a publishing house, which advertises broadcast its willingness to send any of its publications to any address upon the receipt of a post-card request, trusting to the honesty of the prospective purchaser either to return the book or to pay for it. The general adoption of this plan, remarks the Dial, would tend to eliminate retail bookselling from the list of business occupations. Still, another experi- ment of which the bookseller makes complaint is that of selling books of the more expensive sort upon the instalment plan, the entire work being delivered upon receipt of the order and the first payment. These and other "insidious devices for sup- planting the bookseller must lie met, if they are to be met at all, by the more effective organisation of his trade." Follow the example of Germany—says the Dial. If the American bookseller, by co-operating with the publishers, could arrange that his customers should have ## p. 205 (#217) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. copies of books on approbation—or, in the phrase so common in England, "on sale or return "—there would no longer be any real com- petition between the two classes, but a relation of mutual helpfulness that would impel each of them to cherish the interests of the other. But, beyond all suggestions of this kind, the future of bookselling does not seem to the Dial to be unpromising. There is the broad general fact that the appetite for books is constantly growing among the population, and it is folly to assume that book stores will be lacking to satisfy this appetite, " since the book-buyer, as a rule, wants to inspect his books before buying, and the retail trade in books is as sure of customers as the retail trade in eggs and poultry. That trade, we have not the least doubt, will emerge triumphant from its seeming temporary eclipse, but it will be adapted to the new conditions, it will be reorganised to meet the new demands, and it will be willing to find in its larger sales a com- pensation for its lessened percentage of profit." PAEIS NOTES. THE sudden death of Georges Rodenbach on Christmas night, at the comparatively early age of forty-three years, made a vast impression here on the literary world. The papers had not yet notified his illness when the tidings reached us that the well-known poet and novelist, the friend of Alphonse Daudet and Edmond de Goncourt, had already rejoined his illustrious comrades in that shadowy land from whence no traveller returneth. Born at Tournai and brought up at Brussels, he depicted the subtle poesy enveloping the "dead city which mirrors its ancient towers in its motionless canals" with wonderful graphic force, joined to a languorous, lotus-like charm, the outcome of an intensely analytic and reflective mind which possessed in no ordinary degree the power of placing picturesquely before the reader the smallest detail, the most hazy outline of the various canvasses on which he worked so untir- ingly. He especially delighted in the sonorous melody of church bells; and as Victor Hugo bequeathed to the bells of Notre Dame the immortal spirit of Quasimodo, so the Belgian endowed the cathedral bells of his native land with a living soul. Among his most celebrated works on this subject may be mentioned "Le Carillonneur," "Bruges la Morte," and "Le Voile," which last was performed with great success at the Com^die Francaise. A cortege of devoted friends and fellow-workers—MM. Sully Prudhomme, Anatole France, de Heredia, Leon Dierx, Rodin, and Emile Verhaeren (the latter having come from Brussels expressly to assist at the interment)—bore the body of Georges Roden- bach to its last resting-place, and M. Catulle Mendes, in the funeral oration delivered at Pere- Lachaise, rendered a graceful and touching tribute to the memory of his brother poet: "dont personne ne saurait dire qu'il est mort tout entier." A complete novel, entitled " Made- moiselle Noémi, and a large collection of verses were found among Georges Rodenbach's unpub- lished works. The Academy has again a vacant fauteuil owing to the death of M. Edouard Herve, one of the two journalists cited in our last issue as completing the tale of literati belonging to that illustrious body. M. Herve was the founder of the first large daily newspaper issued at a halfpenny, and it is not as the refined and cultured lettre but as the editor and originator of Le Soleil that his name will be remembered by the public at large. He belonged to the punctilious, old-fashioned Prevost- Paradol school of journalists, and the only rash act recorded of him during his long public career is the challenge sent to Edmond About on the appearance of a certain article, containing more gall than honey, in the Dix-Neuvieme Siecle, which the latter was then editing. M. Herve leaves two works almost completed, of which one is reported to deal largely with Richelieu. The 2 5 9th anniversary of the birth of Racine was fitly commemorated at the two great national theatres (the Odeon and Comedie Francaise) by various excerpts from the most celebrated works of the famous dramatists, while various journals devoted a column more or less to enumerating his titles to the gratitude of posterity. The previous revival of "Britannicus" (Theatre Antoine) evoked, however, as little enthusiasm among the nineteenth century spectators as in the far-off days when Boileau was forced to undertake the defence of this powerful but tedious masterpiece. It is easier to revive the costumes of the past than to put the public in sympathy with the exaggerated hyperbole of our forefathers. A neat adaptation of modern sentiment in ancient garb is both picturesque and lucrative, whereof the success of "Cyrano de Bergerac" witnesseth; and in framing their playbills, theatrical managers would do well to bear in mind the present predilection for modern tableaux in antiquated settings. In the early dawn of the bicycle furore a sapient professor of the Sorbonne opined that its universal adoption would prove a harmless safety-valve for the superfluous feminine energy otherwise likely to be devoted to fomenting an ## p. 206 (#218) ############################################ 206 THE AUTHOR. interior domestic revolution in France. But he was mistaken. The bicycle furore and the Feminist agitation have developed amicably side by side, and the fact that only last month the Fourth Chamber of the Seine Tribunal pro- nounced no less than 284 divorces in the short space of four hours makes us understand why the divorce question is so hotly discussed and so variously represented by the rising generation of French writers. Among the host of new play8 which have recently appeared on this subject, two have especially attracted attention and comparison—not only from their striking similarity in plot, but also from the totally different reception they have received from the hands of the public. I allude to "Le Berceau" by M. Brieux, and "Le Voyage autour du Code" by MM. Duval and Hennequin; the former, despite the powerful support of M. Francisque Sarcey, having been assailed by a storm of invidious criticism, while the latter has been applauded and acclaimed to the skies. Unfortu- nately, each successive work of M. Brieux has fallen short of (he high expectations originally formed of his talent; his style is too speculative, his characters are too negative and abstract to awaken the genuine enthusiasm of the gallery gods on whose support he relies, and the bids he makes for popular favour in the shape of hackneyed situations materially decrease the value of his later work. Apropos of Francisque Sarcey, the doyen of the critics, "notre bon Oncle Francisque," as the Parisians love to call him, a good story is in circulation relating to the volume of poems which Mlle. Yvette Guilbert is about to publish. The petite histoire, which has vastly amused the Parisians, is as follows. M. Sarcey, having one night mislaid his ordinary rose-coloured spec- tacles, found Mlle. Guilbert's voice no longer to his taste. He forthwith expressed his opinion in print, and was unwary enough to visit the Scala the following night. Immediately the sprightly divette came on the scene she turned towards the critic's box and began to sing the well-known refrain: Chamean! 0, le chamean, saluting M. Sarcey at each recurrence of the word "chameau," while, to the accompaniment of the orchestra, the public yelled: M on oncle! O, mon oncle! until the unlucky critic was forced to beat a retreat. The controversy still continues, and it is to avenge herself for the biting critiques on her performance which followed this; scene that Mlle. Yvette Guilbert is reported to have entered the literary lists as a versificator. The "Leonard de Vinci " of M. Eugene Muntz (librairie Hachette) is the most complete and copious biography of the great painter, sculptor, man of letters, mathematician, and architect, that has yet been produced. But in this depart- ment M. Muntz has few equals, and the popula- rity attained by his " Raphael, sa vie, son ceuvres et son temps," "Precurseurs de la Renaissance," "Donatello," "La Renaissance en Italie," &c., ensure the success of his present venture. His latest volume contains reproductions of all the works either attributed or authentically proven to owe their existence to the brush or chisel of the great Italian master. The collectors of historical souvenirs and heir- looms recently experienced a shock on learning, through the agency of the Figaro, that, at the late sale of the Charles Yriarte collection, a choice relic—the only authentic photograph of Daguerre's portrait of Balzac, which the famous novelist had himself presented to Gavarni—had been sold for thirty francs! The original plaque was preserved in a villa at St. Cloud until Jan. 26, 1871, when it was destroyed by a Bavarian soldier, and the supposed only authentic photo- graphic copy thus cheaply disposed of bore an inscription in Charles Yriarte's handwriting which concluded thus: "The historian of Balzac, Viscount Spoelberg de Lovenjoul, presented me with this token as a souvenir of the original portrait now destroyed." The lamentations of the perturbed corps of literary collectors and connoisseurs were, however, soon cut short by the arrival of a letter from the Viscount Spoelberg de Lovenjoul himself, stating that the portrait sold was merely a copy of the original photo- graph, which last formed one of the most precious jewels of his own Balzacien collection. Whereat the respective sentiments of the collectors and actual purchaser underwent a speedy transforma- tion. The lovers of Pierre Loti's dainty verses will be glad to hear that Conquet has just issued an "exquise nouvelle japonaise," entitled "La Chanson des Vieux lipoux," by this charming author. The booklet is enriched with water- coloured sketches by Henry Somno. This is probably the last work we shall have for some time from the e?er-juvenile Immortal, who is now at Hendaye busily engaged in preparing his trunks for a Persian trip. M. Paul Bourget is still enjoying the tranquility of his charming villa near Hylres, as is his usual custom during this inclement season. He usually devotes himself entirely to literary work during the first two or three months of the year. At the ## p. 207 (#219) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 207 present moment the Revue Hebdomadaire is publishing the second series of his famous "Voyageuses," in which we find again the "Gladys" of "Claude Larcher." We regret that space will not permit ns to quote a few extracts from the wonderfully graphic word-paintings of surrounding scenery with which this work abounds. M. Bourget is also engaged on a psychological novel, entitled "Reine Verdit-r," which will shortly appear in Les Annale*. The "Femmes Nouvelles" of the brothers Margueritte is extremely ri propos at this moment, when the Feminist question forms one of the topics of the day in all fin de siecle salons. MM. Margueritte are now hard at work in preparing "Les Troncons du Glaive," a novel dealing with national defence, which will form a continuation to the "Desastre." Immediately the former is in the press, they will commence a third volume on the same lines, entitled "La Commune." The popularity of the "Desastre" certainly justifies a sequel, and, if the two later works equal their predecessor in interest, the trilogy cannot fail to attain a great literary and pecuniary success. Mme. Jean Bertheroy does not occupy herself with any of the vexed questions relating to her sex. She lives a life apart in her quiet hermitage at Montmorency, too enveloped in the glamour of the past to desire to take part in the burning topics of the present moment. She has now three works on hand: the first, entitled "La Dame de Pompeii," which deals entirely with that far-off period when Pompeii figured on the maps of the ancient world; the second, entitled " Le Journal de Marguerite Plantin," dealing with the old Musee Plantin at Anvers, which two hundred years ago figured as a printing establishment; and the third, " Le Jardin des Tolosatti," which presents us to no less a personage than the cele- brated Clemence Isaure, who instituted the floral sports in 1490. Perhaps, after all, Mme. Ber- theroy is more permeated by the spirit of the present age than she would care to acknow- ledge; else, wherefore her choice of the latter subject? M. Victorien Sardou has no love for reporters, and delights in putting them off his trail if possible. Despite his precautions, however, sundry details of the work on which he is now engaged have leaked out, and the fact that his apartment is encumbered with a prodigious pile of documentary lore relating to the period of the Revolution, gives colour to the assertion that we shall shortly have either a drama or prose study of "Robespierre" from the pen of the famous dramatist. [This is confirmed by the announce- ment that M. Sardou has written a play on Robespierre for Sir Henry Irving, who will signalise his return to the Lyceum by producing it.—Ed., A.] M. Marcel Prcvost has just returned from a lecturing tour in Holland, which he undertook at the invitation of the Alliance for the propagation of French literature abroad. In addition to holding the pen of a ready writer, M. Prevost possesses in perfection the art of a ready and interesting speaker. Needless to add that he received a warm reception in the Netherlands, and that the tour was a great success. "George Sand, sa vie et son ceuvre," formed the subject of his lecture. Bon chien chasse de race, as a visit to M. Leon Daudet's study amply testifies. "Sebastien Gouves," a thick volume recording the miseries meted out to a man of genius by unworthy charlatans, from whom he is finally rescued by filial devotion, stands completed; "La Con- seillere," a domestic drama long promised the Odeon, is receiving its finishing touches; and (most interesting of all!) a species of pamphlet- causerie " La Dignite de la litterature," is also under way. Of the latter he says: "The matter is vast, and I treat it without reticence." He is likewise contemplating the filling-in of a numerous list of sketches of future dramas, comedies, novels, pamphlets, &c.—a work sufficient in itself to fill the lifetime of several ordinary writers. But Leon Daudet cannot be considered as an ordinary writer; he is the exceptionally clever inheritor of a famous patronymic, and this fact has un- doubtedly influenced both his character and choice of a caieer. M. Eugene Rostand, poet, orator, journalist, historian, founder of numerous patriotic and useful institutions for the benefit of the poorer classes, and last—but by no means least—father of the celebrated author of " Cyrano de Bergerac," has recently been elected a member of the Academic des Sciences, Morales, et Politiques. The dramatic genius of M. Edmond Rostand may thus be considered as the direct perpetuation of a hereditary talent. Recent inquiries have also unearthed the interesting fact that, in addition to having broken the existing record in the theatrical world, "Cyrano de Bergerac " (in book form) has numerically scored one of the greatest literary successes hitherto known in France. Darracotte Dene. ## p. 208 (#220) ############################################ 2o8 THE AUTHOR. NOTES AND NEWS. IN "The Pen and the Book," which was advertised in last month's Author, nothing is advanced which has not been put forward again and again, not only in this paper, but in the reports and circulars of the Society. Nothing can be argued against these points which has not been argued again and again in a hundred letters written to protest against the wicked authors who desire to know what the management of their own property actually means. But our friends are never tired of protesting. They are always ready to mis- represent and to distort and to conceal, over and over again, even in the teeth of notorious facts and the steady extension of the light. Therefore I was not surprised to find in Literature a letter based on a long series of the most daring state- ments ever put forward. Think, for instance, of a publisher, after all these years of the Society's action, imagining that such statements as the following can be believed: (i.) "In profit-sharing agreements the author has a voice in the choice of printer and binder, and often knows beforehand what the estimate is." I have seen hundreds of agreements of the kind but never one with such a clause. (2.) "Wilful overcharging can only be tested by giving definite accounts from definite indi- viduals. As these are not furnished the general charge may be dismissed as unworthy of con- sideration." In another paper of the same date, another publisher is actually confessing to the practice and defending it! (3.) He says that in publishers' commission— a. Fees are never charged. On the contrary fees are constantly charged. /3. That "percentages are the creation of prejudiced counsel." Really! Tet the Publishers' Association in their draft agreements claim the right—actually the right—of adding percentages in commission publishing, on every item, and what they please! y. That authors are asked to suggest the medium of advertising. I never heard of any such invitation. I have, however, heard of a certain sum named for adver- tisements and of its expenditure in the publisher's own organs. He says also that publishers do not "care a rap " for commission business. Why, the number of such publications is simply enormous and is increasing every year. There are also many passages " quoted," i.e., in inverted commas or without, which I have been unable to find in the book. He further attacks certain printers' estimates given by me. He may attack the printers as much as he likes. It is their business, not mine. If he means that I have invented the estimates, that is another point altogether. The rest of his letter is answered by me in Literature. . The reason why I mention the matter here is that one or two points are raised about which we cannot be too clear in all dealings with publishers. These are:— 1. Overcharges. Remember that in every partnership or joint enterprise, if one partner spends .£i00 and says he has spent .£120, secretly pocketing the odd sum, he is regarded as a Thief. Apply the principle to publishing. A man may make any excuses he pleases about secretly taking discounts, but the fact—the broad, disagreeable fact—remains that he who deceives his partner, and makes secret profits by his misrepresentations, is a Thief. And this fact is the real cause of nearly the whole hostility that has been displayed towards the Society from the outset. 2. Advertisements. The power of charging for advertisements in a publisher's own organ, is simply the power of taking to himself, if he pleases, the whole pro- ceeds of the book. I have had several letters on the subject—some of them important: some trivial. It is important to be told by one that a certain publisher of standing confessed to him that a large part of his profits consisted of secret discounts. Another, also important, from a former employe" in a pub- lisher's house—" one of the new firms "—reveals, if it is true, a system of systematic robbery. I wish the firm in question could read what is written about them by an ^.-employ i. It may be said, of course, that the old servant was spitefully bringing false charges. Perhaps ; therefore I do not quote his words: but it is not a false charge to offer a word of practical advice. "Now is the time for some of the authors to have their accounts examined thoroughly — not for the past half year only, but where they have been running some time, especially for any books that have had a great sale: every voucher " and every record of sales as the books have been sold to be seen." Perhaps something practical may be the out- come of this correspondence. The case is, as I ## p. 209 (#221) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 209 have always pointed out, entirely in our own hands. It depends simply on authors being able to overcome their old prejudices and jealousies and to act together. If they show any power of common action, the battle is won at a single coup. For four reasons I did not send out " The Pen and the Book" for review. First, because the book was not written for the general public at all, but for the literary aspirant. Secondly, because a part of the book—that containing the facts and figures concerning the commercial side of publishing, are Greek and Hebrew to the reviewer, who will be quite prepared to believe the first publisher who tells him that they are invented—some of them are already beginning this little perjury; thirdly, because I think that it is time for authors to have a voice in the papers in which they invite a review; and, lastly, because I think it would be well in the case of a book which is certain to awaken all the old hostility to the work of the Society, to let the animus be shown in uninvited comments from those who love the secret profits, and the fine old vague talk about risk, and expense, and loss, to which we have been accustomed for the last six years. The hostility is silent for a while, then it breaks out again with the stale old allegations and distortions. For these reasons also I have not yet adver- tised the book. I shall do so after, not before, the first free flow of invective. Meantime, I may be believed by our members, I hope, when I state that I have not published this book with the desire of making money by it: that I am, above all things, desirous of seeing it read and studied by the class for whom it is intended: and that I can think of no better way than to get it into the free libraries. Therefore, since a very large number of these libraries have great difficulty in buying all the books they would like to have, I shall be very much obliged to the readers of these columns if they will send me the names and addresses of the free libraries in their neighbour- hood. I do not mean village libraries, but those of cities and town*. I propose, therefore, to set apart 300 copies, and will have them forwarded as presentation copies to the address given. If the member would like to give a copy himself, I can have it sent to him direct, and will leave it to him to give the library. I should like letters on this subject addressed to me at Hampstead, and in case of any considerable response I will undertake to have the books sent in order of application. As an illustration of the decay of the book trade, a circular has been sent to me by a correspondent in Bradford, Yorkshire. It announces the melancholy fact that one of the leading booksellers in the town is giving up the sale of books altogether. The firm says, in this circular: "Bookselling has been very unremu- nerative for many years past, and as we require the room for our quickly increasing stationery trade, we have decided to give up bookselling altogether." My correspondent adds: "There are 300,000 inhabitants in this city. There is not one shop now selling new books, and nothing else. And there is only one second-hand bookseller." Meantime it is nearly a year since the Pub- lishers' Association sent out its proposals and since the Society of Authors considered those proposals. Are they going to propose any new method? It must be remembered that the prin- cipal features of the former scheme were—(1) to tax the public by adding something like 11 per cent. to the price of a book; (2) to take an addi- tional twopence or so on a six shilling volume for themselves; (3) to give the bookseller an additional fourpence or so; and (4) to give the author nothing more at all. They also propose to strike at the root of freedom and independence by refusing to allow the bookseller to treat his own property as he pleases. These proposals, therefore, were rejected. In any new ones it is certain that the public must not be taxed ; that the booksellers' position must be improved; and that the publishers must suffer some loss. The authors will find out what that is, and take steps accordingly. It is, of course, too much to hope that the publishers will openly place the real figures before the authors and the booksellers. We must do that for them. The proposal that the author shall pay a certain sum of money towards the publication of his book is now, I am assured by the Secretary, becoming much more common with publishers than was formerly the case when reputable persons would not produce a book, or offer to produce a book, with such help from the author. To propose it would have seemed to show either a disbelief in the book or the poverty of the house. When the amount asked for is equivalent to the whole cost of production, or more, it means that the publisher may gain a great deal and cannot lose. A variant has lately appeared. 1 saw recently an offer which at first sight seemed quite " sport- ing." The publisher offered a royalty of 40 per cent. on the first 500 copies, and then 15 per cent. ## p. 210 (#222) ############################################ 2IO THE AUTHOR. for all copies to follow. This seemed really noble! The royalty, if the book was a 6*. one, meant over 2s. 4d. a copy for 500 copies and iOjrf. for all following copies. Very pretty, indeed. What does a grumbling, greedy, grasp- ing Society think of that? Well, it meant a firm belief in the future success of the book, because the first royalty must mean a dead loss on 500 copies. Thus, for a tolerably large edition, costing with advertising is. a copy, or, say, .£150, after the first 500 copies, the publisher would lose .£130 approximately. After the first 1000, he would be a loser of .£65. After the next 1000 he would be a gainer of .£65. After the third 1000 he would be a gainer of £ 195. In every follow- ing 1000 the difference between the author and himself would be enlarged. You now see the true generosity of this offer. But, somehow, he distrusted his own proposal after all, for he supplemented it by a suggestion that if the author would kindly advance a certain sum on the cost of the book he should have such a number of the books sent to him as he could retail among his friends for the double. A hundred per cent. profit! Who could resist such a temptation Y And what a beautiful prospect of publishing in the near future opens out before us! We are to pay a publisher for producing the book (which is done by the printer), and we are then to sell the book ourselves. We shall have to hawk it about at dinner parties: in clubs: on the golf links: wo shall stand at church doors with the books in a basket: between the acts we shall offer it to the stalls: we shall insert an advertisement of the book in every private letter: we shall send slips describing the book to all our friends: we shall engage those who are near to us to join in this charming excursion into retail lines. There is no end to the dignity, the honour, the glory that awaits Literature when this nobleman—I must anticipate tlie distinction that awaits him—has succeeded in persuading authors to accept his proposals. Walter Besant. MILTON'S HOETON. BY common consent Milton is considered our second greatest poet, and therefore Milton's shrine (or shrines) should rank only second in interest to that of Shakespeare. Yet for a hundred pilgrims who visit Stratford- on-Avon there is not probably more than one who betakes him to Horton, or Chalfont, or even to Cripplegate. This is partly accounted for by the fact that all Shakespeare's life was connected more or less with Stratford; but Milton wandered much. Part of his youth was spent at Horton, in Buckinghamshire, and his latter days in London. He wrote" Comus," " L'Allegro," "II Penseroso," and, perhaps, "Lycidas" at Horton; and therefore it seems fitting that the literary pilgrim should think about Milton in the fields and woods of Buckinghamshire before seeking his more frequented shrine in the City of London. John Milton, the poet's father, was a scrivener in Bread-street, London, where his son was born; he retired from business, and went to live at Horton. Thither the son also retired at the age of twenty-four, and his pastoral poems appear to have been the expression of his peace and contentment in that rural home. This was after his scholastic life at Cambridge, and before his foreign travel and all the storm and stress which tossed him about in his maturer years. We could ill afford to lose the product of the five years passed so tranquilly at Horton. It may be true, as the late Mark Pattison remarks in his volume on Milton in the English Men of Letters Series, that this poet's love of Nature was chiefly academical; that he regarded Nature as he thought she ought to be regarded, and as the Latin poets had regarded her; that he did not look at her with the close and original observation of a naturalist or a painter; that he wrote of her from a subjective point of view, describing not so much Nature herself as the feelings which she awakens in one whose outer eyes are half-closed, and whose spirit takes in but vague suggestions. Yet, oven so, why not r< Nature's visible moods have been chronicled by many poets, of whom the foremost is Wordsworth; the influence of Nature reflected on the mind of a student and scholar has been exquisitely indicated by Milton. And what did he see at Horton which could suggest the lovely lines of his pastorals, and infuse into them a grace which makes them, even now, household words'? And what do we see when we visit the Buckinghamshire village, so near to the metropolis, yet so apart from the rush of life? It is practically the very Horton of the seventeenth century; a church, two or three gentlemen's houses, and a score of scattered cottages; its tale of deaths is about eight a year, and of weddings it sees about one in three years. We behold the very scene which Milton saw. Wraysbury Station is situated on the sluggish Colne, which is here utilised for a mill; there is a sound of water falling gently over a small weir, and a few feet lower all is placid again. From ## p. 211 (#223) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 21 I the station we walk on a dusty unshaded road for the distance of a mile; on either side are ditches, banks, and hedges, revelling in all the riot of June; roses star the hedges, and privet thrusts forward its thick white fingers; forget-me-not and meadow-sweet nod above the still water in the broad ditch. Overhead in the fathomless blue the lark is shaking down his "delirious music "; the swallow skims over the field where men are lazily turning the thin crop of hay. We pass a weed-grown marsh, and, turning to the left, soon come upon the Colne again; here it moves another mill, of which the irregular out- buildings are reflected in the unrippled pool, making a pretty picture. A little further on and we are in the village, where even now the children drop curtseys to the stranger pilgrim. On the right is the red-brick lodge to the grounds of a modern private house which stands on the site of that occupied by John Milton, senior. Before building the present structure it was ascertained by the owner of the land that no vestige what- ever remained of the house wherein the great poet spent his only long spell of country life. On the left we come to the Five Bells Inn, so called, it is believed, because the inn is parish property and there are five bells in the church tower. At the time of the Queen's first jubilee there was some talk of adding another bell to the peal, but public opinion would not permit an act which would have rendered unintelligible the name of the old inn! A few steps further on is the church, the shrine to which we are travelling; that church in which Milton must have constantly worshipped. It is restored, and yet it is the ancient one; we enter, and the spirit of prayer is upon us. They should count themselves blest who can here worship with every surrounding of reverence and every privilege of devotion. Looking to the modern chancel, which speaks of frequent services, we see that the east window, newly placed there, is in memory of Milton. As to the fabric, it retains some most valuable features; the north porch is in the main a very ancient one, singularly wide; the door is set within an arch finely carved in rows of elaborate moulding. The interior, airy and spacious, shows us short, thick, Norman pillars; a massive stone font is also Norman, and has a cable mould- ing round the rim. As we walk about the church we see many stones beneath our feet commemo- rating the forefathers of the hamlet, and bearing dates of the 17th century. Just within the chancel is a dark grey slab of marble with this inscription: "Heare lyeth the body of Sarah Milton, the widow of John Milton, who died the 3 of April, 1637." In the lives of famous men we usually find that the mother's influence played a great part; but in Milton's autobiographical writings little is said of his mother. Yet, by comparing dates, we discover that immediately after Sarah Milton's death her husband and his family left Horton, and never again lived in the country except during the short and unimportant stay at Chalfont St. Giles, also in Bucks; it would seem that the charm of rural quietude was broken by the death of the wife and mother. The widower returned to the busy bustle of London; the poet son set off on his continental travels. Here, at our feet, where "the kneeling hamlet drains the chalice of the grapes of God," lie the remains of the mother of one of England's greatest poets; it is a spot which is, for every reason, very sacred to us. We leave the neatly-kept churchyard, littered only by rose leaves, and, passing through the lych-gate, proceed a little further into the village, noting the unfrequented roads and lanes sentinelled by elms, just as they were two hundred years ago. At one point a sudden opening reveals the grey outline of Windsor Castle, with its sturdy Bound Tower "bosomed high in tufted trees." To Milton's eyes that tower appeared precisely as it does to ours this day—the crown of the royallest of all royal residences in Europe. This gap which arrests us for a long gaze is exactly facing the front door of Horton Rectory, which we now enter. Here we find the typical English parish priest —the man of culture and courtesy, with the sur- roundings of a good citizen. The house is partly old and partly new—the old probably of anterior date to Milton's days. He may have sat dreamily in this quaint and beautiful garden hall, seeing the bright flowers in the garden, hearing the twitter of birds and the humming of bees. Oak beams support the ceilings, and oak panels face the walls. Over everything is the hush of midday and midsummer, and quiet talk about the past and about the poet seems wholly in keeping with the same. And we feel ourselves presently in actual manual touch with Milton's days, for the rector brings forth a thin volume which contains the register of the burial of Sarah Milton, three days after her death. True, it is but copied from an older register, but this book is dated only a little later than the poet's death. After seeing all that is to be seen, and, indeed, little remains in any way connected with Milton, we take leave of the hospitable rectory, and go out again among the pasture fields and waving trees, and stretches of marshy ground, and glimpses of distant blue hills, and all those un- altered features of Nature, who retains her youth and freshness as long as man leaves her to her- ## p. 212 (#224) ############################################ 2 I 2 THE AUTHOR. self. The pilgrim returns to the city which was, after all, Milton's chosen home; and in his memory will long dwell the picture of the little tranquil village and the cool, silent church. Often in his later years of blindness and trouble the poet must have re-imaged to himself those same scenes—his father's house, his mother's grave. F. Bayford Harrison. Ventnor Villa, Weybridge. CORRESPONDENCE. L—William Black and the Saturday Review. TI THE story which you treat with some | scepticism in your "Notes and News" was one that our friend Black was fond of telling. Sir Wemyss Reid has stated that Black told him he brought out "A Daughter of Heth" anonymously because the Saturday had "slated" his previous novels. This was not a joke of Black's, but the literal fact. When the novel first came out Black and I were acting as assistant editors to Mr. Frank Hill at the Daily News. This work threw us, necessarily, much together, and I do not think anyone now living was more intimate with Black than I was in those happy days. He kept the secret of his book from all his friends, and I first knew that " A Daughter of Heth" was his when one night at the office he produced the paper with the favourable review, and showed it with a boyish glee at the "rise" he had taken out of his enemy. Of all our friend's literary triumphs, and they followed rapidly on the success of "A Daughter of Heth," not one gave him such un- bounded satisfaction as this. The three years or so that he remained with us at the Daily News after this recognition of his genius, were the golden days of his early and rising fame, and he never forgot the friends nor the events of that exciting time. May I also suggest that the statement "there were only two novels to 'slate '" in 1871 is not accurate. "James Merle" I never saw, but "Love or Marriage" and "In Silk Attire" were followed by "Kilmeny," and that by "The Monarch of Mincing Lane." I am not quite sure as to the order in which the last two appeared, but I think that if Black had put an author's name on the title-page of "A Daughter of Heth," he would have described himself as the author of "Kilmeny," which is the best of the novels of his earlier and unappreciated days. 1, Upper Woburn-place, P. W. Clayden. Jan. 5, 1899. II.—Type-writing as a Profession. Some members of the Society of Authors, who make it a matter of conscience, wherever possible, to help struggling people with work, may be interested in learning the system on which their typewriting will perhaps be done for them at certain offices. The manager of the office undertakes to type your work at, say, l0d. per thousand words. She also takes pupils in typewriting for three or six months, who pay her so many guineas as a premium. The manager takes your money and their pre- miums, and they do your work! It may be urged that there is nothing actually dishonest in this. The work is done at the price agreed, and the pupils learn to use, and have practice in using, a type-writer in return for the premium. But the net result is that your money goes into the hands not of the young women who type but of the astute manager (or more often manageress) who exploits them. Meantime, of course, offices managed on this system compete with the struggling individual typist, and as they not only pay nothing for their labour, but even are paid by their pupils for the privilege of doing the work, it is easy to see that the competition is severe. In order to combat this system I would suggest to members of the Society that they should, as far as possible, employ only typists who actually do their work themselves, and do not either farm it out (on the sweating system) to others, or, worse, use it as a means of getting premiums. In these hard times there are so many young women who type-write for a living, and find a diffioulty in earning a bare subsistence, that no one would willingly take the bread out of their mouths in order to enrich clever exploiters of other people's labour. T r r St. John E. C. Hankin. III. — Payment on Acceptance of Articles. I see one of your contributors brings a com- plaint against the Strand Magazine. I am un- connected with this periodical, and therefore know nothing of its justness; but there is one merit that the Strand Magazine possesses—in common, so far as my own wide experience goes, with but one other magazine, viz., the Woman at Home—for which it ought to receive the fullest praise. It pays on acceptance. Only the hardworking, modest contributor knows how much hardship and even suffering are inflicted by the unfair and unbusinesslike proceeding of the majority of magazines in paying on publication. ## p. 213 (#225) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 213 Can any of your readers suggest any legal means by which pressure could be put on such periodi- cals P Penman. IV.—Forms Wanted. Considering the constant difficulties that occur between editor and contributor respecting pay- ment, may I suggest that the Society provide printed forms for sale to its members which shall express in polite and businesslike terms all that is necessary for an unknown author to say when offering his work for publication. Another suggestion I venture to make, i.e., that the Society grant to those of its members and associates who care to make use of it, the right to put some distinguishing initials after their names. I have found by experience that careless and unprincipled persons frequently respect the Society, and do not lightly trifle with its members when they know them to be such. If isolated authors were to address editors in a businesslike tone, or should they make their membership of the Society too evident, it might offend. A Well-Wisher. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. L 'Tis true that 'twas right to dissemble your love, But why did yon kick me down stairs? COULD any of your readers tell me where the above lines come from, and in connec- tion with what, if any, historical event or personage they were written? J. M. Lely. H. Will one of your readers kindly inform me which is the correct way to write this question: "Who am I like ?" or " Whom am I like ?" also which is the best way of expressing the following sentence: "She wanders onward by the hedge oblivious of his presence, whomsoever he may be," or " whoever he may be." Ignoramus. BOOK TALE. fl^HE most remarkable item of news this I month is the fact that Messrs. Methuen contemplate an interesting experiment in publishing. They are about to issue at six- pence, under the general title of "Methuen's Library of Fiction," stories by well-known authors of the day. A few books will be reprints, but most will be new works hitherto un- published in book form. The first book thus published will be a new novel by Mr. E. W. Hornung. Mr. Robert Barr and Mr. Cutclitfe Hyne will follow, and later will be published books by Mr. Baring Gould aud others. In some cases the book will lie published simul- taneously at sixpence and at a higher price. Messrs. Methuen say that they "recognise the inevitable tendencies of an age of cheap litera- ture. The theatre has its stalls and its pit, the railway its first and its third classes: so the novelist may well have a double audience, and, while the wealthy will still pay 6*. for their novels, those of limited means may purchase the same book in a decent but less luxurious form." Other examples of sixpenny books are two volumes of Lord Tennyson's Poems, which Messrs. Macmillan are issuing. The first will contain all the earlier poems and " In Memoriam," and the second will contain "Maud." Benjamin Swift's next book, entitled "Siren City," is virtually a study of Puritanism versus Paganism. The title refers to Naples, the scene being laid in the old Maddaloni Palace there. The first chapter, however, begins, and the last closes, in London. The work will appear during the spring. '. Accessory Before the Fact " is the title of a new book by Mrs. Leith Adams (Mrs. R. S. de Courcy Lafl'an), which Mebsrs. Digby, Long, and Co. are publishing. Dr. A. Conan Doyle is naming his new novel "A Duet with an Occasional Chorus." It is the story of the happy married life of a young couple of the middle class. It has not appeared serially, and it will be published next month. Mr. S. R. Crockett's story, "A Woman of Fortune," will be published by Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton. It has been appearing in monthly instalments in the Woman at Home. Miss Ethel Hynam is editing, for publication by Mr. Elliot Stock, a new series of folk tales entitled " The European Folk Tale Series." The collection will represent Russian, Mongolian, Slavonic, Polish, Bohemian, and Servian tales, each volume containing the tales of one country. The first, entitled "The Secrets of the Night/' contains examples of Esthonian folk stories, and will be illustrated by Mr. H. Oakes-Jones. Mr. Stanley's " Through the Dark Continent," is being published in eighteen sixpenny parts by Messrs. Newnes, by arrangement with Messrs. Sampson Low. ## p. 214 (#226) ############################################ 214 THE AUTHOR. Miss Mary Deane has written "The History of the Family of Dean, Deane, and Adeane," which Mr. Elliot Stock will bring out shortly. An article on the poetesses of the day appears in the current number of the Quarterly Review. Mr. John Lane is about to publish in monthly parts an edition of White's " Selborne," contain- ing notes by Mr. Grant Allen and pictures by Mr. E. H. New. Mr. Edward H. Cooper has passed for press a volume of short stories entitled "Children, Race- horses, and Ghosts," which Messrs. Duckworth will publish this month. Mr. Cooper has also nearly completed a new racing novel called " The Monk Wins." He has in view a series of fairy stories for publication in November. The awards of the Academy for the best books of the past year are as follows: 50 guineas to Mr. Sidney Lee for his " Life of Shakespeare "; 50 guineas to Mr. Maurice Hewlett for "The Forest Lovers"; 50 guineas to Mr. Joseph Conrad for his " Tales of Unrest." It should be explained that the Academy's object in this enterprise is " to seek for promise, sincerity, and thoroughness in literary art rather than to acknowledge fulfilment." Only two books were "crowned " in the previous year, but the selec- tion this year proved such a difficult matter that three prizes were awarded. Mr. Wirt Gerrare, author of " The Warstock," is writing a historical tale treating of firearms on their introduction into Europe. The story is laid in France in the period of Jeanne d'Arc. Mr. A. H. Evans, of Clare College, is the author of the ninth volume of the Cambridge Natural History, in which he treats of birds, essaying "the difficult and apparently un- attempted task of including in some 600 pages a short description of nearly every form in very many of the families, and of the most typical or important of the innumerable species included in the large Passerine Order. Prefixed to each group is a. brief summary of the structure and habits." A volume of stories by Mr. Bernard Capes, entitled "At a Winter's Fire," will be published shortly by Messrs. Pearson. Mr. F. Carruthers Gould has collected for publi- cation in volume form his political and other cartoons that have appeared in the Westminster Gazette during the last two years. They number rorty in all, and the volume will be published from the Westminster Gazette office in two editions shortly before the opening of Parlia- ment. Mr. Castell Coates has sent copies of his "Fairy Book" to H.M. the Queen and to Princess Henry of Battenberg, which have been graciously accepted by them. Colonel H. B. Hanna will produce early this month the first volume of the "Second Afghan War; its Causes, its Conduct, and its Conse- quences," published by Messrs. A. Constable and Co. Mr. George Moore has re-written a large part of his latest novel, " Evelyn Innes," which was published in June last, in view of a new edition. The alterations concern the middle chapters of the story, and principally affect the character Sir Owen Asher. Mr. William Sharp has written a tragic romance, entitled " Silence Farm," and a volume of short stories, which will appear under the title "Sister Eunice." He has also nearly ready for publication two volumes of literary criticism, namely, " Studies in Contemporary Literature" and " From Delacroix to Whistler." A writer in the Daily Chronicle, by the way, suggests that Mr. Sharp and the author known as "Fiona Macleod " are identical. A mining story, by "Victoria Cross," will be published by Messrs. Walter Scott. It is called "A Girl of Klondike." Miss Florence Warden lays the scenes of her next novel in Scotland. The work has just been completed, and will appear under the title "The Love that Lasts." "The Letters of Robert Browning and Eliza- beth Barrett" will appear on the 7th inst., from Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. These two volumes contain the love letters of the famous couple. A library of copyright works of fiction is being issued for the colonies and India by Messrs Chatto and Windus. The first of the series will be " Infatuation," by Mrs. B. M. Croker, which was published a few weeks ago. This will be followed by Sir Walter Besant's " St. Katherine's by the Tower," and works by other authors. The volumes in this new series are to sell at half- a-crown. Miss Beatrice Harraden is calling her new story, which is to be ready in April, "The Fowler." The reference is to the passage in the Ptalms "Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler." The Rev. Dr. John Watson (Ian Maclaren) has finished his " Life of Christ." The Queen has been graciously pleased to accept a copy of Mr. William Toynbee's book of ## p. 215 (#227) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 2'5 verse, "On Oaten Flute," which was published last month by Mr. H. J. Glaisher of Wigmore- street. The initial chapters of Mr. G. S. Layard's work on " Suppressed Plates" (of the legitimate sort) are now appearing in the Pall Mall Magazine. A curious experiment in translation by the same author will be found in the Cortihill. Mr. Max Pemberton has dramatised his "Kronstadt." THE BOOKS OF THE MONTH. [Dec. 23 to Jan. 23—208 Books.] Aitken, W. H. M. H. The Romance of Christian Work and Achieve- ment. Shaw. Anderson, J. W. The Power of Nature in Disease. 1/6 net. Simpkin. Andrews, W. (ed.). Bygone Church Life in Scotland. 7/6. Andrews. Andrews, W. (ed.). Ecclesiastical Curiosities. 7/6. Andrews. Annand, E. F. With the Tirah Field Force. 1/- Terry. Anonymous (*). Alone. An Introspective Work. 6/- net. Smithers. Anonymous (" A Gentleman of the University of Cambridge.") The Tale of Archais. A Romance in Verse. 2/6. Paul. Anonymous (Author of "A Desperate Remedy "). In Sackcloth and Ashes. 16. Stevens. Anonymous (0. T. M.). Sonnets. 2/6. Edinburgh: R. W. Hunter. Archibald, D. Weather Types in Relation to Long-Period For coasting. Eyre and Spottiswoode. Arkwright, J. P. Cablnet-Making for Amateurs. 2/6. L. U. Gill. Arnold, A. W. The Attack on the Farm, and Other Stories 6/- Wnlte. Arumugam, S. From Siva to Christ. 1/- Marshall Bros. Bagsbawe, J. B. Rosary Meditations. 1/- Oath. Truth Soc, Bailey, G. H. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry. 3/6. Clive. Bailey, L. H. 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Mathematical and Physical Tables. 7 6. Macmillan. Wyckoff, W. A. The Workers. The West. %j- Heinemann. Young, F. K, Grand Tactics of Chess. 15/- net. Low. Young, F. K. Major Tactics of Chess. 12,6net. Low. Zahn, T. (tr. by C. S. Burn and A. E. Burn.) The Apostles' Creed. 5/- Hodder. THE AUTHOE." SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. Front Page Other Pages Half of a Page Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Column Advertisements BilIb for Insertion £4 0 0 3 0 0 1 10 0 0 I5 0 0 7 6 per inch 0 6 0 per 2000 10 0 Reductions made for a Series of Six or Twelve Insertions. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the Advertisement Makaqeb, The Author Office, 4. Portugal-street, London. W.C. JVCr. J. Eveleigh JVfask. IrlTEl^ArpT AGBDT, AMBERLEY HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRANO, W.C Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 09 (February 1899) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 09 (February 1899) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1899-02-01-The-Author-9-9 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/326/1899-03-01-The-Author-9-10.pdf ae8a135cab6778f4a9fe659271e6827b PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1899-03-01 Volume 9 Issue 10 Pages Page range in volume 217–244 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18990301 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin ^Tbe Hutbor. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. IX.—No. i o.] MARCH i, 1899. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Seoretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. FOB some years it has been the practice to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices,&e., for the guidance of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to carry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rules should be attended to: (I.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- motion forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements VOL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. A A 2 ## p. 218 (#230) ############################################ 2i8 THE AUTHOR, HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. i. INVERT member has a right to ask for and to receive t,J advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If, in the opinion of the Committee and the Solicitors of the Society, 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. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society 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 agree- ments, and the results to author and publisher respectively bo far. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the case of fraudulent houses—the tricks of every publish, ing firm in the oountry. 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of everything important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Sooiety now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6s. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are> requested not to send them to the Office without previously- communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable- despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any circumstances,, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, Ac. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding - for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanced 15 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, recently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly correct: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of course, we- have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it- LITERARY PROPERTY. I.—Canadian Society of Authors. ASOCIE l'Y of Authors has been founded in Canada. The chairman is the Hon. George William Ross, who has held office as Minister of Education, is a distinguished orator, an LL.D. of St. Andrews, and the author of "The History of the School System of Ontario," and other educational works. II.—Copyright in Holland. As many authors know to their sorrow, Holland declined to accept the provisions of the Berni- Copyright Convention, as a result of which there is a chronic war between that country and Germany. A Dutch publisher, however, has just been neatly scored off by Adolf Streckfuss, the ## p. 219 (#231) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 2ig Oerman historian, in connection with his latest book, the "History of the World." No sooner had the first few parts appeared than he became aware that a piratical translation was being sold in Amsterdam. He applied to the publisher for some sort of honorarium, and received in reply a Dutch cheese, with a statement that the sender recognised no moral obligation in the matter. Next week the following advertise- ment appeared in the leading newspapers of Amsterdam: "For sale, the manuscript of the * History of the World' by Streckfuss, a fort- night before the publication of each part in Berlin." Scores of eligible offers came in, and the freebooter had to choose between losing his stock of the first numbers or outbidding his trade rivals. He chose the latter alternative, and the author got a handsome price for his book.—Daily Chronicle, Feb. 2. . III. —Copyright in Russia. The commission which has been engaged for some time past in revising the Russian Civil Code will, it is stated, lay very shortly before the Council of State a scheme for the protection of literary property, which has hitherto received but scant attention from the Legislature. The copy- right in any work will be vested in the author or his heirs and assigns for a period of fifty years. No limitation to the right of translating works published abroad by Russian or foreign writers is recommended, but native writers are secured the exclusive right to translate their own works for ten years from the date of publication, provided that they bring out a translation within the first three years. Very strong provisions are urged against the piracy either of Russian or foreign books, and it is recommended that the courts of justice should be empowered in assess- ing damage to reckon the extreme loss occasioned by such acts of spoliation.—Daily Chronicle, Jan. 19. -a r IV. —"A Curious Question." 1. In last month's Author "A Friendly Critic" discussed " a curious question" on the right of a publisher to claim the repayment of royalty he had paid to an author " on books sold," many of which books, possibly 100, having subsequently been taken back by him from a bookseller on the plea that the sale of the said book had ceased, and it had become dead stock—upon these books so returned the publisher claimed the repayment of the royalty on the ground that the books had not been sold. Let me reverse this order by sketching a picture of an equally lurid tint. I have recently acted on behalf of an author whose book in the market is of high repute and is published for him by an old London firm. Recently a cheap edition was issued, and, " for the convenience of the trade," the said firm took back certain copies of the higher-priced edition, but it gave no indication in the half-yearly statement of desire to be just by returning the amount of the royalty charged and paid on these returned books as "books sold." I therefore claimed the return of the said royalty, but the payment was refused on the plea that "the books had been sold, and had been so accounted for at the time." Upon this reply I at once gave instructions to the publishers that I would not allow another copy to be returned on account of the author; if so taken back it would be at their risk and cost. If authors would thus instruct their publishers, the publishers would be compelled very speedily to change their tacties on questions of royalty. An Author. 11. 8th Feb. 1899. On page 201 of last month's Author I see the following statement commenting on a case I put forward in The Author (page 151) :— "The curious question (and it is aptly called) amounts, then, divested of fatal generalisation, to this: If the book manages to sell again (or not, for that matter), shall the author refund the royalty on those twenty copies?" Those members who care to refer to page 151 will see that this is not at all the question, and never was the question, and that the com- mentator seems entirely to have misunder- stood the facts of the case. The point was not one of refunding the royalties. The author had been paid on copies sold, and as such was entitled to keep the royalties. The point of moral obligation referred to was whether the publisher had a right to sell the books which he himself had purchased back in priority to the books still remaining on which the author was entitled to a royalty. On further consideration of the matter, I am inclined to think that the publisher would have had no right to spoil the author's market for the benefit of his own pocket. Yours truly, G. Herbert Thring. V.—Cataloguing. During a series of years I have published a number of scientific—more or less—books. Possibly because I have striven to make them not "too clever" they have had a very fair measure of success, and I have received a modent ## p. 220 (#232) ############################################ 220 THE AUTHOR. return for my labours. In my early and ignorant days, before the Society of Authors came to the rescue, I was fool enough to believe nearly all that publishers told me, and arranged for several of my books on half-share terms, without any stipulations as to "cost of production/' " adver- tising," "inspection of accounts," &c. The natural result was that these books were con- siderably overweighted, and, in addition to charg- ing an extra 15 per cent. for publishing, my kind friends added two guineas a year on each book for cataloguing. To use a country term, this "stuck in my crop " worse than the other over- charges, and recently, after many expostulations, this charge has been reduced one-half. My object in writing to The Author is to ask if a publisher can legally make a charge for cataloguing r' lie undertakes to sell your books, and he cannot do this without he issues a list of his wares, which is really part of his stock-in-trade. No other tradesman makes a charge for cataloguing what he sells; why, therefore, should "literary wares" be taxed more than any other';' Again, why do some firms charge 15 per cent. commission for publishing, whilst others of superior rank are content with 10 per cent.? Either one must be too little or the other too much. Another question I should like to ask is, Can publishers delay the issuing of a book for their own gain? I arranged with a firm to publish a book for me at a fair royalty, and they kept it on hand some months longer than they should do. On writing to them thereon, their reply was they were canvassing for special advertisements to issue with it. Perhaps they intend sending me part of the proceeds, but perhaps not. Although I am not entirely dependent 011 my pen—a good job, too, my best friends would probably say—I cannot refrain from thanking the Society of Authors for the light they have already let into " Darkest (Literary) Africa " ; and notwithstanding the assaults of the enemy from without, and I am afraid sometimes from within, they will take heart of grace from the good they have done, and keep pegging away till "those poor devils of authors " have succeeded in obtain- ing all they require, and what they intend to have, viz., justice. A Scientist—More or Less. VI.—Autobiography—Sir Arthur Sullivan. "But all this time my mind was set on compo- sition. I was ready to undertake anything that came in my way. Symphonies, overtures, ballets, iinthems, hymn-tunes, songs, part songs, a con- certo for the violoncello, and eventually comic and light operas — nothing came amiss to me; and I gladly accepted what publishers offered me, so long as I could get the things published. I composed six Shakespearean songs for Messrs. Metzler and Co., and got five guineas apiece for them. 'Orpheus with his Lute,' 'The Willow Song,' '0 Mistress Mine,' were amongst them. Then I did 'If Doughty Deeds' and ' A Weary Lot is Thine, Fair Maid,' for Messrs. Chappell. I raised my price for these songs, and sold them outright for ten guineas each. "I was getting on, but by this time I had come to the conclusion that it was a pity for the publishers to have all the profit. My next song, 'Will He Come?' went to Messrs. Boosey, on the understanding that I was to have a royalty on every copy sold. And, oh, the difference to me! I did very well with 'Will He come?' and never sold a song outright afterwards. After that I published 'Sweethearts,' 'Once Again,' 'Looking Back,' 'Let Me Dream Again," and many other songs, and these all brought grist to the mill."—M.A.P., Feb. 4, 1899. VII.—A Commission Book. There was a very simple agreement made by letter only. The author was to be liable for not more than .£30; the book was to be jiublished at 6*. There was to be an edition of no more than 500 copies. The publisher was to give the author 3*. for every copy sold; he was to take 10 per cent. on this sum, and was to pocket the difference between the trade price and the 3*. In other words, then, the average trade price being 3*. 6J., he was to take 6</. on every copy first, and 10 per cent. on 34-. afterwards—in a\\i)id. He was not to spend more than .£15 in advertising. Nothing could be simpler than this agreement. The following, however, was the account rendered: He charged for 750 copies instead of 500; he charged for binding 500 at 5rf., less a small fraction; he charged .£45 for advertising instead of .£15, as agreed upon. The sales were 379. He took his 10 per cent. on this item; he also charged, without agreement, 10 per cent. on the cost of production — the amount set down for which not being audited. On remonstrance he knocked off .£23 from the advertisement bill. What the amount ought to have been, if the bill was honest, was a cost of .£60 and sales of .£53, leaving the author with a loss of .£7. What the account was as stated was a cost of ,£78, against sales of .£53, leaving a loss to author of ,£25. ## p. 221 (#233) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. TEE PEN AND THE BOOK. I.—The "Athen^um." THE following is from the Athenaeum, of Jan. 21: In his new volume, " The Pen and the Book," Sir Walter Besant renews, with more violence than ever, the attack on the publishers to which he seems to devote much of his time. Formerly he used to say there were exceptions, but now he inculcates upon the literary beginner that publishers are thieves. "Thievery," in fact, he prints in capital letters. No doubt the publishers, as we remarked at the time, gave Sir Walter a great advantage when they allowed the committee of their association to issue last summer a series of draft agreements that no sensible author would dream of aooepting; but the abase heaped upon them in the fifth chapter of Sir Walter's book is quite undeserved, and will create in young authors an absurd prejudice against the honourable men of the trade (and they are the vast majority), and it will be bitterly and justly resented by them. It is impossible to argue the general question with Sir Walter, for his notion of reply is to repeat in stronger language what he has already said; but it is really neces- sary to point out, now that he has denounced as thieves most, if not all, publishers, great as well as small, that he ought to give exact details of their thefts, accompanied by the names of the thieves. It is not fair to keep on openly bringing charges without making an effort openly to sub- stantiate them; and much as we believe in Sir Walter's honesty of purpose, we think that unless he will do so, open- minded people who are willing to hear both sides will cease to pay attention to his polemics. The writer says that I "call publishers thieves." He qualifies this statement later on, by saying that I denounce "as thieves, most, if not all, publishers." I have looked into the book for any words that might justify this charge. I can find none. So far as I can discover it is a sheer invention. I say (p. 201) that "many publishers, including someof thegreat houses,have madeit their common practice to take secret percentages." "Many publishers." This is literally and exactly true. The proofs are simple. They are (1) the exami- nation of accounts. (2) The extreme wrath of these gentry at the disclosure of real estimates. (3) The impudent denials of the accuracy of these real estimates. (4) The repeated charge that the estimates have been invented. (5) The fact that the Publishers' Committee in their new draft agreement claim the actual right to charge what has not been spent (!) Now,I have repeatedly laid it down as an axiom, as plain as any in Euclid, that he who tells his partner that he has spent £120 when he has not spent £100, putting the overcharge secretly in his pocket, is a Thief. And everybody agrees with me. 2. The " undeserved abuse'' spoken of in the fifth chapter of this book is the renewed exposure of the claims and pretensions of these "draft agreements," together with certain warnings to the inexperienced. I have looked through the chapter carefully, and find nothing to alter. 3. The threatened "resentment" (of the persons concerned in defrauding their partners) may be "bitter." It cannot be more bitter in the future than it has been in the past. Yet we survive. 4. When a society, daily occupied with the administration of literary property, finds it neces- sary to publish such books as " The Methods of Publishing" and the "Cost of Production ": and to expose, month by month, trick after trick, it requires some courage to state, even anony- mously, that the "vast majority " of publishers are "honourable " men. One would like to know on what experience, and on what data, this state- ment is made. It may be that the writer's expe- rience extends over a longer time and a wider area than my own. If this is not the case I prefer my own opinion, which is not that ad- vanced above. 5. He calls for "details of the thefts." What details can be given except those advanced in the publications of the Society? 6. He calls for names. Just so. Does he know what the Law of Libel means? Is he aware that it is not enough to justify a statement. and that damages may be awarded, even when the libel is proved to be perfectly true? If one were a millionaire the luxury of giving names might be afforded occasionally. After all, the Society's method of publishing the exact details answers quite as well, because it instructs the persons concerned, and probably prevents a repetition. The claim for the production of names is, of course, a stale old trick, because the write r must know perfectly well the impossibility of it. II.—" Literature." Thu treatment of the book by Literature is as fair and honourable as that by the Athenxum is one-sided. A long correspondence has been carried on from week to week. Writers on both sides are allowed a fair say and fair space to say it in. It is to be observed that no publisher in the correspondence has hitherto signed his name: that no serious statement has been seriously met: that, especially, the charges of secret profits are either evaded or ridiculed: that the " method of the future " has been shown by perfectly indepen- dent witnesses, two of whom sign their names, to be practicable, and proved to be practicable: and that the first and most violent attack was met with unqualified denials not only by myself, but by Mr. Thring. When I have on my side the great name of Herbert Spencer: when I have the experience of Professor Spiers: when I! find ## p. 222 (#234) ############################################ 222 THE AUTHOR. tribute after tribute to one part or auother of the book: when I cannot find one publisher who is willing to traverse any statements seriously, and with the responsibility of his name and without misrepresentation, I ought to be satisfied with the general opinion. In all these controversies there is always to be found the author who knows nothing of the questions at issue, or who cannot understand them. In this case Mr. Edward Cooper plays this distinguished part. He actually believes that to proclaim his own satisfaction with his treatment by publishers is to settle the question. He has received so much for his last novel: he therefore concludes that he has been fairly treated. I am not for one moment pretending that he has not been fairly treated, but a man who calls his publisher an upright and honour- able man without the least knowledge of what the publisher makes for himself by the transaction, has no right to speak on the question at all Let him content himself with his own satisfaction and his own confidence. They will make him happy, even if his publisher is a Barabbas. III. There was a second part of my letter to Literature which, I submit, should be submitted to all our readers, because it contains a most important corroboration of my statements: "I have consulted Mr. Or. Herbert Thring, secretary and solicitor to the Society, on the above points. He appears to be in accord with me on every one. I subjoin my questions and his answers. I do this because it is a common trick to represent these facts and statements as mine only. They have been, on the contrary, pub- lished in the Society's paper by a responsible committee, by a responsible secretary, and by myself—the Editor of that paper. Also the secretary and the chairman of this committee do obtain a knowledge of the whole field, which no single publisher can arrive at. "These are my questions and Mr. Thring's reply: "I. 'Have you ever seen a profit-sharing agree- ment which contained a clause giving the author the choice of printer and binder, and the printer's estimate?' "Answer: I have never seen such an agreement. "II. 'Is overcharging a notorious practice?' "Answer: I have seen many accounts of the cost of production, in which the amount charged was considerably higher than other estimates from well-known printers. "HI. 'Are charges for advertising in a pub- lisher's own organs common, and could they be defended?' "Answer: In the past I have known them fre- quently made. I am glad to say they are not so common now. Legally, of course, a publisher can only charge the cost of type-setting and paper for advertising in his own organs. "IV. 'Do deferred royalties generally mean greater profits to the publisher than to the author?' "Answer: This is certainly the case. As a general rule, the royalties are deferred until the sale has covered the cost of production, and then a royalty is offered at an exceedingly low rate. "V. 'Are publishers' fees charged on commis- sion agreements?' "Answer: This is a very common practice. "VI. 'Are percentages charged on the items of account?' "Answer: This is also a common practice. "VII. 'Is it the custom for the author to be consulted as to the medium for advertising ? * "Answer: No; in rare exceptions the author is consulted, but I have never seen any clause in the agreement which bound the publisher to consult the author. "VIII. 'Do publishers "care not a rap" for commission business?' "Answer: I know a great many publishers who take up work of this kind. "IX. 'Is a charge for bad debts not un- common?' "Answer: It is not uncommon. I know pub- lishers who do make this charge in their accounts. "(Signed) G. Herbert Thring. "Jan. 16, 1899. "The reader may not understand the objection to 'bad debts.' It is this: The accounts are made up at long intervals, annually or twice a year, long after the books have been paid for. The amount actually realised is set down. The 'bad debts' therefore, if charged separately, may be charged twice over. "The ' Publisher' speaks about possible losses. This is a red herring drawn across the scent. For the author has nothing to do with a pub- lisher's loss. The latter takes up a book at bis own risk—if there is any risk. He need not do it. The best publishers are also the most careful about admitting doubtful books. The author contributes his time: his work: his skill, art, or genius. That is his share. The possible loss is the publisher's. As a fact, there are hundreds of writers scattered over the whole field of literature whose works do not carry any risk at all. "The author has to consider as the chief point in the agreement what will happen to him in case of successs, not of loss. This is a very important point, constantly confused by talk of risk, loss, one book paying for another, and similar stuff. ## p. 223 (#235) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 223 Questions about the figures and the printing, happily, can be dismissed with a very few words: "The ' Publisher' states: "(1) That the size of the book is not given. "Everybody must understand by the number of words to a page, by the type, and by the number of sheets, what size is spoken of. "(2) That printers' and binders' charges vary. "Quite true. I have given a great many estimates for this very reason. "(3) That there is no allowance for correc- tions. "On the contrary. There is a distinct and care- ful explanation of what corrections mean. This passage was submitted to a printer in order to get it stated accurately. "(4) That advertising is not included. "More than two pages (pp. 151 —153) are devoted to an explanation of what advertising meant, an addition to the cost. "(5) He objects to the statement that 'cloth for binding is bought in large quantities' because, he says, publishers do not buy cloth. He says that binders do. Exactly: and if a large order is given a reduction is made. What does it matter whether publishers or binders lay in large quantities so that the reduction is effected? I am sorry to take up the space by answering objections so futile. "(6) The main portion of the letter is an attack upon the figures I have given. "These figures, I have stated plainly and unmis- takably, are not my figures. I do not invent printers' bills: they are more difficult to invent than plots for novels. The figures are estimates —actual estimates—which have been given to me. If they are wrong, it is the printer's business, not mine. But as books are every day printed on these estimates, I am justified in setting them down as working estimates. Let your readers understand clearly that the inability of this writer, or anybody else, to procure estimates so low has nothing whatever to do with my book or the actual estimates given therein. "(7.) He attacks the ' Method of the Future.' "I do not think this excursus into the future —his brief vision of the future—needs much in reply. The 'method' has been followed by some writers for a good long time, quite to their own satisfaction. "I shall have great pleasure in giving you two or three of the better known, but I am not at liberty to publish them. I would remind or inform your readers that the draft agreements of the Publishers' Association last July considered this form of publishing on commission, namely receiving the book bound and ready for distribu- VOL. IX. tion, as one of the methods to be provided for. It is, therefore, not the new thing which your writer would make out." W. B. PARIS NOTES. THE death of Adolphe d'Ennery, at the ripe age of eighty-eight years, has robbed the French melodrama of one of its most popular and prolific dramatists. For six months previous to his death, M. d'Ennery had lived in complete seclusion; but, although he belonged both in style and spirit to an earlier generation, his popularity with the masses remained intact. His more refined and aesthetic confreres of the present day were not always so indulgent; highly-cultured critics of the Theophile Gautier type severely criticised the productions of the favourite dramaturgist of the illiterate public; hriXimxxt fin-du-sibcle reviewers uselessly expended whole bushel loads of sarcasm and counsel on him. D'Ennery invariably turned a deaf ear to their remonstrances, contenting himself with rapidly producing play after play, and reaping a golden harvest thereby. His talent was decidedly not of the highest order, but it was essentially marketable — the Hebrew strain in his blood showing itself forcibly in the " cool-headedness" of all his pecuniary transactions. He wrote for the multitude, not for the cultivated few, his aim being to acquire wealth and fame by pleasing the majority; and the measure of his success may be estimated by the fact that he has given the Parisian theatre upwards of 280 plays, and that he died possessed of a fortune estimated at from 8,000,000 to 10,000,000 francs (^320,000 to ^400,000), in addition to an important pottery collection bequeathed to the State. So numerous were his successes, that to mention even the names of the most prominent would mean the citation of over a hundred titles. And this success—to his honour be it said—was legiti- mately obtained; for, during the seventy years in which he untiringly devoted himself to providing a theatrical literature suited to the appreciation of the bulk of his audience, d'Ennery resolutely refrained from pandering to the lower tastes of the multitude. Among the sixty collaborators who aided him at various periods of his career in his Herculean labours may be mentioned Balzac, Emile de Girardin, Alexandre Dumas, Anicet Bourgeois, Plou-ier, Eugene Sue, Frederic Thomas, Bourget, Clairville, Crcmieux, Cadol, Jules Verne, Henri Chabrillat, La Eounat, and Felix Duquesnel. That M. Victorien Sardou's dislike to notoriety does not prevent him from actively protecting his B B ## p. 224 (#236) ############################################ 224 THE AUTHOR. own interests when necessary is shown by the following incident, narrated by the Figaro, h propos of the recent revival of his "La Tosca" (Theatre Sarah Bernhardt). When this famous drama was first performed in 1887 its success was seriously compromised by a morning paper, the Gil Bias, having previously given a full analysis of the piece, thereby materially lessening the eff- ct of certain scenes on which its author had especially counted. M. Sardou immediately sued the paper, and gained his cause a year later, when he had almost forgotten the whole affair. In summing up its decision, the Premiere Chambre du Tribunal (presidedover by President Aubespin), affirmed that no paper had the right to divulge the narrative of a play previous to its first per- formance, since such a proceeding constituted a real damage to the author, in that it might seriously interfere with the success of his work. It is thus to M. Victorien Sardou's prompt action in 1887 that French dramatists are indebted for the legal recognition and protection of the rights they enjoy to-day. M. Jules de Marthold has dramatised M. Coppee's well-known novel "Le Coupable," and its first representation is expected shortly. We are glad to be able to state that M. Coppee's health is now completely re-established, and that his long-promised " Souvenirs de Jeunesse" are really under way and proceeding apace, which fact undoubtedly rejoices the heart of M. Plon. For the latter gentleman, having scrupulously regulated the usual contract of brains versus cash between author and publisher, was naturally anxious to receive his wares as speedily as pos- sible. But the Fates and Muses were both against him. Last July, M. Francois Coppee went to Laugzune, a solitary village on the Breton coast, with the full intention of recording there the greater part, at least, of his youthful memories. But the combined attractions of the bright sun, warm air, and myriad voices of nature, proved too much for the poet; he could not work, and, after a brief interval devoted to dolce far niente and out-door existence, M. Plon was politely informed that the expected volume would not be ready before December. This month found the poet prostrate at Paris, suffering from a relapse of his former malady ; among minor griefs, his favourite cat had died during his absence—and again the "Souvenirs " were delayed. It is to be hoped no further illness, or unforeseen occurrence, will intervene a third time between their final conclu- sion and publishing. The invidious attitude—half nonchalant, half disdainful—of the French public and critics towards female talent is especially noticeable in the various reviews and critiques which followed the appearance of Mme. Jean Bertheroy's new book, "La Danseuse de Pompeii."* Though a well-known critic affirms that the former refusal to take anything a woman did au serieu-x may now be ranked among the prejudices of the past, his own article bears evidence of a secret reluc- tance to praise unstintedly a woman's work underlying his conscious recognition and admira- tion of an undoubtedly good production. But, in the end, his sense of justice triumphs over his reluctance; and in summing up the " Danseuse de Pompei" as "a feminine work written in a masterly style," he hits the right nail on the head, for what is this dual alliance save one of the recognised attributes of genius? Delicately feminine in its fine observation, poetical render- ing of minor details, and close knowledge of the subtleties of a woman's heart, it is essentially masculine in its concise, nervous style and breadth of imagination, allied with marvellous historical accuracy. In depicting the young dancer Nonia vowed from her earliest years to vice, and awakened by the passion for Hyacinthe, the young neophyte vowed to Apollo, to a con- sciousness of the sacrednes and purity of true love, Mme. Bertheroy has chostn no new theme; but her treatment of the subject is so masterly, her style so pure and classic, that, despite our- selves, our imagination and heart are captivated by the pathetic and simple romance of the little Pompeian dancer. That the times are troublous, that party polemics are increasing in virulence, and that cir- cumstances largely influence men, is probably the threefold reason of M. Alcanter de Brahm's resolution to publish shortly a book entitled "L'Ostensoir des Ironies." The announcement of his intention, however, would have received scant attention but for an ingenious advertisement. He has discovered (stand abashed, oh! ye shades of great grammarians) that our modern punctuation is lacking in a. most necessary adjunct, viz., the "point d'ironie." His book is to be adorned with this newly-invented period, which is reported to bear a vague resemblance to a tiny whip—the whip of satire, one journal terms it. Its origi- nator affirms that this period is as necessary as the interrogation mark, since many a barbed arrow misses its goal through inattention on the part of the reader. Personally, we have not found the Parisians lacking in a vivid appreciation of the mildest form of sarcasm, especially the sarcasms printed in their neighbours' news- papers, and the result has not always been par- ticularly agreeable to the English residents in * Erroneously given in onr last article as " La Dame ce Pompeii." ## p. 225 (#237) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 225 Paris. We have not yet been informed whether, in the event of a duel arising from a sarcasm which might have passed unnoticed if unmarked by the "point d'ironie," M. de Brahm considers the combatants should be armed with whips in lieu of pistols. Among the publications of the month, two books stand apart — the one by virtue of its quaintness, the other by its pithy, senten- tious wisdom. The first, "La Chanson des Choses," by M. Jerome Doucet (ed. Henri May) is a volume of poems; but what poems! Surely never before has poet inclined his ear to listen so closely and appreciatively to the voices of such a vast assemblage of inanimate lifeless objects. He endows each article with a clearly defined existence and personality; the absinth which takes a malicious joy in recounting the ills it occasions; the subtly-distilled perfume which daintily vaunts its own ethereal, impalpable essence; the mandoline whose cords vibrate with anger at seeing the singer receive the homage it deems its due; the jovial pot-au-feu agreeably conscious of its own importance at social functions, the plaintive weathercock, " sad perch' for the black raven," lamenting its own wearing away; the ponderous pendulum moving to and fro in regular order like two brave soldiers of the line; the caustic mirror, the humble pavement, and a numerous array of similar articles, each in turn are presented to the reader, and acquaint him with their rhythmic joys and griefs. In addition to its intrinsic merits, the various artists whose society M. Doucet affects have rendered the work a true Edition de luxe in illustrating and illuminating it with original drawings, etchings, and water-colour sketches, reproduced in every imaginable fashion. Among the artistic corps therein represented, we find the names of MM. Maurice Leloir, Edouard Detaille, Puvis de Chavannes, Mme. Madeleine Lemaire, Jules Lefebre, Jean-Paul Laurens, and a host of other fin-du-siecle celebrities. The second book, above alluded to, is " Nuances morales" (ed. Lemerre) by M. Valyere. A delicate fineness of observation and terse originality of thought make themselves felt in the apt concise phrases in which the author has chosen to garb his ideas. We open the book at random and straightway fall on such pithy reflections as the following: "Aimer, c'est montrer a la douleur ou elle peut f rapper.—L'homme coupe et dechire. La femme decoud, en enlevant jusqu'a la trace des points.—Arriver a propos, c'est une chance; s'en aller a propos, c'est un art.—Les gens froids ont l'avantage de ne pas varier comme les autres: au moral, comme au physique, la glace conserve.—II faut etre Ires jeune pour prctendre dire des choses VOL. IX. definitives.—On n'aime vraiment bien que les amis dont on est fier." We make no attempt to translate these and similar phrases well worthy of notice, having no desire to incur the censure of the irascible critic who likened the generality of translators to clumsy bunglers who drew the stopper from the wine-bin, thereby permitting the finer aroma and flavour of its contents to evapo- rate in the vain attempt to appreciate the liquor. M. Paul Meurice is now busily engaged in correcting his new volume, " Choses vues," which is expected to appear in March. Among other interesting matter, it contains the staple of Victor Hugo's daily conversations with Louis-Philippe in the "forties," at the epoch when the great French writer, then "pair de France," assidu- ously frequented the Tuileries. It is from the ample notes left by the latter that these dialogues are compiled. By a curious anomaly, all memoirs, biographies, and autobiographies con- nected with the Royalties of the nineteenth century have a ready sale in Republican France, as—to cite two instances among many—the popu- larity of M. Maurice Leudet's "GuiJlaume II. intime " and (more recently) " Nicolas II. intime" testifies. The literature relating to the Napoleonic era is, likewise, largely patronised. The national adoration of the great French conqueror is now an established cult; and amongst the most talented of the writers who celebrate the glories of that heroic age may be mentioned M. Georges d'Espartes, recently nominated chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur—of whom a compatriot re- marked, "Ce n'est pas un homme, c'est une epopee." M. d'Espartes boasts, in addition, the unenviable distinction of being the smallest man in his native province of Gascony. The committee of the cite Rougemont (Doubs), presided over by the well-known Academician M. Henri Houssaye, has decided to found a new lite- rary society, entitled " l'Encyclopedie de la Societe des gens de lettres." All knotty questions, proble- matic phrases, words or terms requiring explana- tion, &c., will be brought before the society, whose members will then mark the subjects they desire to undertake. Should more than one member elect to elucidate a given subject, the committee will decide on whom the duty shall devolve. The "Encyclopedic de la Societe des gens de lettres" already numbers eight hundred prospective members, each of whom has a speci- ality, being either poet, novelist, philologist, teacher, philosopher, military writer, historian, or savant; and every article written for the society will be printed under the signature of its author, who alone will be held responsible for its contents. The benefits of such an association are self-evident; it will probably be eminentlv suc- B B 2 ## p. 226 (#238) ############################################ 2 26 THE AUTHOR. cessful, since it recognises and provides for a long-felt want. M. Pierre Loti's eastern trip his not vet come off. The latest news received of him is that he has returned to Rochefort, rue Saint-Pierre, where his family have dwelt for generations. He intends to embark shortly on one of the mail steamers of the Extreme-Orient line, but declares himself unable to decide his ultimate destination. He will go whither the fates and the caprice of the moment lead him—" to Persia, perhaps; if not, elsewhere." At one time it was reported on good authority that M. Loti intended to land on the shores of the Indus, remain several weeks at Cabul, and from thence proceed to Teheran; and this is probably still his intention, if no adverse current or fair face intervene to lure him from his destined route. At any rate, the ques- tion will be satisfactorily solved when he gives us his promised volume of Eastern impressions. The " Femmes Nouvelles " and " Les Troncons du Glaive" of the brothers Margueritte have not yet been given to the public. Domestic cares, in- cluding the refusal of the Seine tribunal to grant the divorce demanded by M. Paul Margueritte, are accountable for this delay. The two brothers are now travelling in Italy with the children of the elder, and are reported to be busily engaged in pushing forward the works above cited. Differing entirely in outward appearance and character, the affection existing between the two Marguerittes is most touching, and truly " passeth the love of women." If the quality of the Dreyfus literature were on a par with its multiplicity, it would merit more than a passing notice; but, unfortunately, such is not the case. And now party polemics and journalism are likely to be more virulent than ever, owing to the changes brought about by the new election to the Presidency of the French Republic. Dakracotte Dene. FROM THE AMERICAN PAPERS. THE proposal to issue sixpenny novels in England has evoked an interesting com- mentary from a Boston correspondent of the New York Times. Contrary to the view entertained by the firm of publishers who are about to introduce the system, this writer states that any bookseller of even moderate experience knows that the sale of the more costly edition of a book will be diminished by the appearance of a cheap edition of the same book. An excellent American house publishes cloth and paper editions almost simultaneously, charging 4*. for one and 2s. for the other. There are a few persons who dislike paper covers, but their number diminishes yearly, most buyers preferring the economical course which allows them to buy two books in paper covers for the price of one in cloth. Moreover, they want paper-covered editions of everything, from the classics down to the newest copyrighted novel. Concerning this, however, it will be obsei ved that while the American writer speaks of books published at 4s. and 2s., the proposal of Messrs. Methuen is to issue novels simultaneously in 6s. and 6d. editions; and it is obvious that so far as quality of paper, binding, and appearance go, there must be a greater difference between the two latter than between the two former. He proceeds to state that, although the number of books sold has increased immensely both in the United States and in Great Britain, the average price and the average profit were never so small as now, and both grow smaller. "There are still readers who value books more than money, and pay for them wi lingly; there are still superbly honest, honour- able publishers who resist all temptations to descend to the newest devices for obtaining the thirty pieces of silver without seeming to betray and abandon all Christian teaching, but nobody encourages either the honest reader or the honest publisher. The dishonest reader calls the first a fool and the second a miser. The dishonest publisher hates the first, and does his best to ruin the second. The evil of which both are victims has its sources beyond and below litera- ture and the trade in literary products. Its name is avarice." The writer publishes the following conversations—which are not manu- factured, but "are transcribed from notes made in an excellent shop "—to illustrate the demand for the " paper-cover" in America: 1. Customer.—Have you " Isabel Carnaby "f Salesman. — "Concerning Isabel Carnaby "? Yes, Madam. Seventy-five cents. C.—Oh! I don't—want—that! Doesn't it come in paper? S.—Yes, Madam; there it is. C.—I suppose it's jnat the same as the other? (Suspi- ciously.) Is it just the same? Do you know that it is just the same? S.—Yes, Madam. C.—Then why is it cheaper? But I'll take it. I'm not going to pay seventy-five cents for a book! (Exit with the air of one who teaches valuable lessons to young men.) 11. (Time, early in 1897.) Customer.—Have you " Quo Vadis" in paper covers? Salesman.—No, Sir. C.—Great mistake! Book ought to be within reach of everybody. What is the price of the cheap edition? S—There is no cheap edition. C.—No cheap edition? (Exit, speechless.) ## p. 227 (#239) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 227 in. Customer (wearing the best of English clothes and worth, watch and jewellery included, at least 800 dollars as he stands. He addresses the salesman confidentially)—Er— when is Lord Roberts's book going to appear in paper? Ten dollars is too much for one book! Salesman (not confidentially, but cheerfully, being young and fancying that he is doing a favour).—There is a cheap edition now, T50 dollars; cost you 1 '88 dollars. Customer.- -Can't waste money, yon know! I'll wait for the paper! (Departs to join the band waiting for paper " Bismarcks," "Forbidden Lands," and" Ave Romas.") IV. Charitable Dame.—Is this the Prayer Book and Hymnal counter? Salesman.—Yes, Madam. (He surveys an array of about two hundred styles, and wonders what counter she thought it was.) C.—Well, you see, I have a olass of po-oo-or boys in Sunday school. (Pauses.) S.—Yes, Madam. "C.—It's a ve-ry poor class! S.—Yes, Madam. Er-very-er-kind of you! C. (rapidly).—And I thought as I shall want a large quantity—there are five of the boys—you may give me a special discount on tbe paper-covered editions. It's for charity you know and Christmas and at this blessed season we all want to do something. S.—Yes, Madam. Delighted, if we could, Madam, but we don't carry paper-covered Prayer Books and Hymnals, Madam. Might try and 's. They have 'em —if any one does! (Customer goes.) Charity! The American newspaper publishers have pre- sented to the American members of the Joint High Commission and to Congress a statement asking that a policy be adopted which shall protect American forests by securing a revocation .of the present duty on print paper and pulp from Canada. This memorial, which is presented officially through the American Newspaper Pub- lishers' Association, discloses a somewhat striking condition of the paper trade which will be inte- resting to England, as the paper-makers of England have lately passed through a period of critical competition against cheap paper from America. The memorialists state that the honest intentions which originally induced the estab- lishment of the tariff duty on paper and pulp have been perverted to further the purposes of a recently formed corporation, the International Paper Company, and that every newspaper publication in the country east of the Rocky Mountains has been placed at the mercy of that corporation. The statement, which was pre- sented on Jan. 30, continues :— Within the last week we are advised that the Inter- national Paper Company has acquired fourteen additional mills, representing the plants of three large concerns, and that it is negotiating for three other properties, which represent all the output from the independent mills in the territory east of Michigan. In view of the fact that the International Paper Company is. selling its surplus paper in England, Australia, and Japan, in successful competition with Canadian, German, and Swedish manufacturers, and in view of the important point that the International Paper Company is protected by reason of its proximity to its customers to the extent of an average of 1 °6o dollars per ton, and by reason of its ability to obtain cheaper and better supplies of coal and chemicals, we fail to see the occasion for giving sanction to its abuse of governmental protection. The International Paper Company is a combination of twenty-four mills (sinoe expanded to thirty) which has been capitalised at 55,ooo,ooo dollars. The entire product of this large combination could be duplicated with modern and better machinery at less cost per pound upon a capi- talisation of 15,ooo,ooo dollars. In gathering together its assortment of mills the paper company acquired every available spruce tract where cheap timber could be had and every large water power, with one exoeption, where substantial competition might otherwise be established. This object was easily attained, because our spruce supply is being exhausted at the rate of 17,000 square miles per annum. The memorial then points out that no suc- cessful competition with the International Paper Company is possible in the United States under existing circumstances, the trust having acquired all the possible facilities of paper production. "A tax on newspapers," they remark in con- clusion, " operates indirectly, as did the stamp tax of Europe, to suppress newspapers. It is a tax of 2,000,000 dollars per annum on in- telligence, a tax on popular education and on political knowledge." The whole episode is another illustration of the power and extent of the trust system in the United States. A good deal of attention has lately been given to the work of a new American humourist, entitled "Mr. Dooley in Peace and War." In this book Martin Dooley, saloon-keeper, Chicago, talks in a quaint dialect and most amusing fashion of such subjects as the recent war, the police, labouring men, and ward polities. The author of the work is Mr. F. P. Dunne, a Chicago journalist. NOTES AND NEWS. THE Joke Market in America appears to be in a condition of great prosperity. According to the Writer of Boston, jokes are in large demand. Those who supply jokes profes- sionally are increasing in numbers and in wealth. There are between 150 and 200 writers of good jokes in the States. As regards the character of the demand, it is interesting to read that " two- line jokes sell best: the short, crisp dialogue is in fashion: 'printed' paragraphs can always command a price: puns are not wanted." A regular method is pursued by the Worshipful ## p. 228 (#240) ############################################ 228 THE AUTHOR. Company of Joke-makers. It is described as follows: Professional joke-writers bave a regular system for offer- ing their jokes to editors. A good way is to send out the jokes in packets of ten or a dozen at a time, typewritten on slips—perhaps three inches wide and eight inches long— which are bound together by brass paper fasteners at the left-hand side, and perforated about an inch from the left- hand margin, so that any joke may be easily torn out. Sheets of ordinary typewriter paper should be kept on hand, perforated, ready for use. The jokes should be type- written on these sheets, which should afterwards be cut into slips and made into a little coupon book by using brass fasteners. Only one joke should be written on any slip, and the writer should put his name and address on each slip, preferably with a small rubber stamp. Two brass binders should be used, one at the top and one at the bottom. When jokes are offered in this way, the editor can easily tear out what he wants and send back the rest. The jokes returned may be made up into a new book and sent to another editor, and so on, until all are sold or proved un- saleable. Care must be taken not to offer the same joke twioe to any editor. A great many letters have been received charging editors in general terms with neglecting to return MSS. or to answer letters. I have already more than once stated the case briefly for editors. I do not believe that this special charge can be fairly made against the general body. I should like to impress upon those who complain, that editors, particularly of the more popular magazines, are literally overwhelmed with MSS.: that it is difficult to cope with the great mass of MSS. that are sent in; that delays, therefore, must be expected. It seems to me that general experience points to the fact that most editors, especially of respectable magazines, are courteous in their replies and as prompt as can be expected in their judgments. I would call attention to the tribute of recognition paid in these columns to certain papers who pay on acceptance. 1 think that if proprietors or editors of magazines understood the enormous boon they would confer on accepted contributors by forwarding a cheque at once, the practice would become widely extended. As it is, when payment is only made on publication the editor is tempted unconsciously to accept more than he is able to use, while the contributor waits, hoping against hope, till he is heartsick at the delay. It is announced in another column that a Canadian Society of Authors has been founded. This should be good news if the Society take, as may be expected of them, a right view of the situation and its requirements. By far the most important point to keep before our eyes is the maintenance of an International Copyright, especially, and above all, between the nations of the Anglo-Saxon race. There are now six nations of the race. It is imperative in the interests, pre- sent and future, of these nations that they should have their current literature, as they have their past literature, in common. A return to the villainous old system of protection and piracy is certain to work infinite mischief to all these nations. We want a free and open publication of books and papers written by natives of all these countries: we want freedom of production everywhere: it is in the highest interests of literature that this freedom should exist: it is also in their commercial interests. If, for instance, Canada were to repudiate her share in Inter- national Copyright, it would undoubtedly lead to the ruin of her own authors, who are small in numbers, however good in quality. Piracy, when it was legally possible, ruined American authors. Piracy would ruin Canadians. We trust that this new Society will be a great and active influence in the maintenance of the true interests of literature. "We are informed that the Publishers' Association invited the Society of Authors to confer with it on the draft agreements it drew up last summer; but the Society declined the invitation. We do not at all like the agree- ments, but the Society should not have declined to discuss them in a friendly spirit. Perhaps it would have converted the Association to our view." This paragraph appeared in the Athenseum of Jan. 28, and the statement was repeated in the number for Feb. 18. I referred the matter to Mr. Or. H. Thring, and have received the follow- ing reply: "It has been stated in the Athenseiim on two occasions—on the latter in its issue of Feb. 18—• that the Society of Authors refused to confer with the Publishers' Association regarding the agree- ments published by that body. It is impossible to let such a statement go before the public with- out a direct denial. When the Society heard that the publishers were about to advance these agree- ments, the secretary wrote asking if they would kindly forward them to the Society's offices for criticism in The Author. The agreements were forwarded in due course, as no doubt the Associa- tion knew that they must come to the office in a very short time. No overture was made by the publishers either before or during the settlement of the agreements or afterwards, when they were sent to the Authors' Society, asking the Society to confer with the Publishers' Association on the subject. It wasonly after my criticisms and your own had appeared that one of the members of the Association in an unofficial manner regretted that such overtures had not been taken, but stated that " he though it was now too late." Whether or not the Society would have accepted such overtures is an entirely different matter, the settle- ## p. 229 (#241) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 229 meat of which must have rested with the com- mittee; but one point is quite clear, namely, that the statement made in the Athenaeum, from whatever source obtained, is without foundation." Observe, that this attack upon the Society follows close upon the attack on my book, in which there is nothing that has not been already advanced or sanctioned by the Society. One naturally asks whether a paper, called by some the "leading" literary journal, should, in common decency, take a side against those who work in the interests of literature. One asks whether literature really means advertisements. And one asks, besides, whether it is the author or the pub- lisher who creates the literature which is adver- tised. I have long been of opinion, and am now much more decidedly of opinion, that authors must claim and demand a voice as to advertisements. In a profit-sharing agreement they should have a voice both as to the amount to be spent and the organs in which the advertisements should appear. In a royalty agreement or in a sale outright they should have a veto only. In the same way they should have a veto in the sending out of press copies. The veto and the voice could be rele- gated to the Society, where a list of papers could be kept in which a book should be advertised, and of papers to which it should be sent for review. It is needless to point out that this simple assumption of power would at one step enormously raise and strengthen the position of the author. They would choose between literary papers for advertisement and for review. And that step would certainly make literary journals more careful about attacking the interests of literature and more guarded in depreciating and misrepresenting societies or writers who maintain and defend their interests. I shall begin at once to ventilate this question, and I invite members of the Society, and authors generally, to consider this question and to favour us with their views. "The Pen and the Rook" was not sent out for review. My intention was that members of the Society should have the first opportunity of reading it, and that, before sending it to the press, I should have the benefit of their private opinions and criticisms. Now, as the Athenaeum has noticed it without having a copy sent, the question arises whether it is necessary to send review copies of any book to a paper which evidently does not want them. Other papers make a condition of having a book sent to them. There- fore if we want tht-ir reviews we must send copies of the book. But the Athenaeum kindly notices the book without having a copy at all. Therefore —I call attention especially to this point—it seems mere waste to present a copy of any book to this paper. If 6000 books are published every year at an average trade price of 4*. each, that means ;£i200 a year thrown away and wasted. This is a large sum of money, which might j ust as well have been saved and the books themselves sold to the public. Walter Besant. FEUILLETON. A SECOND-CLASS NOVEL. ENERAL GRAYLE was a hard, resolute, I nr sensible man, and he was a disciplinarian by inclination and training. He had a family of four sons and three daughters; and William Grayle, who was the youngest son, and the cleverest lad, was articled to a solicitor when he was seventeen. William detested the solicitor and the office and the Law, but none of the young Grayles thought seriously of gainsaying the General, so William cast about in his mind for a means of proving to his father that he could make money without the law's aid, and to this end" Dennis O'Hara "—who was William Grayle now out of his teens and commencing his twenties—wrote a novel. He bestowed a great deal of pains upon it, but when it had been rejected by four leading firms of publishers he was very much discouraged, and put the manu- script aside. By this time he was out of his articles. Then General Grayle caught a heavy cold, which developed into bronchitis, and, as he angrily refused to "coddle," he died after a week's illness, and four months later his sons received .£6000 each from the executors appointed by his will. William asked himself anxiously what he was to do with the money. It was his ambition to live in the country and hunt; but there was no possibility of doing so on the interest which .£6000 would safely bring in, and to spend the capital would be madness. He could not con- quer his aversion to the Law as a profession, so there was nothing for it but to put his capital and his energies into some business which might bring in big profits rapidly. And then an idea occurred to William Grayle. Why should he not enter a publishing firm, and learn what sort of books really do sell, and why a mysterious, insuperable obstacle seemed to stand between hard-working Dennis O'Hara and publication, which was Dennis's only means of advancement? So Mr. William Grayle attended smoking con- certs assiduously and was introduced in due course to half-a-dozen journalists and a couple ## p. 230 (#242) ############################################ 230 THE AUTHOR. of novelists, and he asked questions in a quiet way when he saw his opportunity. As the result he confided his purpose to a literary agent, but requested him not to reveal the identity of Dennis O'Hara and William Grayle. Four months later William became the junior partner of Mr. Albert Guddle, who had recently severed his connection with the well-known firm of Gunning, Guddle, and Hooker, and had estab- lished an independent publishing business. Grayle learned a great deal—a very great deal —in the course of the next three months, and then Dennis O'Hara sat down in his club one night and wrote a short letter to Messrs. Guddle and Grayle, to whom he despatched his manu- script novel by parcel post the same evening. On the following morning when Mr. William Grayle entered the senior partner's room to talk over various matters of business he found Mr. Guddle listlessly turning over the pages of O'Hara's manuscript. "I say, Grayle," Mr. Guddle began in a dis- contented voice, " Belfer's ill, or says he is" (Mr. Belfer " read" for the firm of Guddle and Grayle) "and here are half-a-score of manuscripts. It's a waste of time to keep them hanging about. Seven or eight of 'em have been all round the trade already, as I can see by the edges. You might just glance at the first few pages and the last chapter, Grayle, if you can find time, and then keep 'em a week or ten days and send 'em back with a form unless you see something that strikes you as very extraordinary. But here are a couple that may be worth something. Here's a Christmassy kind of yarn by Miss Bookham. Rather short and trucky, and it's been serialised, and no doubt it was built for a girls' serial, but it might do for one of our Christmas books. Good aunts, you know, give her stories to their nieces. And she's not an agency woman, so I daresay we can get her cheap. And then there's this thing by a man called O'Hara—never heard of him. He writes a fist rather like your own," Mr. Guddle continued, pointing to the manuscript, "so perhaps you can read it; for I can't get on very well with it. I wish these unknown authors would get their stuff typewritten. Anyhow, the manuscript is clean and looks pretty new, and it would be a pity to let a good thing slip." "I'll read it with pleasure," said William Grayle. Ten days later he presented to Mr. Guddle a report on O'Hara's novel. It was a favourable report on the whole, but Grayle believed that it was just; for he was a proud young man and •onscientious in his way, and he would have pre- ferred to remain unheard all his life rather than obtain a hearing by unduly vaunting his work. With the report he handed the manuscript to Mr. Guddle. The senior partner read the report attentively. "H'm, not bad," he remarked, and then he raised the manuscript in one hand and judged its weight. "It's rather a slab," he said. And then he began to speak of other matters, and did not revert to the subject of O'Hara's novel at that season. But a month later, when Mr. Belfer had been at work again for some little time, Mr. Guddle mentioned the matter once more. "Belfer's had a look at O'Hara's novel," said the senior partner to Mr. Grayle, " and his report is more favourable than yours. He likes the stuff. You mustn't think, you know, Grayle, that I don't rely on your judgment, but you aren't in the writing line yourself, and you haven't had anything like Belfer's experience. I've read a good deal of the yarn myself. It's g- .! solid work, though I'm not inclined to think it will set the Thames on fire. However, it's safe, and I'm disposed to take it as a second-class novel." "What's that?" asked Mr. William Grayle, with genuine interest. "Well, you see," replied Mr. Guddle, "I do about twenty of 'em in the year, and they go to pay salaries, and postage, and so on. There are the books you push and boom if you can. Those are the first-class novels. There's and there's ; as you know, we publish for both. Some- times there's a lot of money in it, as you've seen; but they're both big pots and both agency men, and of course the agents know pretty well what's in a book to a fraction, and they see that the author gets a jolly big suck at the orange. That's their interest. I don't blame the agents, as men of business; naturally they want a big turn- over to take their commission on and a paying clientele, and they're quite right to get both if they can. But agency is death on the grand old profits that there used to be for us, Grayle, and it's a fact that out of three books I published for , I lost over one. A thumping advance, you know, on account of a 25 per cent. royalty rising to 275 per cent., and only the English volume rights. Well, the second of tbe books was overweighted, and I lost—not much, but still I lost. So it's a speculation, and publishing for the big men means hard work and anxious work sometimes; and you've got to make the small fry help to pay staff expenses and bring in sums that are more or less trifling but certain— no risk, no worry, and no hard work. Now, O'Hara is just that man. And he's not an agency man, so if we offer him a deferred royalty after, say, 500 copies, the chances are he'll take it. ## p. 231 (#243) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 231 "I don't quite understand," said Grayle. "Surely if a book's go,,d enough to publish it's worth pushing." "Oh, certainly, to the extent of 75001' 1000 copies," replied Mr. Guddle, "but not beyond, unless it's a safe sale from the very first. And, taking them in the lump, it would mean a loss to push these minor works beyond that. Every now and then, in the lump, you get a book that has a much bigger sale in it, if it were pushed; but ordinarily, if you were ti put .£20 or .£30 extra into advertising a minor work and a lot of time and energy into shoving it along—well, you wouldn't do what I call really satisfactory busi- with two out of three. So the best thing is to clump 'em in altogether, regard 'em as safeties, and deal with 'em all in the same way. The quality of this yarn of O'Hara's will get it an easy sale of 750 copies in England. I never stint my second-class books unduly, and I'll spend .£10 in advertising—I'll spend that in cash. I'll have 1000 copies printed, and I'll bind 250 at once and the rest as needed. I may sell a few to the colonies and a small edition to America. But no expense, mind me, after the first 1000; no taking moulds—it's wise but strict economy that does it with second-class novels, Grayle. Liberate the type and go on to the next. The book will cost me from .£80 to .£85 all told, and it will bring in .£120 or £125; I can make sure of that, Now, if I had to pay the author a royalty of a shilling a copy on the published price of the six shilling edition, and to account to him for 750 copies, it would cost me £37 10s. to settle up with the author, and where should I be unless I pushed the book? And then it wouldn't be a safe second-class novel. But if I pay him 10 per cent. on the published price—and mind you, Grayle, that's generous; it's the published price, not the price to the trade; and he must be told it's generous, for we might like to see his next—well, if I pay him 10 per cent. after 500 copies, and pay him on 250 or thereabouts, he'll get about .£7 j0s., and I shall do very well indeed. And it'll be better for him," added Mr. Guddle with a .chuckle and a wink; "won't lead him into extra- vagance, or make him think he can live by author- ship, and if he comes here with another book, he'll come in a proper frame of mind. Why, some smallish firms live entirely by publishing second-class books in this way." "But isn't it just a tiny bit hard on the author?" asked William Grayle dryly, "to be oondemned to a kind olfiasco beforehand?" "My dear Grayle," said Mr. Guddle, " I set up in business as a commercial man, not as a philan- thropist or art-patron. I carry on my trade on the usual business principles; I make as much money as I can, where I can, and how I can. I give an author as little for a book as he'll take. Hang it all, if a man wanted to sell you houses or horses or dogs, you'd get 'em as cheap as you could, wouldn't you Y It's the vendor's look-out; if he's got any sense he knows how business men deal. And it's a competitive world, Grayle, and either you can make a fortune in this business as a commercial man, or leave it alone and drop out and see others do it. Well, we're giving a lot of time to a second-class novel. Will you write to this man O'Hara and offer him 10 per cent. on the published price after 500 copies have been sold?" "Oh yes, of course I'll make the offer," answered William Grayle. "Oh—and look here, Grayle," Mr. Guddle resumed, "Belfer thinks there may really be something big in the novel, so we'll just snap up the copyright under a clause of the agree- ment. Every now and then you get hold of a book that booms itself. So instead of making it a licence to us to publish and reserving the copyright to the author, we'll make the cession of the copyright to us the consideration for which we pay the 10 percent. Twig? O'Hara won't understand the wording. Perhaps it's a woman; let's hope so. And if he or she con- sents to that I'll change my mind and we'll speculate to the extent of having moulds taken. The book may prove a property, and it's as well to look all round the deal. But I'll dictate the form of agreement. And now let's go on to something bigger." When Mr. William Grayle had left the senior partner's room and closed the door behind him, . he stood still for a moment, then he shook his head and sighed sadly. Two days later Mr. Dennis O'Hara declined with thanks the offer of Messrs. Guddle and Grayle, and the manuscript was returned to the author. "There are always plenty of second-class novels about,"' said Mr. Guddle. "We'll wait for the next. I expect O'Hara has been talking to some agent." "Perhaps he has," said William Grayle. Molecule. THE LITERARY AGENT. OWING to the increase in the value of literary property, and the universal dis- trust of publishers as a class, a second middleman, in addition to the publisher, has sprung up of late years, namely, the literary agent. And as the literary agent is supposed to ## p. 232 (#244) ############################################ 232 THE AUTHOR. be doing well, there threatens to be a run upon the profession. With the influx of new men will follow certain dangers against which it is well to warn our readers. That the literary agent fills a useful place, and in many cases is absolutely essential, cannot be denied by anybody who has property to be administered. In the same way as people who have large estates are forced to employ agents to manage them properly, agents who understand all the business connected with such property, so the author with a property, large or small, has also the need of his agent. Many and necessary are the warnings which have been given in The Author as to the dealings of authors with publishers. It is necessary, now that the authors' agent is rapidly multiplying, that some precautions should be observed with regard to the dealings of authors with the managers of their property. No author, to begin with, should employ an agent without having thoroughly reliable informa- tion as to his honesty and as to his capacity in placing authors' MSS. before editors and publishers. Such information can only be obtained either from a friend who has had jiersonal experience, or from the Society of Authors. If an author then decides to employ an agent, he should be as careful in entering into an agreement with him as he would be in entering into an agreement with a publisher. In fact, as the relation between an author and his agent is exceedingly confidential, an author should be even more careful as to his agreement. It should be further pointed out that, although an agent may have had considerable legal experience in the matter of drafting publishers' contracts, yet an agent is not, as a rule, a lawyer, and that, there- fore, it is not advisable for an author to accept an arrangement put before him by an agent without some further advice as to the desirability of the terms contained in the contract. It has been stated that certain agents take money from publishers in return for placing books with them. No proof of this allegation has yet been discovered, and one hopes that the thing is the invention of an enemy. It is needless to say that such a practice would be the most flagrant breach of trust. It would be exactly as if a solicitor was to take money from his client's adversary as well as his client. It is possible, again, that a case such as the fol- lowing might occur: An agent is exceedingly busy with the works of many authors. It is important that he should get some of them settled and off his hands at the earliest possible opportunity. He therefore in a moment of carelessness advises an author to accept such terms as would not be on the whole satisfactory in their result to the author. This is an exceptional case, and is one which is not likely to occur frequently; but the point still remains that the author cannot be too careful about what agreement he enters into, whether such agreement is put before him by the publisher, or by the publisher through his own agent. The mere question of the financial terms of an agreement is by no means the only one which should be looked into. In some cases the control of the property is even of more importance to the author than the financial question. The warning must therefore be repeated that an author cannot be too circumspect as to the agent he deals with, and as to the contract he has with that agent. The following letter is published because it illus- trates the necessity of an agreement, if only to escape misunderstandings: "Your remarks concerning the possibility of disagreement between author and agent suggest to me the propriety of offering myself to your ridicule or your sympathy by a brief relation of my own conduct. "An agent is no more to be trusted than a publisher, and to suppose that any agency — necessarily having its own axe to grind—can take the place of the Authors' Society is manifestly absurd. "My own case, briefly stated, is as follows: I had an agent, and I trusted him implicitly. I say 'he' as a matter of convenience, but there were several of him, and some of him were clever and kind, but one of him was something unbusi- nesslike. In my first interview I asked what were my agent's terms. The answer was ' 10 per cent. on all sales effected by us.' This seemed all right, and I thought an angel and an agent were the same, so I did not consult the Authors' Society, as I should have done, and consequently no written agreement was signed by my agent and me. "My agent sold a few things advantageously, but he muddled my affairs in one or two ways. Thus, a religious story was ordered of me by an American journal for young people, and at the same time I was asked to write a story for a lively London journal. My agent sent my pious tale to the lively journal and my society story to the Young People's Magazine. Both stories were of course rejected, and by the time the mistake was rectified it was too late. Since then I have had no orders from either paper. "At the end of the year I found that I had lost considerably by the agency, so I decided to sever the connection. My agent agreed to this. Then he sent in his account. I found to my dismay that he had not only charged the i 0 per cent. as well as out-of-pocket expenses, but had made a charge — and a rather high one — for ## p. 233 (#245) ############################################ THE AUTHOli. 233 unsuccessful efforts to place other stories, a thing never mentioned between us, and in itself a con- tradiction of our agreement as to payment by results. I protested; but he was able to enforce his charges because he had in hand certain moneys of mine. "Also I found that I had pledged myself to pay a percentage, not on a year's profits, such as is charged by house agents and the like, nor on the profits of any number of years, but on all receipts accruing through time and eternity from MSS. placed by my agent. So that, however good or however bad may be the sale of those books, my agents have for ever a charge on my profits of 10 per cent. "I hope all this is clear. It will be seen from my weak trust in a verbal agreement that I am no business man. But there must be other authors not more discerning, more crafty, than I. To t,uch I would say: (1) Engage no agent without the Society's advice; (2) engage no agent without a written agreement; (3) sign no agreement without consulting the Society; (4) remember that a literary agent is just like a publisher in that he makes his living out of authors; therefore be sure that you know exactly what he means to take, and whether it is also what vou mean him to have." Z. This letter reads like a comment on the pre- ceding remarks. All the difficulties, in fact, arose from the absence of a written agreement. Had there been a written agreement the author would have understood that, in taking over the management of the book the agent undertook to make the best of it, taking the commission as the money came in, as long as there was anything to be made out of it. Also he would have understood that the agent did not profess—it is not usual for an agent to profess — to hawk about literary wares from house to house unsuccessfully for nothing. It is quite common for an agent to charge at the outset a certain fee, which is returned in the case of success. As for the mistake between the lively and the religious papers it was tragic, but one would like to hear the other side before accepting it as a proof of muddling. Did the author make it quite clear, on the outside, because agents do not read MSS., which was intended for the lively, and which for the serious, paper? The moral of the letter is that without a written agreement these misunderstandings are inevitable. With an agreement they should be difficult, if not impossible. BE ONE AND NOTHING ELSE. IWAS immensely astonished, on reading the January Author through from end to end— a thing I invariably do when it manages to reach me—to see, just on the last page, myself quoted as an instructor of literary youth. I never imagined that anyone would come across my obscure "confession." The advice, "If you can beg, borrow, or steal as much as .£50 a year, cut yourself off from everything and write," has rather a reckless and immoral ring about it, and I should like to correct or justify it a little. For it is an advice to parents and guardians as much as to debutants and debutantes. The desire to be an author is as palpable an itch as the desire to run away to sea. It can be nipped in the bud sometimes, but the advisa- bility of doing so is always a moot question. Vagabonds and authors are born and not made, "and like the merlin cheated by a gleam," as your New Zealand correspondent beautifully and appositely puts it, they will soar into the fierce light sooner or later. Their wings may be of wax, in which case they will have a heavy fall; but the fall itself will be the best blight to a wrong ambition. My opinion is, give them their head—both of them. My own original impulse as a boy was to go to sea; I was actually appren- ticed, when my parents opposed, and I went into the Civil Service instead. But what is the result? I have become both a vagabond and an author after all. There is a story in the Christmas number of the Sketch, by Dr. Macdonald, which also illustrates the matter; the young man had a hard time, but Dr. Macdonald became an author. In trying to be an author a young man or woman will find their level, and even if they fail, their efforts will probably have been as good as any other beginning in showing them the way, and giving the opportunities, to adapt themselves to a more suitable profession. On the other hand, as you point out in your preface of „ The Pen and the Book," authorship is now just as good and respectable a profession as the Church or Medicine, and worth having a try at. In the first place, then, to parents, I give this advice. If your son or daughter wants to write, allow them JE50 a year and three years to try in. You cannot apprentice them to any other profession for less, and they will learn a lot about the world which will serve them in good stead if they fail in literature. They may become editors or pub- lishers, for instance, a business as good as shop- keeping; or literary journalists, which you may be sure they will not do if they are fitted for more active pursuits. ## p. 234 (#246) ############################################ 234 THE AUTHOR. Secondly, to young men between twenty and thirty, who, after being put in the wrong grooves at the start, think they can be authors. If you have got no money or rich relatives, you have no choice; but if you have got either, I repeat, chuck up everything and write. .£100 can be made to last you two years, and that will be long enough if you are already a man. Mr. Le Gallienne once talked about "the paltry .£250 a year" which a millionaire could so easily spare to patronise a poet. If a man feels he needs this income for writing he probably has mistaken the profession of literature for the profession of society. .£50 a year is enough; £100 a year is comfort. You only want a little attic at .£ 12 a year, and tea and bread and bacon at is. a day, or say £20 a year, and one old suit of clothes and an overcoat. This still leaves you £10 for tobacco and the gallery of a theatre and a penny paper. When I said "cut yourself off from everything " I was thinking particularly of society. The society which requires a clean shirt and a tall hat will not benefit your work. I presume, of course, that you have had enough "experiences," have seen enough "colour," to provide you with copy for your trial. If not, you must earn your living in some more usual way until you /tare " copy." Believing that you can write implies that you have something to write about; that you have been in love or seen the world. This is your wealth; the rent and food money is merely the broker's commission on your investment. You mean to speculate on your brain-wealth; then do it thoroughly. Precept without example is nothing; the only example a man knows is himself, and since I have already, when I thought I had done with literature, made a humiliating exhibition of my- self, I shall do so again. Hereby I convey my first maxim: never go back on yourself. If you commit a folly, bluff it out; it is your follies which mark your character, and by your cha- racter you must stand or fall. Never act; never try to be other than you are. Practise self- control, especially in writing to publishers and papers; but when you have made a mistake do not repine, do not think that you have irretriev- ably belittled yourself, but let your dead blunders be incentives, be stepping stones to things of better fame. In the same way with your work; teach yourself by failure. Keep before you unceasingly the ambition of success, and never allow the disgrace of an idiotic or con- temptible book to deter you from wiping out its shame by a better. There is room in the world, and time in life, for many blunders, and in litera- ture, as in business and in war, one victory con- dones a thousand defeats. Here I am using myself as example—I hope an encouraging example. I have made a notorious exhibition of myself both in politics, in literature, and in society; but I cast these follies behind me and present myself again, determined to retrieve them. Besides the blunders of conceit there stands before most of us the damnable crevice of poverty. I again offer myself as an example of persistence. I will no longer go back on myself and ape, as I have long done, the secure suffi- ciency of a man of means. My sufficiency is myself now, and it is better than money. Six years ago I embarked on literature with a capital of .£15, and managed to place four books. Twice I was driven into slavery by need, and I have calculated that exactly three years out of five were taken up with the sordid troubles of mere living. A year ago I could stand it no longer, and left England, believing myself finally defeated. After six months of vagabondage, with a capital of £5, I came back as near to the market as I could beat, and wrote another book. I did not seek work; I practised my gospel of living on my capital and writing. The capital being small the living had to be exiguous and the writing hard. I spread the 25 dollars over two months, and wrote my book in that time, fiuishing almost to the miuute on Christmas day. You see, then, that if you have fifty pounds and "copy " you are a millionaire; lucky, indeed, if you have an allowance of .£50 a year for three years. And yet it means at a maximum but a capital of .£200 to save a man from three years of absolutely barren and heart-breaking waste and experiences which render his work morbid, pessimistic, detrimental! Here am I, at the age of thirty, after publishing several books and stories, stranded high and dry in ruined health, trying to hold together till the tide turns and floats me again, through no vice, inaptitude, or lack of diligence I swear, but simply because I have never been able to get two consecutive years of assured living. I repudiate any suspicion that I am asking for help; 1 have stood by myself long enough to stand by myself to the end. But I know the reason of my poverty has from the beginning been the contempt of my relatives for the profession I have adopted, and I give myself as a warning to other parents who obstinately condemn their sons and daughters to go through a similar experience. Although I am averse to logrolling, and have never had a " paragraph " in The Author during a membership of some years, I shall take the liberty of referring you to a second instalment of my "confessions" in the January number of the New Century Review. ## p. 235 (#247) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 235 It shows how the writing itch prevails over all resolutions of abandonment, and gives also, I think, a good hint how to isolate yourself and seek health and copy at the same time. In conclusion, I will say this. Whether I shall turn the corner this time remains to be seen; but for the encouragement of the faltering I declare that, although my noviciate of hardship has been prolonged beyond the two and beyond the live years, I am still perfectly happy, and confident, if my precarious health lasts out, of ultimate success, and more assured to-day than ever that if I had been able to " stick to writing and nothing else " from the beginning I should by this time have been earning a "respectable living." On the other hand, always supposing I live long enough, I shall probably rejoice in my disap- pointments later on; for I have this to add—and it is a sort of warning also—that whereas six years ago I thought I knew everything, was a full-grown man, I only now begin to see how little of life I know. But if any of you should happen to have read my book " Max," which I wrote just four years ago, you will see a marked difference between my despair then and my con- fidence now. You will discover that your own literary ambition is far more tough and tenacious than you think. If you have got it in you, you will get there—never fear. At the same time, it is foolish to waste your youth in bitterness if you can go straight forward from the start, and cruel of parents to force j on to. Julian Croskey. P.O. Ottawa, Canada, Jan. 30, 1899. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. (See The Author Feb. 1899). I. IBEG leave to recommend the " Cyclopaedia of Practical Quotations," by Hoyt and Ward. According to that work, p. 87, the lines alluded to run thus: Perhaps it was right to dissemble your love, Bat why did yon kick me down stairs '< The reference is given to J. P. Kemble," The Panel," act i., sc. 1. Walter W. Skeat. The lines quoted by Mr. J. M. Lely may be found in at least three places, and, apparently, without any interchange of acknowledgment. They appear in Debrett's "Asylum for Fugitive Pieces," Vol. I., p. 15; and in John Philip Kemble's play " The Panel," act i., sc. i., Kemble has clearly borrowed and altered the lines from what may be claimed as the original source, Isaac Bickerstaff's comedy, "'Tis Well it's no Worse." They form part of a song, and the full quatrain, as usually given, runs: "When late I attempted your pity to move Why seemed yon so deaf to my prayers? Perhaps it was right to dissemble yonr love, Bnt why did you kiok me down stairs?" James M. Graham. [Edith Charlton Anne and E. C. Ricketts also- send replies, which are in similar terms to the above.—Ed,] I am strongly reminded of some lines of Heinrich Heine: Das Schworen in der Ordnung war, Das Beissen war iiberfliissig. This passage is quoted by George Meredith in chap. iv. of "The Tragic Comedians," where we find a most eloquent dialogue between hero and heroine—Alvan and Clotilde. The chapter bristles with fine thought, and of these special lines repeated by Alvan to the lady Mr. M- calls them " a verse that speaks of the superfluous- ness of a faithless lady's vowing bite," translating them thus: The kisses were in the course of things, The " bite" was a needless addition. JX—"Who Am I Like?" . The verb " to be " governs the nominative case; thus, "who am I like ?" is correct, the "am I" being present tense of the verb "to be." Most verbs govern the accusative, thus, anolher rendering of the question could be "whom do I resemble?" Next question—" Whomsoever he may be " is wrong ; it should be " whosoever," the " may bo" being the subjunctive mood of the verb "to be." _ Grammar. III.—Wanted, Instructions. 1. "Forbears" is frequently used when "forebears "—i.e., forebe-ers—is evidently meant, and that even in literary journals. No doubt the printer is in fault. 2. Some educated people are in the habit of using the verb "infer" in the place of "imply." Surely, to "infer" means to draw an inference. You infer from what I said something which I did not mean to imply. 3. Will someone of authority lay down the law on the subject of the "false genitive," abhorred of Mr. Gladstone? Tastes no doubt differ, but to some ears such a locution as "I object to him coming to me " is simply hideous, though intelligible. But when one reads, "I ## p. 236 (#248) ############################################ 236 THE AUTHOR. remember the Prince coming to our town to lay the first stone," one is in doubt. It is one thing to remember the fact of the Prince's coming, quite another to remember the Prince himself. "There is, I think, no fear of you making such an exhibition of yourself." Gram- matically, this surely means, "There is no fear of you who are, or when you are, making such an exhibition of yourself." For, if " making " is not a present participle, agreeing with "you," it must be a substantive, in which case, how is the sentence to be analysed ?" He relied on this man leaving the country before the disclosure was made." Now this does not mean that he relied on the man, who was leaving the country; far from it; he trusted him so little that he wanted him out af the way. In other words, he relied on the man's withdrawal. If " leaving "is a verbal substantive, why should man receive different treatment when conjoined with "leav- ing" than that accorded to it when conjoined with withdrawal? The old rule, that when two substantives come together one must be in the genitive, would seem to be enough, but the increasing frequency of the false genitive, and that in the writings of literary persons, indicates the need for some authoritative pronouncement on the subject. "I defy any one to read a page of the poem without it getting hopelessly on his nerves," is a sentence which it would be interesting to see analysed. 4. '.'Umbrellas repaired while waiting" is an announcement at which one smiles. Similar, and even worse sentences are continually meeting one in the daily Press; e.g., "While stationed at X an incident occurred." One would like to be made acquainted with that stationary incident. S. G. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—Books for Review. IN Tlie Author, Feb. 1,1899, p. 203,1 find the follewing assertion: "Every unknown book gets from thirty to fifty notices in the English Press; every book by a known author, from fifty to one hundred." I beg leave to say that such is not my experi- ence. I have frequently been surprised at the utter silence of many of the critics with regard to some of my books which have nevertheless done well. Out of so many copies sent for review about one-half are quietly appropriated, and no sign is given that they have ever been received. Other critics merely acknowledge the receipt of the volume, and there leave it. It is one of the author's grievances that the sending of a copy to, let us say, The Omniscient Review by no means secures the insertion of a notice of it, however well known the author may be. I also venture to say that the unknown author is more injured by this practice of silence than the known one, and it is to him at least a cruel hardship. The next time I publish a book I propose to collect and publish in The Author (if my pub- lishers approve of it) a list of the reviews that receive copies, with a note as to whether a notice was inserted or not, allowing six months for the notice to appear. If some others would do the like we should learn much that concerns us all. Walter W. Skeat. II.—Ladies in Journalism. Your letter on the invasion of journalism by ladies of rank is particularly interesting to me, in that I am one of the sufferers by it. One has only to take up a fashionable paper to see that the greater part of the articles in it are by Lady This or the Countess of T'other. They may be paid or they may not, but the fact remains that their articles crowd out those journalists who would probably otherwise be employed. For years a fashionable lady's newspaper has had articles of mine accepted, but not published for want of room, and, of course, until published they are nothing but waste paper. A few years ago, it was easy to get 3 guineas for a short story, but lately, send- ing one to a well-known magazine, it was accepted, and I received i0*. for it. A Press agent, to whom I offered one, said, "The fact is, Miss A., your story is too good for us. We order them by the dozen, and pay 7*. a piece for them." Now, this state of things could never have come to pass but for the supply being much beyond the demand. Unless for a hewer of wood or drawer of water, living is very difficult, but so long as women can "see themselves in print" and editors can get their articles for nothing, it is useless to hope for better times. _ A Journalist. III. DELAT8. I have read with interest the experiences of some of your correspondents regarding the delay on the part of editors in returning MSS., and also the editorial note on page 188 of The Author. Whether the explanation there suggested is the correct one or not I am unable to say, but my experience with two MSS. submitted to the Strand is that one did not return to me for eight and a half months, and the other not until three months had rolled by. Both the manuscripts were returned in good condition, and I attributed the delay to the enormous number of MSS. submitted to the editor. ## p. 237 (#249) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 237 One of the most cruel cuts I ever received was at the hands of an editor of a magazine that has lately sprung into being. On May 2 last year I submitted an article dealing with one phase of cricket. On Nov. 23 I received it back, with the intimation that it was not seasonable! One more experience. Last October I sub- mitted a MS. to the editor of a reputable sixpenny magazine. A few days ago I received an offer of one guinea for the same, an offer which I enjoyed the luxury of declining. To-day I have received the manuscript back, and it bears the truthful statement, presumably in the editorial handwriting, "4400 w, 5! pp." Surely a MS. considered worth printing in a sixpenny magazine should be worth more than 4*. gd. per 1000 words (or, deducting the cost of typewriting, 3*. 1 id. per 1000) to the author? Perhaps I ought to be thankful that I was not asked to pay the guinea myself for the honour of publication. Associate. IV.—The Vagaries of Criticism. I am puzzled; I am perplexed; I am mystified. Will you, Mr. Editor, kindly clear my thoughts from their burden of doubts? Permit me to explain, and state my case. A novel of mine, called " A Social Upheaval," has been published lately, and up to the present it has evoked thirty-five criticisms. Unfortunately, however, they are in every respect so contradic- tory that I actually cannot form a clear opinion of the merits or demerits of my own book. It has be mercilessly condemned; it has been splendidly eulogised; it has been pronounced interesting and dull, witty and silly; whilst its flaws and defects pointed out by one critic have been con- strued into virtues and beauties by another! Of course, I may be advised to believe the praise and reject the blame; to enjoy the sweets and cast away the bitters. But I value honest criticism too highly to be so puerile as to do this, On the other hand, whom and what am I to believe when I am told " that I write with skill and with a keen appreciation of comic situations"; "that I tire the reader before the end is reached "; that " my book is worth reading on account of its agreeable whimsicality "; that "my satire to be effective must bear some resemblance to the real thing"; that my female characters "are dis- tinct types of womankind "; that my characters lack reality"; that "the language has a terseness and briskness that gives a character of vivacity to the story"; that my novel is "utterly worthless"; that "it is a story in which there is not a dull page, not even a dull line "; that " the writing is more than a trifle crude "; that *' the purpose and method of the work are alike admirable " ; that " the workmanship is in- different," and so on, and so on? What can I make of these amazing contra- dictions? How can I reconcile these extremely opposite opinions? How am I to arrive at the truth? Will you kindly guide me in the matter? Isidore G. Ascher. V.—Illustrations. May I ask you to notice in your paper a form of annoyance authors have sometimes to put up with. A short story of mine was bought from my agents, some months ago, by the editor of a certain paper. This month it appears; but, living far in the country, I knew nothing of the fact till a few days ago, and then had some difficulty in getting a copy. It was bad enough to receive no proofs, and so come in for a few press blunders; but what is most annoying is to find that it has been "illustrated" (save the mark !) in a way that is most offensive. The illustrator has absolutely ignored each incident of the story he pretends to represent, as you may see by the copy inclosed, and the result is that my work is made ridiculous. There ought to be (perhaps there is) some remedy for such an outrage as this, since it mav have a very damaging effect on a beginner in literature such as your correspondent, B. VI.—Payment on Acceptance. 1. The practice is all too rare certainly, but not so restricted as "Penman" seems to suggest. Mr. F. A. Atkins of the Young Man and other journals, for instance, most promptly and con- sistently adopts this course. R. Andom. 11. In answer to " Penman's " letter regarding the Strand, may I remark that he (or she) has not a very wide knowledge of magazine editors. I can name at least four which virtually pay on accep- tance, that is to say, as soon as the hard-driven editor has decided to use any article or story it is paid for. Of course, this may not happen till a considerable time after it is sent. Messrs. Harmsworth, for example, I have found most con- siderate in this way. I cannot say that my own experience of the Strand bears out "Penman's" statements; the only article it ever printed of mine was not paid for till after it had appeared, and they now hold two stories of mine which were submitted twelve months ago at their request, and I cannot get them returned or used. Alan Oscar, hi. If your correspondent had written for the Wide World Magazine he would have discovered ## p. 238 (#250) ############################################ 238 THE AUTHOR. that the Strand is not the only one which pays for articles on acceptance. I am pleased to offer my humble testimony to the extreme courtesy which I have received at the hands of the editor of the Wide World, who invariably—I believe I may say—sends a cheque directly he decides to accept a MS. Edith Charlton Anne. VII.—Typewriting as a Profession. I rejoice to see that The Author is taking up the rights of the private typist versus the type- writing office, an institution which I find it difficult to respect. A friend of mine, "a lady by birth, and want of education," found herself last year under the necessity of earning a living. A relative (who herself had to undertake clerk's work in order to afford it) paid some .£30 to an office for the training of secretaries that her niece might be taught shorthand and typewriting. After work- ing for the benefit of the office for some months she was pronounced proficient, and with much pleasure I hastened to secure for her her first work, the typing of two forthcoming books, good MSS., not technical, at the rate of gd. a thousand. She must first, however, consult the lady who trained her, and returned primed with scorn for such an offer, instructed in various "notions," and told that to undertake the work at anything less than from I*, to is. $d. per thousand was an injustice to herself and other women. After remaining without employment for some time, she finally undertook the task "to oblige." The fact that another woman, brought up in greater luxury, older, and therefore less prepared for change of circumstances than herself, had turned-to and gone to work to pay for her train- ing, did not count for much in the problem. Now and then, the office has sent her stray bits of ill- paid miscellaneous work, such as doing charity accounts, or sending out invitations. Any typing which comes to the office is apparently reserved for students to practise upon, and shorthand does not seem to be in demand. After a year of this sort of work—which was of a kind which led to expenditure of money in smarter clothes than she would have needed at home, and in omnibus fares—she at length obtained a position which, under other circum- stances, we should have described as that of a "companion," but which—in allusion, I suppose, to the training—is called a " secretaryship." The salary is .£40 a year; £50 when non-resident. I represented the facts to the Society for the Employment of Women, but was severely rebuked for offering starvation wages. Next, I took at random from the cover of The Author the address of a typist, who has done my work admirably at orf. a 1000 ever since. She has said nothing about starvation, perhaps because she does not pay rent in Victoria or Berners-street. A. Goodrich Freer. VIII.—On Selling Review Copies. I have read with much interest Sir Walter Besant's paragraph in The Author of Jan. 2 concerning review copies. Would it not be possible to render review books unsaleable by some such process as unused stamps undergo when they are sold to dealers? They are punched. Review copies might have their pages severed horizontally midway by a cut penetrating a third of the page. It would be equivalent to a slight tear of a couple of inches on each page. The reviewer would have no difficulty, but the volume would not stand any wear after such treatment. Fanny Emily Penny. The Garrison Chaplain's Quarters, Fort Saint George, S. India, Jan. 26. IX.—Wanted—A Black List. Seeing that many editors not only refuse to return unsuitable MSS., to answer inquiries respecting them, but even appear to delight in treating uninvited contributors with contemp- tuous and—in my opinion—scandalous indiffer- ence, and this in spite of the letters and com- plaints the Society of Authors and The Author are continually receiving and publishing—I would suggest that the methods of the Society are stiffened. It seems to me that hints, innuendoes, anony- mous indications, and covert references are too mild to touch the case-hardened hides of the fraternity in question. I would, therefore, advocate a black list, to be openly, nay, ostentatiously displayed iu the Society's offices, and kept standing in the columns of The Author. Upon this list let the names of dishonest pub- lishers, unscrupulous editors, literary vultures of every kind, and such sharks as the inexperienced writer needs to shun, figure prominently and persistently. Before placing a name on the list, let the offence committed be stated succinctly. The law of libel is a serious fence to leap, I admit; but surely the Society would have less cause to dread an appearance in court than the mean rascals whose practices would, at worst, be exposed. I believe Truth has on several occasions pilloried a certain publishing firm—unfortunately ## p. 239 (#251) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 239 still existing—without incurring pains or penalties for its service to common honesty. Of one thing I am convinced, however. To treat with consideration the feelings of persons devoid even of business principle, to say nothing of gentlemanly instinct, is futile. A black list would at least warn members of the Society whom to avoid, even though it failed to reach outside stragglers in the literary quagmire. Herbert W. Smith. BOOK TALE. MR. ARTHUR H. BEAVAN has written a memoir of James and Horace Smith, the authors of "The Rejected Addresses." No complete life of the brothers has hitherto appeared, owing to family objections. "The Rejected Addresses" was published in 1812. Murray could have bought the copyright for £20, but refused the offer. Seven years later, after the book had run through sixteen editions and brought its authors jEi000, Murray pur- chased the copyright for .£131. Mr. Beavan's life will contain five portraits, and will be pub- lished by Messrs. Hurst and Blackett. Mr. Richard Whitling, author of .' The Island," has written a new work of humorous social satire entitled "No. 5, John-street," which Mr. Grant Richards will publi&h. Mrs. Alfred Sedgwick's (Mrs. Andrew Dean) new novel "Cousin Ivo" will be published this month by Messrs. A. and G. Black. It has been appearing in the weekly edition of the Times. In "The Hooligan Nights" Mr. Clarence Rook gives some studies from personal observation of the notorious class of criminals known of late in London by the generic name " Hooligan." The volume will be published by Mr. Grant Richards. Mr. Morley Roberts calls his new novel "A Son of Empire." The two chief characters in the book are said to be portraits of Sir Richard and Lady Burton, and another a portrait of Mr. Rhodes. The story deals with military life. Carlyle's letters to his sister, Janet Hanning, which appeared in several recent numbers of the Atlantic Monthly, will be published shortly in a volume by Messrs. Chapman and Hall. Mrs. Fuller-Maitland and Sir Frederick Pollock are joint authors of the "Etchingham Letters," which have been appearing in the Cornhill Magazine for the last few months. The letters will be published in a volume on an early date by Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. A new series of monographs on great painters has been projected by Messrs. Bell. The first volume to appear will be "Raphael," by Mr. H. Strachey," and the others include "Velasquez," by Mr. R. A. M. Stevenson; *' Andrea del Sarto," by Miss H. Guinness; " Michael A ngelo," by Mr. C. Holroyd; "Rembrandt," by Mr. Malcolm Bell; and " Turner," by Mr. C. F. Bell. Sir Edward Grey has written a book of personal experiences as an angler which will form the first volume of the Haddon Library, edited by the Marquis of Granby and Mr. George A. B. Dewar. It will be published by Messrs. Dent this month. Mr. Grant Allen's new story, "Miss Cayley's Adventures," which has been running in the Strand Magazine, will be published in the spring by Mr. Grant Richards. Mr. Hilaire Belloc is the author of a forth- coming " Life of Danton," which is based largely on documents hitherto unknown. The author has been assisted by Danton's family, and also by Dr. Robinet, himself the author of a well-known biography of the great French revolutionary. Mr. Belloc's work will be published immediately by Messrs. Nisbet. Mr. William Archer has been commissioned by the Pall Mall Magazine to proceed to America for the purpose of writing a series of articles on the American stage. He sailed a few days ago. A set of the Kelmscott Press publications, numbering fifty-three, and of an original value of about .£150, was sold at Sotheby's rooms the other day for .£442 15s. 6d. The same firm were to disperse by auction the valuable collection of historical papers and manuscripts belonging to the Earl of Hardwicke. Shortly before the day fixed for the sale, however, the collection was purchased by the British Museum, much to the satisfaction of students of history. "Contraband of War" is the title of a new work by Mr. M. P. Shiel (author of " The Yellow Danger"), which will be issued by Mr. Grant Richards in the spring. Another novel dealing with theatrical life. This will bo "On the Edge of a Precipice," by Miss Maiy Angela Dickens, which Messrs. Hutchinson will publish shortly. Mr. F. C. Constable has written a humorous story, entitled "Morgan Hailsham," which Mr. Grant Richards will bring out in the spring. A novel of adventure, by Mr. Tom Gallon, author of " Tatterley," will be published shortly by Messrs. Hutchinson, entitled "The Kingdom of Hate." ## p. 240 (#252) ############################################ 240 THE A UTHOR. Two new books by Mr. Le Gallienne will appear shortly. ''Young Lives" is a novel, dealing with a group of young people who have ideals in life. It will be published by Arrowsmith. The second book is a fairy tale embodying a study of the artistic temperament. Mr. Lane will publish it under the title "The Worshipper of the Image." Professor Hereford is translating Ibsen's "Love's Comedy," for publication as a volume in the series of " Modern Plays," edited by Mr. E. Brimley Johnson and Mr. Erichsen, and pub- lished by Messrs. Duckworth. Mr. Erichsen is also translating Strindberg's "Fadren" (" The Father "). In an interview in the New York Outlook, Mr. R. W. Gilder, editor of the Century Magazine, expresses his conviction that people are beginning ta tire of photographic reproductions in maga- zines and periodicals, and that in the future the tendency will be in favour of original artistic work. While the photograph has had a corrective effect, and make illustrators truer to fact, it has on the other hand made them more prosaic; and Mr. Gilder thinks we shall soon witness a new generation of real illustrators. It has been evident for some time to all serious lovers of English poetry, says Mr. Stephen Phillips in an article which appears in the February number of the Dome, that modern verse is suffering from inanition. Perhaps the only wave of emotion lately has been roused by the splendour and the fact of empire; but this song can never be a permanent possession of mankind ; it is the pecan of materialism, restricted, anti-poetic, and is already beginning to pall upon us. Mr. Phillips' article is called "A Field for Modern Verse," and this is the suggestion he makes:— I would venture to suggest, in all humility, a subject for verse which is co-extensive, not merely with a single empire, but with the fate and destiny of all mankind. The revela- tion, then, of the life after death, which is slowly filtering into the intellect and imagination of the modern world is, as it seems to me, filled with tremendous possibilities of vision and melody. . . . The general picture of a world beyond the grave, which is gradually usurping the modern imagination, would seem at first sight to be not far removed from the scheme of Dante. In communications made through trance, or by the governed hand, we are again permitted to view realms of darkness, of ice, of twilight, of glory. But there is this essential and transcen- dent difference between the medieval and the modern con- ception—that whereas Dante imagined a definite place of darkness, or fire, or beauty, to which the soul repaired, we are now shown that the soul creates its own atmosphere, environment, and scenery. Miss Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler has completed a new novel. Joseph Hatton's new story in the bauds of the Tillotson syndicate will appear serially in a select number of weekly journals in England, the Colonies, and America, beginning next month. It is said to be a careful and elaborate study of Old London in the days of Jonathan Wild, whose portraiture is a leading feature of the story. The romance moves on different lines from those adopted by Mr. Hattou in his drama of "Jack Sheppard," opening romantically on " the King's Highway" in the North, Jonathan face to face with two of his own "knights of the road "—for Jonathan was not only the thief-taker, but the thief-employer, the chief of such an organisation of knavery as the world has rarely paralleled, even in the "palmy days of the bandit and the buccaneer." Mr. Hattou has relieved the sordid adventures of Jonathan and his army of adven- turers with a love story that links town and country and the Thames and the sea with inci- dents of a semi-historical character; and the novel is entitled " When Rogues Fall Out." "Loup-Garou!" is the title given by Mr. Eden Philpotts to a new volume of stories deal- ing with West Indian Life, which he is issuing through Messrs. Sands. The Daily Mail is issuing " The Best Hundred Books," and the Daily Telegraph is about to issue "The Best Hundred Novels." The latter selection will include many modern novels. Dean Stubbs is publishing through Unwiu a volume of verse entitled Brihtnoth's Prayer and Other Poems." Brihtnoth was an ealdorman of East Auglia, aud one of the founders of Ely. The poem, says the Dean of Ely, is a rescript and expansion of "that "almost Homeric " ballad, the "Battle of Maldon," and a re-setting of the hero's death cry, " God, I thank Thee for all the joy I have had in life." Mr. T. Sturge Moore is a new poet, whose first book, "The Vinedresser," will be published in a few days by the Unicorn Press. Le Droit cTAuteitr publishes tables showing the production of books in Russia (exclusive of Finland) in the years 1890 to 1895. The total publications in Russian for these years was 42,146, and in foreign languages 12,086. Books on theology outnumbered those of any other class. Dr. Richard Garnett is about to retire from the post of Keeper of Printed Books at the British Museum. He has been connected with the Museum for forty-seven years, and, in addition to the large number of lxioks he has written, he edited the British Museum Catalogue from 1881 to 1890. .. • , '.: ,!..,,•'-; ## p. 241 (#253) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 241 During the past month Mr. Ruskin celebrated his eightieth birthday (Feb. 8) and Mr. Meredith his seventy-first (Feb. 12). Mr. Ruskin was made the recipient of an address from a number of distinguished admirers, but a proposal that he should sit to Mr. Holman Hunt for his portrait has been abandoned, as Mr. Ruskin could not endure the fatigue which this would entail. As a bitter evidence of the deterioration of the bookselling business, the writer of "Literary Gossip " in the Globe relates an incident which occurred a few days ago in one of the best known of London book shops. With eveiy circumstance of dignity an old lady was helped from her carriage. The footman hastened to the door of the shop, and she passed majestically in, and was shown into a chair by the principal assistant, a man steeped in the lore of books, prepared at a moment's notice to advise a course of reading in any line whatsoever. The old lady settled her- self in comfort, arranged her flounces, glanced round the teeming shelves, and asked sweetly, "Do you keep pink ham frills?" The sixth International Press Congress will be held at Rome, opening on April 6. "The Cardinal's Page," Mr. James Baker's new historical romance, has quickly gone into a third edition—a fact which speaks for itself. The author was lately elected a member of the Council of the National Home Reading Union. "A Semi-Detached Marriage" is the title of Miss Arabella Kenealy's forthcoming novel—to be issued next month by Messrs. Hutchinson. "Forbidden Banns" is the title of Annabel Gray's new novel, which will be published by Messrs. F. V. White and Co., and appears this month. The story has had a very successful run as a serial in the Daily Mail. It may inte- rest those who are studying the present ritual question. The Religious Tract Society issued on Feb. 24, in the form of the March supplement to the Girl's Own Paper, a story by Miss H. M. Burn- side, entitled "The Deaf Girl Next Door: or, Marjory's Life Work." This story deals with the special difficulties of the deaf and deaf mutes, and i-,f those with whom they associate; and it is hoped, by rousing public interest in this afflicted class, it will aid their cause. The writer is herself deaf. E. Livingston Prescott's new novel, "Helot and Hero," is announced for March 14. It is semi- military, and will form—-though of a more cheer- ful character—a companion volume to "Scarlet and Steel," now in its fourth edition. The scene of the closing chapters is the N.W. frontier of India. Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. are the pub- lishers. The marriage chest of the " Father of Angling" has been found in a lumber-room at Warwick- Castle. The information it supplies refers to his first wife (a great-grandniece of Cranmer), and is as follows :— Izaak Walton—Rachael Ploud. Joyned Together in ye Holie Bonde of Wedlocke On ye 27th Daie of Deoembre A 1626 D. We once were two, we two made one; We no more two, through life bee one. A new volume of the late Mr. R. H. Hutton'a "Essays in the Spectator" is about to be published in Messrs. Macmillan's Eversley Series. The essays deal mair ly with ecclesiastical and theo- logical questions, in which the late editor of the Spectator took so keen an interest. Some time ago the Sir Walter Scott West- minster Memorial Committee presented a replica of the bust of Sir Walter Scott to the public library of Boston, U.S.A. In connection therewith Mr. Riclrard Lees, town clerk of the burgh of Galashiels, who is honorary secretary of the memorial committee, was recently waited upon by Mr. Fiske Warren, of Boston, at the request of the library trustees, and presented with an acknowledgment of the bust. In the address to the memorial committee the trustees express their gratefulness to the subscribers for their generosity, and still more for the spirit which prompted the gift. They recognise in this act of international courtesy a mark of the grow- ing harmony of interests between the two leading Powers in the civilisation of the world. The bust will shortly be formally unveiled at the opening of a new lecture hall in the library buildings. In the new edition of his "Democracy and Liberty," published recently by Messrs. Long- mans, Green, and Co., Mr. Lecky deals in detail with the work and character of Mr. Gladstone. Of Gladstone the writer, Mr. Lecky says: Few professed authors have written more or more vari- ously. Pamphlets on Ritualism, on Vaticanism, on Bulgarian Atrocities—elaborate books in defenoe of the Christian religion, a metrical translation of Horace, countless artioles of the most miscellaneous character followed each other in swift succession. Mere expression, whether in writing or speaking, seems to have cob! him nothing, and it was characteristic of him that the book which he called his "Gleanings" extended to some seven or eight volumes. Considering the life he led the literary production of his last years is truly wonderful, thongh it shows a kind of intellect that was much more wonderful in quantity than in quality. Perhaps the nearest modern parallel to his many- sided activity and to his astonishing copiousness of expres- sion is to be found in Henry Brougham, who was once deemed the most extraordinary of Englishmen, though he is now little more than a name. ## p. 242 (#254) ############################################ 242 THE AUTHOR. Mr. Thomas Burleigh is about to publish for Mr. J. C. Bailey a volume of essays dealing with eight of the great English letter writers. Some of them have already appeared in the Quarterly, the Fortnightly, and elsewhere, while others now appear for the first time. The title of the book is "Studies in Some Famous Letters." "Maureen Moore" is the title of an Irish story by Rupert Alexander, the author of " Bally - ronan," &c. It is a romance of "yS, but not altogether fiction. The publisher will be Mr. Thomas Burleigh. Professor Dowden is editing the Arden Shake- speare, and Mr. George Gissing is editing the Rochester Dickens—two new series which Messrs. Methuen are issuing. Mr. John Bickerdyke has just completed a romance entitled " The Passing of Prince Rogan." It is to a certain extent a story of the sea, and will have some interest for yachtsmen, but the author has utilised some of the reve- lations in recent bankruptcy proceedings. It will be published in New York by Messrs. Putnam's Sons, and in London by Mr. Thomas Burleigh. A new higluclass literary and religious weekly, called Saint Andrew — in sympathy with the Church of Scotland—has been started in Glasgow. Emily J. Jenkinson, joint author of "Fiona Mclver: a Romance of the Western Isles," is contributing a serial story entitled "The Twi- light of the Gods: a tale of Ancient Strathclyde." Miss Jenkinson is the daughter of the parish minister of Innellan, Argyllshire, and is a young lady still in her teens. A new edition, in great part re-written, and considerably enlarged (540 pages of text) of Mr. Reynolds-Ball's "Mediterranean Winter Resorts" (Kegan Paul and Co.) price .6*., was published last month. Owing to the great bulk of the book it has also been issued in two volumes, one volume dealing with the resorts of the South of Europe, and the others with those of North Africa and the Mediterranean Islands. Each volume is sold separately at 3*. 6d. Messrs. A. and C. Black have just published a revised .edition of the same author's " Cares of To-Day." THE BOOKS OF THE MONTH. [Jan. 24 to Feb. 22—287 Books.] Aarons, S. J. Golden Rules of Gynecology. 1/- Simpkin. Abbott. L. Life and Letters of Paul the Apostle. 6/- Clarke. About, Edmond (tr. by Lord Newton). Trentc et Quarante. :i/6. Arnold. Alexander, Mrs. Brown, V.C. 6/- Vnwin. Alford, M. Baptism. 2/- Alexander and S. Aide, Hamilton Jane Treachel. 6/- Hurst. All, Ameer Syed. Short History of the Saracens. 7 6 net. Macmillan. Allen, E. H. 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Manchester: Scientific Publishing Co. Butler, Sir W, F. Life of Sir George Pomeroy-Colley, 1835-1881. 21/- Murray. Campbell, A. (edA The Sound of a Voice that is Still. lied way. Campbell, R. (ed.). Ruling Cases. Vol. 17. 25/- net Stevens. C.'arroder, C. H. Bride of God. 6;- White. Carter, «. History of England. Part 3 (1689-1897) 2 - Relfe. Cartwright, F. L. The Mystic Rose from the Garden of the King. 21/- Nichols. Chapman. E. J. Drama of Two Lives, and other Poems. 2,6. Paul . C'havaase, F. J. Plain Words on some Present Day Questions. 1 - Fro woe. Churchward, A. Origin and Antiquity of Freemasonry. Causton. Clark, W. J. Commercial Cuba. 14/- Chapman. Clarke, A. M. Life of the Hon. Mrs. Edward Petre. 5/6 net Art and Book Co. ## p. 243 (#255) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 243 Clutlon-Brock, A. York Cathedral. 1/6. Bell. Coates, Colonel. China and the Open Door. 4 - ftristol Times ami Mercury. Cobbett, M. Bottled Holidays for Hume Consumption. 6/- Sands. 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History of the New World called America. Vol. 2. 14,- Frowde. Paton, D. K. The Higher Criticism. 1/6. Marshall Bros. Pearson, Ernest. A Study in Theology. 3/6. Paul. ## p. 244 (#256) ############################################ 244 THE AUTHOR. Pease, J. G.,and Chitty, H. Treatise on Law of Markets and Fairs. 8/6. Kniaht. Perowne, J. J. S. The Doctrine of tho Lord's Sapper cleared from certain Misconceptions. 3/6. Stock Phelps, W. H. "Words for the Wind. 2/- net. G. Allen. Piper, E., and Page, J. L. W. Church Towera of Somerset. Paris 8 and 9. Frost and Reed. Powell, J. W. Truth and Error. 7/6. Paul. Poynting, J. H., and Thomson, J. J. Text-Book of Physics: Sound. 8/6. Griffin. Price, Eleanor C. Off the High Road. 6/- Macmillan. Raine. Allen. By Berwen Banks. A Novel. 6/- Hutchinson. Ralph, Julian An Angel in a Web. 6/- Harper. Randolph, B. W. Meditations on Old Testament Tor Every Day. 6/- Longman. Reade, Compton. Umbra Coell. 3/6 net. New Century Press. Reid, Arnot. 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All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the Advertisement Managkr, The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street, London, W.0. JVCr. J. Eveleigh JVfash, AMBERLEY HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND. W.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 10 (March 1899) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 10 (March 1899) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1899-03-01-The-Author-9-10 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/327/1899-04-01-The-Author-9-11.pdf 11eae033740e921643d4c37a4125e0e9 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1899-04-01 Volume 9 Issue 11 Pages Page range in volume 245–268 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18990401 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin ^Ibe Hutbor, {The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol.IX.—No.ii.] APRIL i, 1899. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Aut/wrs alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notioe that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. % w Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot bo accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. J7\OB, some years it has been the praotice to insert, in J every number of The Author, certain "General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices, &c, for the guidanoe of the reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they ore direoted cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to oarry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:—. I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper fries can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rulp * should be attended to: (1.) Not to'sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements VOL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a speoial charge for " offloe expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, ColonUl, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give np serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both -ides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures oonneoted with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors oarry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will bo their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; but which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those aooount books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no secret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. c c 2 ## p. 246 (#258) ############################################ 246 THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. t. IiTVEKY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If, in the opinion of the Committee and the Solicitors of the Society, 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. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Eemember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the oase of fraudulent nouses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of everything important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To ■tamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the oost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6s. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to oommnnicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would bo advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Offioe without previously communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any oircamstances, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, Ac. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Sucretary, and save him the trouble of sending ont a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanced 15 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, recently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly correct: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of course, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. LITERARY PROPERTY. I.—The Dramatic Sub-Committee. THE Dramatic Sub-corn m ittee have decided to call a meeting of all dramatic authors with a view to their joining the Society in order to obtain such information as might lead to the maintenance, definition, and defence of dramatic property. The meeting will be called for some date towards the end of April. It is trusted that the efforts of the Society on behalf of dramatic authorship and dramatic property will be sub- stantial and successful. II.—The Italian Protest. r. Attention might be drawn to the following points with regard to the Italian protest against the ## p. 247 (#259) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 247 American Act (see p. 2 5 7):—That the Italian cause of complaint is very real, as publication in America secures copyright in Italy without even simul- taneous publication, but publication of Italian books in Italy does not secure copyright in America unless the book is first translated, then the translation forwarded to American publishers for their acceptance, the terms of the agreement settled, the type set up in America, and simul- taneous publication resulting. The question of the American treaty with regard to the publication of English books is not on such a bad basis as that of the Italian treaty, but still English publication is by no means reciprocal. We do stipulate for simultaneous publication, which is not necessary for an American to secure copyright in Italy, so that the Americans are put to some slight inconvenience ; but we do not stipulate for the printing of the book in England and the other trade difficulties. It is a question, however, whether the Italians are well advised in turning the wheel back in the evolu- tion of copyright property, and whether England would be well advised in turning the wheel back by enforcing printing, &c., in England. Ought it not to be the doctrine of both nations (England and Italy) to draw America from this backward position rather than that England and Italy should sink back into their literary barbarism? That, however, the lack of reciprocity is a matter of considerable regret there is no doubt, both in England and Italy. G. H. T. 11. "Our international copyright law, as it applies to Italy, is declared by L'Assoeiazione Tipigrafico- Libraria Italiana in a memorial to the Italian Government to be an extremely one-sided affair. It puts American authors who simply copyright their works here on a footing as to protection with Italian authors in Italy, no further action being required to secure all the rights the Italian enjoys. On the other hand, an Italian author who desires American protection for his work must print the work here, from American type, and publish it simultaneously with publication in Italy. He is thus at great expense. But to get advantage of the American market he must first have his book translated, another addition to his outlay. Few Italian authors can afford the time, trouble, and money, and hence the market is practically abandoned by them. Since the writ- ings of D'Annunzio, De Amicis and others have begun to sell here, this amounts to a real griev- ance. Italian music is taken bodily. The peti- tioners beg for some effort to be made on their behalf, or some retaliatory measure to be taken. Better, they think, to abandon the copyright field altogether than submit to this one-sided law. A common-sense view would be to urge an amend- ment whereby copyright might be secured by registration, even though subsequent publication here was arranged for as the law at present stands. This copyright by registration and the depositing of two copies of the original foreign edition with the Librarian of Congress might be limited as to time. It should hold good for a year at least to give the foreign author a chance to get out his American edition."—New York Criterion. _ in.—A Curious Point. A certain author published a book in America, and the American publisher, desirous of securing the English market, offered to an English pub- lisher to sell him 350 copies in sheets. The English publisher purchased these, and in two or three months sold the whole edition. After this edition was sold, whenever further orders came in he applied to the American publisher for further copies of the work. When the work had been on the market for a little over a year, the American publisher made arrangements for a second edition, and desiring again to place this new edition on the English market, he asked the author to arrange for the sale of 350 copies to an English publisher on the same terms as before. The author thereupon went to the pub- lisher who had sold the former instalment of books, and offered him 350 copies. Thereupon, the publisher replied that he was entitled to the second edition in England; that, in short, " he considered the market in England was still his" and that he could not purchase as many as 350 copies. The author pointed out that there was no contract existing—that he was merely selling the books, and that if he did not care to take the 350 copies he was going to take the offer else- where. It should be pointed out that the publisher had none of the old edition in stock, so that it was straining the interpretation unduly to maintain that the "English market was his still." He acknowledged that he had done well out of the former sales, but he stated that he considered the publishers were not entitled by the "custom of the trade" to take the book elsewhere if he refused to buy the copies tendered himself. He further maintained that it was too soon to bring out another edition. Upon the author pressing the point the publisher refused definitely to pur- chase, and said that if the offer was rnade. to any other publisher, he would write to the American house and also to the English publisher, and do his best to interfere with the sales. Under these circumstances the only thing for the author to do appears to be to take a bold ## p. 248 (#260) ############################################ 248 THE AUTHOR. front, offer his book to another house, an 1 inform the publisher that if he attempts to inter- fere he will hold him responsible. It seems impossible that any publisher who carries on his business on these lines should succeed in the long run. Assuming all the facts are as stated, the attitude taken up by the publisher seems quite unjustifiable. He declines to take the books himself, and declares his intention of doing his best to prevent another publisher taking it—in short, he virtually attempts to boycott the book. IV.—Risk. On the question of risk, a writer of many years' experience sends the following :— "In the old three-volume days I asked a ] ublisher once how many copies of a novel his firm could dispose of by their name alone, without regard to the literary value of a book. He told me 250 copies. Now, as the libraries gave about 13s. 6d. a copy, this means £ib$. An edition of 500 copies of a three-volume novel of average length would not cost more than .£134 ('Cost of Production,' p. 15), allowing ,£20 for advertising. This amount was seldom expended for advertising a book whose run was over in a season and which was only bought by the libraries. £0 that the firm, on their own showing, never incurred any risk at all in the production of a three-volume novel. "I extended my research into the question of risk. I asked a publisher who had a series of 2s. novels the same question—how many the firm could dispose of by their name alone? He replied: 2000. The cost of producing such a book, for an edition of 2000—as given in the 'Cost of Production,' p. 37—would be, for a book of about 70,000 words, and allowii g for paper covers instead of cloth, no more than My$. Now, the sale of 2000 copies would produce about ,£115. Where is the risk? "We must remember that there are some books which, even when produced by firms of a fair selling power, cannot be said to bear 110 risk. But this is in general very small, and covered by a very few pounds in ordinary oases." V.—Literary Journals and Advertisements. Our editor, in the March number of The Author, dealing with the attitude of one or two newspapers which are admitted (by themselves) to be "leading literary journals," is curious to know whether literature really means advertise- ments. I present him with an anecdote which may, I trust, lighten in a measure his perplexity. Some years ago a publisher, after due search in the coluinus of newspapers for what was likely to interest himself, took upon him to write a letter to a eeitain literary journal. He declared that he had repeatedly sent books to the journal in ques- tion, but he "noticed" that not one of the volumes 1 bus forwarded had been reviewed. The retort to this complaint was a neat one. It was admitted that the volumes for review had been received, but the literary journal "noticed" in its turn that the publisher did not advertise in its pages. If the publisher had had a proper regard for the dignity (and emoluments) of "leading literary journals," he would have been put to confusion, and have complied in silence with the demand for bakhshish thus delicately hinted at. But he was a hardened man. He sent the corre- spondence to the Pall Mall Gazette, and it aiforded much entertainment to the readers of that newspaper. It cannot be too strenuously maintained that there are certain literary journals which are practi- cally in the pay and at the mercy of publishers who advertise in them. Their interviews and scraps of gossip are again and again coloured with malignant allusions to the dreaded and hated Authors' Society; their most elaborate and flatter- ing reviews are devoted to the productions of those publishing firms which advertise indefatig- ably in their columns, which clamorously shut the door against that unspeakable intruder the lite- rary agent, and which prefer to deal with the author " as between man and man." The one remedy for this condition of things has In en suggested by our editor himself. The author should claim by agreement a voice in the distribution of advertisements and in the placing of copies for review. The great and independent daily and weekly journals, which study many' interests apart from literature, ought to have far and away the first consideration. Those journals provide reviews written with all the ability, and with none of the airs of authority, of the " leading literary" organs. Publishers'announcements are no despicable item in the accounts of these widely- circulated papers; but they are not absolutely in- dispensable. While these journals might live in spite of publishers, there can be no question of the fact that publishers could not live without such extensively read newspapers. The author's independence would be increased, and the only sufferers would be those literary journals which have become degraded to the level of sordid dependants on the publishing trade. Scribbler. ## p. 249 (#261) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 249 VI.—Authors' Corrections. With regard to the Editor's note on page 223 of The Author of March 1, could yon publish in your paper for the benefit of members the views of the Committee on this subject. especially: 1. What should be included by publishers in their charges against a book as author's corrections? 2. At what rate should these be charged? 3. How is an author to check this? A New Member. [The best answer I can give on the subject is to quote the passage on " Corrections," given to me by a printer whom I consulted in order to get trustworthy information and advice for " The Pen and the Book " (see p. 150). The meaning of Corrections is this: They arc charged at the rate of a shilling an hour, or, in some cases, fifteenpence, for the work of each printer employed. Now, it is extremely difficult to say how many words a compositor can alter in a given time. If the author corrects so as to "overrun," i.e., to alter the line and carry a part of it into the next and following lines, he may cause an alteration of the whole page, line by line, down to the end of the paragraph, and even beyond it. If he does this, he very materially alters the cost of Correc- tion. It is thus most difficult to check the charge for Correction. The only method which will enable the author to check approximately this item, is for hira to preserve carefully the first proofs, with his Corrections upon them, and to insist upon receiving them back with his revise. In other words, correct as little as you can: do not "overrun" if you can possibly help it: get your revise back again: and remember that only q, few words, three or four—opinions vary con- „U -rably as to the number—may be changed in a .A flute: you can then, if there is no over-running, .^'.,-ke a tolerable guess at the correctness of the charge. In mosk. publishers' agreements authors are allowed so much a sheet for Corrections: but as they are not told the connection between shillings and words, they are not much wiser,and the door is open for overcharging.—W. B.] VII. Authors, Publishers, and Booksellers. The Publishers' Association has passed certain resolutions dealing with the trade prices of books. The resolutions which, of course, closely affect the property of our members, have been drawn up and submitted to the booksellers without the least reference to the creators and owners of that property. The question will be considered by the sub-committee appointed for the purpose. Their action will be reported in the next number of The Author. VIII.—Much Needed. The following letter has been published in the chief literary papers in London, owing to the action of the Society of Authors, on behalf of Mr. A. E. T. Watson. The letter practically explains the position. A series of short stories, by many authors, was published by Mr. George Redway, and the book was lettered outside, as stated in the communication—" Huntingcrop Hall, A. E. T. Watson," thus conveying the impression that the work was a single story by a popular author. Mr. Watson naturally objected to this, and put the matter in the hands of the Society. After considerable negotiation, and wh?n the matter had been placed in the hands of the Society's solicitors, Mr. Redway consented to make the explanation contained in the letter. An Explanation.—To the Editor.—Sir,—I have been asked by Mr. Alfred E. T. Watson to explain that a volume of collected pieces published by me last autumn nnder the title of "Huntingcrop Hall" and other stories, by Alfred E. T. Watson and other sporting writers, and lettered outside "Hnntingcrop Hall, A. E. T. Watson," was not pre- pared nor edited by that gentleman, and that he had nothing to do with the publication. The two stories by Mr. Watson included in the volume were republished from 'London Society," of 1S72, by arrangement made by me with Mr. James Hogg, the proprietor of the copyrights, and not by permission of Mr. Watson, the writer of the stories. George Redway. PARIS NOTES. THE spirit of discord appears to have invaded French literary circles during the past month. Indeed, at one moment affairs assumed such serious proportions that the recognised agitators themselves stood aghast at the prospect of fresh trouble breaking out in such an unexpected quarter as the patriotic and pacific Ligue de la Patrie Francaise. Happily, MM. Jules Leraaitre and Francois Coppee (president and honorary president of the league) retrieved their first imprudent manifestation of personal feeling so promptly that all danger of new internal com- plications was averted; though numerous mem- bers—and among them the well-known literati MM. de Heredia, Andre Theuriet, and Maurice Souriau—expressed their disapproval by with- drawing their adhesion to the league. The erudite M. Houssaye refused to follow their example. We may mention in passing that this conscientious historian is now receiving the con- gratulations of the French Press on the success of his new work, entitled "Waterloo, 2e partie de 1815," ed. Perrin. In impartiality of judgment and laboriously correct phraseology, M. Hous- ## p. 250 (#262) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. saye's work somewhat resembles that of our own Sir James Macintosh. Secondly, there is an open schism among the members of the French Academy for the first time in its history. That this august body should ever stoop to party politics or personal differences seemed as improbable as that Birnam wood should ever invade the towers of Macbeth; but the vacant seats of MM. Jules Lemaitre, Francois Coppee, Anatole France, and Jules Claretie on M. Guillaume's investiture to the vacant fauteuil of the feu Due d'Aumale made all Paris aware of the "rift within the lute" existing in the heart of this venerable assembly. Under these circumstances M. Guillaume's oration (extremely well read by M. Brunetiere, owing to the newly- elected member being temporarily voiceless) and M. Meziere's response to the same, were matters of secondary importance, though the latter's assurance that M. Guillaume did not express him- self "comme un guide Baedeker" brought a quiet smile to the lips of several persons present. Apropos of the flattering allusion made to M. Guillaume's literary services, we may state that the eminent sculptor has produced a study on Michel Angelo, and several minor works, written in a sufficiently clear, straightforward manner; but, had the "affaire" not smoothed his elevation to his present dignity, we doubt if French litera- ture would ever have been aware of his efforts ou her behalf. Thirdly, M. Annan de Caillavet, having taken umbrage at some chance phrase in an article entitled " Salons parisiens " (Vieparisienne), sent two friends to the editor demanding the name of the writer of the article in question. M. Pierre Veber at once acknowledged his own responsi- bility. A meeting accordingly took place, in which the unlucky writer was disabled in the fourth round by a nasty sword-cut in the fore- arm. A few days later, the well-known dramatic author, M. Paul Gavault, had a meeting with M. Henri Marx. The cause of the quarrel has not yet transpired, but literature was again at a dis- advantage, M. Gavault receiving a deep wound in the lower jaw, which caused the surgeons in attendance to stop the combat. If these encoun- ters continue, a large number of the Parisian literati appear likely soon to figure on the disabled list. The names of no less than three Academicians adorn the theatrical posters at the present moment, namely, MM. Anatole France, Francois Coppee, and Henri Lavedan. The dramatic adaptation at the Vaudeville of M. Anatole France's well-known novel "Le Lys Rouge" made quite a stir in theatrical and literary circles. It is useless, however, to deny that the play does not realise the high expectations formed of its merits, and that not even its clever interpretation can prevent the dialogue from occasionally appearing too long-winded and monotonous. The same criticism is applicable to the adaptati6n of " Le Coupable " of M. Francois Coppee (Theatre Ambigu). Psychological and social problems are unwelcome to the majority of theatre-goers, for the gods of the higher literary cult are not the gods of the gallery. M. Henri Lavedan in his adaptation of "Le Vieux Marcheur" (as elsewhere) gives evidence of abundantly recognising this fact. He possesses the genuine dramatic verve, being especially good in sparkling, " slangy," up-to-date dialogue; but it is a pity that the distinguished Academician should have enveloped his latest production in a frame better suited to the profligate period of the Regency than our own more enlightened agp. The Parisians cannot be accused of niggardli- ness towards their illustrious deceased ecclesiastics. The committee recently formed at Paris by Cardinal Perraud for the purpose of raising funds to erect a funeral monument to Boesuet, " L'Aigle de Meaux," iu the cathedral of that town, has just published its first list of donations received. The sum total already amounts to 17,000 francs; and, meanwhile, the fragrant plot of ground and ancient mill consecrated to all lovers of literature by the " Lettres de Mou Moulin" and other works of Alphonse Daudet, are being ignomiuiously put up for sale to be knocked down as an indifferent "lot" to the highest bidder. This appears at first sight to be slightly inconsistent; but a moment's reflection reminds us that such conduct is not unparalleled in the history of other nations. The representation of foreign dramas—and, more especially, the performance of M. Jean Aicard's translation of the Shakesperian " Otello" at the Comcdie Fran9aise—has recently given rise to a lively discussion on this subject iu the Beaux Arts section of the Chamber of Deputies. The nationalists found foreign authors out of place in the national theatres subsidised by the State, and demanded that henceforth only French operas and plays should be represented therein. To these objections M. Leygues roundly re- sponded that, if such were the case, only works of the French school ought to be admitted to the Louvre, since subsidised theatres were nothing less than national museums, and that Shakespeare was assuredly in his right place at the Comcdie Fran^aise or Odcon, since in raising a statue in his honour the Town of Paris ha 1 herself rendered homage to his genius. He added that subsidised theatres were especially- consecrated to "la pensee humaine," which was ## p. 251 (#263) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. cosmopolite; and spiritedly demanded if the nationalists desired to exclude Correggio, Raphael, and Titian from the Louvre? He likewise pointed out that more dramatic French authors were represented in foreign countries than foreign dramatic authors were represented in France, and further continued — "Let us admire the beautiful wherever it may be found; do not let us proscribe genius under the pretext that it is not French. N'etablissons pas de barriere-douaniere contre la pensee!" This liberal and sensible speech was deservedly applauded, and thus our great poet has received his letters of naturalisation from the countrymen of Moliere, Racine, and Corneille. The Daudet family are skilled and untiring writers. "Sebastian Gouves" (ed. Fasquelle) is the title of M. Leon Daudet's new novel, but not having been favoured with a copy, we are unable to vouch for its merits. It is reported to repre- sent the strife perpetually waging between passion and interest, the social factors and the individual. At the present moment this hard-working author is busily engaged in supervising the editing of "Notes sur la Vie" {Revue de Paris), a series of casual notes in diary form found among the papers of the late Alphonse Daudet; also "Le Valet de ferme" (e"d. Dentu), a collection of short tales by the same illustrious author, to which M. Leon Daudet is adding a preface; while M. Ernest Daudet is occupied in finishing a stirring historical romance of the fifteenth century, entitled " Deux Coeques," which will shortly be given to the public. Our obituary list for the past month embraces the names of three men whose fame was essentially Parisian: (i) Charles-Louis-Etienne Truinet, better known as Charles Nuitter, archivist of the Opéra, was the author of numerous vaude- villes, and among them, the famous "Tasse de the"; but he is chiefly known as a librettist and the translator of "Tannhauser," "Rienzi," and " Lohengrin." He collaborated with Offen- bach in "Les Bavards," '* Vert-Vert," and "La Princesse de Tre"bizonde "; with Sardou in Guiraud's "Piccolino"; with Locle in Verdi's "Aida"; and with Beaumont, Delibes, and Lalo on other occasions. He was seventy-one years of age, and carried out so faithfully his chosen motto of '* Cache ta vie," that, at his death, not even his intimate asso- ciates knew if any of his family were still in existence. (2) Fernand Xau, founder and editor of Le Journal, died prematurely at Cannes, after a long and painful illness, a victim to overwork. Once, on being reproached for not taking the repose he needed, "I belong," he answered gaily, "to the race of horses who die when they stop vol. IX. short." He possessed all the qualities requisite to a successfulfin-de-siicle editor; and his smart repartees, shrewd judgment, and brilliant con- versational powers, united with great kindness of heart and journalistic talent of no mean order, make his loss sincerely regretted by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. (3) The sudden death of Albert Bataille, one of the ablest journalists on the Figaro staff, has been still more widely deplored. The numerous foreign and native journalistic and literary associations of which he was an active member were unanimous in their expressions of esteem and regret. Speaking in the name of the foreign journalists at Paris, M. Janzon, editor of the Stockholms Dagblad, and member of the Central committee of the Press Association, emphatically declared: "H n'y a pas un journalist* étranger qui ait connu Bataille sans le respecter et l'aimer." But perhaps the highest tribute paid to the dead man's sterling worth was that conveyed in the closing phrases of the funeral oration pronounced by M. de Rodays: "Mais il faut surtout le louer, e"tant une force, d'avoir e"te une conscience. Bataille n'a jamais ecrit un mot qui'l ne pensat pas. ... II a touche- a tout . . . et il n'a jamais 6ti injuste pour personne. C'est l'honneur de sa vie de n'avoir jamais cede* a une pression ou subi l'influence d'un mauvais courant d'opinion." M. Pierre Loti's Eastern trip is indefinitely postponed, owing to his re-instatement on the active service list of the French Navy. He is now engaged on a work whose plot is laid in the He de Paques. This tiny Oceanic island was dis- covered by Davis in 1686, and explored by Rogge- ween on "Le jour de Paques, 1722." M. Loti visited this isle as a midshipman twenty-four years ago, and was much surprised to find it peopled by a handsome and intelligent white race. He is assisted in his present work by the notes taken on that occasion. M. Edouard Rod, whose name is well known in French literary circles, has just embarked for New York. He is expected to be absent for three months, his intention being to give a series of lectures in the American universities on French dramatic poetry, including the works of Jean Jacques, Rousseau, &c. On his return he will probably give the public the reflections induced by his American tour. The era of cheap modern literature in superior type and binding is being inaugurated here by MM. Jules Rouff and Co., who, relying on the popularity of Victor Hugo's works, have pur- chased from his heirs the right of publishing a complete collection of their famous relative's writings at the low rate of twenty-five centimes ## p. 252 (#264) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. per volume. The statue of the great French master, intrusted to the sculptor Barrias, will be finished in July. The project of temporarily placing the plaster cast on the " rond point" of the Avenue Victor Hugo has been abandoned, and it is now definitely decided that the Hugo monument is to be placed when finished in a central position in the Champs Elysces palace ready for the great Exhibition of 1900. Amongthe publications of the month may be men- tioned " La Force," by M. Paul Adam, one of the most graphic and interestingmartialworkswe have had the pleasure of reading for a long time; " Le Massacre des Amazones," by M. Han Ryner (chez Chaumel), a critical study of 200 contemporary "bas bleus," among whom are included Mmes. Adam, Sarah Bernhardt, Alphonse Daudet, Tola Dorian, Judith Gautier, " Gyp," Jean Bertheroy, the Duchess d'Uzes, &c.; "Le Quartier Latin," by MM. Georges Renault and Gustave Le Rouge (chez Flammarion), a clever and instructive history of the old and new Latin quarter; "Le Rachat de la Femme," by Pierre Sales (chez Flammarion), forming a conclusion to his sensa- tional " Honneur du Mari," of which 10,000 copies were sold at its first publication; "L'Anneau d'Amethyste," by Anatole France, a novel which maintains the high literary level of its prede- cessors; "Josephine, Imperatrice et Reine," by the Bonapartist biographer, M. Frédcric Masson (chez Ollendorf), being a sequel to his interesting "Josephine Beauharnais"; "Un Amateur d'umes" (chez Fasquell), a charming Spanish study by M. Barres; and the second volume of the famous Gourgaud Memoirs, which contains much new and interesting matter relative to the great Napoleon, especially in regard to his private sentiments and shrewd appreciation of his two consorts. Darracotte Dene. FROM THE AMERICAN PAPERS. AMERICAN newspaper methods are, or have been, so much a byword in this country that it is of peculiar interest to hear the views of themselves entertained by American newspaper men. An address delivered the other day by Mr. St. Clair McKelway, editor of the Broohlyn Eagle, affords this opportunity. The occasion was the annual banquet of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association at the Waldorf-Astoria, when Mr. Stephen O'Meara, editor of the Boston Journal, presided over a com- pany of 200. The first speaker of the evening was Congressman B. Mahany, of Buffalo, who declared that there were more and better news- papers in New York State to-day than existed in the whole world half a century ago. Lieutenant- Governor Timothy L. Woodruff, who was the next speaker, addressed himself to the subject of "Public Men and their Relations to the Press." An honest public servant, he said, need fear neither jails nor newspapers; a dishonest public servant had just cause to fear both. Newspaper men constituted an impregnable phalanx of advancement and civilisation. Mr. St. Clair McKelway followed with a sj)eech on "The Press in its Relations to Public Men." The "relations," he said, were improving. Public men were finding that the rowdy Press could do them no harm, and the decent Press was finding that rowdy public men could do them neither harm nor good. "There are rowdy public men and there are rowdy news- papers," said the speaker. "They have a natural affinity for one another. The other kind of public men and the other kind of newspapers are letting that first sort alone. A line of cleavage in every community is being drawn between decent pubbc men and rowdy public men, and between decent newspapers and rowdy newspapers. Public men worthy of the name wish to benefit the city, State, or nation, and believe that the ideas of their party are likely to do it. Public journals have the same wish and the same belief." Mr. McKelway's denunciation of the unworthy section of the American Press was delivered in unstinted terms, and, as coming from one of the leading editors in the United States, deserves to be noted. Witness the following extract from his speech: "The public journal," he declared, "that subsists or exists for public plunder is a mendicant, a sycophant, and a compulsory coward. Only those who compel Press considera- tion by deserving it, either by character or ability, or both, are worthy of consideration as public men. Only those newspapers that make and keep a solvency in themselves and by themselves are worthy of consideration as public journals. The Government may be an advertiser in them like any other customer that has matters to make known, but the renting of business space should carry with it no mortgage on con- science or on brain. There may be a dispute over the permanence or power of the indepen- dent newspaper. I am too committed to the principle to indulge the reflected egotism of advocating it here. But there can hardly be a doubt about the lamentable and even pitiable plight of the dependent newspaper. It must mask the fact of slavery behind the pretence of authority. It must conceal the condition of beggarhood behind the front of oraclehood. It is of all things the most unfortunate. A man ## p. 253 (#265) ############################################ THE AUTHOR: might conceivably sell his manual labour even for life to a heartless creditor, or deliver his heir- looms to an inforcing robber, or buy his peace from a soulless blackmailer, but that he should contract out his conscience and his brain under circumstances which make him infidel to honour, vacant of real influence, and barren of moral self- respect, should be unthinkable. For those whose personal or domestic necessities lead them to think that they must do that charity is taxed to the extreme. Towards those who do it for love of the fact of pelf or of the fiction of power, credulity is paralysed and indignation fatigued." M. Edouard Rod is now making his first visit to the United States, in order to deliver a series of lectures in French at the principal universities and colleges. These yearly lectures by distin- guished French literary men were started under the auspices of the Cercle Francais of Harvard two years ago, when M. Ferdinand Brunetiere dealt with the French novel. Last year M. Rene Doumic took up the History of French roman- ticism. M. Paul Bourget will probably be heard next year. M. Rod is treating of the History of French Dramatic Poetry. Questioned by the New York Times concerning his lectures, he made some interesting remarks on French litera- ture. "Among the dramatic poets of the past," said M. Rod, "my preference is for Racine. Racinean tragedy, with the drama of Shakes- peare, appears to me to be the most elevated form of art that dramatic poetry has produced. Racine's plays differ greatly from those of Shakespeare. I do not consider them inferior, but they represent a form of art that is essen- tially French. Foreigners often accuse us of not understanding them. Yet I think that at the present time Shakespearean drama is better understood in France than Racinean tragedy is outside of France. There is one thing about Shakespeare that has impressed me forcibly. A few months ago I was in London, and went to see 'Julius Caesar' — at Her Majesty's Theatre, I think. I could not but marvel at the prodigious knowledge of the democracy shown by Shake- speare, who nevertheless did not live in a democratic epoch. To come to modern times, within the past decade the foreign authors who have exercised the most influence upon French literature are, of course, Ibsen and Tolstoi, but what the ultimate effect of this influence will be it is impossible to conjecture. The most striking characteristic of our literature of the present time is its heterogeneity, if I may be pardoned for using such a barbarous word. There have been epochs when there was a certain unity in literary production and thought—at least, that is the impression we receive at a distance—but to-day we see around us the most diverse elements. It has been complained that Rostand's 'Cyrano de Bergerac' has shown unmistakably, by the universal admiration it has evoked and the unprecedented enthusiasm with which it has been received, that the tendencies of the times are towards a return to the romantic school. Evidently there is a current of romanticism; yet the current of realism is still strong, and there is another very pronounced current which seems to me to be a very powerful one but which it is difficult to define by a more precise word than that of idealism, which does not express much. JNb, I cannot venture to say whether or not any modern French writer exercises a decisive influ- ence upon our literature. That is not for me, but for posterity to judge." M. Rod does not speak English, though he can read it. The following editorial comment recently appeared in the New York World: There would seem to be something wrong abont the traditional belief that authors are poor and improvident people, if the history and experience of the Authors' Club in this city is of any significance. The club was organised in 1882, and it has always consisted of less than 150 members, all authors. At first it had no home and no means with which to rent one. Now it has a luxurious abiding-place, a fine library and all the adjuncts of comfort. And while most of the clubs composed of prosperous business men are sorely harassed by debt, the Authors' Club owes nobody a oent. and has a comfortable and yearly increasing bank account. While it was still poor it undertook to make and sell a costly book of unique character. There were to be 250 copies, each to be sold at 100 dollars. The publishers all ridiculed the idea, and with solioitous sympathy predicted disastrous failure, not as probable but as certain. But the authors made the book and marketed it so well that only a few oopies remain for belated buyers. Either the tradition is at fault or the authors have been learning thrift and shrewdness by their dealings with publishers. A FEW NOTES FROM AUSTRALIA. PROSPERITY is slowly but surely returning to Australia, and the direful crisis of 1893 is fading to some extent from the minds of men. Its lesson has not been forgotten, how- ever, and speculation and mild credits are not nearly so much in evidence as was the case in the ante-boom days. One result of the improvement is that Australia is again becoming a good market for English books and periodicals, which pour into the country in an enormous stream. Last year (1898) the single colony of New South Wales imported books and stationery to the value of .£581,974, and though no doubt stationery was the larger item, ## p. 254 (#266) ############################################ 254 THE AUTHOR. yet the importation of books and periodicals must have been very large. The cheap English magazine rages with con- siderable virulence here, and local publications feel the competition somewhat, but have to suffer without much prospect of alleviation, as '* pro- tection" against the British author and publisher would not be entertained, in New South Wales at all events, which, under the cegis of Mr. Reid, has become very pronouncedly free - trade in policy. The absence of purely literary periodicals has no doubt seriously checked the development of Australian literary effort, but of late years a con- • siderable number of young writers have come into notice, chiefly through the Bulletin, a paper which, whatever its faults, and they are numerous enough, has done more to encourage Australian literary talent than any other local publication. Of these younger writers the best known are Mr. A. B. Paterson, Mr. Henry Lawson, Mr. Ogilvie, and Mr. Victor Daly. Almost all are verse writers, and have published numerous ballads, but they also write prose.and Mr. Paterson has recently published a novel. As a rule, the Australian writer betakes him to England, and as examples might be quoted Mr. B. J. Farjeon, Mr. Fergus Hume, Mr. H. B. Marriott Watson, Mr. Louis Becke, and other writers; but there are some who remain with us, such as Mr. Browne (Kolf Boldrewood), Mrs. Cross (Ada Cambridge), and Mrs. H. R. Curlewis (Ethel Turner). There are worse countries to live in than Australia, with its genial climate, its free life, and its endless possibilities in the way of riding, driving, bicycling, boating, <fec. Of course, I refer to the older colonies, not to newly-discovered goldfields or pastoral sections. Some readers of The Author may be interested in "spooks," and such will be glad to hear that a road near the present writer's place of residence is haunted by a remarkable "spook," which takes the form of a dog. At about 1 1 o'clock p.m. on Aug. 12, the dog appears near a little bridge or culvert on what is known as the Willoughby road, and runs in front of or round anyone who happens to be passing that way. Hundreds of people are said to have seen the dog, and many have thrown stones at it, but the missiles have passed completely through the figure without affecting it in the least. When matches are lit it disappears, but reappears the moment the light goes out. I cross-questioned a girl who had seen the dog, and she scouted the idea that it was imaginary, and stated that hundreds of people had seen it and that she herself had been accompanied by several persons, to all of whom it was visible. I have not seen the dog myself, and have an open mind on the subject, and give the tale as I heard it. For a new country, New South Wales rejoices in good many " spook " stories, haunted houses, and so on. Almost everyone here and many people in England know the story of "Fisher's Ghost," which is supposed to be a fairly well-authenticated story. Fisher was a small farmer who was treacher- ously murdered by a man with whom he had lived as a friend. This man gave out that Fisher had gone to England, but people passing a certain fence near a creek at night began to see Fisher sitting on a rail. When approached, the figure glided off in the direction of the creek. Investi- gations were made; blood was found on the fence, and Fisher's body in a hole on the bank of the creek. The suspected man was arrested and hanged. There is no doubt whatever of the murder, trial, and execution, and the supernatural part is believed by many. Justin C. MacCartie. Bridge-street, Sydney, Jan. 17. NOTES AND NEWS. THE following resolution has been forwarded to me from the secretary of the Authors' Club. It was passed unanimously at the last meeting of the Committee of the Club with a view of assisting those members of the Society who happen to be up in town for the dinner of the Society, and to making their stay in town as pleasant as possible: "That gentlemen living in the country who are members of the Authors' Society may be elected honorary members of the Authors' Club for the week May 1st to 6th upon the personal introduc- tion of a member of the Club." The annual report of the Boyal Literary Fund for the year 1898 will be found in another column. Two or three points are suggested by the report. The first is that the invested funds of the asso- ciation now amount to nearly .£60,000: that the income is about .£4000: that the amount given in relief of authors in distress was .£1900: and that the total number of recipients was no more than twenty-seven. Of these, fourteen were men, who received an average grant of .£61 each, and thir- teen were women, of whom eight were authors, with an average grant of .£51: four were widows, with an average grant of .£150: and one, an orphan, who received .£40. ## p. 255 (#267) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 255 This represents the year's work of a most useful and beneficent charity. One gentleman at the meeting objected to the investment of more money, on the ground that there must surely be more than twenty-seven persons a year for whom the fund was intended. The speaker represented the average and common view of literature as a profession. That is to say, he regards it as a beggarly and most precarious profession. Now, I have been on the council of the Royal Literary Fund. Their meetings are most sacred and private and confidential. But I do not think that I am revealing secrets when I say that I never remember a single deserving case which was turned away for want of funds. On the contrary, the council always took a lenient view of the case, and a generous view of the literary position of the applicant. And I do not believe that, outside the twenty-seven recipients in last year's lists, there was a single case of distress which presented itself, or which might have presented itself. In other words, there are now thousands who live by the pen: the position of this multitude is as assured as that of any other profession. A man may break down in health, but if he does not, and is a good man and worthy of a place in the profession of letters, he may reckon upon success with much greater certainty than if he was a solicitor or a medical practitioner. I am, therefore, of opinion that it is quite time to abandon the annual appeal to the public for assistance for the starving litterateur. There will always be cases of distress and hardship, but there is no longer any necessity for the yearly dinner and the yearly speech of the chairman in aid of a charity which is represented as requiring more funds, and still more funds, as if the appli- cants were increasing in number instead of being a mere remnant, and as if the profession was still what it was sixty and a hundred years ago, starveling and dependent. In other words, the Fund has as much money as it wants: it need not make any more appeals or ask for any more invested funds; while to appeal to the public every year on behalf of the literary profession has not only ceased to be necessary but has actually become degrading. With this view of the case, I shall not feel myself in future called to give anything more to an institution which is sufficiently equipped for its excellent work, and I shall never again sit at a dinner which represents a condition of things no longer existing. The various experiments in the prices which publishers are now trying, are watched with interest by Americans. The following paragraph, VOL. IX. cut out of the New York Criterion, shows what some of them think. It is not quite the case that the six-shilling novel is ousted from the railway stall by its sixpenny rival: it is, however, quite true that the six-shilling volume is greatly damaged by the sixpenny. I believe that one publisher is going to try the experiment of pro- ducing books at two prices—a low and a high price. I can assure him that no one, not even a millionaire, will pay more than he is obliged to pay for anything, especially for "something to read," which is what most people want on a journey. I watched a stall the other day. There were offered stories at sixpence—or was it a shilling?—and the same stories at a penny. People bought them. Everyone laid down his penny and took the cheaper book: "The ephemeral character of the great bulk of current notion is strikingly illustrated by the snocess obtained in London by the sixpenny reprints of recent novels and the melancholy effect which their publication is having on the sale of the six-shilling novels. On the railway bookstalls the sixpenny paper-cover has practioally ousted the more pretentious volume, and when the promised new novels in sixpenny and shilling volumes come the chances sf the high- priced, well-bound novels are not of the brightest. The publio is realising that six shillings is a high price to pay for merely reading a book; for certainly most books of recent notion are of little value after being read once; they are not worth preserving on library shelves. Just as its pre- decessor, the three-decker, went, unwept and unsung, so will go the six-shilling book, and cheap editions, with a limited number bound for library purposes, will prevail. Neither author nor publisher has nrach to fear by this prospect, as there is no reason why good, or even indifferent, novels should not supplant the 'snipped' and 'rag-bag' papers that now flood the market." In the same paper I find a note on the Society and my book. It was not, of course, an "onslaught on the publishers." It simply stated what has been already stated over and over again, that " many publishers" are dishonest in certain ways that are expressly mentioned and, according to my view, are ways of dishonesty. These views, however, seem to be shared by everybody who takes the trouble to read them. Sir Walter Besant's "Pen and the Book " onslaught on the publishers has received opportune support from the annual report of the Authors' Society just published. In their efforts for the protection of literary property the Authors' solicitors dealt with 11o oases during 1898. Of these, twenty-eight referred to manuscripts which editors or publishers had not returned; in fifty oases money was claimed by authors from publishers; and there were twenty- three cases of dealings between writer and publisher in which the latter did not produce proper accounts of the transactions. The Society succeeded in recovering for their owners more than half of the detained manusoripts, over four-fifths of the money claimed, and in two oases out of three compelled the publishers to render satisfactory acoonnts. Ab practically every well-known English writer is now a member of the Sooiety of Authors, it has made Jt E ## p. 256 (#268) ############################################ 256 THE AUTHOR. itaelf a decided factor in the perpetual strife between the wolf and the lamb—as Sir Walter would put it. The lamb, however, some publishers think, is growing up into a very sturdy ram, capable of taking good care of itself. I have been taken to task for calling the practice of charging what has not been paid "thieving." Well: two men embark on an enterprise the proceeds of which they have agreed to share in certain proportions: one of them manages the commercial side, the other trusts his word implicitly. The managing partner—one is told not to use the word "partner "—call him then fellow adrenturer—sends in accounts show- ing that he has spent £120, when he has only spent £100, putting the £20 secretly in his own pocket. What shall we call that act? A lawyer tells me it is not "theft," but "breach of trust," and that I must not call any action "theft" which the law only calls "breach of trust." I have put the case to a good many persons. They all agree that there is no difference in guilt between the man who thus sends in falsified accounts and the man who picks a pocket. No difference at all. If we are agreed that the man is a Thief, why not say so? I suppose the offended parties will be angry, but does that matter? As for the fact, we cannot too often repeat that in their proposed draft agreements the publishers claim the right to overcharge: and as they leave the percentage blank, they claim the right of taking whatever they please ; and as they maintain silence on the question of charging for advertise- ments which cost them nothing, in spite of the continued protests of the Society, it is surely not ill-natured to conclude that they approve of the practice. And, again, if there is any lingering doubt as to the truth of the charge, one publisher was so good as to dispel that doubt by proclaim- ing and acknowledging that it was his custom to charge what he had not paid. This was in the Outlook. The following paragraph has been sent to me. It is a cutting from the Independent: I am sorry to learn that Miss E. Livingston Prescott has been so much impressed by Sir Walter Besant's denuncia- tion of publishers that she is keeping her new novel, "Helot and Hero," in her own hands. It has been pro- duced, I hear, at her own expense, and is being distributed by Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, and Co." 1 wonder what the writer means by the "denunciation of publishers." He repeats, you see, the last invention. I say, repeating a charge advanced over and over again by the Committee of the Society of Authors in their reports, books, and papers, that "many publishers "—not all— have been guilty of charging what has not been paid. Is this "denunciation of publishers " r And why is the writer of the paragraph sorry 'i Is he sorry that an author has learned to manage his own affairs for himself? Or is he sorry that a publisher is denied the rights which, according to the proposed agreements, he claims, of taking from the proceeds anything he pleases? In Literature of March the 18th there was presented a bibliographical survey of the House of Commons. The literary strength of the House is surprising. The list does not pretend to be exhaustive, but it may be taken as fairly so. It contains 134 names of Members who have written books or pamphlets. Surely there has never before been so large a literary element in any House of Commons. Among the names are some which belong to the very front rank of contempo- rary literature, such as, for instance, A. J. Balfour, Birrell, Bryce, Dilke, Jebb, Lecky, McCarthy, and John Morley, not to mention lawyers, journalists, specialists, essayists, and scientific writers, among them being John Burns, Sir Edward Clarke, Sir J. C. Colomb, Radcliffe Cooke, Leonard Courtney, Lord E. Fitzmaurice, Arnold Forster, Goschen, Haldane, Vernon Harcourt, Henniker Heaton, Howorth, Labouchere, Lubbock, Marquis of Lorne, Sir H. E. Maxwell, T. P. O'Connor, T. W. Russell, H. M. Stanley, Sir Howard Vincent, Carvell Williams, and many others. There are, in fact, at least thirty considerable authors in the House of Commons ; and of writers of books, journalists, and writers of pamphlets there are at least 134, say, one in four. It would be curious to compare this list with the corresponding list in the American House of Representatives. A little analysis of the list shows that many have written on several subjects. The following numbers, therefore, sometimes include the same name more than once. In poetry there are four; in philo- sophy three; in biography and history there are thirty; on military and naval matters there are three; on education two; on essays four; on law thirteen; on fiction nine; on religion three; on travel fourteen; on science sixteen; on political economy thirteen; on politics five; on Colonial topics one; and under the head of miscellaneous, including writers of occasional pamphlets, there are thirty-two. ijio Since we have so large a literary company in the House of Commons, would it not be possible to use this interesting fact for some practical purpose? There is, for instance, one little reform that is badly wanted. It is a slight change in the wording of the Resolution of 1837 by which the Civil Pension List was created. That resolu- ## p. 257 (#269) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 257 tion granted a sum of .£1200 every year—not £1200 a year in all—to be devoted to pensions for persons distinguished in Literature, Science, or Art, or for those whom the Sovereign may think fit to honour. We want the last words left out, so that no one unconnected with Literature, Science, or Art shall receive a pension from this fund. On the other hand, the tendency for some years has been to use the fund for widows and daughters rather than for actual workers. After the words "persons distinguished in Litera- ture, Science, or Art" should come the words "or their widows or children if these are in straitened means," or words to that effect. Walter Besant. ITALY AND THE UNITED STATES. Translation from " I Diritti d'Autore, Bolletino degli atti e hotizie della Societa Italiana degli Autori." Anno XVIII., Num. 1-2. Gennaio- Febbraio, 1889. Page 1. THE Italian Association of Typographical Publishers has presented to the Minister of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce, the following memorial, drawn up by the advo- cate, Ferrucio Foil, in which it begs for a revision of the Convention for the reciprocal protection of intellectual works between Italy and the United States: To His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce. Rome. May it please Your Excellency: The Italian Association of Typographical Publishers previously had occasion, in 1891, to present to the Italian Government a memorial respecting the steps which were then being taken towards a Convention with the United States regarding artistic and literary property. At present this Convention has been agreed upon, and has been in force for some years, so that it is possible to study its results, and to form a mature judgment of its effects: and the same Association takes the liberty of placing before your Excellency some observations on this subject. The Association is convinced that this Con- vention is injurious to the interests of the Italian book-trade, and therefore suggests that your Excellency—in accordance with the clause which gives both of the contracting parties power to denounce the Convention at any time—might treat with the Government of the United States, with a view to the regulation of the reciprocal terms of the Convention in some manner more consonant with the interest of Italian citizeus. Undoubtedly the law of March 3, 1891 (Copy- right Act) marked an epoch in copyright legisla- tion, inasmuch as the United States of America had, until that time, refused to accord any pro- tection to the rights of foreigners. It was, perhaps, in consequence of this that many European States hastened to conclude treaties which might enable them to avail them- selves of the concessions which had been made. This was done by England (which had the strongest reasons for taking this step, on account of the identity of the language, which made com- pliance with the requirements of the Copyright Act very easy), by France, by Belgium, by Switzerland, and finally by Germany. Italy followed the example of the sister nations, and joined the Convention, by a royal decree of Jan. 18, 1893, No. 17. The terms which the Copyright Act impose upon foreigners as conditions of obtaining pro- tection are such that they render illusory the protection accorded books, lithographs, and photographs. This can be stated without hesi- tation, seeing that both the tenor of the terms of the Act, and experience, prove the fact. At the present time the works of Italian authors begin to be known and sought after in foreign countries; and yet Italian authors and editors would rather leave the American pub- lishers at liberty to translate and reprint their works than avail themselves of the provisions of the Copyright Act. This is an incontrovertible proof of the useless- ness of the protection afforded. And hence it arises that the publishers find themselves com- pelled to appeal to your Excellency's perspicacity. So long as the Italian exportation was very small, and the property to be protected consequently insignificant, the Italian book trade had no actual reason to protest against the Convention. Now, however, when happily the exportation is increasing rapidly, it is necessary that a pro- vision should be made for the protection of Italian interests. The twelfth Article of the Copyright Act enacts as follows: "This Act shall not apply to the citizens of a foreign State, unless that State accords the citizens of the United States the benefit of a protection of copyright on a basis substantially the same as that on which pro- tection is accorded to its own citizens. . . . The existence of these conditions shall be deter- mined by a proclamation of the President." Therefore, in accordance with this Article, foreigners who desire to avail themselves of the Copyright Act, after their Government has ob- ## p. 258 (#270) ############################################ 258 THE AUTHOR. tained the prescribed proclamation, have to comply with certain prescriptions which the law has enacted for American citizens. So, in ac- cordance with paragraph 4956, protection cannot be claimed unless two copies of the book which is to be protected have been, at the latest on the day of publication, sent to the Librarian of Congress in the United States, or, in the case of a foreign country, have been deposited with the post in the territory of the "United States addressed to the Librarian. But this is not enough. These two copies must have been printed from type composed in the territory of the United States, or from stereo- typed plates made from type so composed. If, then, the European author of a work does not wish to lose the benefits of the American pro- tection, he must, before offering his work to the public in his own country, find a publisher in the United States, he must send him a copy of his manuscript, wait until a translation of it has been made, until the American typographical composition has been completed, and until two copies of the translation thus printed have been consigned to the Librarian of Congress at Washington, or lodged with the post, addressed to him. Then alone can he proceed to issue the original edition of his book. The slightest mistake, the smallest delay which may occur in the composition in the United States, causing the author, in his ignorance of it, to produce the original publication but one day before the trans- lation, and the protection becomes null, all the steps taken are void, and pirate publishers can produce the work with impunity, without either author or publisher possessing any rights. The explanation of the system suffices to prove that it is absolutely impossible for our authors to get protection of their rights. It will be under- stood that the English are able to comply with the terms imposed. The identity of language renders translation unnecessary, and the trans- mission of their works easy and profitable. But where there is a question of translation, the home market must be thought of before the inter- national market. How shall it be foreseen that the book will have but a small success, or that it shall have such a success that it will cross the Atlantic, and make profitable and possible an American translation before the book has been published in Italy? We have pointed out to your Excellency how the English find themselves in a privileged posi- tion when compared with the European States. Nevertheless, even amongst them the special con- ditions of simultaneous printing which the Ameri- can law imposes have created grave inconveniences, and sometimes have rendered protection impos- sible. Some of these cases were mentioned in the bulletin of the Berne Bureau, which quoted the words of an American publicist, who made in the Nation the following important declaration: "Professor Mover is the victim of our stupid con- dition of American fabrication, upon which the protection of the Copyright Act depends." In Germany, the agitation against the treaty is also active. In the words of the deputy Dietz, "Germany gives freely, to receive but a meagre return." If these words are true of Germany and of the European States, they are much more true of Italy, which gives much more than all the other European States. In fact, the other States impose upon the Americans who wish to obtain literary protection more or less extended formali- ties. In England, the publication must be simul- taneous in both countries—here there is an exact reciprocity—the title must be registered at Stationers' Hall, and a fee of 5s. paid. In France two copies of the publication must be deposited with the Minister of the Interior, &c. In Italy, on the contrary, no formality is pre- scribed, and the American citizen finds himself in a better position than the Italian himself. To obtain the protection] of the law the Italian must comply with the formalities prescribed by the law of 1882. The American citizen is not obliged to do this. If he has, at the time of the publication of the original edition, complied with the formalities prescribed by his own legislation, this suffices to secure him the protection of the law in Italy. In fact, Article 40 of the Act con- templates the case of a State which promises protection to other States on the condition that the latter shall guarantee the authors of works published in its territories all the rights and pro- tections sanctioned by their legislation; and in this case authorises the Government to accord reciprocity by a Royal decree. This is precisely the case of the United States. For such States Article 40 enacts: "If in a foreign State deposit of copies is prescribed, or a declaration at the time of publication of a work, proof that one or the other has been executed in conformity with the law of the country suffices to secure for the work published here the author's copyright in this Kingdom. Under the opposite hypothesis the deposit and the declaration prescribed in the present law can be effected either in Italy or abroad at an Italian Consulate." Seeing, then, that the Royal decree exists between Italy and the United States, and that in the United States deposit in the Library of Congress is prescribed, it follows that the deposit effected at Washington gives, without any further formality, a right to protection in Italy. Your Excellency will perceive how different is ## p. 259 (#271) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 259 the position of the citizens of the two States between which a reciprocity was to be established —one that exists in the letter of the treaty only, and certainly not in its essential working. It is impossible for a moment to entertain any doubt of the immediate necessity of obtaining a real protection for Italian intellectual works, which are beginning to have a sale on the American Continent. If there be any difficulty which can oppose the equitable wishes of the Italian authors and pub- lishers, it is that which may arise from the con- flicting interests of the former and those of musical authors and publishers. ^Respecting these works, it is for the future agreed, in conse- quence of a number of legal decisions, that they ueed not be manufactured in the United States. But your Excellency's high intelligence and right judgment will doubtlessly discover some manner of combining the interests of both parties, seeing that it is not just that one section of producers of intellectual works should be sacrificed to the other. The Italian Association of Typographical Pub- lishers therefore trusts that your Excellency will be so good as, without ipso facto denouncing the treaty, to open communications with the Govern- ment of Washington with a view to some just modification that may safeguard the interests of all Italian citizens. It is certain that the Washington Government ought not to wish the treaty denounced, seeing that it gives, as we have shown, a large pro- tection to American writers, who are beginning to find a sale in our Peninsula. As England has succeeded in stipulating for a treaty which protects the authors of both States in a perfectly equal manner, so we trust your Excellency may be able to induce the Government of the United States to agree to a treaty more in accord with the interests of Italians than that which at present exists. And consider- ing that the Copyright Act does take account of the principle of reciprocity, if it be pointed out that, with the present treaty, that reciprocity does not really exist, the Washington Government cannot refuse to discuss the subject; and this the more as the obligations imposed by the Copy- right Act were suggested only by a desire of protection from English competition, certainly without reference to other States. We shall certainly not here presume to suggest to your Excellency the means to be adopted to carry out the end desired. For the Italian Association of Typographical Publishers it is enough to have pointed out this important subject to the attention of your Excellency. For musical works the treaty may certainly remain such as it is at present. It sufficiently protects such artistic property. For books, lithographs, and photographs it may, on the other hand, be possible to procure the abrogation of the principle which imposes simultaneous publication in both countries and the printing from American type or composition. This is the greatest desideratum. To obtain it it will suffice that the United States should apply the principle of a real reciprocity in the manner in which it is understood and applied by our Legislation. That is to say, to secure pro- tection in a foreign State it is not necessary to conform with the laws of that State, but it suffices to have complied with the requirements of the State of origin. So, as at present, as the American citizen who has made the prescribed deposit in the Library of Congress is thereby at once, without any further formality, protected in Italy, so it ought to be established that the Italian citizen who has done what the Italian law requires should, without further formalities, be entitled to the protection of the American tribunals. If it is not possible to secure this result, it should at least be possible to obtain this, that the citizen of those States cannot have protection in Italy for his literary labours unless the work is printed simultaneously in the country of origin and in Italy. These and other modifications may be weighed and brought into effect by your Excellency. And if nothing can be obtained, it will be at least opportune to agree that, whilst the treaty shall continue in force for musical works, it shall be abrogated for books. In this way the Italian author will lose nothing, since, as we see, the present protection is illusory. But, at least, the American also will not be protected by us, and the works of the United States will become public property. Complete liberty in both coun- tries will be better, as the present state of the case is this, that we give the American more protection than the Italian citizen, whilst in the United States the Italian intellectual works are exploited by everyone without their authors or their publishers, who have been at the expense and trouble of producing them, receiving any tangible advantage from their labours. In effect, as has been said in a notable article published in the Bulletin of Berne, since that after Zola no one on the Continent has found it convenient to make an American edition, the pirates have been able to declare that foreigners do not wish to avail themselves of the benefits of the American law, and so have robbed them with the greatest coolness. Your Excellency: The Italian Association of Typographical Pub- ## p. 260 (#272) ############################################ 260 THE AUTHOR. lishers trusts that your Excellency will make a serious examination of the question which it has had' the honour of laying before you. Italian works, as has been already said, are beginning to be disseminated in the United States, and this dissemination will in the future become greater. It is necessary to take precautions for the future that the frait of so much labour and of so many expenses may not be lost in that country which pays the highest price for the things which it consumes, of whatsoever kind they may be. In the United States, too, the principles of a true and real protection of intellectual works are con- stantly making advance. It undoubtedly follows that the Government of Washington will not altogether easily suffer the Italian treaty to be denounced, particularly as this might be the prelude of a similar reaction in other States. It should, therefore, be possible to obtain a revision of the treaty in a sense in conformity with Italian interests. The Italian Association of Typographical Publishers has great confidence in the high sense of your Excellency, and awaits with tran- quility to see your efforts crowned with that success which neither can nor ought to be un- attainable in so patriotic an enterprise. THE ANNUAL DINNER. THE Annual Dinner of the Society of Authors will be held at the Trocadero Restaurant, Piccadilly, W., on Thursday, May 4, at 7.30 p.m. The chair will be taken by Mr. Augus- tine Birrell, Q.C., M.P. Tickets for the dinner will be 1 guinea, inclusive of everything. The formal notice of the dinner will be sent out to each member in the course of a day or so. The following ladies and gentlemen have kindly con- sented to act as stewards of the dinner: The Eev. E. A. Abbott, D.D. William Allingham, F.E.C.S. Sir Edwin Arnold, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. Sir Robert S. Ball, LL.D., P.E.S. Bobert Bateman. Miss A. E. Bayly ("Edna Lyall.") Arthur W. a-Beckett. P. B. Beddard, F.E.S. E. F. Benson. Sir Henry G. Bergne, K.C.M.G. Mrs. Osear Beringer. Sir Walter Besant. W. H. Besant, F.B.S., D.Sc. ponlteney Bigelow. Mrs. Craigie (" Jchn Oliver Hobbes.") Oswald Crawford, C.M.G. Mrs. B. M. Croker. Lady Florence Dixie. Austin Dobson. Sir George Douglas, Bart. Prof. E. Dowden, LL.D., &c. A. Conan Doyle, M.D. A. W. Dnbourg. TheVen. Archdeacon Farrar, D.D., F.E.S. Basil Field. Prof. Michael Foster, F.E.S., D.Sc, &c. Douglas W. Freshfield. Signor Manuel Garcia. Eichard Garnett, C.B., LL.D. Kenneth Grahame. Francis Gribble. H. Eider Haggard. Prof. J. W. Hales. Thomas Hardy. Anthony Hope Hawkins. Silas K. Hocking. E. W. Hornnng. Mrs. Humphreys (" Eita"). Sir Henry Irving. Dr. Sophia Jex-Blake. The Eev. Prebendary Harry Jones. Henry Arthur Jones. H. G. Keene, CLE. J. Scott Keltie, LL D. Mrs. Edward Kennard. The Very Eev. Dean Kit- chin, D.D., F.S.A. W. E. H. Leoky, P.C. Lady William Lennox. J. Stanley Little. Sir Norman Lookyer,K.C.B., P.E S. Sir John Lubbock, Bart., P.O., &o. Eichard Marsh. The Eev. Prof. T. G.Bonney, F.E.S. Oscar Browning. Prof. C. A. Buchheim. Mrs. Hodgson Harnett. Mrs. Mona Caird. Lady Colin Campbell. Prof. Lewis Campbell. Eosa Nouchette Carey. Egerton Castle, F.S.A. Sir WiUiam Charley, Q.C., D.C.L. Prof. A. H. Church, F.E.S. Mrs. W. K. Clifford. Edward Clodd. W. Morris Colles. The Hon. Jchn Collier. Sir Martin Conway. the Lord , F.E.S. Florence Marryat. Sir Herbert Maxwell, Bart., P.C. Justin McCarthy. George Meredith. Jean Middlemass. The Eev. A. W. Momerie. F. Frankfort Moore. Arthur Morrison. Henry Norman. W. E. Norris. Gilbert Parker. Max Pemberton. The Eight Hon. Pirbright, P.C, Sir. Frederick Pollock, Bart., LL.D. Morley Eoberts. W. M. Eossetti. Owen Seaman. Prof. Adam Sedgwick. G. Bernard Shaw. The Eev. Prof. Skeat, LL.D. Herbert Spencer. M. H. Spielmann. Victor Spiers. Sir John Stainer, Mub. Doc. Prof. Villiers Stanford, Mus. Doc. Henry M. Stanley. J. Ashby Sterry. Bram Stoker. Francis Storr. The Duohess of Sutherland. Sir Eichard Temple, Bart, G.C.S.I., &o. Sir Henry Thompson, Bart., F.E.C.S., &o. The Eev. Prebendary God- frey Thring. J. Todhunter, M.D. "Mark Twain." Mrs. Humphry Ward. Alfred E. T. Watson. J. McNeill Whistler. Miss Charlotte M. Yonge. KING ALFRED MEMORIAL. AMEETING in connection with the proposed national commemoration in 1901 of the thousandth anniversary of the death of King Alfred was held at the Mansion House, on March 6, the Lord Mayor of London pre- siding. Mr. Hamo Thornycroft has been asked if he will undertake the colossal statue, for which a site has been given by the Mayor of Winchester. For the memorial hall, or museum, it has been decided to select the historic grounds of Wolvesey Castle (close to the statue) which, till about a century ago, was the residence of Kings, or the home of the Bishops of Winchester, traditionally from the time of ## p. 261 (#273) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. Bishop Agilbert, in the seventh century. It has been decided also to issue a popular record of King Alfred's life, containing contributions on Saxon Laws, by Sir Frederick Pollock; on Saxon Arts, by the Rev. W. J. Loftie; on Alfred as a religious man and educationist, by the Bishop of Bristol; Alfred as a geographer, by Sir Clements Mark- ham; as a warrior, by Professor Oman; and as a writer, by Professor Earle. Sir Walter Besant will write an introduction, and the Poet Laureate hopes to contribute verses. — WILLIAM BLACK MEMORIAL- LORD ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL issued, on Feb. 27, the following circular:—A committee has been formed for the purpose of establishing a memorial to the late William Black. It is proposed that friends and admirers of the late novelist throughout the world be invited to contribute to this purpose. This memorial may take the form of a lifeboat for the West Coast of Scotland if a useful position be found for it there. If not, the committee will consider the form the memorial should take. Two officials of the Northern Lights Commissioners are now investigating the matter. A list of the committee will be advertised in the leading journals. In the meantime subscriptions will be received by Messrs. Coutts, 59, Strand, London, and by the editor of the Oban Times, Oban, KB. INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONGRESS. MR. JAMES BAKER, author of "The Cardinal's Page," has just left for Rome, as English delegate to the International Press Congress; he will act as German inter- preter to the English section. The principal subjects for discussion at the congress are an international "carte d'identite" for Press-men travelling abroad; the establishment of a central official periodical for Press matters, although "La Presse Internationale" will serve that purpose at present; Press legislation in various countries; artistic property; reduction of postal tariffs for papers; adoption of an abbreviated international code for Press telegrams; and the legal position of journalists in various countries, &c. We hope to receive a full account of the proceedings from Mr. James Baker for our next issue. THE ROYAL LITERARY FUND. riHHE annual general meeting in connection I with the Royal Literary Fund was held at the offices in Adelphi-terrace, on March 8, Sir M. E. Grant Luff presiding. The report pre- sented by Sir Theodore Martin showed that grants to the amount of .£1905 had been made during the year to twenty-seven different cases. The par- ticulars of these were as follows : Class T. (history and biography, &c.), four grants, .£450 ; Class II. (science and art), four grants, .£230; Class III. (classical literature and education), four grants, £420; Class IV. (novels and tales), four grants, . £ 12 5; Class V. (poetry and the drama), three grants, .£340; Class VI. (miscellaneous), eight grants, .£340; total, twenty-seven grants, .£1905. There were relieved: fourteen males, .£855; thirteen females (viz., eight authors, .£410; four widows, .£600; one orphan, .£40), .£1050; total, .£1905. The total receipts amounted to over .£4000, and of this about .£1800 has been invested. A total sum of .£56,269 is now invested, producing an income of .£1700. Sir T. Martin pointed out that in this way the fund was being rendered less dependent on fluctuating subscriptions. Mr. Brabrook objected that there was no necessity for accumulating investments. They were not a commercial body, but were intended to assist authors and others connected with the pro- fession of literature who had fallen into distress. He knew that the Fund was very well adminis- tered, but he could scarcely think that twenty- seven constituted the whole number of persons it was meant to relieve. He would rather see the number doubled and the amount of relief also doubled than add to the .£60,000 invested capital of this admirably managed institution. He thought the Fund had enough invested to insure stability. Sir T. Martin explained that he had not meant by his remark that they ought in any way to con- tract their grants, but only to invest certain special gifts. The report was adopted unanimously. The Duke of Devonshire and Mr. Edward Dicey were chosen to fill the vacancies among the vice-presi- dents caused by the deaths of Mr. Gladstone and Lord Herschell. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—The Use of Extracts. ISHOULD be much interested to know what is the generally accepted rule for the use of extracts from standard authors, and whether my experience in this respect be an unusual one. A ## p. 262 (#274) ############################################ 262 THE AUTHOR. short time since the editor of a well-known and long-established magazine accepted from me an article on a literary subject, which contained trans- lations of a few sonnets and extracts from one or two longer poems, made by a distinguished writer who has been dead a few years. I wrote under advice to this gentleman's brother and literary representative to ask his permission to use them. He gave me a cordial consent, but added, "The copyright is in a general sense mine, but the pub- lishers (name and address) have also an interest in it, and it would be better if you consulted them as well. They would, I apprehend, make no difficulty." I was, therefore, considerably sur- prised when the publishers did make a difficulty to the extent of asking two guineas for the use of the extracts. As I did not feel disposed to pay this, I inquired what charge (if any) they would make for the use of part of one extract and three lines from a sonnet. For this they replied they would make a " nominal charge" of i0s. 6d. I declined their kind offer, and either deleted the translations or substituted versions of my own. It was fortunate that I was able to do so without material damage to the article, but there might be circumstances under which it would not be possible. For the use of quotations as chapter headings, or in volumes of extracts, it surely cannot be customary to charge to this extent? If so, I fear literature would suffer, as few authors can afford to pay at this rate, and consequently quotations would be to a great measure barred. I should add that I was, of course, prepared, and told the publishers so, to make full acknowledgment if they had given their consent. f_ N. C. II.—Payment on Acceptance. May I add another to your list of magazines as paying for articles on acceptance? This is the invariable rule of Great Thoughts. Herbert D. Williams. III.—Writing for Low Pay. 1. In reference to certain remarks in the Queen (see enclosed cutting*) may I mention the follow- ing facts? * "A oorreepondent sends a letter concerning the women who write for nothing, or for low pay, because they are placed beyond the need of working for their livelihood. She says that she has sent many papers —stories and other things— to the editors of papers; that they have been accepted; that generally payment is either refused, or that application for payment is not answered. She says, quite rightly, that when an editor receives a MS. he must know that it is not sent as a gift, and that it is his duty either to return the MS. or to warn the author that if it appears it will not be paid for," Women are by no means the worst offenders in this matter. I was for over six years editress of a popular London novelette, which paid one all round price for its stories (.£6) ; but I have had letters over and over again from writers (of both sexes) saying that if only their MSS. could be taken, they would gladly accept £2, and pur- chase 100 copies. I need hardly say the offer was invariably refused. There are—judging from twenty years' experi- ence in what are called penny papers—two classes of people willing to write below market value: 1. The amateur who has a comfortable home, and only wants the pleasure of appearing in print. 2. The very poor and unsophisticated writer, who, knowing nothing of the prices that rule in literary work, honestly thinks £2 or .£3 fair remuneration for a story that took perhaps a week to write. I do not think this class should be harshly judged; they could not earn .£3—or even £2— by teaching, by fancy work, or by any of the many vaunted "Home" employments, their expenditure has been perhaps 6d. of paper, and so the £2 or .£3 when it comes seems handsome. If the correspondent referred to is writing of the better class magazines, notably those pub- lished by religious societies, it is a well-known fact that many clergymen and ladies of rank do write gratuitously for these, thinking it a sort of charity or a work for religion. I have been writing (in penny papers only) for over twenty-five years, but / never once had pay- ment for an article refused. I think perhaps a very simple plan has safe- guarded me from the difficulties mentioned by your correspondent. In writing to strangers (i.e. unknown editors) I always indorse my MSS. on title page: "Payment expected," and in an accom- panying letter I " hope they may be inclined to purchase MSS." (I fancy the general wording is "accept"). I have never known this plan to fail, and now for many years past I have been earn- ing a very comfortable income from penny papers. A Story Writer. 11. The conviction is growing amongst observers of the difficulties, trials, and unnecessary anxieties inflicted upon writers for magazines, reviews, and journals that, until a number of such writers unite upon certain points and, as a body, make a stand for fairness, the present unbusinesslike habits of editors in dealing with MSS. and the unjust rates of payment will continue. Would it be possible for, say, fifty or sixty respected and self-respecting people to adopt some such plan as that followed by typewriters and fix a minimum sum below which they would not sell their articles? ## p. 263 (#275) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 263 In England the smallest amount per page offered writers of established reputation is one guinea; in the United States about seven dollars. They usually, of course, receive more but never (so far as I am able to ascertain) less. On the other hand, the largest sum offered writers not so well known is, in England, a guinea, in America, seven dollars a page; the smallest is any pittance that an editor chooses to assign; their maximum pay is therefore never greater than the minimum amount received by the well-known. So far the proportion is, perhaps, save in special cases, just. But should their minimum price be permitted to descend below 10s. per page of 500 words, or one guinea for 1000 words for magazines and reviews f Or 15*. per page of 500 words and 30*. for 1000 words for journals, newspapers, and all other publications? No doubt it would seem to editors a joke if they were to receive a printed card setting forth such terms. But why should one set of literary workers continue to press so heavily upon another set? A. M. B. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. T.—Who am I Like? Please allow me a corner in which to traverse the extraordinary statement of a correspondent signing himself "Grammar," that "Who am I like?" is right, and "Whom am I like':'" is wrong. I contend that the latter is correct, the accusa- tive case being governed by the preposition " to" understood. The sentence is really elliptical for "To whom am I like '<" If this does not carry conviction, let us put it to the test by answering the question. "Who am I like?" asks "Grammar." "You are like he," is the grammatically consistent reply. The verb " to be" governs the nominative case! Yes; but the preposition "to" (understood) requires the accusative. In an old novel by Mr. Sala—" The Seven Sons of Mammon "—there are two instances in which that practised writer says "whom I believe was" so-and-so. It is astounding. Cacophony is sometimes inseparable from strict accuracy. This shows that the ear has become degenerate, from being accustomed to incorrect expressions. "He left before I " is quite accurate, if "before" is an adverb of time; it means "before I did." "He left before me" really means that he walked in front of me. Once more. "Those sort of things" and "that sort of things " are both as vile as they can be; ugly and ungrammatical into the bargain. But happily there is a tertium quid. I submit that the true form is " things of that sort." Frederic H. Balfour. II.—The Queen's English. In a morning paper: "There is no shame in a man changing [i.e., who changes] his mind." Then a man who changes his mind is to be supposed devoid of shame, which is hard. The " no shame " is surely not in the man, but in his change of opinion. "There is no harm in a man's expressing his opinion in certain circum- stances "; but to say that a man who expresses his opinions is therefore harmless, would be rash. Yet that is the strict meaning of" There is no harm in a man expressing," &c. False Genitive. BOOK TALE. MR. W. S. LILLY has in the press a new work dealing with the philosophy of government, and entitled "First Prin- ciples in Politics." It will be published imme- diately by Mr. Murray. Mr. J. W. Headlam, of Cambridge, has written a volume entitled " Bismarck and the New German Empire" for Messrs. Putnam's "Heioesof the Nation" Series. One of the most important biographies of the Spring season will naturally be that of William Morris, which Mr. J. W. Mackail has written. Some of the chapters of the book are based prin- cipally on information given to the author by Sir Edwird Burne-Jones, and others who knew Morris intimately have rendered Mr. Mackail similar service. He has also had complete access to Morris's papers, and deals fully with the Socialist part of the career. A new story by B. L. Farjeon, called " Samuel Boyd, of Catchpole Square," is being published by Messrs. Hutchinson. Mr. Max Pemberton's new story "The Garden of Swords" deals with the great siege of Stras- burg in the Franco-German VVar, and in the love- interest the heroine is an English girl who was married to a French officer on the eve of the campaign. The book will be published at once by Messrs. Cassell. Professor Davidson, of Aberdeen University, has written a book on "Christian Ethics" for ## p. 264 (#276) ############################################ 264 THE AUTHOR. Messrs. A. and C. Black's "Guild Library" Series. In view of the Cromwell Tercentenary on April 25, a book on "Oliver Cromwell and His Times " has been written by Mr. G. Holden Pike, and will be published by Mr. Fisher Unwin. Professor Arber is editing a series of British authologies of English verse, representing 300 authors, and containing about 2500 entire poems and songs, besides a limited number of extracts. The first anthology will deal with the poet Dunbar. Each volume will have an index and a glossary. The Oxford University Press is the publisher. Formal application has been made to the Treasury for a Civil List pension for the widow of the late Mr. Gleeson White. Mr. Wheatley's edition of Pepys's Diary will be complete in two more volumes, one of which con- sists of the index, while the other is devoted to Pepysiana, including a chapter on the relatives of Pepys, and personal notes on his school, college, and business life, and the London of his time. Mr. Henry James (says the Athemeuvi) has written a new novel, called " The Awkward Age," which will appear shortly. Forthcoming art publications by Messrs. George Bell and Sons include " Line and Form," by Mr. Walter Crane; a record and review of the life and work of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, by Mr. H. C. Marillier; a volume on Botticelli, by Mr. Herbert P. Thorne; and one on the Pre-Raphaelite School, by Mr. Percy H. Bate, curator of the Holburne Museum, Bath. An important literary project is a series called, with the approval of the Queen, " The Victoria History of the Counties of England," which will show the condition of the country at the opening of the twentieth centurv. The general editors are Mr. H. Arthur Do'ubleday, F.R.G.S., and Mr. Lawrence Gomme, F.S.A., and the advisory committee includes Lord Salisbury, Lord Roseberv, the Duke of Devonshire, Chancellor of the Uni- versity of Cambridge, the Duke of Portland, the Marquis of Lome, the Earl of Coventry, Ihe Bishop of London, the Bishop of Oxford, Lord Acton, Sir Frederick Pollock, Bart., Sir Edward Maunde Thompson, Sir Henry Maxwell-Lyte, Sir Joseph Hooker, Sir Archibald Geikie, and others. The history of each county will be complete in itself. "Hampshire" is nearly ready, and is in four volumes. The publishers are Messrs. Constable. Mrs. W. M. Ramsay, author of "Everyday Life in Turkey," which was published over a year ago, has now written a novel entitled "The Romance of Elisavet," to be published by Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton. Tennyson's complete poetical works, exclusive of the dramas, will be published in a few days by Messrs. Macmillan in their Globe Library at 3*. 6d. Mr. Tighe Hopkins's novel, " Nell Haffenden," which was published in two volumes some years ago, is now to be issued by Messrs. Chatto and Windus in one volume, with illustrations. "Well, after All," is the title of Mr. Frankfort Moore's new novel, which Messrs. Hutchinson will publish shortly. Robert Louis Stevenson was visiting the Riviera in 1873, and in poor health. How poor was his health may be judged from his own account, which occurs in one of his letters which are at present appearing monthly in Scribner's Magazine. He is writing from Mentoue: I don't see mach beiuty. I have lost ihe key ; I can only be placid and inert, and see the bright daj s go past naelea-ly one after another; therefore, don't talk foolishly with 3 oor month any more abont getting liberty by being ill and going south rid' the sick-bed. It is not the old free-born b'rd that gets thus to freedom; but I know not what manacled and hide-bound spirit, incapable of pleasure, the clay of a man. Go south! Why, I saw more beauty with my eyes health- fully alert to see in two wet windy February afternoons in Scotland than I oan see in my beautiful olive gardens and grey hills in a whole week in my low and lost estate, as the Shorter Catechism puts it somewheie. It is a pitiable blindness, this blindness of the soul; I hope it may not be long with me. So remember to keep well; and remember rather anything than not to keep well; and again I say, anything rather than not to keep well. George Henry Lewes's "Life of Robespierre" is being republished by Messrs. Chapman and Hall, in view of tne forthcoming production of the play written by M. Sardou for Sir Henry Irving. This play is being translated by Mr. Laurence Irving, and will be staged at the Lyceum on April 15. Sixpenny editions of modern works increase almost daily. Two of the latest to be announced in this form are Mr. Ban ie's "A Window in Thrums" and Ian Maclareu's " Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush." They will be illustrated from draw- ings by Mr. William Hole. Sir Edward Russell is writing his memoirs, under the title " That Reminds Me." Mrs. Tyndallis preparing a new and up-to-date edition of Professor Tyndall's work " Hours of Exercise in the Alps," which was published in 1873- Mr. Richard Le Gallienne has been com- missioned by Mr. Lane to write a critical volume upon the works of Mr. Rudyard Kipling. ## p. 265 (#277) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 265 A story of provincial life, entitled " The Green Field: a novel of the Midlands," by Mr. Neil Wynn- Williams, • will be published by Messrs. Chapman and Hall. Mr. Fred. J. Proctor, whose romance "The Secret of Mark Pepys" was issued by the National Press Agency, London, has agreed to supply a story for the same fiction bureau. The new plot is laid in England, and will run as a serial in thirteen instalments. The " New English Dictionary" is expected to be completed in 1910. An interesting article on this great enterprise appears in the March number of Good Words from the pen of Mr. L. W. Lillingston. Dr. Murray and his assis- tants have read more than 100,000 books expressly for compiling the Dictionary. Mr. George Allen will publish during this month a book of humour, written by Mr. H. A. Spurr, called "A Cockney in Arcadia." The volume will be fully illustrated by Messrs. Hassall and Aldin. Ihe "Cockney" deals with life and character in Holderness, East Yorkshire .— an unexplored field for the writer and humourist. Messrs. W. Meals and Co., of Carlisle, are publishing a "Flora of Cumberland," by Mr. William Hodgson, A.L.S. It contains a full list of the flowering plants and ferns to be found in the county, according to the latest and most reliable authorities. Mr. J. S. Goodchild, of H.M. Geological Survey, has contributed a chapter on the soils of Cumberland. Mr. Bloundelle-Burton's new novel, " Fortune's my Foe," will be published by Pearson and Co. in London, and Appleton and Co. in New York, early in April. The story, although laid in England principally, contains an account of the Siege of Cartagena, in 1741, as well as a descrip- tion of the Battle of Quiberon, in 1759. Mr. James Milne has written a biography of Sir George Grey, which Mes.-rs. Chatto and Windus will have ready in May. The writer injoyed the friendship of Sir George Grey during the last four years of his life, and was made the repository of many reminiscerices. The book will be called "The Romance of a Pro-Consul." Mr. H. G. Wells has written a story called "Love and Mr. Lewisham," which is a study of an assistant schoolmaster who aspires to set the world straight and finds himself hampered by an early marriage. The Duchess of Sutherland has completed a socialistic novel. Mr. Ridrr Haggard's story " The Wizard " has been translated into Swahili for circulation among the natives of the East Coast of Africa, and his "King Solomon's Mines" has been embossed in Braille type by the permission of the author and the publishers, and is being published in Hora Jucunda, the magazine for the blind. '* The Stranding of the White Rose," the Rev. C. Dudley Lampen's new story of adventure, will be published by the S.P.C.K. The book deals with the great lone north-west coast of Australia, the stranding of a tramp steamer thereon, and the extraordinary experiences of a salvage party sent in search of the vessel. Mr. George Somes Layard is writing the life of Mrs. Lynn Linton. Mr. John Davidson is engaged on a poetical play laid in the seventh century. Mr. H. C. Macphersou, editor of the Edin- burgh Evening News ai.d author of "Adam Smith " in the Famous Scots series, is writing a biography of Mr. Herbert Spencer. The collection of eighty-three letters of Sir Walter Scott were purchased at Sotheby's sale- rooms by Mr. William Brown, bookseller, Edin- burgh. At a recent sale of first editions a set of Scott fetched .£226; a set of Mr. Swinburne's works, .£64; and a set of Charles Reade, .£40. "More Methodist Idylls" is the title of Mr. Harry Lindsay's new volume which Mr. James Bowden is to publish immediately. "Methodist Idylls " has enjoyed a large sale, and is now in its third edition. At present Mr. Lindsay is at work on a new historical romance somewhat on the lines of his "The Jacobite," which Messrs. Chatto and Windus published last year. The new romance is provisionally entitled "The Puritan." In view of the fact that a novel called "The Puritans" was published only the other day, the above title, if selected, might cause confusion. A new volume entitled " The Solitary Summer," by the author of "Elizabeth and Her German Garden," will be published shortly by Messrs. Macmillan. "Famous Ladies of the English Court" is a work in which Mrs. Aubrey Richardson makes "an honest endeavour to discern the truth" about great Court ladies of history, alike in respect to their attainments and their shortcomings. X202 was paid by Mr. Quaritch at Sotheby's auction rooms, on March 1, for a first edition of John Forster's " Life of Charles Dickens," extra illustrated with portraits, views, and autographs, printed 1872-4. ## p. 266 (#278) ############################################ 266 THE AUTHOR. Dr. T. Wemy&s Fulton is the author of a work entitled "The Sovereignty of the Sea," which Messrs. Blackwood will publish shortly. OBITUARY. THE Very Rev. Dr. Andrew K. H. Bovd, Minister of St. Andrews ("A. K. H. B.'"), died at Bournemouth on March I. As an author he was best known for, among his thirty- two volumes, "The Recreations of a Country Parson," "The Graver Thoughts of a Country Parson," "Twenty-five Years of St. Andrews," "St. Andrews and Elsewhere," and "The Last Years of St. Andrews." In the year 1890 Dr. Boyd was Moderator of the Church of Scotland. The circumstances of his death, it appears, were peculiarly sad. Dr. Boyd had been in failing health for some years; he was in the habit of taking sleeping draughts, and also used carbolic acid lotion for external application. On the night of his death he entered Mrs. Boyd's room, and, holding up the carbolic acid bottle, he said, "Isn't this an awful thing? I have taken this in mistake." Dr. Boyd's genial qualities, added to his scholarly distinction, gained for him a wide popularity. He was in his seventy-fourth year, having been born at Auchinleck, Avrshire, in 1825. The late Miss Sara Sophia Hennell was a writer on Bishop Butler and other theological and metaphysical subjects, and an intimate friend of George Eliot. She died at Coventry in her eighty-sixth year. Mr. Andrew Macdonald, formerly editor, and latterly London representative, of the Calcutta Englishman, died after a few days' illness. Mr. Macdonald had a large share, under Dr. Ross, in producing " The Globe Encyclopaedia." He was in the prime of life, having been born in Edin- burgh in 1852. The Rev. A. B. Grosart, D.D., LL.D., who died in Dublin in his sixty-fourth year, was the author of several religious works, but is chiefly known as the industrious editor of reprints of English writers of the sixteenth and seven- teenth centuries. He was an authority on Robert Feiyusson, the Scottish poet, and also edited the Towneley Hall MSS., a famous collection of Jacobite ballads aud satires which appeared in 1877. Mr. Othniel Charles Marsh, the distinguished American naturalist and Professor of Palceon- tology at the University of Yale, died on March 18, of pneumonia. The death of Dr. Leitner, the most distin- guished scientist of our time, was announced in the papers of the 25th. He had not reached his 60th year. As a linguist, a traveller, and a student in Oriental archaeology, Dr. Leitner's loss is one which cannot be filled up. THE BOOKS 0? THE MONTH. [Feb. 23 to March 22—262 Books.] Adams. Gh B. European History: An Outline of its Development. 6,6 net. MacmilUn. Anonymous (author of " Madam's Ward*'). A Tear Between, l - Stevens. Anonymous. Mr. Dooley in Peace and in War. 2/- Rii-hards. Anonymous. Prinsloo of Prinsloosdorp. 3/6. Dunbar Brothers. Auonvmous (An American). History of South America. Tr. from iho Spanish by A. D. Jones. 10/6. Sonnensebein. Anonymous (G. <i.). McGinty's Racehorse, and other Spotting Stories 4/6 net. B*dway. Anonymous (G G.) Riding. 4,6 net. lied way. Anonymous. Twentieth Century New Testament. Trans, into Modern English from Greek. Patt I.: Five Historical Books. 1/6. Mowbray House. Anonymous (miihor of "The Heir of Redelyffa"). Cameos from English History. 18thCentury. Ninth Series. 5/- Macmillan. Ansorge, W. J. Undpr the African Sun. 21/- net. Heinemann. Archer-Hind. R. D . and Hicks, R. D. (ed.). Greek and Latin Cam- bridge Compositions. 10/- Clay. Armstrong's (Lord) Work on Electric Movement In Air and Water; Supplement to. Smith and E. Armstrong, T. N. Guide to Practical Photography. 1/- Dawbarn. Athrrton. Gertrude. A Daughter of the Vine. 6/- Service. Audry, Mrs. W. Early Chapters in Science. 6/- Murray. Badenoch, L. N. Truo Tales of the Insects. 12/- Chapman. Bailey, L. H. The Pi inciples of Agriculture. 4/6. MaciniIIan. Balme, E. The Luck of of the Four-leaved Shamrock. 6/- Routledge. Fates, Arlo The Puritans. 6/- Constable. Beard sley, Aubrey. The Early Work of. With Preparatory Note by H, C. Marillier. 21/6 net. Lane. Peavan, A. H. James and Horace Smith. 6/- Hurst. Beesly, A. H. Life of Dan ton. 12/6. Lonpman. Belloc, Bflaire. Danton. A Study. 16/- Nisbet- Benson, E. F. The Capslna. 6,- Methnen. Berkley, G. Oswald Steele. 6/- Long. Bidder, George. By Southern Shore. Poems. £/- Constable. f ierce. Ambrose. Fantastic Fables. 3/6. Putnam. Blackball, R. H. Up-to-date Air Brake Catechism. 6/- net. Spon. Blatchford, A. N. Idylls of Old Greece. 2/6. Arrowsmith. Blissett, Nellie K. Brass. A Novel. 6/- Hutchinson. Bolton, W. H. O. (late R.A.). Organisation and Equipment. Maguiic. Bossuet, J. B. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin. 3/6. Longman. Boulvin, J. (tr. by B. Donkin). The Entropy Diagram and its Appli- cation. J,/" Spon. Briggs, C. A. General Introduc.ion to Study of Holy Scripture. 12/- net Ularfc. Bright, W. The Law of Faith. 6- Wells Gardner. Broadley, A. Chats lo 'Cello Students. 2/6. .Sf/W Office. Brooks, W. K. The Foundations of Zoology. 10. 6 net Macmillan. Brown, A. M Elements of Alkaloidal .Etiology. 2 6 net. Kimpttn. Brown, P. Hume. History of Scotland. Vol. I. 6/- Clay. Brown, R. Researches into the Origin of the Primitive Constella- tions of the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Babylonians. Vol. I. 10.6. Williams and N. Bruce, A. B. The EpUtle to the Hebrews. 7/6. T. & T. CI irk. Bruce, H. A. From the Ranks to the Peerage. 6/- Di^rbv. Bufton, J. Gwen Penrt A Welsh Idyll. 5/- Stvofe. Bullen, F. T. Idylls of the Sea, &o. 6/- Richards, Burgln, G. B. The Hermits of Gray's Inn. 6/- Pearson Burleigh, Bennct. Khartoum Campaign 1*98. 12/- Cbap apman. Long. Burrard. W. D. A Weaver of Runes. Butler, Henry Montagu. University and other Sermons. Macmillan and Bowes. Caird, L. H. History of Corsica. &!- Unwin. Cameron, Mrs. Lovctt. A Fair Fraud. 6/- Long- Campbell, D. H. Lectures on the Evolution of Plants. 4/6 ret, Macmillan. Carter, A. T. Outlines of English Legal History. 10 6. Butterwonh. Cavalier, A. R. In Northern India. Story of Mission Work. *, «. Partridge. ## p. 267 (#279) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 267 Church, A. J. Nlclas and the Sicilian Expedition. Clarke, A. Effects of the Factory System. 2/6. Clarke, Agnes Spencer. Seven Girls. 3/6. Cobban. J. Maclaren. Pnrsood by the Law. 6/- Cook, Theodore A. The Storv of Rouen. 4/6 net. Cooke, J. H. Life of King Alfred the Great. »d. Cooper, J. The Church, Catholic and National. 1/ Conch, Lilian Qulller. The Marble King. 6d. Craddock, C. E. The Story of Old Fort Loudon. 6 Cross, Mary F. Railway Sketches. 1/- 1/6. Seeley. Richards. Simpkln. Long. Dent. H. Burrows. HacLchose. Arrowsmith. Macmillan. White. D'Annunzlo, G. (tr. by G. Harding). The Victim. 6/- Heinemann. Darling-Barker, S. The Trials of Mercy. 6/- Hutchinson. Daudet, L. (tr, by C. Kay) Alphonse Daudet. 8/- Low. Davenport, C. B. Experimental Morphology, Part 2. ft/- net. Macmillan. David, Mrs E. Funafuti, or Three Months on a Coal Island. 12/- Murray. Davies. D. H. The Cost of Municipal Trading. 2/- King. Dean, Mrs. Andrew. Cousin Ivo. 6/- Black. Deane, Mary. The Book of Dene, Deane, Adeane. A Genealogical History. lo/6 lift. Stock. Dimock, N. Our one Priest on High. 2,6 net. Stock. Dixon, Mrs. A. The True History of the Missouri Compromise and its Repeal. 16/- net. Gay. Dougall, Lily. The Mormon Prophet. 6/- Black. Douglas, R K. China. (" Story of the Nations "). 61- Unwin. Duff, SirM. E. Grant. Notes from a Diary kept chiefly in Southern India, 1881-1886. 18/- Murray. Dukes. C. Remedies for the Needless Injury to Children involved in the present system of School Education. 1/- Rivington. Dutt, Romeah. Maha-Bharata. 12/6 net. Dent. Eastlake, Charles (ed.). Pictures in the National Gallery. Hanfstaengl. EiIst, E. Measurement and Weighing. 2/6. Chapman. Elliot, D. G. Wild Fowl of North America. 10/- Suckling. Ellis, Btth, An English Girl's Flrat Impressions of Burmah. J/- Simpkln. Feasey, H. J. Westminster Abbey Historically Described. 105/ net. Bell. Findlater, Jane H. Rachel. A Novel. 67- Methuen. Findlater, Mary. Betty Musgrave. 6/-' Methuen. Fire Prevention Committee, British. Fire Tests with Floors. II- B.F.P.C. Fisher. Jrhn (ed.). An illustrated Record of National Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, Designs, Models, Drawings, <fcc. 10/6 net. Chapman. Fletcher, J. S. Frank Carisbroke's Stratagem, 1/6. Jarrold. Fraaer, Mrs. H. A Diplomatist's Wife In Japan. 32/- Hutchinson. Furlong, Alice. Roses and Rue. 2/6 net. Mathews. Gallon, Tom. The Kingdom or Hate. 6/- Hutchinson. Gates, L. E. Three Studies in Literature. 6/- Macmillan. Gent, B. E. New Dictionary of the Terms, Ancient and Modem, of the Canting Crew in its several Tribes of Gypsies, Beggars, &o 21/- Smilh and Kay. Gibson, E. C. S. The Book of Job (Oxford Commentaries). 6/- Moihuen. Glassford. D. T. The Pausing of Jesus. 1/- Mowbray. Godfrey, Elizabeth. A Stolen Idea. 6/- Jarrold. Goldmann, C. S. (ed.). Atlas of the Witwatersrand and other Gold- flVlds in the South African Republic. 15gs, Stanford. Goodwin. M. W.. and others. Historic New York. 12/6. Putnam, □ ore, Charles. St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans 3/6. Mnnay Gray, J. C. Biblical Museum. Vol. 3. Acts, Romans. 1/- net. Stock. Green, J. L. English Country Cottages. HI- Sural World Pub. Co. Green, W. H. General Introduction to the Old Testament. The Canon. 7/6. Murray. Grey, F. W. The Cure'of St. Philippe. «/- Digby. Grierson, F. Modern Mysticism; and other Essays. 3/6, Allen. Griffith, G. Knaves of Diamonds. 3/6. Pearson. Gumpel, C G. The Plague in India. 2/- Sonnenseheln, Gwynn, Stephen, Tennyson. 2/6. Blackie. Haggard, H. R. Swallow. A Tale of the Great Trek. 6/- Longman. Hartley, Cecil. Merovech. 3/6. Sands. Huiton, the late R. H. Aspects of Religions and Scientific Thought. 5/- Macmillan. Hauptmann, G. (tr. by Mary Morison). The Weavers. 1/6. Heinemann. Hay, Mrs. A. 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Front Page Other Pages Half of a Page Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Column Advertisements Bills for Insertion £i 0 3 0 I 10 0 u 0 7 per inch 0 6 per 2000 3 O Reductions made for a Series of Six or Tirelco Insertions. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the Advertisement Manager, The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street, London, W.C. JYCr. 3. Eveleigh JVfash. AMBERLEY HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, W.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 11 (April 1899) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 11 (April 1899) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1899-04-01-The-Author-9-11 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/328/1899-05-01-The-Author-9-12.pdf 8d1f46c1b7585fd3b85f4c69ec32c1b8 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1899-05-01 Volume 9 Issue 12 Pages Page range in volume 269–288 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 18990501 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin XT be Hutbot\ (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. IX.—No. 12.] MAT 1, 1899. [Price Sixpence. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. AU remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. il Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. FOB some years it has been the practice to insert, in every number of The Author, certain " General Con- siderations," Warnings, Notices, &c, for the guidance of HtB reader. It has been objected as regards these warnings that the tricks or frauds against which they are directed cannot all be guarded against, for obvious reasons. It is, however, well that they should be borne in mind, and if any publisher refuses a clause of precaution he simply reveals his true character, and should be left to carry on his business in his own way. Let us, however, draw up a few of the rules to be observed in an agreement. There are three methods of dealing with literary property:— I. That of selling it outright. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent. II. A profit-sharing agreement. In this case the following rule ■ should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements ▼OL. IX. in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! (7.) To stamp the agreement. III. The royalty system. In this system, which has opened the door to a most amazing amount of overreaching and trading on the author's ignorance, it is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the "Cost of Production." Let no one, not even the youngest writer, sign a royalty agreement without finding out what it gives the publisher as well as himself. It has been objected that these precautions presuppose a great success for the book, and that very few books indeed attain to this great success. That is quite true: but there is always this uncertainty of literary property that, although the works of a great many authors carry with them no risk at all, and although of a great many it is known within a few copies what will be their minimum circulation, it is not known what will be their maximum. Therefore every author, for every book, should arrange on the chance of a success which will not, probably, come at all; bnt which may come. The four points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are:— (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. (3.) That there shall be no seoret profits. (4.) That nothing shall be charged which has not been actually paid—for instance, that there shall be no charge for advertisements in the publisher's own organs and none for exchanged advertisements, and that all discounts shall be duly entered. If these points are carefully looked after, the author may rest pretty well assured that he is in right hands. At the same time he will do well to send his agreement to the secretary before he signs it. F F 2 ## p. 270 (#282) ############################################ 270 THE AUTHOR. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. I. Ii^ VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive JjJ advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub- lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If, in the opinion of the Committee and the Solicitors of the Society, 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. If the oase is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society 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 agree- ments, 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 infor- mation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. If the examination of your previous business trans- actions by the Secretary proves unfavourable, you should take advice as to a change of publishers. 5. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Sooiety for examination. 6. The Society is acquainted with the methods, and—in the oase of fraudulent houses—the tricks of every publish- ing firm in the country. 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 indepen- dence of the writer. 8. Send to the Editor of The Author notes of everything important to literature that you may hear or meet with. 9. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Sooiety now offers:—(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the oost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 6s. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with then- work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. Members and others who wish their MSS. read are requested not to send them to the Office without previously communicating with the Secretary. The utmost practicable despatch is aimed at, and MSS. are read in the order in which they are received. It must also be distinctly under- stood that the Society does not, under any oircumstanoea, undertake the publication of MSS. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. Will members take the trouble to ascertain whether they have paid their subscriptions for the year? If they will do this, and remit the amount, if still unpaid, or a banker's order, it will greatly assist the Secretary, and save him the trouble of sending out a reminder Members are most earnestly entreated to attend to the following warning. It is a most foolish and may be a most disastrous thing to enter into an agreement binding for a term of years. Let them ask themselves if they would give a solicitor the collection of their rents for five years to come, whatever his conduct, whether he was honest or dishonest? Of course they would not. Why then hesitate for a moment when they are asked to sign themselves into literary bondage for three or five years? "Those who possess the 'Cost of Production' are requested to note that the cost of binding has advanced 15 per cent." This clause was inserted three or four years ago. Estimates have, however, recently been obtained which show that the figures in the book may be relied on as nearly correct: as near as is possible. Some remarks have been made upon the amount charged in the " Cost of Production" for advertising. Of oourse, we have not included any sums which may be charged for inserting advertisements in the publisher's own magazines, or in other magazines by exchange. As agreements too often go, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole profits of a book into his own pocket, by inserting any number of advertisements in his own magazines, and by exchanging with others. Some there are who call this a form of fraud; it is not known what those who practise this method of swelling their own profits call it. LITERARY PROPERTY. I. The Copyright Bill. ON Monday, April 24, Lord Monkswell moved the second reading of the Bill in the House of Lords. He related the action of the Society of Authors in preparing the Bill which he had himself introduced into the House of Lords. The death of Lord Herschell was a great loss to copyright reform, because he had brought in a large consolidating measure of literary and. artistic copyright. The Bill was referred, together with his own, to a Select Committee of Lords. The Committee held a great many meetings, but had not completed the evidence. Meanwhile, another Bill had been prepared by Lord Thring dealing with literary copyright. This Bill which he now proposed to read a second time fixed this term of copyright to the life of the author and ## p. 271 (#283) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 271 thirty years after death: the present law being a term of the author's life and seven years after, or forty-two years, whichever should be longer. The new Bill provided for the dramatisation, translation, or abridgment of novels: it gave authors of magazine articles copyright after two years from the publication of the articles. It gave copyright in lectures; it gave newspapers copyright in news for twelve hours after publica- tion. There were other points which would be considered in the discussion of the Bill. It was read a second time and referred to a Select Committee. iir II. Walter Savage Landor on Copyright. A correspondent of the Standard has unearthed a petition presented to Parliament by Walter Savage Landor, and published in the Examiner of April 7, 1839. It is as follows:— That your petitioner would represent to your Honourable House his strong persuasion that no property is bo entirely, and purely, and religiously a man's own as what comes to him immediately from God, without intervention or partici- pation. It is the eternal gift of an Eternal Being; and to interfere in any way with its benefits and blessings appears to your petitioner unbecoming and unjust. Your petitioner therefore humbly submits to your Honourable House that no Legislature has a right to confine its advantages to a thousand or ten thousand years, or to give them away to any person or pereons whatsoever, to the detriment of an author's heirs, after any number of ages. And your petitioner offers the less reluctantly these observations to your Honourable House, since he himself proposes no advantages to his descendants from any of his literary works, all of whioh he has consigned and left in perpetuity to the discretion of a learned friend. III.—Author's Corrections. As, after many wrestles, T have successfully bound the "correction" fiend, perhaps the method evolved may be useful to your readers. 1. Alter the agreement, liefore signing, to "author's alterations "; corrections may include printers' errors. 2. Require a free allowance of alterations per sheet, not an allowance of shillings but of so many words. I generally ask for about one in 300. Be reasonable, and guarantee that you will never overrun a page, and promise to break lines as bttle as possible. You can always save a page whole, and seldom break more than two lines, if careful in arranging. I am referring to detailed scientific works in saying this; imaginative writers may find more difficulty. 3. Correct and alter in pencil freely on one copy of proof. Then count words and prune if needful when inking in on the other copy for the printer. If you expect trouble use red ink for all your own alterations, and indorse each sheet with number of your alterations on it. 4. And now, perhaps, you have exceeded your allowance at the end of the work. And if you have but a few words more against you than agreed on, you will find probably .£5 for correc- tions put down. Look out the worst page of all; and see if deducting your alterations there will bring you within the agreed limit; if not, take the next worst for alterations also, and so on, until deducting certain pages squares the agreed allowance. Then offer to pay for the entire re-setting of those pages. It is a magnificent offer; you pay for fifty times the work involved, and yet it binds the fiend so that he cannot do entirely as he chooses. If in course of correcting you want much alteration in a page—more than a line or two— dash out the whole page and mark it " Re-set this page and charge to author." Then it is impossible to charge you for more than a few shillings for setting up one page. This method answers both with publishers and in direct contracts with printers. There is another thing to be said. Accustom yourself to write clean, without needing to alter MS., and then you are less liable to need altera- tions in proof. I seldom alter more than one word in 200 in MS. To do this, begin by a rule of never trying to write in bad con- ditions of temperament or surrounding. If distracted, cold, weary, or dull, you will never write a clean page, and the correction fiend will triumph. Often Bitten. I am much obliged by the Editor's note to my query on author's corrections. I have kept the first proofs, as advised by him. My difficulty is this: Printers often put small letters where capitals are distinctly indicated in the MS. They run on where a fresh paragraph is obvious. Per contra, they leave spaces sometimes when the directions are to save room. Sometimes the proof alters the meaning and effect of a para- graph. This may necessitate an interlineation, and dislocate a whole page, which, as the Editor says, takes time, and causes much additional expense. But must an author be charged with all this, for at the rates given it mounts up enor- mously? If an author interlineates owing to omissions, or erases an unsatisfactory line (as it seems to him) on appearing in print, I under- stand he must pay for the luxury, but should he pay for misplaced or misdivided words, &c.? A New Member. IV.—No Author's Corrections. You have often pointed out how the charge made for author's corrections can be kept down ## p. 272 (#284) ############################################ 272 THE AUTHOR. by having the MS. type-written. A novel of mine, "The Passing of Prince Rozan," had to be "set" and printed in America. To get proofs over here, revise and return them, would have caused such a serious delay that I decided to do without proofs. My MS. was type-written. I revised it with the greatest care. I further in- serted a clause in my agreement that the author would not require proofs, and that the publishers (Messrs. Putnam's Sons) would use their best endeavours to see that all printer's errors were corrected. I am quite satisfied with the result, and have been saved much trouble and expense. It is significant that the publishers made objec- tion to the clause in the agreement, suggesting that they might have to charge for corrections made by their reader; but the claim was inserted and agreed to. John Bickerdyke. V.—Infringement of Copyright. On March 29 last, before Mr. Justice Wills and a common jury, in the Queen's Bench Division, was heard the case of Miln v. Ballin. Mrs. Miln is an American author and journalist who has travelled a great deal, and has written books of travel and papers and essays on various subjects in magazines and papers. Among other contributions was a series of papers on children of various countries which she contributed to a journal called Madame, reserving the copyright. The defendant owned a paper called Baby, and had reproduced in its columns paragraphs—some thirty in all—verbatim from the plaintiffs essays in Madame. The witnesses for the plaintiff besides herself were Mr. T. P. O'Connor, Mr. John Murray, and Mr. F. W. Slater of Harper and Brothers. The case was practically without defence, except the plea that very little harm was done, if any, to the prospects of the plaintiff's book. Mr. Justice Wills, however, thought that a very considerable wrong had been done to the plaiutiff. The jury assessed the damages at .£250. As to the case itself, their could be no doubt of the result. The amount of damages granted to the plaintiff must be taken to represent more a penalty for wrong-doing than an attempt to estimate the damage done to the forthcoming book. People who reproduce literary property without the author's permission must learn that they cannot be allowed to help themselves. No one will ever be able to learn how far the property has been injured, but property must be respected. Therefore the result of the action is quite satisfactory. VI.—Harrison v. Bloxam. (In the Westminster County Court of Middlesex, March 1, 1899.) Messrs. Haynes and Claremont of 4, Blooms- bury-square, appeared for the plaintiffs. Defen- dant was represented by counsel, Mr. C. B. Marriott (instructed by Messrs. Field, Roscoe, and Co., 36, Lincoln's-inn Fields), acting on behalf of the Society of Authors. Mr. Marriott stated that his client wasagraduate of London University and a Research Chemist carrying out experiments at the Davy-Faraday Laboratory of the Royal Institution. Mr. Bloxam was a candidate for the D.Sc. degree of the University of London, and was required to present a printed thesis showing the results of his experimental work. Mr. Bloxam obtained from Messrs. Harrison an estimate for printing 100 copies demy 8vo. 32 pp. in paper wrapper, amounting to £j 2s. Mr. Bloxam's manu- script printed out to forty-eight pages, and for this work an account was sent in by Messrs. Harrison amounting to .£15 4*. 6d. Mr. Bloxam considered the charge made to be excessive in view of the original estimate, and entered into correspondence with Messrs. Harrison. Mr. Bloxam was perfectly willing to pay a reasonable sum, and by letter suggested a meeting for settle- ment of the amount due. Messrs. Harrison replied by issuing a County Court summons. Mr. Bloxam then paid into court £10 10s. and share of costs as being sufficient to discharge the debt. The plaintiff (Mr. Harrison) was called, and denied that the sum charged was excessive. The charge was madf? for a pamphlet of 56 pp., although defendant recognised only 48 pp. of printed matter. Plaintiff stated that blank pages and titles were charged as printed matter, but he had not warned defendant of this practice. Plaintiff also admitted that extra cost was entailed by sending out proofs in slip form, and that defendant was not consulted on this ques- tion, and was left in ignorance of any extra cost thus involved. Counsel objected on behalf of defendant that no details of extra charges had been submitted by the plaintiff, and that defendant had been allowed to incur extra charges without being warned. Counsel quoted an estimate by Messrs. Richard Clay and Sons to print for ii0 14*. 100 copies of the pamphlet, for which plaintiff claimed .£15 4*. 6d. Defendant produced manuscript and proofs, and, on examination by plaintiff and the judge, the MSS. and proofs were admitted to be legible and reasonably free from erasure or altera- tion. ## p. 273 (#285) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 273 The judge was of opinion that the charge made by the plaintiff was too great in proportion to the estimate given, and, in addition, that if extra costs were involved in printing and revision, the defendant should have been warned of such extra costs. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for .£13. VII.—Yeatman v. The Saturday Review. The case of Yeatman v. Harris and Others came before the Court of Appeal on April 12 and 13, on the application of the plaintiff for judg- ment or new trial on appeal from the verdict and judgment of Feb. 15 last, at a trial before the Lord Chief Justice and a special jury in the Queen's Bench Division. In this case the plaintiff, Mr. John Pym Yeatman, barrister and author, claimed to recover from Mr. Harris, as the former editor of the Saturday Review, and from Mr. F. W. Sabin, as the publisher, and from Messrs. Spottiswoode, as the printers of the journal, damages for alleged libels published in 1874, 1896, 1897, and 1898. The first alleged libel was in the criticism of a book written by the plaintiff, called " A History of the Common Law of Great Britain and Gaul," one of the statements being: "Mr. Yeatman would most likely, under any cir- cumstances, have written nonsense, if he wrote anything at all. His book is wild and worthless." The next libel arose on the publication of a book in 1896—"The Gentle Shakespeare: a Vindica- tion "—which the Saturday Review described as "a rival in absurdity to the cryptogram of Mr. Ignatius Donelly," as "miserable twaddle," and "an insult to literature." The third libel (which Mr. Yeatman said was the most serious, and injured him in his profession of a barrister) appeared on May 8, 1897, stating: "The Bar had its annual general meeting on Tuesday, and we notice without much surprise that those gather- ings at Lincoln's-inn are becoming more and more a kind of debating society for the cranks of the profession." The jury found that none of the articles were libellous or exceeded the limit of fair criticism, and judgment was entered accordingly; hence the present appeal. In giving judgment, Lord Justice Smith (Lords Justices Collins and Romer concurring) said there was no ground for granting the application, and the appeal would be dismissed with costs. VIII.—Musical Copyright. (Chancery Division—Before Mr. Justice Stirling.) BOOSEY V. WHIGHT. This case raised a novel and interesting point under the Musical Copyright Act. Mr. Butcher, Q.C., and Mr. Scrutton apppeared for the plain- tiffs, and Mr. Cutler, Q.C., Mr. Moulton, Q.C., Mr. Terrell, Q.C., and Mr. Eustace Smith repre- sented the defendants. The plaintiffs are well-known music publishers, and they ask for an injunction to restrain the defendants from infringing their copyright in three songs, "My Lady's Bower," "The Better Land," and " The Holy City." The defendants are the sellers of a musical instrument called the "jEolian," which is played by means of wind admitted to pipes or reeds through perforations in sheets of paper. The plaintiffs' case was that these perforated sheets were, in fact, records of the musical compositions in question, by means of which the music could be reproduced with a certain amount of human intelligence, and that they constituted an infringement of their copy- right in such compositions. The case turned to a considerable extent upon the construction of the Copyright Act, 1842. That Act gives pro- tection to copyright in books, and by its interpre- tation clause defines a book as meaning and including {inter alia) "a sheet of music"; and the question was whether the perforated rolls of paper used by the defendants in their instruments were "sheets of music" within the Act. The defendants had obtained the evidence of various musicians and others to prove that the perforated rolls could not be read as music, and conveyed to the minds of the witnesses no impression of music. The judge, having heard the arguments at length some weeks ago, reserved his judgment, which he now delivered. Having dealt with the facts of the case, and the evidence adduced at the trial, he said the question turned upon the con- struction to be put upon the Copyright Act, 1842, and the point was whether these perforated sheets of paper were "sheets of music" within the meaning of that Act. Although he was not prepared to say that the perforation alone amounted to an infringement, he came to the conclusion that inasmuch as the words intimat- ing the time, and the sign denoting the key, appeared on the paper as on plaintiffs' music, the sheets, taken as a whole, amounted to an infringe- ment. He would, therefore, grant an injunction restraining the defendants from continuing to publish these sheets in their present form, viz., with any words or signs which appeared on the plaintiffs' music. With regard to the perfora- ## p. 274 (#286) ############################################ 274 THE AUTHOR. tion alone he did not say whether that was an infringement. Judgment accordingly. IX.—Agreements, with Comments. In all cases in which publishers' agreements are printed and commented on in The Author a copy of the paper will henceforth be sent to the firm concerned, accompanied by a letter drawing their attention to the comments and offering them the opportunity of making any reply in The Author in case they should desire to do so. Agreement. Agreement made this day of between of (hereinafter called the "Author ") of the one part, and Messrs. of (hereinafter called the " Publishers ") of the other part, as follows: 1. The author agrees to transfer to the publishers all his copyrights and his other rights in a novel written by him and at present entitled , and the publishers agree to pub- lish the said novel in one volume form, and to use their best endeavours to make the same successful. 2. All expenses of production, advertising, and setting the ■aid novel shall be undertaken by the publishers, who shall be entitled to sell 500 copies of the said novel for their own benefit and without accounting therefor. Subject thereto the publishers agree to pay to the author one-half of all profits which they may derive from the publication and sale of the said book after deducting all expenses incurred in producing, publishing, selling, and advertising the same. It is agreed that as part of the expenses as aforesaid the pub- lishers shall be at liberty to include 5 per cent on the income from sales in lieu of specific charges for carriages, bookings, insurance, postages, travelling expenses, and establishment expenses for which no other charge is to be made. 3. The publishers shall have discretion as to the number and destination of presentation copies for the Press or other- wise, with a view of helping sales, but they shall on publi- cation of the book deliver to the author six presentation copies. 4. The publishers shall make up accounts to Dec. 31 and June 30 in each year, and settle the same with the author within three months after tboee dates. 5. The author undertakes to keep the publishers indem- nified against all actions or claims which may be brought or made against or upon them by reason of the said novel con- taining any libellous or slanderous matter. 6. The author agrees to give the publishers the first offer of the next long novel to be written by him, and which shall exceed 60,000 words in length, on the same terms as are contained in this agreement, with the exception that the publishers shall not in the case of such new book be entitled to 500 or any free copies (except presentation copies for the author and review and for influencing sales). The said offer shall be made by the author submitting the MS. of the said novel to the publishers, and allowing them one month after such submission within which to accept or decline the same. The first clause in this agreement is entirely to the disadvantage of the author. No author should under any circumstances transfer the copyright in a book to a publisher. In the case of technical books, scientific books, scholastic books, such transfer is quite disastrous. The agreement above quoted, however, is for the pub- lication of a work of fiction. If the author is ill-advised enough to transfer the copyright he should protect himself against the publication of the book in an altered form, against the sup- pression of his book, and against the suppression of his name. These are all-important points. In the first clause the publishers agree to publish the said novel, but do not undertake to do so by any specified time, and as they hold the copyright they are practically masters of the situation. It may be argued that if a publisher holds the copy- right of a book he would be a fool if he did not publish it, but cases have occurred where a pub- lisher holding the copyright has delayed publi- cation for various reasons for a couple of years. During this time the author naturally is unwilling to bring out another book to interfere with the copyright that the publisher holds. Clause 1, therefore, is an exceedingly bad clause from the author's point of view. (1.) As he transfers his copyright. (2.) As the publisher is not bound to produce the book by a certain date; and (3.) he is not bound to produce more than 500 copies, and therefore it is possible that the author might obtain no profit at all (see next clause). Clause 2 is an exceedingly bad clause from an author's point of view, whether the book is a first book or otherwise. It is sometimes the case that in a royalty agreement the publisher with- holds the payment of royalty till after the sale of 500 copies and then gives a proportionately high royalty to the author. It is sometimes worth the author's while to accept an agreement of this kind rather than not have his book published at all. The publisher, however, in the present agreement has a profit-sharing arrange- ment with the result that not only does he get 500 copies free to himself, but he gets half the cost of production of this 500 copies also paid for by the author. So much for the 500 to the publisher. It is only necessary to repeat what has so often and so urgently been put forward in The Author: that a half-profit arrangement under any circumstances is a bad one for the author, as inclined to lead to disputes and dissatisfaction from the complicated statements of accounts and from the small division of profits (if any) that generally accrues. The latter part of the same clause is against the author, as if the publisher is entitled to charge a percentage to cover his expenses the author ought to be entitled to make the same charge. Finally, with regard to clause 2, the author has no chance of checking beforehand the probable cost of production and no control whatever over the amount to be spent on adver- ## p. 275 (#287) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 275 tising or where these advertisements are to appear. This simple reliance of the author on the arrangement has been mentioned over and over again and must still be insisted upon. Clause 3 is also bad as far as the permission given to the publisher is concerned. The number of free copies should be limited. The account clause is a reasonable one, and so is clause 5, but the 6th clause is again a disas- trous clause for the author. To bind oneself to a publisher for another book is at all times a very dangerous matter. If the publisher treats an author fairly in the first instance he -would know that the author would return to him with his second book, but when a publisher obtains the signature of an author to an agreement, such as the one printed above, he may be sure that if in the meantime the author seeks advice he will not return to him with a second book unless he binds the author in the manner shown in clause 6. That the author should be bound on the same terms as for the first book with the exception of the 500 copies makes the matter worse. It may be pointed out generally that there is nothing said about American rights, Colonial rights, translation rights, serial rights, and all other rights, with the exception that the publisher holds these. If, therefore, he sells these rights he will share the profits with the author. A great many of these rights are sold merely by writing a letter. In other words, they are rights outside the publi- cation of the book in England, and as such are generally treated by agents, who charge 10 per cent. on the amounts received. Here, however, the publisher obtains 50 per cent.; a very unwise arrangement from the author's point of view. This is an additional argument against selling the copyright. It is no wonder that publishers cry out against agents who desire to take 10 per cent., when the publisher for doing the same work secures 50 per cent. The financial result of this agreement was as follows: The cost of production on the debit side was £120 2s. gd. for an edition of 1500 copies. In this is included the ordinary items of com- posing, machining, printing, corrections, and binding. In addition we find the following in- cluded: £ s. d. Brass binding blocks 2 12 6 Printing 500 show cards 1 7 6 Printing 5000 leaflets 0 9 4 Mounting and composing 8 stereos ... 0 8 0 Making up and printing from red forme 012 6 Design for cover 2 2 0 The sales of the book on the credit side as follows: £ < 1 at 3*. icxf o 9 at 6s. net 2 1 65/60 at 4*. f less 12$ per cent. 182/168 at 4s. 2d. I discount 52/48 at 4*. fleas 10 per cent 93/86 at. 4*. 2d. I trade discount 44/41 at 4*. fless 5 per cent. 52/48 at 4* 2d. \ trade discount d. 10 o 41 24 15 4 17 5 10 86 1 6 And the second account was as follows: JE s. d. 4 at 6s 1 4 0 104 at 48. 2d. Hess 10 per cent.) 20 5 2 13/12 at 4*. ( discount ) * 52/48 at 4*. 2d. less 12% per cent. disct. 815 0 78/72 at 4*. 2d. (less 5 per cent.) l 1Q 39/36 at 4*. ( discount ) 0 6 137 5 .6 The total represents a sale of 788 copies realis- ing the above figures—the sum of .£137 5*. 6d. The average price, therefore, is, as nearly as possible, 3*. 6d., so that the estimate given in these columns of 3*. 6d. as an average price is proved to be correct as regards this book. The 500 copies taken by the publisher must also be added. In the end, the publisher takes nearly £100, and the author ,£5 2s. gd. The result of this arrangement is, therefore, a most unsatisfactory one for the author, and in addition the author has bound himself for the next book to the same publisher. THE SIXPENNY BOOK. 7 11 10 VOL. IX. "T KNOW a man in my business," a book- I seller wrote the other day," who gets through 1000 copies of sixpenny novels every week. Nobody buys any other book. It seems as if the rest of the books are useless. He makes id. on each, or £4 3*. 46?. a week out of these novels. And his rent is .£i0 a week. How long will he last?" If we look at the bookstall of the nearest railway station we shall find it covered and loaded with the sixpenny novel. There is an increasing disposition, to limit the purchase of a book to the single 6d. The greater number of these books are either non-copyright books or books belonging to the o g ## p. 276 (#288) ############################################ 276 THE AUTHOR. publisher; those, namely, on which he has no royalty to pay. If there is any royalty it is generally about Id. on each copy, or £2 10s. for every 1000 copies. The book costs, say, about 2\d. to produce. Therefore on a sale of 30,000 copies we have approximately:— (1.) The author receives .£75. . (2.) The bookseller receives .£125. (3.) The publisher receives .£112. But a sale of 30,000 copies is high. As far as the author is concerned, if his new book was brought out at 6*., on even a 15 per cent. royalty, he would make more by a sale of 1700 copies. The questions which arise on this subject are many:— (1.) Would a successful writer do better or worse by coming out at 6d.? The class of persons who can read with pleasure the work of an educated writer is comparatively small, though it is growing and increasing rapidly. Outside this number no one buys a book of this kind, however cheap. Now, this class manages to read, either by borrowing, or lending, or buying, most of the popular works of the day in every branch. If this class can read a book by borrowing, it will do so rather than buy it. And this whether it is priced at 6d. or 6*. It is undoubted that many popular books sell in great quantities at 6d. But it is very doubtful whether this advantage is not a real loss compared with a book published at a higher price. If, for instance, Mr. Hall Caine's "Christian," which reached 180,000 copies, had been sold at sixpence, it may be calculated approximately that the author would have been a loser supposing his royalty on the sixpenny book to have been one penny, unless four million copies at least had been sold. Or, if we take a calculation of 10,000 sold, and a royalty of only 20 per cent., or on the six- penny book, the author would be a loser unless 240,000 copies were sold. (2.) What effect will this cheapening of fictioD produce in other ways? It will make people unwilling to pay for a novel more than 6d. It will lead them to believe that the normal price for all books must be 6d. It will necessitate the production of high-priced books for the libraries, and for the limited class who will continue to give a high price. It will make the present stock of six-shilling books practically unsaleable. It will probably complete the ruin of the country bookseller. It will with equal probability injure the whole trade of publishing very severely. It will lower the character and dignity of litera- ture, because what can be obtained for a few pence—badly printed; on cheap paper; read and then thrown away—will be valued at the mental equivalent for a few pence. This is proved by the history of the pirated book in America. An opportune article in Literature, for April 15, called'attention to the serious danger which is threatening everybody concerned with the produc- tion and the circulation of literature. The figures given by the writer do not altogether agree with those given here, but they serve to show the magnitude of the danger. Can anything be done? The public will buy for 6d. rather than 6s.—that is certain. It is also certain that the present price of 6*. or 4*. 6d. is too high. Publishers can do what they please with their own property—though they will not allow the same privilege to booksellers; and if they go on producing sixpenny books—their own property— all that authors can do is to protest, and to hope that the dangers which now seem so threatening; will either prove illusory, or may end in disaster quickly, so that we may learn whether the new method is wisdom or madness. A writer in the Daily News of April 8 gives, on the other hand, a different estimate of the sixpenny book. Literature at this price, he says, opens up an entirely new field of readers; people who would never think of buying a six-shilling book. At the same time, the circulation of the sixpenny edition is calculated, he thinks, to stimulate the demand for the more expensive one; and as sixpenny editions are, at least in some cases, not reprinted, people who have heard the book talked of and seen it read by the sixpenny public, are obliged then to buy the six-shilling edition if they only apply after the sixpenny one is for ever exhausted. But while on the whole the sixpenny novel pays, there is one deserving individual who is hit very hard by it— the small bookseller. "The town bookseller is quite content." Is he? But see above. "He can order his thousands and make them pay. But there are hundreds of suburban booksellers in London whose struggle for existence grows keener every day." One of these spoke of a book for which, at its first appearance at 6s., there was "a wonderful demand :— We sold at least one copy every day—one day we sold seven. Then, about Christmas, the publishers announced a sixpenny edition. The sixpenny edition is only just out, but during the last ten weeks we have only sold two copies of the book. That is how the sixpenny copyright novel affects us. It is no use our trying to sell them. What with disoount, the drapers, and the sixpenny novels, the small booksellers are on the road to ruin. ## p. 277 (#289) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 277 In reply to the opinion of the Daily News one asks if cheap books do open up new fields of readers, or if they only offer the chance of buying cheaply what would otherwise have been borrowed of a library? One may also entertain the gravest doubts as to the stimulating effect of the sixpenny book. The general experience is that if anything is offered at sixpence people will never afterwards give six shillings for it. And the preceding remarks answer the opinion as to the contented town bookseller. SECRET COMMISSIONS AND SECRET PROFITS. AT the monthly dinner of the London Chamber of Commerce Lord Russell of Killowen spoke on secret commissions and his promised Bill. He said:—" There was no reason in the world why men should not stipulate for any manner of compensation or commission they might choose, provided always that it was open and above board. Therefore let no one for a moment think that the provisions of his Bill were of so drastic a kind that they could possibly act with undue severity or harsh- ness upon any outspoken honest man. . . . His own interest in this question dated far back in his professional years, and he had known many sad instances of the evils resulting from the prevailing system—evils not stopping short at the receipt of commissions, but branching out into an actual course of crime. . . . But the thing that was so disgusting in this country was to find men belonging to the learned professions taking these secret commissions. Was it not intolerable to be told that medical practitioners—he was not attacking these profes- sional men as a whole, for these cases were the exceptions—would write a prescription and had a secret arrangement that the druggist should give him 25 per cent. on the amount of the drugs? Was it not disgusting to be teld, as a fact, that if a doctor recommended a particular undertaker he got a slice of the undertaker's business? Anyone who had taken the trouble to look into the matter would know that these were facts. They were exceptions—he hoped rare exceptions; but where this moral corruption existed it blunted the sense of honour and of honesty. Not only w.as it morally detrimental to those who took part in it, demoralising to individuals and, in part, to the community, but unjust and unfair to men who maintained a high standard of probity and of honour." How would these remarks applr to secret profits made by one party to an agreenrofit or the other? Let us imagine that Lord Russell was speaking of secret profits. "There was no reason in the world why men should not stipulate for any manner of discount or commission they might choose, provided always that it was open and above board. It would be for the other side to accept or to refuse. . . . His own interest in this question dated far back in his professional years, and he had known many sad instances of the evils resulting from the prevailing system—evils not stopping short at the secret receipt of discount, but branching out into charging for advertisements which cost nothing, and alleged expenses not incurred. . . . The thing that was so disgusting was to find men received into clubs as honourable gentlemen taking these secret profits and making their charges. . . . When this moral corruption existed it blunted the sense of honour and of honesty. Not only was it morally detrimental to those who took part in it, demoralising to the individuals concerned, and demoralising to the cause of literature, but it was unjust and unfair to those who maintained a high standard of probity and of honour." The question has been already asked whether Lord Russell's Bill will include all kinds of secret profits, and, therefore, the practice now openly advocated by the committee of the Pub- lishers' Association. If, as it is hoped, it proves to include this practice, it will stamp the prac- tice with legal penalties and greatly discourage the persons who practise, or continue to advocate, the taking of secret profits, or the charge of moneys not spent. For this reason the Society should regard Lord Russell's Bill with consider- able interest. THE STORY-TELLING REVIEWER. AT the annual meeting of our Society I called attention to the somewhat common practice of giving in a review an outline of the plot, or, in the slang of the day, of "giving away" the story. That this was done without the least desire to injure the author's or publisher's inte- rests in the book I had no doubt whatever; and I also had no doubt that the practice did in many instances materially injure the sales of a book. I pointed out that editors were literary men themselves, that they had a fellow feeling for authors generally, and that some at least of them, if a representation on the subject were made by the Committee, would be certain to meet the wishes of authors. I also pointed out that, if we offered a book for review, we could not com- plain" if it was condemned and severely handled; ## p. 278 (#290) ############################################ 278 THE AUTHOR. but we might, I thought, justly complain if the leading features of the plot, and particularly its termination, were described, and the interest of possible readers materially lessened. It was quite evident that these few remarks met with general approval among the fifty or sixty authors present, and the matter ended by an understanding that the question would be dis- cussed by our Committee, which would very possibly communicate with the principal editors on the subject. I am not aware that this has been done, and I have been asked by the Com- mittee to deal with the subject in The Author This I gladly do; at the same time, wishing that the matter had been placed in the hands of a novelist of greater standing than myself, and preferably one who had more reason to complain of reviewers than I who have been almost invari- ably treated with the greatest kindness and consideration. Now and again one gets a spite- ful review, for there are among reviewers and critics men lacking the high principles so requi- site in their branch of literary work, just as there are, I regret to admit, authors and publishers who lack those high principles which are so eminently desirable in all that pertains to our craft. I have sometimes thought that reviews of the kind I am more particula rly referring to—perhaps they should more properly be termed "notices" —are often written by men in all kindness to the author. "Here is a book," I can imagine the critic saying, "which is neither very good nor very bad. It is evidently the work of an inex- perienced hand. I will not help to ruin a young author's prospects by too severely condemning him. I will simply give the readers of the paper in which my review appears a good idea of the contents of the book, and they can read it or leave it unread, as they think proper." Then he writes something in this fashion: "From Messrs. Short and Rigby we have received Mr. John Jones's new novel of Welsh life. Many persons will doubtless read it with interest. The first chapter opens with. . . ." Then he mentions all the characters, describes as briefly as he can what part they take in the story, and very likely ends by saying " Vice is defeated, Virtue is triumphant, the hero and heroine are united, and everyone is as happy as marriage bells." For books which depend upon plot and inci- dent for their interest, such a " review" is almost fatal. In the case of those novels, the literary merit of which lies in wit, epigram, and analysis of character, many novel readers would be deterred from ordering the book if, from some notice they have read in the paper, it seemed to lack plot. Some modern works of considerable merit contain hardly any plot at all, and m«rely to give a brief outline of their contents creates a very false impression concerning them. To take the opposite case of books of consider- able length, crammed full of incident, and written round a most elaborate plot: here the reviewer who tries to tell the story in brief, necessarily fails, owing to limitations of space, and does the author an injustice. So much for one side of the picture. On the other hand, there are numbers of reviewers who, very likely from being authors themselves, are as fully alive to the effect of telling the whole story as is any novelist. It is quite a common thing to find a review terminating with some such words as these: "To tell more of the story would be unfair to the author." There are some novelists, it is said, who like to have their story told in the revi ,w. I have a difliculty in believing that they really approve of the entire plot being disclosed, from page 1 to the end. Possibly they mean a description of the story just a little short of this. However, we have in The Author a means of communication which will enable such points to be cleared up. In conclusion, may I express a hope that the few lines I have written on the subject may not be misunderstood? I am quite prepared to have it stated that I have made an attempt to teach reviewers their business. Though it has fallen to my lot to write many reviews, I should be extremely sorry to have this said. I have no complaint to make of reviews, but of the notice which consists of a description of the plot, and is, in very truth, not a review at all. I believe newspaper readers, as well as authors, object to have books noticed in this manner. I once heard a lady say: "I was going to get Mr. 's book from the library, but I read the whole of the story in the Daily Post, and after that I didn't care to read the book." This may be the case with many novel readers. When asking people how they like a book, I often get the reply, "Oh! I really haven't read it, but I get a very good idea of it from the review in the Morning Blazer." John Bickerdyke. PARIS NOTES. THE acquittal of Mme. Chabrie-, whose private information had been utilised without her sanction in a series of Press articles by M. Gaston Mery {Libre Parole), and of M. Urbain Gohier, whose recent publication, "L'Armee contre la Nation," had awakened the censorship of the authorities, shows that the French nation at large is awar* «f the primary importance of a ## p. 279 (#291) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. free Press. The trial of M. G-ohier aroused great interest, since its issue embraced the solution of an important point closely affecting the prosperity of the country—viz., the liberty of the individual French writer to criticise the tactics of his military chiefs. After numerous quotations from the approved works of writers as diverse as MM. de Cassagnac, Drumont, Rochefort, Jules Lemaitre, Francois Coppee, and Georges Courte- line, who were each in turn proved to have pro- pagated seditious doctrine on this head, Me. Clemenceau, counsel for the accused, boldly declared M. Gohier's criticisms to be salutary to the true interests of the French Army. He maintained that his client attacked no one without furnishing proof of their malversation; if his tone in so doing appeared occasionally violent, it must be attributed to the fact that the work in question was compiled from journalistic articles—for the journalist resembled the pilot, in order to be heard he was forced to have recourse to a speaking trumpet. Me. Clemenceau con- cluded his defence by expressing a fervent hope that other writers would follow the example of his client, this "troubler of apothesises "—since France would thus be preserved from inscribing a second time in her annals dates as shameful as those of Sedan, Metz, Paris. The burst of enthu- siastic bravos and loud outcries of 'Vive Gohier '." which greeted the verdict of acquittal preceded by this eloquent peroration gave palpable proof that jury and populace were in accord in resenting this side attack on the liberty of the individual thinker. The election of M. Marcel Prevost to the pre- sidency of the Socie'te' des Gens de Lettres was flatteringly unanimous, comprising a majority of twenty votes against three, of which latter two were blanks. At the previous meeting, in which M. Henry Houssaye had resigned the same dignity owing to his term of office having expired, a rather stormy scene took place. After having announced that the meeting was convoked to replace the eight members whose term of office had expired and also to fill the place left vacant by the death of the late regretted Albert Bataille —in all, nine members—M. Brau de Saint-Pol- Lias continued, " Or rather ten members, since our rules permit us to erase the name of any person who has failed to attend six consecutive meetings. Now, there is a member who has failed in attending more than six meetings. . . ." Although no name was mentioned, everyone was aware at whom these remarks were aimed. M. Armand Charpentier cried loudly " Vive Zola!" while the majority of members present pro- tested against any question of party politics being introduced. On taking possession of the fauteuil vacated by M. Houssaye, M. Provost adroitly stated his opinion on the subject in sketching out the attitude he desired the Society to adopt. "Even before being a kind of literary club," said he, "we are a commercial society, a mutual-aid society. Our political opinions should be mute here, though free. If liberty of thought were ever proscribed it would belong to us, men of letters, to offer it an asylum in our midst. This tolerance is our honour. When one of our comrades has worked, has written books by which our Society has profited, no matter in what measure, in providing pensions for its superannuated and assistance for its indigent members; when this comrade has taken his seat at our table, has aided us with his energy and effort; if the day comes when he finds himself exposed to the vicissitudes of public opinion—we owe it to him, we owe it to ourselves, we owe it to true literature and French tradition, not to excite the crowd against him, not to throw stones against him with the hands he has clasped." This generous speech excited warm applause. The nomination of office-bearers for the present year then took place, M. Henry Houssaye being elected honorary president and MM. Lafargue and de Larmandie vice-presidents. Three new members were likewise admitted to the Society, of whom two were women; and it is more than rumoured that a project was on foot to demand the admis- sion of feminine members to the committee of the Society. The ladies, however, not wishing that two irritating topics should be broached on the same day, magnanimously agreed to defer all allusion to the subject until the following meeting. Its first introduction will, doubt- less, be hotly combated and criticised, but the eventual triumph of the fair sex is a foregone conclusion. The death of Mme. Clesinger, daughter of George Sand, has again brought the latter's name prominently before the public in the daily papers. Later evidence has satisfactorily vindicated the grave charge brought against Mme. Sand by her contemporaries of having forced her daughter to accept her own discarded lover, Clesinger, as a husband. Mme. Clesinger was the author of one or two novels of inferior merit, and in no wise inherited her mother's literary talent. Their appearance was as dissimilar as their characters were antagonistic. Solange Cle'singer-Sand had a masculine type of countenance, an arched nose, and a frank, almost audacious expression; her figure was admirably proportioned, and she was not lacking in wit. Several years after her sepa- ration from her husband she inhabited a small suite of rooms in the Rue Taitbout, and among the intimate friends who frequented her society ## p. 280 (#292) ############################################ 280 THE AUTHOR. may be mentioned Gambetta, Ferry, Laferriere, Edouard Herve, Weiss, Taine, Henry Fouquier, Floquet, and Bethmont. She died at her castle of Montgivray, and was buried beside her mother. M. Maurice Eollinat is now engaged in revising the proofs of the new volume of poems he intends publishing shortly. M. Rollinat is a fervent student and admirer of the works of George Sand and Edgar Poe. He is, likewise, a most infatuated angler, and not even the red ribbon which the Government bestowed on him in 1895 has sufficed to wean him from pursuing his favourite pastime. To Mme. Sarah Bernhardt belongs the honour of having discovered this ichthyophagistic rhymester. The Soci^te des Gens de Lettres has confided to M. Falguiere the execution of the statue of Balzac, to be exhibited at the next Salon. The bust of M. Henri Houssaye, the work of Mlle. Aim-lie Colombie, will be exhibited on the same occasion; the latter is reported to be an excellent reproduction of the features of the great his- torian. It is further proposed to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of Racine by the inauguration of two busts, viz:, that of Pascal at St. Etienne du Mont and that of Racine on the ruins of Port Royal. The project of erecting a reduced replica of Guy de Maupassant's monu- ment at Paris (pare Monceau) in the square of his native town of Rouen has met with universal sympathy, the artists engaged on the work re- fusing all remuneration beyond the actual cost of labour and material employed. The unveiling of the new monument will take place next month; it will stand in the middle of a small green sward, opposite Chapu's medallion of Flaubert, the friend and master of Guy de Maupassant. At the recent International Press Congress at Rome Italy was, of course, so far first in the field as regards the number of her representatives as to be quite out of the running. Among foreign countries France carried off the palm numerically, being represented by no less than eighty-seven delegates, in addition to twenty-five wives and daughters of delegates. Germany stood second on the list, having sent forty-six representatives, Austria third, Hungary fourth, Belgium fifth, and England sixth, while the United States shared the seventh place with Sweden and Portugal, each of the three last-named countries being represented by ten delegates. The "English mania" that is so frequently deplored by the French writers of the present day is steadily invading the Parisian stage. Shakespeare has evidently come to btay, despite M. Fouquier's assertions to the contrary, and his "Beaucoup de bruit pour rien " now adorns the programme of the Opera Comique; the Ambigu- Comique gives us " Les Chevaliers du Brouillard," a play adapted from one of Ainsworth's novels and in the salle of the Societes savantes we find "Betsey," an English play in three acts by Mr. Burnand. Apropos of theatrical literature, M. Bergerat's new play, "Plus que Reine," is sharing the fate of its literary predecessors, "Le Lys Rouge," " Le Coupable," &c, viz., it bores the public. After having heralded its advent with a fanfaronade of extravagant panegyric, the critics are now harking back on their first judgment, and discovering that the play lacks cohesion, historical accuracy, and dramatic verve. They are likewise shocked at seeing Mme. Jane Hading represent the Creole Josephine in a blonde wig, and scandalised at finding Napoleon's costume inoorrect in sundry details. This failure only bears out our previous assertion regarding the fallacy of believing that a dramatic and a literary talent were concomitant attributes. Translations of modern English literature are largely patronised here. In addition to devoting several columns to appreciating the works and style of Rudyard Kipling—" prince de la ballade et roi du conte "—the Annales lately endeavoured to give a specimen of the latter by publishing a translation of his " White Seal." Although more justly rendered than we had imagined possible, it was nevertheless a very flat narrative in compari- son with the brilliant originality of the English version; yet, even under these favourable circum- stances, we were unable to detect the analogy the French critics have discovered to exist between the style of Pierre Loti and that of Rudyard Kipling. The death of Mme. Michelet, nie Athemas Mialaret, widow of the great historian, has occasioned the publication of some of the letters which passed between them before the idea of matrimony was entertained by either. The whole story reads like a romance. Early left an orphan and forced by the improvidence of her parents to earn her livelihood, Mlle. Mialaret accepted the post of governess in a private family at Vienna. The indifferent kindness meted out to her by her employers failed to satisfy her moral and intellectual requirements. She fell into a state of profound melancholy. At this juncture in her career she chanced to read one of Michelet's works entitled "Le Pretre." It touched her so profoundly that she wrote to the author, confiding to him her mental and moral distress. He replied by an admirable letter to which she gratefully responded; and when a few months later her failing health forced her to return to the milder climate of Paris, the acquaintance commenced on paper speedily ripened into a warmer sentiment than- ## p. 281 (#293) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 281 platonic friendship and esteem. The affection was mutual, though the great historian was in his fifty-second and theyoung governess in her twenty- third year at the date of their union. Neverthe- less the marriage proved an extremely happy one; and during the twenty-five years that elapsed between her husband's and her own death Mme. Michelet lived devoted to his memory. For years she refused to have any renovations made in the suite of rooms they had occupied together; finally, she consented to permit certain necessary repairs, though still refusing to quit the premises. She caught cold through sleeping in the midst of the damp plaster, and died eight days later from a violent attack of pleurisy. She had reached the ripe age of seventy-two years, and was a graceful and sympathetic writer. The recently published memoirs of Alfred de Musset by his old housekeeper, Mme. Adele Colin- Martellet, contain much interesting matter. Among other anecdotes she narrates that the poet had a little dog, named Marzo, to whom he was greatly attached. When his master died Marzo believed him only absent, and every evening patiently awaited him at the accustomed hour. For seven years Marzo nightly waited thus, at the end of which time the poor little fellow died with his eyes fixed on the door by which he still fondly hoped to see his master enter. Mme. Martellet's husband carried off the small corpse intending to inter it in one of the adjacent plots of waste land. At the corner of the rue Boileau he came across a companv of workmen engaged in making a new road and there deposited Marzo's remains, covering them with several shovelfuls of earth. By curious coincidence this new street is to-day known as the rue de Musset. During the past month French literature has registered the following deaths in addition to those above cited, viz., that of M. Erckmann, who, in collaboration with M. Chatrian, wrote the famous series of tales, respectively entitled "Waterloo," "1'Ami Fritz," "l'lllustre Docteur Mathews," "Madame Therese," "Blocus," "Souvenirs d'un homme du peuple." &c., and whose character sketches were so just and fine that the phrase—" C'est un personnage d'Erck- mann-Chatrian "—has passed into current usage; of M. Paul Bonnetain, Government commissioner, author of several original and interesting novels, respectively entitled "Passagere," "le Tour du monde d'un troupier," "Au Tonkin," "le Journal d'un marsouin," &c.; of M. Paul Mahalin, who gained notoriety as a master of the "roman- feuilleton " genre; of M. Vaucheret, who, under the pseudonym of Jean Bruno, has for almost fifty years been a prolific contributor to the fiction column of numerous periodicals; and of M. Berthold Zeller, Professor of History at the Sor- bonne, and author of numerous important his- torical works which have each successively had the honour of being "couronne par l'Academie fran9aise." Darracotte Dene. NOTES AND NEWS. THE annual dinner of the Royal Literary Fund was duly held, and the usual hat went round in the familiar manner. The chairman, according to the only report that I have read, seems to have refrained very wisely from advocating the necessity of increasing the income of the society on account of increasing demands. On the other hand, he did not represent—the statement would certainly have chilled the gene- rosity of the charitable—the fact that the Council cannot spend on deserving cases one half of their present income. Nor can I believe that all the donations which were announced—to the amount of .£ii50—would have been contributed had the donors realised or understood this broad fact, which is, that the Royal Literary Fund has at last got quite enough money for its present wants. If its resources should prove insufficient, there is no doubt that more money would be forthcoming. As is pointed out in another column, there is reason to fear that there may be an increase in the demands should the sixpenny book kill the profession of literature; but there is still time to provide against that catastrophe. Meantime, the subject may rest until next February, when I hope that the point may be seriously and officially advanced. This year it was asked too late. It will take the form of a plain question: Why does the Council ask for more money when the present income is more than double the amount of the calls made upon it? nic> A writer in Literature says that although I maintain that the capital sum invested by the Royal Literary Fund is sufficient to meet all demands likely to be made upon it—a contention which is proved by the report—I also ask that the Civil Pension Grant shall be confined to persons distinguished in literature, science, and art, " which seems to indicate," I read," that he is not always, equally sure of the prosperity of men of letters." I fail to perceive this indica- tion. Besides, if my critic would only read further he would, I think, discover that I ask for a substitution in place of the words "or other persons worthy of Her Majesty's bounty," the words "or widows or daughters of persons so ## p. 282 (#294) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. distinguished." This I propose in order that the practice now common in the administration of this grant should be recognised by a resolution of Parliament, and that the widows of persons dis- tinguished in literature, science, or art, should be legally entitled to receive these pensions, but not the widows of Colonial Governors or other deserving and distinguished persons. But the Grant and the Fund have nothing to do with each other. The former gives pensions: the latter gives temporary relief. Without any reference to the former, it is proved that the latter could only find last year twenty-two distressed men or women of letters. Only twenty-two out of the thousands who live by the pen! This fact is to my mind a very signal proof— one not to be disputed—of the general welfare of the Folk of Letters. It is now a numerous Folk: they are legion: and out of so many there are only twenty-two deserving cases: not one turned away from want of funds; and .£2000 invested out of income. In face of all the facts I can no longer admit that the profession is precarious, any more than any other profession. Of course, there is risk of ill-success in every profession, but less risk, given the natural aptitude, which is of course necessary, than in any other. Why is this contention, which has been advanced on several occasions, called " optimist"? Why is it always received with a strange unwillingness and a still stranger dislike? The only reason that I can discover is that it upsets a rooted tradition, and to tear up old traditions makes people uncomfor- table. Authors, we have always been taught, are a beggarly company. Grub Street even parades its rags. Well: but where is Grub Street r Show those rags. Produce those beggars. Are they in the clubs? There are literary men by the hundred in the Athenaeum, the Savile, the Authors', the Savage, the Garrick, and other clubs. They sit down with the other men, and, appar- ently, they can pay for their dinners: they present an outward show of broadcloth: they even wear gloves: they preserve an appearance of solvency: one might take them for City men. They seldom become bankrupt; I remember only one or two cases of the bankruptcy of a literary man. At this moment, while I know writers who would like to make more by their pen, I doubt if I know one who has had occasion to go to the Royal Literary Fund. There may be, and very likely are, people who would like above all things to be men or women of letters. One can hardly call persons followers of literature who have attempted and proved incompetent. A man is not a poet who has produced a volume of feeble rhyme. Again, there is an excellent reason why Literature is a much less precarious profession than Medicine or either branch of the Law; namely, that it has so many branches. And, as I said before, they overlap each other. If one may, without offence, produce examples, I need go no farther than the accomplished editor of Literature himself, who is historian, poet, essayist, critic, and editor: I might point out Mr. W. E. Henley, poet, biographer, editor, and dramatist: Mr. J. M. Barrie, essayist, novelist, and dramatist: Dr. Conan Doyle, novelist, poet, and dramatist: the late William Biack, jour- nalist and novelist: Mr. Andrew Lang, scholar, poet, novelist, historian, journalist, and critic: Mr. Justin McCarthy, novelist and historian. It may be objected that I am taking extreme cases. They are certainly cases of successful writers. But these cases illustrate my position, viz., that if a man proves himself able to write (if he is an attractive writer) a scholar and an authority, there is certainly no other profession in which he would be so safe. The chief danger is that common to every profession, that a man's health may break down; there is also the danger that, for some reason or other, he may lose his charm. Anthony Trollope lost his charm at the end, or seemed to do so; but he kept it till much past sixty. This also is a danger in every other profession. Literature, I repeat, is no longer a precarious profession—if the candidate possesses the natural aptitude. Cannot the same thing be said of every other profession? Does a lawyer succeed who is no lawyer? Let me turn over two or three leaves, at random, of that useful annual with the wonderful name of "Who's Who." Here are a few examples: (1) Novelist, humourist, journalist: (2) story-teller, journalist, caricaturist: (3) preacher, theologian, scholar: (4) novelist, historian, poet: (5) pro- fessor, editor, critic: (6) preacher and poet: (7) journalist, editor, critic, dramatist: (8) journalist, biographer, historian: (9) novelist only: (10) archaeologist and historian: (11) bio- grapher, historian, traveller: (12) artist, author, and journalist. These names have been found in half a dozen consecutive pages of the book. I think they prove my point, that the many-sided character of the literary profession goes far to remove its former reputation for uncertainty. Of great prizes I do not speak. Nor do I speak of the incompetent and their sufferings. A far greater number of incompetent persons attempt literature than any other pro- fession because it seems to want no apprenticeship ## p. 283 (#295) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 283 and it appears to be so easy. We cannot allow that those persons belong to the literary life any more than we call those students who cannot pass their examinations lawyers or physicians. Now, the examination which every literary man must pass, and every successful literary man must pass in honours, is twofold: he must be examined by the critic, and he must be examined by the public. _ A contributor to the New York Writer (Ruth Hall), endeavouring to show that new writers find it very difficult to get into American maga- zines, gives a few statistics :— 1. Harper's Magazine for February contains twenty-three articles. Of these, one short story, one essay, and three poems are by unknown writers. 2. The Century for February contains twenty- seven contributions, of which seven are by unknown writers. These figures, however, seem to prove exactly the reverse of her proposition. When we consider that a magazine is not run with the object of advancing writers but of advancing the pro- prietor: that the editor's first duty is to find out what will instruct and attract: tbat popular authors are certain to attract: and that untried and unkno wn authors can only attract by reason of the very rare condition of having something to tell which is new and curious: and that popular authors can almost always be had if the editor will pay them—we can understand how difficult it must be for a new writer to get a hearing. We can also understand how the English maga- zine of the older kind seems sinking into a kind of atrophy because the editor and proprietor will not understand the simple rule of supply and demand. To sit down in a chair and wait for things is the editing of the past. To arrange beforehand with an eye to what will please and attract readers, yet with a door open to the new comer, is the editing of the present and the future. The new comer, when he finds that in Harper's Magazine there are five out of twenty-three papers, and in the Century seven out of twenty- seven, contributed by unknown writers, may take courage. There is still the open door. Walter Besant. CORRESPONDENCE. I.—Against Difficulties. THE March number of your paper has just come into my hands, and I am greatly interested in the letter of Mr. Julian Croskey, a gentleman whose career I have followed carefully during the last two years. The advice he gives to the parents of young men who are determined to devote their lives to literature is, I think, excellent; but how many parents will listen to his counsel? Very few, if any. I myself am determined to adopt the literary profession, but I have not the neces- sary means; rich relatives are scarce, and parents unwilling. Meanwhile, I am miserable. But what can I do? Nothing! I have had sufficient success to warrant me believing that in two years from now I could, by constant work and hard writing, earn a "comfortable income." But I am chained to office work, and my evenings are as miserable as my mornings and afternoons, for what literary work can a man do who comes home tired-out, despondent, and swearing softly to himself? o-o Waiting. II. Charity for Brain-Workers. I thought the days when people of title honoured themselves by taking authors and artists under their patronage had passed, but I seem to be mistaken. In a recent number of the Academy particulars were given of a home of rest in the Riviera for tired brain-workers. A lady of title is apparently the originator of the scheme. Men are to pay their own expenses to and from the place, they are to pay a minimum of a pound a week for board and lodging, and in return they are evidently to get what any person with a pound a week to spare can command in decent habitations in the South of France, while they are to be governed by a set of rules which ought never to be tolerated on the free side of a gaol or a workhouse. A man who can afford to pay a sovereign a week can afford to keep clear of a retreat of this description. A Member. III.—The Extravagant Dinner. Dissatisfaction among the members of the Authors' Society, tnough perhaps occasionally inevitable, is surely a thing to be avoided so far as possible. I believe considerable dissatisfaction does exist among many members at the high price charged for the annual dinner ticket. If we were a society of Stock Exchange men, or pub- lishers, or racehorse owners, or company pro- moters, a guinea would perhaps be fitting and proper; but we are poor authors, few of us with ## p. 284 (#296) ############################################ 284 THE AUTHOR. even the incomes of a bishop, many of us women and stragglers for life. Our Committee, I take it, are among the successful. Cannot they show their sympathy for the poorer members of the Society by following the example of almost every other club and society in England, and fixing the dinner ticket at a more moderate sum? The guinea, I know, includes wine, but this is most unfair to those, particularly women, who drink little or none. In ninety-nine public dinners out of a hundred the guests pay for the wine they consume. Why should not we do likewise? If two-thirds of the price of the ticket were paid to the funds of The Author, or some other such admirable object, our grievance would be lessened; but I believe most members of the Society will agree with me that to force those who wish to meet their fellow members at the annual dinner into an act of wasteful extravagance, is bad policy on the part of our executive. When a dinner was given in honour of yourself, at the Holborn Restaurant, the price of the ticket was only 5$., and the arrangement worked well enough. The attendance was enormous, and there was really nothing to complain of. Annual dinners have a remarkable effect in keeping clubs and societies of all kinds together, but ours loses much of this effect owing to the price of the ticket, which actually equals a year's subscription to the Society. I hope other members will express their opinions on this subject in the pages of The Author. Diane. IV.—Typewriting Offices. May I ask for the insertion of these few words in answer to two letters which appeared in your issues of February and March, condemning in a wholesale fashion the typewriting offices? It appears to me both your correspondents are not fully acquainted with the real facts connected with the typing industry, or the former would not suggest that the payment of gd. a thousand was an adequate sum to offer a woman, even a home worker. The typist who does Mr. Goodrich Freer's work at gd. a 1000 makes, if she is a fairly quick worker, and works, say, eight hours a day, 26s. a week. That is to say, she can copy 6000 words in a day, taking at the lowest computation two hours a day for the examining of the copy with the MSS. Now, take the case of the girl who has been trained in shorthand and typing in a first-class office; she is then able to take a situation, either in a typewriting office or in a mercantile office, where she can secure regular work, and scores over the home worker in the following way: First, as to hours, she works nine hours a week less, bemuse office hours in the typewriting offices are 10 to 6, and she has Saturday afternoon off; secondly, she has no worry in securing work, as she is paid whether it is slack or not; thirdly, she can make in a good office, without languages, 30s. to 35*. a week; fourth, she has not to find machine, ink, or stationery. In a mercantile office she can make up to £2, but their hours, as a rule, are rather longer—9.30 to 6. In the typewriting office she certainly does some of the work when she is suffi- 2iently proficient to be trusted with it, but how else will she learn her business? I cannot see any justice in calling the typewriting office people " clever exploiters of other people's labour," as it must be remembered that the pupils are given an opportunity which can be given in no other way to learn their profession properly, and so become capable of earning a fair wage, which I do not consider Mr. Goodrich Freer's 265. a week to be. Madeleine Greenwood. V.—Payment on Acceptance. I notice in The Author for April a letter from Mr. Herbert D. Williams saying that Great Thoughts invariably pays for articles on acceptance. I regret to say that this is not my experience. An article of mine was accepted at the end of 1893, and appeared in February, 1894. I accordingly asked for payment, which was refused, because I had not stipulated for it when I sent the article. I was offered instead a bound volume of Great Thoughts.' This was a " hair of the dog" with a vengeance. I refused even this. It was only the second article of mine that had been accepted, and I felt the injustice most keenly. H. Stanley Tayler. OBITUARY. SIR MONIER MONIER - WILLIAMS, K.C.I.E., Boden Professor of Sanscrit in the University of Oxford since i860, whose Sanscrit-English dictionary (which occupied him for twenty years) and other works are well known to every Sanscrit student, died at Cannes on April 10, in his eightieth year. Mr. Edmund Sheridan Purcell, the biographer of Cardinal Manning, died on April 12, aged 76. He has left in manuscript, almost completed (says the Academy), a biography of Ambrose de Lisle, the prototype of Eustace de Lyle in "Coningsby." ## p. 285 (#297) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 285 BOOK TALE. EROM copyright novels at 6d., the step has soon been taken to copyright novels at id. Messrs. Pearson are about to issue a series at this price, consisting of works by Ouida, John Oliver Hobbes, Mr. Robert Buchanan, Mr. Grant Allen, Rita, Mrs. Hungerford, Mr. Louis Becke, Mr. Fergus Hume, Mr. Clark Russell, Mrs. Hodgson Burnett, and other writers. The same firm have projected also another series of penny books, such as "How to be Happy though Married," "Helen's Babies," "Trooper Peter Halket," &c. With regard to the forthcoming biography of Mrs. Lynn Linton, Mr. G. S. Layard asks owners of letters, portraits, or other material connected with the subject. to be kind enough to forward them to him at Lorraine Cottage, Malvern, promising that these will be taken care of and returned as soon as he has done with them. Mr. Rudyard Kipling, having sufficiently recovered from his illness to be able to work, is revising a privately-printed volume of letters, and making sundry additions to them in view of their publication. This work will be called "From Sea to Sea," and among its contents will be found Mr. Kipling's "Letters of Marque" and "City of Dreadful Night," both of which were published here some years ago and imme- diately withdrawn on account of difficulties con- cerning the copyright. Mr. Stephen Crane is at work on a new novel. Before this appears, however, the public will get a new volume of verse from Mr. Crane, entitled "War is Kind." The late Sir Benjamin Ward Richardson left virtually completed a series of biographies of leaders of medicine, and these are now about to be published by Messrs. Hutchinson in two volumes, called " Disciples of .^sculapius." Mr. Lewis Melville has completed his "Life of Thackeray," and the work, which has occupied him ten years, will be ready in a few days. It consists of two volumes, and will be the first complete biography of Thackeray. Meanwhile, the splendid Biographical edition of Thackeray has just been completed by the publication of the thirteenth volume. This edition, of course, is unique by reason of the biographical introduc- tions contributed by the novelist's daughter, Mrs. Ritchie. "Curiosities of Light and Sight," by Mr. Shelford Bidwell, F.R.S., will be published in a few days by Messrs. Swan Sonnenschein and Co. It is illustrated with diagrams, and treats of structural defects of the eye, optical illusions, and various recently-observed phenomena of vision. Mrs. Gertrude Atherton is engaged on a new novel. Earlier forthcoming novels include- "England's Peril," by Mr. William Le Queux; "The Stepmother," by Mrs. Alexander; "Twice Dead," by Miss Adeline Sergeant; "A Name to Conjure With," by John Strange Winter. One of the most important publications during April was Dr. Douglas Hyde's " Literary History of Ireland." The present literary movement in that country has also given birth to a small volume of articles, by Mr. W. B. Yeats, Mr. John Eglinton, " A. E.," and Mr. William Larminie, entitled " The Literary Ideal in Ireland," which the same publisher will shortly have ready. These articles appeared originally in a Dublin paper. In his new story, "The Violet Flame," Mr. Fred. T. Jane is combining "with a thrilling love story the development of some uncanny scientific discoveries, the result of which is the destruction of the world by a catastrophe of un- paralleled horror." The story is to appear in the English Mechanic. The American Authors' Guild has changed its name to the Society of American Authors. The following are the recently elected officers and managers of the society :—President, Rastus S. Ransom; vice-presidents, Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, General Lew Wallace, Dr. Thomas Dunn English, Hubert Howe Bancroft, Mrs. Ellen Hardin Wal- worth, and Miss Grace Denio Litchfield; treasurer and counsel, Morris Patterson Ferris; secretary, John Beverly Robinson. "Rita's" new novel will be produced early this month. It is entitled "An Old Rogue's Tragedy." "Pictures of Travel," Mr. Mackenzie Bell's recent volume of poems, has been favourably received by the critics. It has also been well received by the public. Including the copyright edition in" the United States, 2000 copies have been printed. "Calumnies" is the title of the new novel by Mrs. E. M. Davy (author of " A Prince of Como," "A Daughter of Earth," &c.), which Messrs. Arthur Pearson will publish the first week in May. A series of China stories by the author of "The Shen's Pigtail " will appear in the English Illustrated Magazine under the title of "Chips of China." "English Roses " is the title of the latest book of poems from F. Harald Williams, B.A. It is ## p. 286 (#298) ############################################ 286 THE AUTHOR. published at 6*. by Messrs. Simpkiu, Marshall, and Co. It is a volume containing some 600 pages. The book is divided into six sections, as follows: 1, English Roses; 2, Blood and Iron; 3, Laughing Philosophy; 4, Euphrasy and Rue; 5, Brake and Brier; and 6, Palms and Passion Flowers. "Songs of Hope and Love," by F. \V. Pitt, has just been published by Messrs. S. W. Part- ridge and Co. (price 2s. 6rf.). These poems have been well reviewed by various papers, and should have a ready sale. The title of Mrs. Richmond's new book pub- lished by Messrs. Longmans should have been described in last month's "Book Talk," as "Through Boyhood to Manhood; a Plea for Ideals." Price 2s. 6d. "The Story of "William Penn," by Frances E. Cooke, has just been published by Messrs. Headley Bros. Price is. 6d. Messrs. W. Clowes and Sons have now ready "The Officer's Field Note and Sketch Book and Reconnaissance Aide-Memoire," by Lieut.-Col. E. Gunter. 6*. 6d. net. "Marianna and other Stories," the title of a new book which Mr. Burleigh will immediately publish for " Georgette Agnew." An original poem in the style of the "Lady of the Lake," by the author of the "Rani of Jhansi" and other Eastern works, will shortly be published by Mr. Burleigh. The tale is a thrilling one, illustrating the state of unrest in Western India during the downfall of the rule of the Moguls at Delhi, and giving graphic descrip- tions of female infanticide, sati (widow-burning), and other native manners and customs. In his " Fragments of an Autobiography," Mr. Felix Moscheles records his early impressions, and introduces episodes of the artist's life in Paris. He sketches many celebrities in the musical, artistic, and political world he has frequented, and devotes special chapters to his trips to America, the Paris Commune, his godfather Felix Mendelssohn, and to Mazzini, Rossini, and Browning. Messrs. George Newnes (Limited) have nearly ready for publication a new standard work entitled "The International Geography." Seventy authors have collaborated in its production, including the leading geographers and travellers of Europe and America; the work has been planned and edited by Dr. H. R. Mill, who also wrote the chapter on the United Kingdom. Among the authors are Dr. Fridtjof Nansen (Arctic Regions), Mr. F. C. Selous (Rhodesia), Sir Clements Markham, F.R.S. (Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru), Professor A. Kirchoff (German Empire), Professor W. M. Davis (United States), Professors de Lapparent and Ravenau (France), Sir John Murray. F.R.S. (Antarctic Regions), Count Pfeil (German Colonies), Mr. James Bryce, M.P. (the Boer Republics), Sir H. H. 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(Supplementary volume to " Diary."). 106. Bell. White, Percy A Millionaire's Daughter. 6/- Pearson. Whit-way. R. S. Rise of the Portuguese Power in India, 1497-1550. 15/- net. Constable. Wilkinson, S.(ed.). From Cromwell to Wellington: Twelve Soldiers 10/6. Lawrence. Williams, Charles. John Thaddens Mackay. A Novel. 6/- Burleigh Williams, N. W. The Green Field. A Novel. 6/- Chapman. Winter, John Strange. A Summer Jaunt 3/6. White. Winter, C. G. Morals and Mistakes. 3/6. Simpkin. Wirgman, A. T. Constitutional Authority of Bishops in the Catholic Church. 6/- Longman. Wormeley, K. P. (tr. and ed.). Memoirs of the Due de Saint-Simon in the Times of Louis XIV. and the Regency. 73'6 net THE AUTHOR." SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. Front Page Other Pages Half of a Page Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Column Advertisements Bills for Insertion £4 0 I) see l 10 o 0 15 0 0 7 S per inch 0 6 0 per 2000 3 0 .1 JVCp. J. Eveleigh jvfash, AMBERLEY HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND. W.C. Wordsworth, John. The Episcopate of Charles Wordsworth, Bishop of St. Andrews. 15/- Longmans. Wyllarde, Dolf. Guardians of Panzy. 6/- Hutchinson. Yeats, W. B. The Wind among the Beeds. 3/6 net. Mathews. Young. T. E. On Centenarians. 7/6. Layton. Younghusband, G. J. The Philippines and Bound About. 8/6) net. Macmillan. Reductions made for a Series of Six or Twelve Insertions. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the Advkrtisrmknt Manager, The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street. London, W.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 12 (May 1899) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 09 Issue 12 (May 1899) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101063829988</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1899-05-01-The-Author-9-12 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/4/329/1901-The-Author-11-index.pdf 1ced1b68e57fb043024df3129e080d9a 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) 1901 Volume 11 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 Horace Cox 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 Index to The Author, Vol. 11 (1901) Subject The topic of the resource Index to The Author, Vol. 11 (1901) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Index Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1901-The-Author-11-index publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/4/330/1901-Periodicals-and-their-Contributors.pdf 70d0d98188b86b0f77da6d13d4447566 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) 1901 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 Bradbury, Agnew & Co. Location The location of the event or organisation London Volume 11 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19010501 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 Periodicals and Their Contributors (1901) Subject The topic of the resource Periodicals and Their Contributors (1901) Description An account of the resource Provides a list of periodicals and their policies with regard to unsolicited manuscripts, especially whether or not manuscripts are returned to the author when rejected. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1901-Periodicals-and-their-Contributors Relation A related resource <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=89&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=11&sort_field=added">Supplement to The Author, Vol. 11</a> periodicals publications publishing The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/331/1900-06-01-The-Author-11-1.pdf 9d7690531ad4a80725fc09e5855e6a0f PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1900-06-01 Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages Page range in volume 1–16 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19000601 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin ADVERTISEMENTS. PRICE 68., Post 8vo. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND POSITION AS APPEARING FROM STATUTES, ARTICLES, CANONS, RUBRICS, AND JUDICIAL DECISIONS. “It bath been the wisdom of the Church of England, ever since the first compiling of her Publick Liturgy, to keep the mean between the two extremes, of too much stiffness in refusing, and of too much easiness in admitting any variation from it.”—Prayer Book Preface. By J. M. LELY, M.A. Oxon., Barrister-at-law. LONDON: HORACE COX, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.C. NOW READY, Price 18., with Illustrations. A PILGRIMAGE TO PARIS A Traveller's Companion. WITH CONCISE GUIDE, APPENDIX, AND PLAN OF EXHIBITION By A. F. MORRIS. Illustrated by M. D. HARDY and A. F. MORRIS. CONTENTS. Part I.-A Pilgrimage to Paris. Chop. 1. To the Beaux Arte, Invalides, Musée de Garde Menbles. VI.-Musée de Cluny, Gobelins, Palais de Luxembourg, Café II.-Oatacombs. Père Lachaise Picpus Cemetery, Bibliothèque. Rouge. Tom Orofton acts as my guide to the curious cafés and cabarets v1.-Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers, Musée Molière, Theatre of Montmartre. Française, Café Americaine. III.-St. Eustache, Musée des Archives, Musée Carnavalet, Place VIII. -Bois, Jardin d'Acclimatation, Arc de Triompho, &c. des Vosges, and Bistoric Houses. IX.-Café Procope, Conservatoire de Montmartre. IV.-The Boulevards, Halle aux Vins, St. Etienne du Mont, X-Exhibition Buildings. Pantheon, Sorbonne. XI.-Ride round the Walls of Paris. V.-Conciergerie, Notre Dame, Hôtel Lambert, Hôtel de Ville, XII.- Jardin des Plantos, Vincennes, &c., &c., Versailles. and Famous Houses of the Quarter. Part II.—Guide. Appendix. Part III.—Plan of Exhibition. The Preface says: “In presenting this account of a • Pilgrimage to Paris,' the aim of the author has been to provide entortaining reading for the journey, which shall leave an impression with the traveller of the sights, curious and historic, which he would most like to view. To further assist him in his pleasuring, a concise Guide Appendix has been added to the . Pilgrimage,' enabling him to see at a glance the days, hopra, and regulations for visiting the various objects of interest. The general plan of the Exhibition of 1900 will likewise be found able to see both the Exhibition and the City at little cost of research for themselves, and without the fatigue of wading through voluminous guidebook information as to the various sights, & procedure which frequently leads to & neglect of many points of interest, and lack of acquaintance with those eccentric cafés and cabarets which are such a feature of Paris life." PUBLISHED BY HORACE COX, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C., and F. TENNANT PAIN, 30, Rue Taitbout, Paris. ## p. (#15) ################################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. iï TYPEWRITING. 69, SUTHERLAND AVENUE, LONDON, W. MISS RANSOM. MSS. Typed with Neatness and Accuracy at 1s. 3d. per 1000 Words. Scientific MSS. a Speciality Circulars Reproduced in large quantities at a cheap rate. Contract prices for regular work. AUTHORS' MSS. PROMPTLY AND ACCURATELY COPIED, 90. PER 1000 WORDS. Testimonials from L. CAREW-RAFFERTY (Frank Pentrill), Mrs. BEAUFORT-CREAGH, ALICE F. JACKSON, AND OTHERS. L JACKSON, 96, St. Andrew's-road, Exmouth, Devon. AUTHORS TYPEWRITING. Now ready, Super-royal 8vo., price 20s., post free. Carefal work with Yost machine on good paper. Inclusive prices. CROCKFORD'S Novels and Stories, 8d. per 1000 words; in duplicate, Is. Plays, Poems, &c., Is. per 1000 words ; in duplicate, Is. 3d. Also Technical and Scientific work; French and Spanish. Specimen of work and Extracts from Testimonials on application. BEING A L. A. ST. JOHN, 20, Lucas Avenue, Upton Park, London, E. STATISTICAL BOOK OF REFERENCE TYPEWRITING. For facts relating to the Clergy in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the Colonies; with a fuller Index relating to Parishes and Beference, Miss BEATRICE WHITBY. Benefices than any ever yet given to the public. MS. Typed at 1s. per 1000 words. CROCKFORD'S CLERICAL DIRECTORY is more than a Directory: it con- Address Mrs. KAY, Crossmead, Exeter. tains concise Biographical details of all the ministers and dignitaries of the Church of England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the Colonies : also a List of the Parishes of each Diocese in England and Wales I N D E X I N G arranged in Rural Deaneries. By B.A. (Camb.). 6d. an Hour, or “by Piece.” Testimonials to efficiency. Or READERSHIP in British Museum. THIRTY-SECOND ISSUE. S. V. J., care of “Honiatts.” 298, Uxbridge-rd, W. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. SECRETARIAL WORK. Demy 8vo., with Map and Illustrations, price 108. 6d. LADY DESIRES | CLERICAL DIRECTORY 1900. TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENTS. | AN AUSTRALIAN IN CHINA: Experienced Typist (owns machine). Also COPYING MS., DUPLICATING, &c. References. MISS W. KEMPSON, ROATH HOUSE, CARDIFF. Crown 8vo., cloth boards, price Bs. Being the Narrative of a Quiet Journey Across China to British Burma. By G. E. MORRISON, M.B.C.M. Edin., F.R.G.S. HATHERSAGE: A Tale of North Derbyshire. CHARLES EDMUND HALL, ' BY Author of “An Ancient Ancestor," &c. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. Pocket Size, price 6d.; by post, 6fd. THE LAWS OF GOLF, As Adopted by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Special Rules for Medal Play. Etiquette of Goll. Winners of the Goling Championship. Winners and Runners-up for the Amateur Championship. . London : HORACE Cox, Windsor Hous), Bream's-buildings, E.C. VOL. XI. " Mr. Morrison is an Australian doctor who has achieved probably the most remarkable journey through the Flowery Land ever attempted by a Christian ... He was entirely unarmed and unaccompanied, save for the coolies who carried his baggage. Such a journey--three thousand miles in length-could not fail to present many curious customs and as many curious people. But it is owing entirely to Dr. Morrison's graphic manner of description, and his acutely keen observation, that his travels are such a reality to the reader. This portly volume is one of the most interesting books of travel of the many published this year. It is frank, original, and quite ungarnished by adventitious colouring."-St. James's Budget. ** One of the most interesting books of travel we remember to have read."--European Mail. "A very lively book of travel. ... His account of the walk of 1500 miles from Chungking to Burma, over the remotest districts of Western China, is full of interest."- The Times. " Dr. Morrison writes crisply, sensibly, humorously, and with an engaging frankness. ... There is not a page he has written that is not worth the perusal of the student of China and the Chinese."- The Scotsman "By far the most interesting and entertaining narrative of travel in the Flowery Land that has appeared for several years."-The World. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Broam's-buildings, E.C B2 ## p. (#16) ################################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Authors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT. GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL Sir Edwin ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. | AUSTIN DOBson. SIR LEWIS MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. Miss E. A. ORMEROD. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIELD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BESANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD PIB. AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, M.P. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE RIGHT Hon. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPI HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH JEROME K. JEROME. E. Rose. CLERE. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONES. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. SHAW. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. Sims. P. W. CLAYDEN. THE RIGHT Hon. W. E. H. LECKY, S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. THE HON. JOHN COLLIER. THE REV. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM MOY THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. Sir A. C. MACKENZIE, Mus.Doc. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGI. THE RIGHT Hon. The LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. I OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel – E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A. HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. À BECKETT. J. Scott KELTIE, LL.D. GILBERT PARKER. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E. ROSE. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN. FRANCIS STORR. D. W. FRESHFIELD. SUB-COMMITTEES. ART. Hon. JOHN COLLIER (Chairman). I SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A. W. A BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLEB. GILBERT PARKER. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). H. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD ROSB. Solicitore FIELD, ROScor, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. G. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. I THE ART of CHESS. By JAMES Mason. Price 58. 1 (A. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 2s. 6d. not. | 1 not, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's buildings, E.C. | London: HORACE Cox, Wirdsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. ## p. 1 (#17) ############################################### The Author, (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. XI.-No. 1.] JUNE 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. M HE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all 1 remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figares themselves from the “ Cost of Production.” IV. A COMMISSION AGREEMENT. The main points are :- (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production. (2) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. GENERAL. All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned. Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. Never sign any agreement without competent advice from the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The main points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are : (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. TT ERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an I agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property :- I. THAT OF SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Socretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of agreement). In this case the following rules should be attended to : : (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro. duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise. ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for “ office expenses,” unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to W the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 3. There are three forms of dramatic contract for PLAYS IN THREE OR MORE ACTS :- (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING RIGHT. This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters into such a contract should stipulate in the con- tract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills. ## p. 2 (#18) ############################################### THE AUTHOR. Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battlos of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. dence of the writer. 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for & possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. THE READING BRANCH. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES on gross receipts. Percentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain & porcentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts in preference to the American system. Should obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., fixed nightly fees). This method should be always avoided except in cases where the fees are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The other safeguards set out under heading (6.) apply also in this case. 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one act plays shuuld be preserved. 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but should grant a licei ce to perform. The legal distinction is of great importance. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot print the book of the words. 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative: that be runs a very great risk of delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in the beginning. 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object is to obtain adequate publication. As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on account of the wide range of the sabject of dramatic con- tracts, those authors desirous of further information are referred to the Secretary of the Society. EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this branch of their work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated as & composition is treated by a coach. The Readers are writers of competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. NOTICES. M HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 68. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should be addressed to the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White. hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY, 1. LIVERY member has a right to ask for and to receive V advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his THE ANNUAL DINNER. business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici. NHE dinner of the Society of Authors was tor, the member has a right to an opinion from the held in ihe King's Hall of the Holborn Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Restaurant on Wednesday, May 16, and Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. passed off very successfully. Mr. Pinero made 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright an excellent chairman, and delighted those pre- and publisher's agreoments do not generally fall within the sent with an interesting and amusing speech experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple Mr. Anthony Hope Hawkins responded for the to use the Society. 2. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past Society. A full account of the evening will be accounts with the loan of the books represented. The inserted in the July number of The Author. ## p. 3 (#19) ############################################### THE AUTHOR. LITERARY PROPERTY. As to the item of £26 158., the following is the cost price : £ 8. d. £ 8. d. Sinding ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 8 9 o 5 0 Acts of Parliament ........ 0 1 W . .......... I.-RUBINSTEIN v. WATERLOW BROTHERS AND LAYTON (LIMITED). TN this case Mr. J. S. Rubinstein claimed an account from the defendants. The questions in dispute raised points of interest and im- portance to authors and publisbers. The case was tried before Mr. Hemming, Q.C., on the 15th May. According to the plaintiff's case, he had written several law books and forms, which the defendants had published with large profit to themselves. In August, 1897, he saw them to ascertain their lowest terms for bringing out at his risk a book he then intended to write on the Land Transfer Act, 1897. On the 9th August they wrote :-“We are willing to publish your work on the following terms. We to debit you with printing, binding, advertising, &c.; you to allow us 33 per cent. on the publication price of copies sold. As it is the practice now to allow 20 per cent. off the publication price to the general public, and 25 per cent. or 33} per cent. † to the trade, you will see we have, in accordance with your request, based our offer on the lowest possible terms." These terms were accepted. Owing to the delay in the issue of rules under the Act, the book was not published till December, 1808. when it was brought out at 58. In April. 1899, the defendants, at the plaintiff's request, furnished accounts charging £245 168. 4d. for printing, &c., 1000 copies of the book, and £52 18s. 5d. for publishing the copies then sold. The accounts included items of £173 108. 6d. for composition, reading, proving, imposing, &c., and £26 158. for binding. As the defendants refused to give specific details, the action was brought. In the course of the proceedings, the defendants were requested to produce books and documents, but they asserted that the time-sheets had been destroyed. They delivered under an order the following particulars, showing how the items of £173 1os. and £26 159. were made up :- As to the item of £173 108., the following is the cost price : Land Transfer Act, 1897, * £ 8. d. £ 8. d Ex. R. Binding Electro... 0 6 4 Composing Demy 8vo. Book, pp. & pp., Case ............ 82 0 0.T............................... 14/10/98, Alters, and pp. in Sheet pfe.......... 2 0 0 2011 98, 1000 Copies demy 8vo., 316 pp. Press .. ......... 8 10 0 750 Bound in whole cloth, Paper ........................ 1 2 Postage paid on Books ...... 2 3 4 20 15 3 Total charge against plaintiff ............... 26 15 3 On the hearing of the case the defendants admitted they could not produce any book con. taining copies of the time sheets that had been destroyed. They gave the following figures as representing how the item £82 in their particulars were made up, although they could not verify them in detail:- £ 8. d. 12494 hours at 8 d. ........................... 44 4 II 126 hours overtime at 18. old. ............ 6 119 50 16 8 Added to cover establishment oharges, &c. 31 3 4 82 0 0 The referee decided on the construction of the contract that the defendants were entitled, in addition to their publishing commission, to profit on the printing, binding, &c., but he considered the sums claimed extravagant. To avoid the expense, of continuing the inquiry, the expense of continuing the inquiry the plaintiff accepted the figures given by the defendants as to the cost, and the parties accepted a suggestion of the referee to add 20 per cent. profit. On this basis the amount claimed by the defendants was reduced by £47 148. II.-MERIVALE v. HARVEY. In the Queen's Bench Division, May 21, Mr. Justice Grantham and a special jury heard the action, Merivale v. Harvey, which was brought to recover damages for breach of contract. There was a counter-claim for damages for libel. Sir E. Clarke, Q.C., and Mr. C. Mathews appeared for the plaintiff ; and Mr. Hammond Chambers, Q.C., and Mr. Spencer Bower for the defendant. Sir E. Clarke, in opening the case for Mr. Herman Merivale, said it was arranged that the defendant should send the plaintiff a Spanish book dealing with the incidents connected with the time of Don Juan, from which plaintiff was to write a play. The play was completed on June 11, and was much approved by the defen- dant. A long correspondence then took place between the parties regarding the cast, minor alterations, and such like, in the course of which difficulties arose. Eventually the plaintiff said that nothing was left for the protection of himself and work but to place himself in his lawyer's hands. Mr. Sydney Grundy, dramatic author, was the first witness called, and said he thought a fair 106 18 Total charge against plaintiff ............ 173 100 ## p. 4 (#20) ############################################### THE AUTHOR. sum to pay the plaintiff for his work was 1000 the directors of theatres that the society intends guineas. In cross-examination witness said he to continue to demand the dues as heretofore. had not read the play, but he assumed a run of at The managements which refuse the payment will least 100 nights, because Mr. Harvey accepted it, be placed under the ban of the society-that is to and he respected his intelligence. say, they will not receive permission to perform Mr. Arthur Wing Pinero, dramatic author, said any new plays. he considered that Mr. Merivale had contributed The Recht der Feder justly remarks,“ This most admirable work to the stage. He agreed shows what organisation and unity can effect.” with Mr. Grundy's evidence. In cross-examina- tion witness said he had not read the play, but from his knowledge of Mr. Merivale and his IV. — CONVENTION BETWEEN THE GERMAN work that he should have written an unsatis- EMPIRE AND AUSTRIA-HUNGARY. factory work was not the least probable. A convention has been entered into between the Mr. Chambers, on behalf of the defendant, above empires for the protection of literary, commented upon the fact that the plaintiff was artistic, and photographic works. The most not called, and proceeding said that so far from important articles of the convention are the the defendant behaving badly to the plaintiff, the following :- plaintiff bad behaved to the defendant in a way All indigenous (einheimisch) works produced entirely without reason or common sense. He in either empire are to enjoy the protection had also written letters of a libellous character, accorded to such works in the other: but with suggesting that the defendant had cheated him. the limitation that the protection accorded to That was an untrue and malicious statement, and foreign works is not to exceed that accorded to the plaintiff must have known that it was untrue at home productions. the time. A work is to be considered einheimisch which Mr. Martin Harvey was then called, and stated is protected by the interior legislation, either in that he was the defendant, and at present was consequence of its place of production, or of the manager of the Prince of Wales Theatre. He nationality of the author, or of his domicile. ask. d the plaintiff to adapt for him, last year. In all relations between the German Empire “Don Juan," from a Spanish play. He and his and the kingdoms and countries represented by wife made suggestions to the plaintiff, and they the Austrian Reichsrath, the protection accorded were well taken until he suggested that the by the convention depends solely upon compliance character of Inez should be made more human. with the conditions and formalities prescribed by It was suggested by the plaintiff that this part the legislation of the country of origin. should be entrusted to Mrs. Harvey. The cost of But in the case of the Hungarian Crown the producing the play would be something between protection depends not only upon compliance with £2000 and £3000. The time came when he the conditions and formalities of the country of instructed Mrs. Cuninghame Graham to write a origin, but also upon compliance with those play on the subject. The play written by her required by the legislation of the other country. ran only for three weeks and a few days. In his The exclusive right of translation into a judgment the plaintiff's play would not have run language in which no authorised and complete longer if produced. He paid Mrs. Graham £100, translation has appeared has a duration of three and was to have paid her another £100 if the years only from the date of publication of the piece ran 100 nights. original. Similar evidence was given by Mrs. Harvey, An authorised translation appearing within the wife of the defendant. prescribed limit is protected for five years. The learned judge having summed up, the The years are to be calculated exclusively of the jury found there was a contract and a breach by year of publication. the defendant. They also found there was no The convention is retrospective; but an excep- libel. In the result they gave a verdict for the tion is made for works already partly completed. plaintiff — damages £500. Judgment accord. The convention is to remain in force for ten ingly.—Daily Chronicle. The French text of the whole convention will be found in the Droit d'Auteur for April. Our III.-ACTING RIGHTS IN DE Balzac. contemporary, Das Recht der Feder, remarks The powerful French “ Société des Gens des respecting it: Lettres,” in consideration of the approaching “The advantages which we gain in Austria are expiration of the protection of the acting rights not very great. Certain German books cannot be of De Balzac's dramatic works, has announced to reproduced there in German. Articles in periodi- years. ## p. 5 (#21) ############################################### THE AUTHOR. cals will be protected only when the probibition of reproduction is not neglected. Little security against translation is afforded by the very short period of protection. In Hungary the case is even worse. It is true that German books can be no longer there reproduced in German, and that the German periodicals of Hungary cannot reprint from the German periodicals, provided that the reproduction of articles, feuilletons, &c., is duly interdicted, but translation can hardly be prevented; and the works must be registered, which costs 5 florins, besides stamps. These con- ditions are consequences of the Hungarian law of 1844, and that law was simply a copy of our own law of the date. So we, after all, can hardly complain. It is thus that, in this world, castiga. tion for shortcomings is always exacted.” We may add that the terms of the convention between Great Britain and Austria-Hungary (see The Author for April, 1900, p. 233) seem to be distinctly more liberal than the terms of the con- vention between Austria-Hungary and Germany. V.-THE PATRONAGE OF A PREFACE. The readiness of certain publishers—even of some of justly high repute--to ignore or over- ride the wishes or feelings of authors has been exemplified in a recent experience of my own. I bring the matter before you and your readers, and publicly record my protest, not by way of airing a grievance or seeking support, but only from a sense of esprit de corps—to call attention to a certain infringement of an author's inalien- able rights, and to warn those who forget to safe- guard them from the beginning. A book of mine upon Mr. Ruskin was lately published by Messrs. Cassell and Co., who arranged with Messrs. Lippincott (more accu- rately known as the J. B. Lippincott Company), of Philadelphia, to issue it also in the United States. This was done. Through an oversight -following on a fire, I now learn-no copy of the work was forwarded to me; but I ascertained from a review notice sent to me by a New York paper that the book was prefaced by an intro- duction written by an American gentlenian of letters without my having been in any way con- sulted as to the propriety or reasonableness of such a proceeding. I wrote at once a letter of remonstrance to Messrs. Cassell—who were in ignorance of what had been done and were, of course, in no way responsible—and they forwarded that communication to the Lippincott Company. From this firm I have received the following courteous explanation : “In regard to the small note by Mr. Morris about which Messrs. Cassell have inquired in VOL. XI. your behalf, you will see that it occupies but three pages and is of simply general character, giving the date of Ruskin's death and a few remarks. We took such an interest in your work and its success here that we desired to bring it as closely as possible in touch with the American public. Mr. Morris is well known as a poet, writer on art, and director of one of our largest institutions, and we felt that the connection of his name with the book (but especially mentioned separately from your work and over his own signature) would be an advantage to it in placing your book before those interested in Ruskin here." I replied as follows: “In regard to the Introduction, I must warmly protest, upon principle, against your action in the matter. I very readily believe, from Mr. Morris's achievements and reputation, that that Introduction (which I have not yet seen) does honour to the book and, besides lending distinction to it, may help the sale. Had it been proposed to me that Mr. Morris should con- tribute this preface, I migbt perhaps have accepted the suggestion with pleasure ; if I had taken a contrary course, it would have been that I did not wish my work to receive any extraneous assistance, helpful and charming as Mr. Morris's doubtless is. “But that is not the point. What I complain of is this——that without any sort of reference to me you have endowed me with a sponsor. This act I consider to be wholly unjustifiable. You say you felt it would be an advantage, but it was necessary that I also should feel it to be so, and say as much, before you proceeded in the matter as you have. You have assumed a kind of proprietorship not only in the book, but in the author, which is altogether beyond the sphere of the publisher, and which must be resented by every writer who is subjected to it. “I entirely appreciate the courtesy of your letter and your desire to strengthen the book as much as possible; but I feel it incumbent upon me to put before you the real view of the case, and to take such steps to draw public attention to it as I think wise, in order to safeguard the interests of those authors whom publishers regard -perhaps rightly-as in need of strengthening. “For it must be clear that when a publisher agrees to issue a work, the understanding is that that work, as it proceeded from the author's pen and from no other, will be published in its entirety and in not more than its entirety- which, in logic, is absurd; and it must be equally manifest that any proposal for including a preface by another writer should be openly made and agreed to, and that the moment for raising any such ## p. 6 (#22) ############################################### THE AUTHOR. question is at the time of the publisher's acqui. He seems, also, to have been a man of remark- sition of the work.” able endowments, philanthropical temperament, The question is, whether an author cannot and elevated sentiments. After his death the rest between his own covers without, so to say, fickle tide of public favour waned. Popular pre- having a strange—though, I am willing to admit, judice blackened his name, and represented him as a most exemplary and distinguished-bedfellow an alchemist and sorcerer who had obtained from forced upon him by the publisher, unasked. The the Evil One the secret of the mysterious philo- fact that the alien is ticketed with his own name, sopher's stone. A few fragments of the House does not alter the complexion of the proceeding with the big Gable—“ la Maison du grand Authors, especially abroad, often seek the support pignon”—which he built for himself in the rue of a distinguished writer to lend them counten. de Montmorency in 1407, are reported to be still ance in a preface. Alexandre Dumas, no doubt, in existence. profited by Jules Janin's preface to “ La Dame aux Camélias." Chaucer's Urry, Dr. Johnson's Two ANCIENT NOTABILITIES. Croker, Scott's Mr. Lang, and Byron's Mr. The name of Robert Estienne enjoys a less Henley are, of course, among the pains and ambiguous reputation. Born in 1503, he was pleasures of immortality. But to the mortal promoted to the office of royal publisher by author, while he lives. the right of veto, and Francis I., who took pleasure in occasionally assuredly of consultation, is sacred. visiting his protégé's workshops, and profiting by M. H. SPIELMANN. his erudite conversation. For Robert Estienne was one of the most learned men of his time. His Latin Bible is a typographical masterpiece, and the purity of his classical editions is notorious. PARIS NOTES. The latter fact is partly accounted for by his prac- tice of placing his corrected proof-sheets in the 5, rue Chomel, Paris. windows of his shop, in order that all scholars, NHE Great Exhibition is slowly progressing teachers, and savants who passed that way might I towards completion. Most interesting is the peruse them, and point out any slips or errors quaint collection of buildings entitled “Le that they perceived therein. The perfection of Vieux Paris," situated on the right bank of the the Estienne publications bears witness that the Seine just below the Pont de l'Alma. The grim literati of the epoch were competent and obliging old Porte Saint-Michel forms the entry to the critics. Middle-age and Renaissance Quarter. To the left Théophraste Renaudotis undoubtedly the runs the ancient Vieilles-Ecoles-street, in which most amusing figure in this learned quartette. stands the Maison aux Piliers, the first town-hall Having obtained a doctor's degree at Montpellier, of Paris, precursor of the present stately Hôtel de he came to Paris to exercise his art at the sign of Ville. Here also are the houses of four person- the Golden Cock. Patients were apparently rare ; ages dear to the bibliophiles of all nations: to for in a comparatively short time he successively wit_Molière. Nicolas Flamel. Robert Estienne. established an address bureau, a registry office and Théophraste Renaudot. The first — the for persons seeking situations, a pawnshop, a Shakespeare of French literature—was born in chemistry laboratory, a gratuitous consultation 1622 in an old house belonging to the public office; and finally, the famous Gazette, which market-place, where his father, Master Poquelin, first appeared in manuscript in 1631, and was busily pursued the trade of upholsterer or carpet soon after duly printed on four pages as behoved weaver beneath the sign of the Apes' Pavilion. the dignity of the first French periodical. The Larousse asserts that no other writer can be com fourth page was exclusively reserved for adver. pared with Molière as regards his fine portrayal tisements. Which detail proves that, despite his of character, his high originality of conception, failure in the profession, Renaudot was an excel- his sparkling verve, his humorous power, his lent feeler of the public pulse. This versatile natural gifts, and the good sense and Gallic ancestor of the modern French newspaper (and freshness of his style. « Every man who knows many other useful institutions) died in the year how to read,” said Sainte-Beuve, “is one reader 1653. more for Molière." THE GONCOURT ACADEMY. Nicolas Flamel was a species of French Para. The Goncourt Academy is flourishing like a celsus. He died in 1418, but the date of his green bay tree. Its tale of members has been birth is unknown. He appears to have enjoyed completed by the election of MM. Elémir no small celebrity as a writer, publisher, illumi. Bourges, Lucien Descaves, and Léon Daudet, the nator, and miniature painter of the first order. two first being elected unanimously. It had been ## p. 7 (#23) ############################################### THE AUTHOR. asserted that M. J.-K. Huysmans' adoption into in dramatic circles, asserting that the public had the Benedictine Order would necessitate this never expended so large a portion of its private eccentric writer's withdrawal from the ranks of income at the theatre as at the present moment. the new society. But M. Huysmans speedily The above statistics (with the list of new members negatived the idea by announcing his intention received) having been duly made known, and the of accepting the emoluments and taking part in routine congratulatory compliments exchanged, the agapes of the brotherhood. M. Emile Zola's M. Pierre Decourcelle-one of the dramatists irrevocable determination to persevere in his whose productions are most patronised abroad- candidature for a French Academy fauteuil proposed the raising of i per cent. of the tax prevented his accepting a seat at the fraternal levied on all French plays represented elsewhere board. For immortals and poets are among the than on French soil, the surplus thus obtained inadmissible items. The legal debates to deter- to be devoted to the Retired Pension Fund of the mine whether the Goncourt institution was “to society. The committee declared this generous be or not to be " were most interesting. Accord. proposition to be antagonistic to the existing ing to the adverse party, Edmond de Goncourt's statutes of the society. Thereupon M. Decourcelle, intention was to create a small “cénacle," a little warmly seconded by an overwhelming majority, literary chapel in front of the great cathedral demanded a general meeting extraordinary. The whose radiant dome wounded and offended his too authorities declared the incident closed, and susceptible sight. ordered the opening of the ballot to decide the “If the French Academy be-as its detractors election of the new members of the committee. assert-merely the drawing-room of French litera- Forthwith ensued a general stampede of members ture," said Maître Chenu, “the Goncourt Insti- to draw up a petition for a general assembly. tution—with its dinners at twenty francs per head Sixty-five signatures-in lieu of the twenty - will never rank higher in the eyes of the world necessary to legalise the request-were appended than a literary table d'hôte." to this document, which has recently been sub- To which Maître Poincaré replied, “ Our adver- mitted to the newly elected committee (presided sary gives us the choice between a pious and a over by M. Victorien Sardou) and by them referred gastronomic comparison. As a little chapel the to the judicial council of the society. The latter's Goncourt Academy will lead up to the great decision has not yet been made known. cathedral. As a table d'hôte it will not keep its SHOULDER TO SHOULDER. guests long; when the dinner is finished each one will pass into the drawing-room-of the French The Dramatists and Musical Composers' Academy." Society occupies a more prominent position than Maître Poincaré won the day. Wherefore the the Society of French Authors—the Société des first dinner partaken in company by the members Gens de Lettres. The relative importance and of the new academy was given in honour of the aim of the two institutions were clearly set forth, celebrated advocate who had so ably pleaded their a few months since, in.a speech delivered by M. cause in court, and whose eloquence had pre- Marcel Prévost, president of the French Authors' vented the annulment of Edmond de Goncourt's Society, at the latter's annual banquet, at which the darling project. Maître Poincaré undertook the chair was taken by M. Victorien Sardou, presi. cause for love, not lucre. He pleaded none the dent of the sister society. “The two societies,” worse on that account. said M. Marcel Prévost,“ are united by a fraternal bond.” “The great family of men of letters have DRAMATISTS AND MUSICAL COMPOSERS. the right to be proud of these two sisters. They The annual general assembly of the Société des have both turned out well. We can say so boldly Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques was rather to-day, since both have passed the critical age; à stormy affair. Its yearly report was drawn since one of these respectable ladies is sixty, and up by M. Paul Milliet, and contained the follow- the other eighty years of age. Yes, we are the ing satisfactory paragraph : “ In 1866-67, the ñ . " In 1866.67 the younger; younger. The elder is the richer, the more annual theatrical receipts of Paris amounted to powerful of the two sisters; but, all the same, thirteen million francs : in 1876-77. to sixteen the younger is not to be pitied." *" You, the million francs; in 1886-87, to nineteen million great ones of the theatre—the Sardous, Halévys, francs ; in 1896-97, to twenty-two million francs ; and Dumas—you have accomplished this deed of and in 1899-1900, they have attained a total a true and admirable socialism. You have said, of exactly twenty-two million, one hundred and • The little writers, the new comers, shall be paid fifty thousand, nine hundred and thirty-six as we are the day their plays are acted on the francs, eighteen centimes.” M. Milliet protested same stage. Their feebleness, their inexperience, vigorously against the pessimistic spirit current * This speech was addressed to M. Victorien Sardou. Domy" ## p. 8 (#24) ############################################### · THE AUTHOR. shall no longer be exploited ; or else the great possesses his qualities. And it may be safely writers will put their ban on the stage.' We—the said of any good writer that he is jealous of Société des Gens de Lettres-out of a mere himself and will always give his best at the nothing ... have founded a solid and time, even though the best at the time is not his flourishing institution. We have added a con- best at some other time. It is a simple contract. siderable sum to the income of the writer as long The publisher or the editor says “Give me your as he works ; and when he can no longer work, book-your treatise-your novel—for such and we have insured him a half security, at least, to such a consideration.” And the author signs the that dignified leisure in old age to which all those contract. are entitled who in their measure have striven to This kind of contract is made in every branch increase the patrimony of beauty which is their of literature. Where it is entered into by a country's heritage...Novelist and drama dramatist and a manager it must be as binding as tist, what are they but two sides of the same between publisher and author. The manager genius ?” M. Prévost concluded by saying that secures a play written by a dramatist of reputa- he drank to the good understanding of the two tion so well established that he is certain to get societies which represented the two phases of good work. When the play arrives, if the French genius ; to the fraternity of the book and manager finds that for some reason or other he the play; and to M. Victorien Sardou,“ homme would like to be off his bargain-a play, for de lettres” and prince of the French stage. instance, requires actors capable of representing DARRACOTTE SCOTT. it — he cannot do so unless the other party consents. -ou One or two of the papers speak of the hard- NOTES AND NEWS. ship of having a play which a manager cannot put on the stage, but he should have thought of that THE case of Merivale v. Harvey (p. 3) is possibility beforehand. Dramatists of repute do one which affects most vitally the whole of not write on the chance of being accepted: they take literary property. For literary property, commissions and enter into agreements. These which must not be confounded with literature, considerations seem elementary, but in the view of must be subjected to the same laws as govern such actions as Merivale v. Harvey being possible other property. If, for instance, an author signs it is surely necessary to point them out. In an iniquitous or unjust agreement, even if he were matters of principle the most elementary facts to give his publishers the rights which their must be continually repeated. We find that the Association claims, he must abide the conse- Ten Commandments are repeated every Sunday: quences. No one is so loud in his assertion of they are also put up for all the world to read. this simple axiom as the publisher where the Mr. Merivale deserves the thanks of the whole enforcement of an agreement is in his favour. literary community for taking his case into open On the other hand, an agreement entered into by court and establishing a precedent. a publisher with an author is equally binding even when it turns out not to be in his favour. The views of the American critic, quoted in another page, on English literature do not greatly differ from those most often expressed on this It is customary—it is indeed the rule—when an side. I have omitted a small part of the paper author has arrived at a certain stage of reputa- which speaks of living writers. Of Louis Steven. tion for him to accept engagements to write for son he speaks with words of very faint praise : magazines, journals, or for publishers. Agree- Stevenson has already taken his place as an entertaining ments are entered into by which the author novelist of the second or third class, and his singularly pledges himself to write a book on some subject, lovable personality is not now mistaken for literary genius an article, a novel, by a certain time for a certain by any great number of persons. consideration set forth in the agreement. The The time immediately after a writer's death is publisher makes the offer, with the full knowledge apt to be unwilling to concede his genius. It is that the author's reputation is such as to carry off like a reaction from admiration which in his his book with a profit to himself; the author, on lifetime could not acknowledge shortcomings the other hand, values his reputation too highly and unconsciously closed the eyes to defects. to send in scamped and unworthy work. He may There are, very possibly, persons who will agree be unequal—all writers are; the best work of a with this writer in his estimate of Stevenson. It good writer is often above his average work- remains, however, to be seen what their attitude still his average work bears his stamp and will be in ten years. Time, the only infallible ## p. 9 (#25) ############################################### THE AUTHOR. critic, weeds out the lesser and the inferior work announcement was made: “ Dues five dollars yearly, and leaves a writer's best, however small in quan- strictly in advance, and must accompany all applications for membership. Absolutely no exception will be made to tity, for posterity. It certainly seems to many of this rule." Stevenson's old readers as if the selection made The assurance was made that the “membership fee by Time from Stevenson's works will be such as would be returned in full from any dissatisfied member." to place him above the “ second or third class.” Remittances, it was announced, must be made to no other person than Courtney, who signed himself “ Seorutary of the Association." The annual dinner of the Society of the 16th Women by the dozen applied to Courtney for employ. was a success in every way. The attendance was ment, and brought many manuscripts to him. He rejected a great deal larger than at any previous dinner- none of them if the applicants were prepared to pay the membership fee of five dollars. The most inexperienced there were nearly 350 present; the difficult task writers were assured that their work gave indications of seating the people seems to have been accom of great genius, and that hundreds of newspapers in plished without giving offence to any; there was the West were anxious to purchase the manuscripts at a cheerful sound of talk; and the speeches by high rates. the chairman, Mr. Pinero, by Mr. Anthony Hope Courtney was so successful that women who applied to him told their friends what an excellent business oppor. Hawkins, Mr. Bernard Shaw, Lord Monkswell, tunity they had discovered, and in that way caused and Mr. Henry Norman were admirable. There Courtney's roll of membership to be greatly increased. He was not the least sign of fatigue among an made promises to many of them, which some of the women audience always difficult to please during any of now claim he has not kept. He arranged to meet them at them. his desk on Satarday last, but, although many waited until late in the afternoon, he did not appear. On Monday they visited his office in crowds, but still Given a collection of 350 literary men and there was no sign of the "secretary." Yesterday the women, including many of the best known, women descended upon his office again, and camped near given a chairman who is the first English drama- bis desk from early morning until nearly six o'clock in the tist of the day, given such speakers as those evening, but Courtney failed to make his appearance. The members of the “ Association of New York Writers ” named above-would not this gathering be con- ove, would not this gathering be conlooked at one another mournfully all day, exchanging sidered remarkable in any other country? Yet experiences. was it considered in any way remarkable by the Persons from whom Courtney rented desk room told me Press ? that they knew nothing about the man, except that he had paid them for one month's rent. He gave thom no references, The following slip has been sent to the Editor nor did he say where he lived or where he had come from. He is described as tall, dark, of athletic build, and when as a warning to English writers :- last seen wore a dark moustache. More than fifty confiding young women with literary -on aspirations and trusting natures are anxiously looking for a man who says he is J. Courtney, and who until Saturday In justice to our own country I must remind last condacted what he styles “The Association of New our readers that Mr. Courtney has been antici. York Writers," in room 9 at No. 853, Broadway. Courtney made his appearance at the place mentioned, od pated by his brethren in the gentle art of which is ocoupied as a printing office, about three weeks wheedling on this side of the Atlantic. There ago, and rented desk room. Then he inserted an adver was the gentleman who advertised for MSS., tisement in a number of newspapers stating that he had using the name of a well-known publisher. exceptional facilities for disposing of original manuscripts He bolted with his booty and, it is believed, to publications throaghont the West. To persons who answered the advertisements he gave a printed circular, carried his MSS. over to America, where hundreds of which he also sent throngh the mails to persons he proposed to sell them for his own profit. living out of town. This document stated that the “ asso. There was another practitioner who had a second ciation had larger facilities for the sale of manuscript and pair back in a court off Holborn for an office and placing of members in paying positions than any similar concern in the United States. It is the only one enabled also advertised for MSS., and, on the interven. to furnish immediate and permanent work to its members. tion of the Society, disappeared, leaving a room Membership is limited strictly to 100. New members full of papers. There was the gentleman-not admitted only through vacancies occurring by reason of old yet suppressed—who advertised for MSS. and, members accepting positions or otherwise retiring.” invariably, on receiving one, replied that his In setting forth the advantages of membership it was asserted that an opportunity was presented of "procuring reader's report was so favourable that he was desirable positions on high class publications through our prepared to offer the following exceptional efforts; also the revision and sale of your manuscripts on a terms—the author to pay £60, £70, £80, or Jo per cent. basis by as ; work at home is also furnished any other fancy offer, and to receive 99 per members on request, paying from ten dollars to fifteen dollars cent. or 150 per cent. or anything else, of the pro- weekly, at copying, revising, correcting, &c., and, if desired, ceeds. Mr. Courtney, of New York, is no doubt furnished at once on admission to membership.” Courtney's circular said nothing about the cost to a great man, but we have produced greater. The prospective members until the end, when the following agreements published in last month's Author ## p. 10 (#26) ############################################## 1Ο TIIE AUTHOR. show a master hand. London is still ahead of said to be imposed by the present law upon authors and New York in publishing enterprise. publishers which requires gratuitous presentation, are desirous of receiving evidence from the University of Oxford WALTER BESANT. as to the value of the right. The Commissioners will also be glad to receive informa- tion as to the average number of works of which copies are received annually, and whether such copies are as a rule presented voluntarily by the author or apon demand made THE COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE FIVE by the University. PRESENTATION COPIES. J. LEYBOURN GODDARD, Secretary. Similar Letters were sent to the Universities of Cambridge and Dublin, and to the Faculty of M HE Copyright Commission by its report of Advocates. 1878 recommended the retention of the The Oxford Reply. - present privilege of the British Museum Bodleian Library, July 4, 1876. Library (dating from 1845) to have sent to it, I have had the honour of bringing your communication whether demanded or not (the right of acquiring, of the 20th (sic) alt. before the curators of this library, and but on demand only, dating from 1814) a copy of am directed to inform you that it was resolved- every copyright book, but the abolition of the 1. That the librarian be requested to answer in writing the questions asked by the Commissioners, and to state on privilege of four other libraries (dating in the behalf of the curators that the University of Oxford desires case of Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh from to retain its ancient privilege, not merely in the interests 1709, and in the case of Dublin from 1801) to of the University, but for the sake of the public. have sent to them within one month after demand 2. That the librarian be authorised to communicate with in writing made within twelve months of publica- the Commissioners farther as circumstances may require. Roverting, therefore, to your communication as above, I tion, a copy of every such book. “In making proceed to lay before you such answers as I may in reply to this recommendation" (as to the abolition of the the queries of the commissioners therein contained :- privilege in the case of libraries other than that 1. Average number of works received annually.-Taking of the British Museum), observe the Commis an average of the last three years, we have received 4775 sioners, “we have taken into consideration the works, comprised in 5301 volumes. 2. Books very rarely come direct from the authors. They facts that the bodies to whom the libraries are delivered by the publishers, the price of them being belong are possessed of considerable means, and reckoned, I believe, as a part of the expenge of publication. are well able to purchase any books which they 3. The greater part of the firms, and notably the most may require; and also that the repeal of the important ones, send either to our London agent in Great clause giving the privilege will not deprive the Russell-street (Mr. Eccles) or to Stationers' Hall, without waiting for any demand. There are, however, a few firms libraries of any property already acquired, but from whom we have to demand everything, and even where merely of a right to obtain property hereafter to our claim is disregarded. be created.” 4. The books not sent are comparatively few, consisting Lord Monkswell's Bills of 1890 and of the chiefly of second editions without alterations, privately present Session, the first of which was directly printed books not for sale, classes of works which are not claimable under the Copyright Act. promoted by the Authors' Society, disregarded H. 0. Coxe, Librarian. the recommendation of the Commissioners, and retained the privilege of all five libraries. The Cambridge Reply. The controversy having been again reopened by a letter of Mr. Murray to the Times and University Library, Cambridge, Jane 29, 1876. otherwise, it becomes desirable, in the interest of I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your all concerned, to go into the whole subject some letter of yesterday's date. what at length, and to begin with printing, from The long vacation has just commenced, and there will not the appendix to the report of the Commissioners, be a meeting of the Library Syndicate until the middle of the correspondence between the Commissioners on October, but I will take the earliest opportunity possible of laying your letter before the syndicate, and I am certain that the one hand, and the four library authorities of the University will be willing to supply the Commissioners Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Dublin on with all the information which they may require. the other :- HENRY BRADSHAW. THE QUESTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS. October 26, 1876. Copyright Commission, 13, Delahay-street. With reference to your letter of June 28 last, which I June 28, 1876. acknowledged at the time, will you kindly let me have one The Royal Commissioners on Copyright having had before line referring me to the date of the appointment of the Com. them the subject of the present right of the University of mission, that I may find the terms in the Gazette ? Oxford, and the Universities of Cambridge and Dublin and I laid your letter before our authorities at the first meet- the Faculty of Advocates, to receive upon demand a copying of the term, and they are now considering the matter. of every book published in this country, and the hardship HENRY BRADSHAW. ## p. 11 (#27) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 11 The Dublin Reply. Library, July 5, 1876. Your letter was sent to the Queen's University, Dablin Castle, which accounts for my not having replied sooner. It would be very difficult to state the pecuniary value of our privilege under the Copyright Act. If I were to estimate it by the selling price of books, I am sure that £1500 annually would not compensate for our loss. But other considera- tions would make me regret very much a change in our present system. The namber of books received each year is at present between 3000 and 4000, and this is on the increase. The anthors seldom present a copy, bat the publishers are bound to do so on demand, and as a rule they comply with this very regularly. Any farther information I will be happy to impart. I may add that I laid your letters before the governing body of this University. J. A. MALET, D.D., Senior Fellow and Librarian. II. Étudier et comparer les lois qui régissent les biblio. thèques dans les divers pays. III. Échanges internationaux. IV. Rapports des bibliothèques aveo les administrations : Etat, municipalités, corporations, &c. ; autonomie des bibliothègnes. V. De la meilleure organisation des bibliothèques popu. laires. VI. Recrutement da personnel des bibliothèques ; con. ditions exigées ou à exiger des candidats aux fonctions de bibliothécaires ; situation faite à ces fonctionnaires. DEUXIÈME DIVISION. Bâtiments, mobilier, aménagement des bibliothèques. QUESTIONS PROPOS ES. I. Étudier l'aménagement des bibliothèques au moyen âge. II. Exposer les meilleurs moyens à employer pour installer les livres dans une bibliothèque nouvelle et pour améliorer l'installation d'une bibliothèque ancienne. III. Indiqaer les perfectionnements réalisés ou projetés dans les bibliothèques les plus récemment installées. IV. Indiquer particulièrement les précautions à prendre pour mettre les bibliothèquos à l'abri de l'incendie. The Edinburgh Reply Aug. 4, 1876. In reply to your letter of the 29th June, I am instructed by the Faculty of Advocates to forward to you the socompanying particulars as to value, &c., of works received under the Copyright Act. The subject will be further considered by the Faculty after the court resames in October, and if necessary, further communication will be made. JAMES T. CLARK. 1. The annual money value of books, &c., received under the Copyright Act, estimated at about £1500. 2. The number of books, exclusive of pamphlets and music, received annually, about 3500. The namber of pamphlets received in 1874 was 1551, and of pieces of music, 1337, 3. Nearly all the large publisbing firms in London send their works for the Advocates' Library either to our London agent or to Stationers' Hall without waiting for any demand. u The Scotch publishers send either direct to the library or to Stationers' Hall, in both cases, as a rule, without any demand being made. The few books tbat are published in the provincial towns are generally demanded, and the demand invariably complied with, either by sending the work claimed or by a letter intimating that the work has already been forwarded to Stationers' Hall for us. TROISIÈME DIVISION. Traitement des manuscrits, livres imprimés, cartes de géographie, estampes, photographies, &c.-Acquisition de volumes — Enregistrement — Estampillage-Inventaires, catalogues et répertoires-Moyens de conservation- Restauration-Reliure. QUESTIONS PROPOSÉES. I. Indiquer les mesures qui ont été récemment reconnues comme les plus propres à dresser le catalogue d'une biblio. thèque nouvelle ou à améliorer les catalogues d'une biblio. thèque ancienne. II. Application à la bibliothéconomie des divers systèmes de classification bibliographique. III. Des catalogaes collectifs. IV. Utilisation des éléments de répertoire publiés à l'état de fiches ou des bulletins imprimés joints par les éditeurs aux volames. V. Traitement à appliquer aux pièces volantes et aux documents parlementaires et administratifs qu'il importo do conserver, mais qui ne peuvent être immédiatement cata- logués. VI. Avantages et inconvénients de la constitution des recueils factices, aussi bien de ceux qui ont été formés anciennement que de ceux qui sont à constituer. VII. De l'atilité des récolements et des meilleurs moyens d'y procéder. VIII. De l'hygiène des livres. Par quels moyens peut-on le mieux les préserver des divers agents de destruction ? IX. Mesures à prendre pour la conservation et la restaura- tion des objets composant une bibliothèque : palimpsestes, papyrus, manuscrits, manuscrits à peintures, livres imprimés, cartes de géographie, estampes, &c. CONGRESS OF LIBRARIANS. N International Congress of Librarians will be held in Paris on Aug. 20-23 next. The following is the official programme. The address of the secretary is M. Henry Martin, à le Bibliothèque d’Arsenal, Rue de Sully 1, Paris :- PREMIÈRE Division. Histoire, législation, organisation des bibliothèques publiques. Dépôt légal, copyright, &c. QUESTIONS PROPOSÉES. I. Résumer les renseignements nouveaux qu'on peut avoir sur l'histoire des bibliothèques, depuis les origines jusqu'aux temps modernes. QUATRIÈME DIVISION. Usage des livres à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur des bibliothèques. QUESTIONS PROPOSÉES. I. Sous quelles conditions le prêt des livres peut-il être autorisé dans les différentes catégories de bibliothèques ? I I. Comment doivent être réglées les communications des volumes imprimés et manuscrits d'une bibliothèque à une autre ? ## p. 12 (#28) ############################################## 1 2 THE AUTHOR. D G III. De la responsabilité des bibliothécaires pour la com great writers of prose, the contrast between the munication et le prêt des livres confiés à leur garde. living and the dead is seen to be almost as IV. Des dangers de transmission des maladies con- tagieuses par les livres des bibliothèques publiques et des pronounced as in the case of the poets. Within moyens d'y remédier. twenty years Carlyle and Ruskin, by far the greatest prosateurs of our time, have ceased to appeal to us with the living voice. The per- suasive eloquence of Newman and Martineau AN AMERICAN CRITIC. has been hushed, and the plea for culture, voiced in such dulcet terms by Arnold and Pater, (The Dial, Chicago, May 1, 1900.) is no longer heard. All these men are now DURNING now to English literature-our among own literature upon the other side of the The dead, but sceptred sovereigns, who still rule ocean—the capital fact confronts us that Our spirits from their urns, in 1880 there were six great English poets among but to whose counsel we may no longer turn when the living, and that in 1900 there remains but one. new questions arise and call for new solutions. During the twenty years Tennyson and Browning, Of the four great men of science who have caught Rossetti and Morris and Arnold, have all passed the ear of the general public during the past away, leaving Mr. Swinburne in exalted isolation, twenty years, and whose teachings have wrought the only great poet of the nineteenth century so complete a change in the attitude of all think- whom we may hope will live to carry on into the ing men toward the claims of scientific culture, twentieth its glorious literary tradition. Our and the place of science in education, Mr. Herbert age of gold has to all seeming reached an end. Spencer alone remains to us. Darwin, Huxley, and Mr. Stedman, who a quarter of a century and Tyndall have died, but happily they lived ago recognised in the years of the Victorian long enough to witness the general acceptance of reign a distinct literary period, which even then the ideas for which they fought so good a fight, showed signs of drawing to a close, must himself and to be assured that the evolutionary principle be a little surprised at the completeness with had won for itself the suffrages of all whose judg- which his prediction has been borne out by the ment was worth having. The older school of event. In the place of our major poets we have historical writing, as represented by Green and now only minor ones, and the fact that we Froude, has given place to the school repre- have them in larger numbers than ever before sented by Dr. Gardiner and the Bishop of Oxford. offers us no consolation for the loss of the great The scholarship of these men is, no doubt, deeper departed. Aside from Mr. Swinburne, we are and more accurate than was that of their pre- compelled to point, when questioned concerning decessors, but their “ literature ” is sadly to seek onr living poets, to Mr. Aubrey De Vere, Mr. and their influence consequently restricted. The George Meredith, Mr. Theodore Watts-Dunton, general reader, with a taste for this sort of Mr. Robert Bridges, Mr. William Watson, Mr. writing, does not turn to the “ Select Charter," Stephen Phillips, Mr. W. B. Yeats, and Mr. but rather takes down from the shelf his well- Rudyard Kipling. We hold these men in worn “ Short History of the English People," and esteem, it is true, but however we may admire is not particularly concerned with the fact that the delicate art of Mr. Bridges, for example, or later research has invalidated some of its posi- the resonant virility of Mr. Kipling, our sense of tions. . . . proportion does not permit us to set these men When we contrast the period of the sixties and upon anything like the plane occupied by the seventies with the period of the eighties and nine. great poets who have died since 1880. And, with ties we may realise all the difference between a but few exceptions, our living poets seem to be period in which the creative imagination is at full no more than "little sonnet-men, tide and a period in which the food of genius is Who fashion in a shrewd, mechanic way, fast ebbing away. In the later of the two periods Songs without souls that flicker for a day, English literature has rounded out the great work To vanish in irrevocable night. of the earlier; as the great writers bave died, only Prose fiction of some sort or other we have lesser ones have appeared to take their places ; always with us, and the names of Mr. Meredith and many of the younger men, recognising the and Mr. Hardy would lend distinction to any futility of any attempt to carry on the old tradi. period, but the great age of the Victorian nove- tion upon its old lines, have become mere experi. lists ended with the death of “George Eliot” menters in new moods and forms, hoping to hit in 1881. ... Since her death we have also upon some promising line of new literary endea- lost Lord Beaconsfield, Trollope, Black, Black- vour, but not as yet indicating with any precision more, and Stevenson. When we turn to the the direction which will be taken by the move- ## p. 13 (#29) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 13 ment of the coming century. This restlessness, this confusion of ideals, and this uncertainty of aim, are the unmistakable marks of a transition period in literature. A remarkable age has rounded to its close, and it is impossible to deter- mine with any assurance whether the age to come will be merely critical and sterile, or whether it will give birth to some new creative impulse. When“ R. F. C.," who is writing in the inte- rests of education, goes un to say that “ books about boys confuse a boy's mind and cripple his power of distinguishing true from false; books written down to his level check the growth of his mind altogether"-we are reminded of an observa- tion of Sir Walter Scott on this very issue. “I rather suspect,” he says in a footnote appended to the “Autobiography” in 1826, “ that children derive impulses of a powerful kind in hearing things which they cannot entirely comprehend ; and therefore, that to write down to children's understanding is a mistake: set them on the scent, and let them puzzle it out.” CONCERNING BOOKS FOR BOYS. BOOK AND PLAY TALK. A N article on this subject was published in the Guardian of May 2, in which the writer (“ R. F. C.”) remarks that “no one who has made acquaintance with the literature provided for boys- especially at Christmas-can fail to be struck with the extraordinary badness of it.” Even childhood is not spareu in that “ general rush for amusement which is one of the worst effects of material prosperity," but it is when the nursery is left behind that the mischief really begins to work. To keep him quiet, we pack the boy off with “ half-a-dozen gaily illus- trated wanton misrepresentations of facts of every sort,” and his purse is tempted by those who un scrupulously trade upon his simplicity with cheap waggeries and sham introductions to life. Then we“ proceed to wonder at the fatuity of his views of life":- The fact is that most books for boys-apart from the humorous books, which are all hopeless--are worthless for one or two reasons : they are either written “ down" to the supposed level of a boy's mind, or they are written about imaginary boys. This second class is worthless, because books of this kind can only be made entertaining by mere extravagance. Real boys are infinitely entertaining to live with, infinitely dull to read about, and school life can only be made eventful enough for a story by stuffing it with absurdities. The only successful story of school life ever written, "Tom Brown,” owes its success largely to the fact that it is not a story at all. Of the rest, some are written by those who know nothing of schools, and the result is an absolately fictitions and unreal picture ; others are written by schoolmasters, who draw upon their experience, and these are for some unknown reason far more fictitious and anreal than the former. Boys know all this perfectly well, of course, and read these books merely for the sake of the chapter-sure to come sooner or later-in which some unhappy pedagogue makes a fool of himself, if not accord. ing to the author's intention, yet surely according to the reader's understanding. Never give a boy books written about boys, unless they were not intended for boys to read. The knowledge of the combined demand of the boy who wants to pass an idle hour, and the immoral elder who wants to bribe him to do it, is too much for the average writer's sense of responsibility. Any trash will do, and he writes any trash ; and if there is a football match and a scholarship competition (with the hero accused of cheating) add & score or two off & master or two, the book will be praised and the author will-alas! the day--go home and write another just like it. [By an unfortunate accident the greater part of “ Book and Play Talk" has been mislaid too late to allow of its being rewritten.! THE completion of the “ Dictionary of National Biography” will be celebrated at - the Mansion House, London, on June 29, when the proprietors, the editor, and a number of the contributors to the great work will be the guests of the Lord Mayor at luncheon. Mr. Richard Marsh's new novel, “ Ada Vern- ham, Actress," on which he has been engaged for over two years, will be ready for publication on June 1. It will be published by Mr. John Long. Mr. Arthur W. à Beckett, who has already filled the offices of Deputy-Chairman, Hon. Secretary, and Chairman of the London District of the Institute of Journalists, has been nomi- nated by the council of that body President for the year 1900-01. The institute holds its con- gress in London in September next. Sir Hugh Gilzean-Reid, Lord Glenesk, Sir Edward Law. son, Sir John Willox, Sir Edward Russell, Sir Wemyss Reid, and Sir James Henderson have served as presidents of the Institute of Jour- nalists since the date of its incorporation by Mr. Ferrar Fenton has in the Press a new version of his “ New Testament in Modern English,” which is an improved translation, with critical notes, to supersede his former popular issues of St. Paul's Epistles and the Gospels in current English. This new version will make, with the American edition, 14,000 copies of the New Testament and the 16.00oth of the Pauline Epistles of his versions. The work has been copyrighted in both England and the United States. Messrs. Horace Marshall and Son, of ## p. 14 (#30) ############################################## 14 THE AUTHOR. Temple House, Temple Avenue, London, will be I have written some successful books, I will the British publishers, and Messrs. H. 0. not mention on what subjects, suffice to say they Houghton and Co., Cambridge, Mass., Boston, were not novels. After the last one had run into and New York, in America, for the translator. several editions my good friend and shepherd Those interested in opera, especially in the asked me if I would suggest a subject that had present season at Covent Garden, will read with not been written to death, and what my terms pleasure a special issue of the London Musical would be for a similar book. Courier, which contains photographs of all the I did mention a subject and terms, and as artists engaged. biographical sketches, stories of luckily I am not compelled by force of circum. the operas, and many other interesting features. stances to accept thankfully “the crumbs that fall from the rich man's table,” these terms were Mrs. Coulson Kernahan's new novel, “The based on lines so long and so ably laid down Avenging of Ruthanna,” on which she has been by The Author, and were distinctly fair as engaged for the last year, was published by Mr. between one business man and another. A few John Long at the end of May. days after I received a letter saying he could not Mr. Bernard Shaw's play, “ You Never Can possibly agree to the terms mentioned, and pro- Tell,” was so well received at the recent matinée posing others, but as I could perceive through performances that it may be produced again for them the “ cloven foot” suggesting the possi. a short run in the autumn. bility of inflated cost of production, corrections, advertising, cataloging, et hæc genus omnes, and as a “burnt child dreads the fire,” I declined them. CORRESPONDENCE. About eighteen months after, I was surprised to see a book advertised by this firm, on exactly 1.—THE READING BRANCH-A SUGGESTION. the subject suggested by me, from the pen of that well-known writer, Mr. L. Hack. M HE remarks made by Mr. Pinero at the Now, I do not blame Mr. Hack. who has bis Society's dinner the other night on the living to get, and is often a rather clever fellow; brotherly relations which should exist but in this case it required a particular and special between author and dramatist possessed a peculiar knowledge to write an acceptable book that would interest for many of us. It was significant that our sell, and this knowledge the writer did not leading playwright should have been asked and possess. should have consented to preside on that occasion, On looking it over, I found it was chiefly a and especially so when taken in conjunction with réchauffé of old material, extracts from journals, the fact that a dramatists' committee has been with a top-dressing of more or less original matter, recently appointed by the Society. May I sug. the whole being almost useless for the readers for gest that a still further step be taken in this whom it was intended. direction? The reading of authors' MSS., which The result was that when the book was pub- is such a useful branch of the Society's work, lished, it fell with a “sickening thud,” and very might be extended to include plays submitted by few copies were sold. The publisher will doubtless members, the fee charged to vary according to suffer a loss in this case, but most people will the number of acts. agree, I think, that it served him right under the At present, whilst the writers of books have circumstances. many ways of testing the merits of their works, In case some may think I tell this little tale the would-be playwright has no one to whom he out of pique, I can assure them it is not so, as my can turn for advice. A competent opinion on the literary vanity has been satiated long ago, and I faults of one's style and on one's aptitude (or otherwise) for playwriting would be a great hoon can readily get rid of all the work I have the time to perpetrate. to many who, whilst recognising fully the diffi- Moral.—Never communicate your ideas unless culties to which Mr. Pinero referred, are anxious to learn by criticism as well as practice. you are sure of your man. A. PENN-WYPER. - H. A. SPURR. III.—WELCOME. II.-Hoist WITH HIS Own PETARD. Most of us who read Mr. Robert H. Sherard's I cannot say I grieve very deeply when the mournful tribute to the memory of Ernest Dowson "sharp” publisher is overtaken by a Nemesis of must have exclaimed : “If I had only known.” his own creating--but he occasionally is, as the The words certainly rose to my lips when I following incident will illustrate. learned that we must have been living within a ## p. 15 (#31) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 15 few streets of the dead man at a time when he sorely needed help. To think that such help was withheld is bitter. It is just those evils for which no one in particular is responsible that makes life unendurable. At the present moment there may be other Ernest Dowsons living lonely and unrecognised in London. I should like to tell them that if they care to make acquaintance with strangers who would like to be friends they will always be welcome at our house. As I am a journalist and novelist it goes without saying we are not rich, but we love the things they love. Though we cannot offer substantial material aid we can at least extend a hearty and sympathetic hospitality. If any genuine literary workers, whether men or women, care to accept this very informal invitation for themselves, or wish to recommend others, I shall be glad to hear from them. Enclosing my name and address, but not for publication, and trusting you will be good enough to forward letters, Card Mille FailthE. BOOKS AND REVIEWS. (In these columns notes on books are given from reviews which carry weight, and are not, so far as can be learned, logrollers.) rhyme and grammar observed in the 'Canterbury Tales " wherewith to test the authorship of any doubtfal poem. ... " This is the new part of the book. For the rest it is a clear and convenient sommary of investigations made by the author and other Chancerian scholars, each as Professor Lounsbury.” A POPULAR HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, by the Right Rev. William Boyd Carpenter, the Lord Bishop of England (Murray, 68.), is an “admirable volame,” says tbe Daily Chronicle, and ought to have a very wide circu. lation.” “There is a human touch throughout, for which we commonly look in vain in ecclesiastical history. The Bishop recognises that the Church of each age is largely the child of the age.” “He has the true judicial spirit,” says. the Morning Post, and the book “ can do nothing but good wherever it is read.” “One would almost call it a history of Christianity in England.” DOCTRINE AND DOCTRINAL DISRUPTION, by W. H. Mallock (Black, 78. 6d. net), is described in the sub-title as "an Examination of the Intellectual Position of the Church of England.” It is described by the Guardian as having been written in the interests of the Church of Rome ; "Mr. Mallock's own position appears to us to be freely open to criticism of just the same character as that which he delights to pass on the position of Anglicans ; and when he comes to demolish their several authorities we cannot help feeling that sometimes his argument recoils on his own head.” The Expository Times says it is possible that Mr. Mallook “has. written a book that will make the ears of all that hear it tingle.” The Daily Chronicle pays a tribute to the author as “ a brilliant controversialist. FRANCE SINCE 1814, by Baron Pierre de Coubertin (Chapman, 68.), is “interesting reading,” says the Daily Telegraph, "for anyone who can appreciate an unbiassed and level-headed criticism of French political history daring the past eighty-five years.” “To some of us,” says the Spectator, " the solidarity of modern French political his- tory, which M. de Coubertin makes the chief point of bie book, seems so deeply hidden ander surface turmoil as to be almost an unreal thing. He goes far towards convincing us, however.” He unfolds the kaleidoscopic tale, says the Daily Chronicle, “in a brief compass, and with a pen that is always lucid and often brilliant.” A HISTORY OF SCOTLAND FROM THE ROMAN OCCUPA. TION, by Andrew Lang (Blackwood, Vol. I. 158.) is pro- nounced by Literature to be “the most readable” work on the subject, "and, taking account of the use that has been made of recent specialist research, the most complete.” The Spectator, also, says that “Mr. Lang has not written a better. balanced book, or one more likely to be read, than this.” While it “ does not compete with Hill Burton's in point of size, it brings a great deal of fresh light to bear upon both the War of Independence and matters ecclesiastical.'” The period covered by the first volume ends with the death of Cardinal Beaton; "and throngh- out the period,” says the Guardian, “it will be emi. nently gratifying to the Scot to find what will appear to him a complete vindication of the anti-English atti- tude.” “Politically, the historian's sympathies are manifestly and not unjustly on the side of Beaton and the old Church.” HERBERT SPENCER : His LIFE AND WORK, by Hector Macpherson (Chapman, 58. net), “interesting and sug- gestive,” according to the Daily Telegraph, “is to be commended," says the Daily Chronicle, "alike to those who know Mr. Spencer's works and to those who know them not. The one class will find refreshment to the memory in the clear, coherent, and accurate abstract which it supplies; THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SIR John CHARLES MOL- TENO, by P. A. Molteno (Smith, Elder and Co., 208.), intro duces the English reader to South Africa before the age of gold, for Sir John Molteno's political career ended in 1882. He was the first Prime Minister at the Cape. The work is, says the Daily News, “ & gallant and successfal effort to preserve bis memory and vindicate his policy.” It is "not a memoir, but a history.” “Those parts of the book which deal with the Confederation schemes are,” says the Spectator, “ of permanent interest.” “On the whole, Mr. Molteno writes with marked fairness.” Literature states that the work “ cannot be ignored by any careful student of South African history-though it would sadly mislead a student who studied nothing else.” LONDON TO LADYSMITH, VIA PRETORIA, by Winston Spencer Churchill (Longmans, 6s.), contains, says the Times, "a very vivid and interesting diary of the war in Natal.” Mr. Churcbill's style, says the Daily News, " is as lively as bis experiences have been.” “In all the correspondence that bas come from South Africa," says the Daily Chronicle, " there is nothing better than bis story of the wrecking of the armoured train, the journey of its captured crew to the Transvaal, the life of the prisoners at Pretoria, and the writer's escape.” THE CHAUCER CANON, by the Rev. Professor W. Walter Skeat (Clarendon Press, 38. 6d. net), "distinguisbes clearly," gays Literature, “between the genuine works of the poet and those which were wrongly attributed to him by early editors, such as Thynne, Speght, and Stowe in the sixteenth century. External evidence is generally enough to disprove their genuineness, but in cases where this is insufficient, with Professor Skeat's help, we may take the rules of ## p. 16 (#32) ############################################## 16 THE AUTHOR. pioneer in the literature of Provence. “And we can testify from our examination of his work (As well as from the verdict of a highly competent Provençal scholar), that Professor Smith has gone with great thoroughness into his task.” The book is "well worth reading, if only as a bistorical gaide to one of the most interesting regions in Europe.” The book is elegantly illustrated, says the Daily Chronicle, and “there is nothing about the troubadours that Professor Jastin Smith does not know.” HURRAH FOR THE LIFE OF A SAILOR (Blackwood, 128. 6d.) is by Vice-Admiral Sir William Kennedy, who relates his experiences in the Royal Navy. Reviewing it under the title “ Yaros," Literature states that the book will be popular with boys as well as grown-up people, and should give a stimulus to recruiting for the Navy.” The Daily Chronicle, says it is “bright with humour, and gay wisdom is found on every page.' THE DISENCHANTMENT OF NURSE DOROTHY (Skeffing- tou). The Scotsman says that “the story is interesting, readable, and instructive." Tbe Hospital says that the author" has evidently a considerable personal acquaint- ance with hospital life, and some of her sketches of character are admirably done." The Nursing Record thinks that the author is “evidently acquainted with her subject, and possesses considerable literary ability.” Her book is called " distinctly readable." . OBITUARY. the other class will find it an excellent introduction to the dozen volumes in which the Doctrine of Evolution is defined and explained, or even to Mr. Howard Collins's epitome of that doctrine.” THE SECOND LADY DELCOMBE, by Mrs. Arthur Kennard (Hutchinson, 6s.), appears to the Spectator to be " a good, if not exactly brilliant, specimen of the modern novel of society.” “It deserves to be, as it doubtless is," says the Daily News, “one of the successes of the publishing season. It is a pleasant romance-running, it is true, on more or less hackneyed lines—yet refreshingly unusual in its types and conditions. The loveless mariage de convenance, ending, not in disaster, bat, owing to the nobility of soul of the wife and the uprightness of the husband, in real love : this is the main theme of the book, but it is pleasantly diversified by character-study and incident." The figure of the American heiress, says the Daily Telegraph," is as convincing as it is attraclive and pathetic. This particular cbaracter is, in fact, as good in its way as anything that has appeared recently in the realms of novel-writing." "The characters are real," says the Daily Chronicle, “and the dialogue always easy and natural.” THE WEST END, by Percy Wbite (Sands, 68.), is a novel dealing with the ways and works of “smart” men and women. The principal obaracter is a millionaire maker of jam, who determines upon the conquest of society. The Daily Chronicle speaks of the book as “ in the main a criticism of society, wherein we have Mr. Percy White's genuine gifts of observation, pene- trating, but not entirely unsympathetic, and his satirical reflection, trenchant, but not all unkindly.” The Spectator calls it a “clever poyel,” and Literature says "it deserves a high rank when compared with the average novel of the day." NELL GWYN, COMEDIAN, by F. Frankfort Moore (Pearson, 6s.), a novel of which the vivacious orange girl is heroine, is described by the Spectator as "a brisk and entertaining, though superficial, sketch of life and manners at the Court of the Restoration.” “ The most attractive and best-done portrait-sketoh in the volume,” says the Daily Chronicle, “is that of the Duchess of Marlborough while yet she was Miss Sarah Jennings." THE BATH COMEDY, by Agnes and Egerton Castle (Mac. millan, 6s.), is described by the Spectator as “a very lively and entertaining comedy." Literature says it is as “ viva- cions a story as anyone could wish to read.” The scene is laid in mid-eighteenth-century Bath, the “modish period of powder and patches.” “ The plot develops," says the Spec- tator, “oat of the stratagem resorted to by Mrs. Kitty Bellairs, a sprightly widow, to effect a reconciliation between Sir Jasper Standish and his too-adoring wife, a bride of three months.” “Altogether this is a very lively and enter- taining comedy of the artificial yet artistic sort.” “ It is a sanny book," says the Literary World, “ daintily written, constructed with the artifice that the comedy of manners requires." FROM VELDT CAMP FIREB, by H. A. Bryden (Horst and Blackett, 38. 6d.), consists of “excellent stories,” says the Daily Telegraph, " wbich cannot fail to make an impression at the present moment when the interest of everyone is centred upon tbat part of the world. Mr. Bryden knows South Africa and its inhabitants thorongbly well, and on the whole his opinion of the Transvaal Boer would not appear to be an unfavourable one." THE TROUBADOURS AT HOME, by Justin H. Smith (Putnam, 258. net), leads the Spectator to say that, while the subject has been much studied by Germans and French, for the Anglo-Saxon world the author is something of a M HE death-roll of the month includes Pro- I fessor STANLEY LEATHES, the eminent - Semitic scholar, who died at Much Hadham, aged seventy; Dr. CoWIE, Dean of Exeter, at the age of eighty-four; General Pitt-RIVERS, anthropologist and antiquary; and Miss Chris HAMMOND, whose book illustrations in black and white were well known. 66TH AUTHOR.” SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. 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Varieties, APPENDIX.-(A) Lists of the Parliaments of England and of the United Kingdom. (B) Speakers of the House of Commons. (0) Prime Ministers. Lord Chancellors, and Secretaries of State from 1715 to 1892. HORACE cox, “LAW TIMES” OFFICE, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS. E.C. In demy 8vo., with PORTRAITS, price 78. ed. THE BUILDERS OF OUR LAW DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN VICTORIA. By EDWARD MANSON. Late Scholar of Bragenose College, and of the Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law; Author of the “* Law of Trading Companies," " Debentures and Debanture Stock," " Dog Law," &c. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Lord Cottenbam. Lord St. Leonards. Baron Martin (with Portrail). Ohief Justice Tindal Chief Baron Pollock. Sir George Jessel (with Portrait). Lord Justice Knight Bruce (with Portrait). Sir Cresswell Cresswell. Sir Robert Phillimore (tilh Portrait). Baron Parke-Lord Wensleydale. Lord Campbell. Lord Justice Mellish (tcith Portrait). Right Honourable Stepben Lushington, the Mr. Justice Patteson (rith Portrait). Lord Justice Lush Chief Justice Jervis. Lord Westbury (lith Portrait). Lord Blackburn. Lord Cranworth. Chief Justice Cockburn (with Portrait). Lord Justice James (with Portrait). Mr. Justice Maule. Mr Justice Wightman. Chief Justice Erle (rith Portrait). Lord Abinger. Lord Hatherley. Sir Edward Vaughan Williams. Lord Truro. Mr. Justice Willos. Mr. Justice Crompton. Baron Alderson. Lord Bramwell. Chief Baron Kelly. Lord Denman (with Portrait). Lord Cairns (with Portrait). "Mr. Manson has a facile pen and a pleasant style: and it would indeed have been a pity had the ephemeral purpose with which the matter contained in this book w&9 originally published caused these interesting sketches to be forgotten. The aim of the author has been to give an outline of the career of the greatest of our judges, and to state the effect of their work upon the law. and in so doing he has started at the point at which Lord Campbell left off. Several old prints are reproduced, and help to make up a handsome, interesting, and even brilliant addition to the history of the Legal Profession."-Law Journal. * Wo received the several biographies with much pleasure, and gladly published them in these columns. We know for a fact that more than one family has been surprised at the information gleaned about its judicial member by Mr. Manson. We predict for it a permanent place in legal biography."-Law Times. "The book has a serious interest for laymen as well as for lawyers, for, although there is much of case law, there is no more of it than the general reader may digest. It is the anecdotes and the personal details which give piquancy to the book."- Morning. London: HORACE COX, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.C. ## p. 16 (#35) ############################################## ADVERTISEMENTS. vii ONLY 500 COPIES PRINTED. Royal 8vo., with Maps and Plates, price ONE GUINEA. NEW BOOK ON CHESS. Price 28. 6. net. Man-Hunting in the Desert,“ SOCIAL CHESS." BY BEING A NARRATIVE OF THE PALMER SEARCH EXPEDITION, 1882, 1883, Conducted by Sir Charles Warren. BY Capt. ALFRED E. HAYNES (ROYAL ENGINEERS). WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY WALTER BESANT. “The story of the vigorous efforts made, against terrible odds, to And the missing Professor and his companions is clearly and ably set forth. Then comes the finding of the ghastly remains and the patiently relentless following up of clues in tracing out the various Arabs implicated in the murder. The adventurous part of the book is as interesting as a tale by Stevenson; nor is what might be termed the personal part less absorbing."-Publishers' Circular. JAMES MASON. Author of “Principles of Chess,” “ Art of Chess,” “Chess Openings.” A Collection of Short and Brilliant Games, with Diagrams and Notes to each, Discursive Introduction, &c. An amusing, and if need be, instructive book. Especially adapted to the home circle. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. Crown 8vo., Cloth Boards, Silver Lettering, Price 6s. na A LADY OF WALES. - LONDON: HORACE COX, "Field" Office, Windsor House, Bream's Buildings, E.C. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Crown 8vo., limp cloth, 28. 6d. net; postage, 3d. extra. THE "A Story of the Siege of Chester, 1645." PRINCIPLES OF CHESS BY THE Rer. VINCENT J. LEATHERDALE, M.A. IN THEORY AND PRACTICE. BY London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. London: Horace Co JAMES MASON. CONTENTS. – 1. Elements of Chess. 2. General Principles. 3. Combination. 4. Exposition of Master Play Complete. In demy 8vo., price 128. net, by post 12s. Bd. Six Months in a Syrian Monastery. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. Crown 8vo., limp cloth, price 28. 6d. OF Being the Record of a Visit to the Headquarters of the Syrian Church in Mesopotamia, with some account of the Yazidis, or Devil Worshippers of Mosul, and El Jilwah, their Sacred Book. By OSWALD H. PARRY, B.A. (Of Magdalen College, Oxford.) Illustrated by the Author. With a Prefatory Note by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Durham. A HANDBOOK PROCEDURE HOUSE of COMMONS, OF THE WITH SUGGESTIONS AND PRECEDENTS FOR THE USE OF PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETIES, * The author of this handsome volume presents a detailed study of & relic of history pursued off the track of general research;' he has sought to give, and has succeeded in giving, & picture of quiet life in . country much abused, and among & people that command less than their share of ordinary interest.' Westward the tide of Enipire takes its way,' Bang & prophetic divine of the olden days, and no less certainly, AB Mr. Parry points out, does the ebb of travel return towards the East...As volume descriptive of life and travel among & distant people, his work is well worth reading, but for those persons who are more particularly concerned with the old Syrian Church, or in the solution of the problem indicated above, it is one of quite unique attraction. A pathetic interest attaches to the account of the Yazidis included in this volume, for it contains part of their sacred writings, the original manuscript of which was in the hands of Professor Robertson Smith for translation at the time of his death. Publishers' Circular. BY GEO. G. GRAY, Esq., LL.D. (Lond.), J.P., Barrister-at-Law, &c., Author of "A Manual of Bankruptcy," & Treatise on "The Right to Sapport from Land and Buildings," &c., Speaker of the Hasting &Local House of Commons. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Broam's-buildings, E.O. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. ## p. 16 (#36) ############################################## rüi ADVERTISEMENTS. - - - - - - - USERN THAT MACE T HAS NEVER BEEN SERIOUSLY QUES- TIONED BY ANY HONEST TYPEWRITER INVENTOR, MECHANICAL EXPERT, OR USER THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL LINES UPON WHICH THE SMITH PREMIER IS BUILT ARE PAR IN ADVANCE OF ANY OTHER TYPE- WRITER. THAT ALONE WOULD NOT MERIT SUCCESS, BUT THAT FOUNDATION TOGETHER WITH BEST MATERIAL, BEST WORKMANSHIP, AND EXPERT INSPECTION OF ALL THE PARTS AS WELL AS THE FINISHED PRODUCT, HAVE CAUSED THE SMITH PREMIER TO WIN. THIS IS THE EX- PLANATION OF ITS PHE- NOMENAL RECORD OF SUCCESS. O SEND FOR ART CATALOGUE. The Smith Premier Typewriter Co 14, Gracechurch Street, LONDON, E.C. Sen ESTABLISHED] The Atheneum Press, Taunton. CXVIII. CENT. BARNICOTT & PEARCE INVITE ENQUIRIES RESPECTING PRINTING. ESTIMATES OF COST, AND OTHER DETAILS, PROMPTLY GIVEN. 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Beautifully FOR HIS COUNTRY'S SAKE; or, Esca, a British Illustrated by C. E. Fripp. Prince at the Court of Trajan. By L. M. P. BLAÓK. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.O. HORACE Cox. Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.O Printed and Published by HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 01 (June 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 01 (June 1900) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1900-06-01-The-Author-11-1 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/332/1900-07-02-The-Author-11-2.pdf a3082b6c4a4a46d6e50bf2cff819992b PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1900-07-02 Volume 11 Issue 2 Pages Page range in volume 17–40 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19000702 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 2] JULY 2, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. ... 17 CONTENTS. PAGE PAGE Memoranda ... Notes from America ... ... ... ... 28 The Incorporated Society of Authors-Scheme for Pension Fund 18 Annual Dinner of the Incorporated Society of Authors Literary Property-. Thirteen Years Ago ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 31 1. Trade Methods ... Correspondence -1. Auxiliary Literary Work. 2. Concerning 2. The Copyright Act and the Five Gratis Copies Books for Boys. 3. Royalties. 4. Author and Publisher. 5. 3. The Stamping of Agreements ** A Torn-out Page," " by" Dora Russell... 4. Copyright Secured by Publication and S 5. Altering without the Author's Consent... Book and Play Talk... Books and Reviews ... ... Paris Notes. By Darracotte Scott ... ... ... ... ... ... 35 27 Obituary ... Notes and News. By the Editor ... ... ... ... ... ... ... PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. The Annual Report. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. 2. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices : Vol. I., 108. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., III., and IV., 88. 6d, each (Bound); Vols. V. to VIII. (Unbound), 6s. 6d. 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. MORRIS COLLES, Barrister-at-Law. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 4. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE, late Secretary to the Society. 18. The Cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 28. 6d. (Out of print at present.) 6. The Various Methods of Publication. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. Eyre and Spottis- woode. Is. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By WALTER BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888—1892). 18. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By ERNST LUNGE, J.U.D. 28. 6d. 10. The Addenda to the "Methods of Publishing." By G. HERBERT THRING. Being additional facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “ Methods." With comments and advice. 28. 11. Forms of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Association ; with Comments. By G. HERBERT THRING, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. IS. ## p. 16 (#38) ############################################## ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Authors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT. GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL, SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. AUSTIN DOBSON. Sir Lewis MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. Miss E. A. ORMEROD. ROBERT BATEMAN. Sir MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIELD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BESANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE Right Hon. THE LORD PIR. AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, M.P. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. Sir FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE RIGHT HON. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH. JEROME K. JEROME. E. ROSE. CLERE. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONES. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. SHAW. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMS. P. W. CLAYDEN. THE RIGHT Hon. W. E. H. LECKY, S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. THE HON. JOHN COLLIER. THE REV. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM MOY THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. SIR A. C. MACKENZIE, Mus.Doc. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M, YONGB. THE RIGHT Hon. THE LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel – E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A. HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. À BECKETT. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. GILBERT PARKER. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E. Rose. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN. FRANCIS STORR. D. W. FRESHFIELD. 'SUB-COMMITTEES. ART. Hon. John COLLIER (Chairman). I SIR W. Martin Conway. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A. W. À BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLES. GILBERT PARKER. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). I F. C. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD ROSE. Solinitore_ FIELD, ROSCOE, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. G. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. MHE ART of CHESS. By JAMES MASON. Price 58. GA. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. ## p. 17 (#39) ############################################## The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. XI.—No. 2.] JULY 2, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. signed or initialled the Authors alone are - As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. collective opinions of the Committee unless It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible they are officially signed by G. Herbert for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly Thring, Sec. the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the “ Cost of Production.” M HE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all T remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and IV. A COMMISSION AGREEMENT. requests that all members not receiving an answer to The main points are :- important communications within two days will write to him (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production. without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union (2) Keep control of the advertisements. Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. letter only. GENERAL. All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on above mentioned. all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are Never sign any agreement without competent advice from returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The main points which the Society has always demanded GENERAL MEMORANDA. from the outset are :- (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. UT ERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong 1 agreement. There are four methods of dealing to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the with literary property :- nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or I. THAT OF SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. withheld. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. Secretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to agreement). N the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some In this case the following rules should be attended to : competent legal authority. (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. the production of a play with anyone except an established (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the manager. profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements 3. There are three forms of dramatic contract for PLAYS in his own organs : or by charging exchange advertise. IN THREE OR MORE ACTS : ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING EIGHT. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for “ office expenses," This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters unless the same allowance is made to the author." into such a contract should stipulate in the con- (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental tract for production of the piece by a certain date rights. and for proper publication of his name on the (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. play-bills. VOL. XI. D 2 ## p. 18 (#40) ############################################## 18 THE AUTHOR. Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, now or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. dence of the writer. 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) To read and advise apon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. THE READING BRANCH. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES on gross receipts. Percentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain a percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts in preference to the American system. Should obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., fixed nightly fees). This method should be always avoided except in cases where the fees are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The other safeguards set out under heading (b.) apply also in this case. 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one act plays should be reserved. 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is of great importance. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot print the book of the words. 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in the beginning 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object is to obtain adequate publication As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on account of the wide range of the sabject of dramatic con. tracts, those authors desirous of further information are referred to the Secretary of the Society. CEMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this branch of their work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated as a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. NOTICES. T HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 68. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should be addressed to the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. 1. TA VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici. tor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreoments do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to ase the Society 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past accounts with the loan of the books represented. The THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF AUTHORS. -SCHEME FOR PENSION FUND. 1. INHE fund is established for the purpose of providing pensions for authors in need of such assistance, and for no other purpose. 2. Contributions to the fund may be either by a single donation or by a donation spread over three or more years, or by an annual subscription. ## p. 19 (#41) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 19 3. All donations and not less than two-thirds which such candidate is to be proposed, and the of the annual subscriptions (after deducting the nomination of each such candidate shall be sub- working expenses) shall be added to the capital scribed by at least three members of the Society. of the fund and invested. The remainder of the A list of the names of the candidates so nominated annual subscriptions with the income from invest. shall be sent to the members of the Society with ments shall be devoted to the payment of pensions the annual report of the managing committee, and or to the purchase of annuities to satisfy pensions those candidates obtaining the most votes at the already granted. general meeting shall be elected to serve on the 4. The granting of pensions shall be in the Pension Fund committee. discretion of a committee to be called the Pension 10. The secretary of the Society shall act as Fund Committee of the Incorporated Society of the secretary of the Pension Fund committee. Authors, and such committee shall consist of the 11. For the purpose of granting or refusing a chairman of the managing committee of the pension five members of the Pension Fund com- Society, and six other members of the Society, of mittee shall be a quorum, but for any other busi- whom three shall be elected by the managing ness three members shall be a quorum of such committee and three by the members of the committee. Society at the annual general meeting. 12. All receipts in respect of the Pension Fund 5. One of the members of the Pension Fund shall be forthwith paid into an account to be Committee elected by the managing committee of kept in the names of three trustees, who shall be the Society, and one of the members elected by members of the society and shall be called the the members of the Society shall retire at the Pension Fund trustees. The first Pension Fund annual general meeting in each year. As between trustees shall be nominated by the managing com- two or more members of the Pension Fund Com- mittee of the Society, and new trustees shall from mittee elected by the same body, the member who time to time be appointed with the approval of has been longest in office shall retire, and for this such managing committee. purpose the period of office of each member shall 13. All payments in respect of pensions or be computed from his last election. As between working expenses, and all investments of the two or more who have been in office an equal Pension Fund shall be made by the Pension length of time, the member to retire shall in Fund trustees with the approval of the Pension default of agreement between the members con- Fund committee. All cheques on the account of cerned be determined by ballot. A retiring the trustees shall be signed by two trustees and member of the committee shall be eligible for countersigned by the secretary, or in his absence re-election. by a member of the Pension Fund comunittee. 6. The Society at any general meeting at 14. The amount of any pension shall be not less which a member of the Pension Fund committee than £25 nor more than £100 per annum. retires as above-mentioned, shall fill up the 15. Membership of the Society of Authors vacancy by electing a member in his place, and shall not give any right to a pension, but pensions may fill up any other vacancy among members shall be granted to members of the Society only, appointed by the Society. and such members (if in other respects qualified 7. If at any general meeting of the Society at as hereby required) shall become eligible for pen- which the election of a member of the Pension sions as follows:- Fund committee ought to take place such (1) For pensions to be granted in the years member shall not be elected, the managing com- 1901 to 1905, members of the Society mittee may fill the vacancy by the election of a having become such not later than March 1, member of the Society not being a member of the 1901, and so continuing to the date of their managing committee. application. 8. Any casual vacancy occurring on the Pension For pensions to be granted in the years Fund committee may be filled by the managing 1906 to 1912, members of the Society committee of the Society, but any person so having become such not later than March 1, chosen to fill the place of a member appointed by 1902, and so continuing to the date of their the members of the Society shall hold office only application. until the next annual general meeting of the For jensions to be granted after the year Society. 1912, members of the Society who have 9. Any candidate for election to the Pension been such members for not less than ten Fund committee by the members of the society clear years before the date of their appli- (not being a retiring member of such committee) cation, and so that for this purpose such sball be nominated in writing to the secretary at ten years of membership need not be least three weeks prior to the general meeting at continuous. ## p. 20 (#42) ############################################## 20 THE AUTHOR. Provided that any person who is otherwise quali. Pension Fund committee may cancel or suspend fied for a pension, but has ceased to be a member his pension. of the Society before the date of his application, 22. The granting of a pension shall not impose may in the discretion of the managing committee any personal liability whatever on any member of of the Society be re-elected a member without the Society or of the managing committee or of further payment, and thereupon shall become the Pension Fund committee or on the trustees, eligible for a pension. but every pension shall be deemed to be payable · 16. No pension shall be granted to any person only out of the income available for that purposé. under the age of sixty years, so long as suitable 23. If at any time hereafter the Pension Fund candidates of the age of sixty years or upwards should reach an amount sufficient in the judg- shall present themselves. Provided that a pension ment of the Pension Fund committee to meet all may be granted to a person of less age if and claims reasonably likely to be made upon it in while he shall in the opinion of the Pension Fund future, and if such committee shall pass a resolu- committee be totally incapacitated for work' by tion to that effect and the managing committee of reason of illness or accident. the Society shall concur in such resolution, then 17. In granting or refusing pensions the the Pension Fund committee may either (a) Pension Fund committee shall consider not only cease to receive any further subscriptions to the the necessities of the applicant, but also the fund unless and until additional needs arise, or merit of his work; and, other matters being (6) apply the whole or any part of the annual equal, long and continuous membership of the subscriptions (although in excess of one-third of Society shall be considered a recommendation, such subscriptions) to the payment of pensions or 18. The application for a pension need not be the purchase of annuities for pensioners or the made by the applicant personally, but may be increase of any pensions or annuities already presented on his behalf by any two members of the granted or purchased, but the powers conferred Society. Provided that any person whose name by this clause shall not be exercised unless the is so presented shall, if requested by the Pension amount of the fund for the time being be not Fund committee, signify in writing his willingness less than £20,000. to accept a pension if granted, and if he shall 2 4. The Pension Fund committee shall have refuse so to do, his application shall not be enter power to make and from time to time vary bye- tained. laws for regulating applications for pensions and 19. All applications for pensions shall be for otherwise carrying out the purposes of this deemed contidential, but the names of the scheme. recipients of pensions and the amounts granted 25. Any of the provisions of this scheme may shall be stated in The Author. from time to time be varied by a resolution of 20. Except as otherwise provided in rule 16, all the trustees and the Pension Fund committee pensions shall be tenable during the life of the sitting together, but no such variation shall pensioner or until he shall become a bankrupt or take effect unless and until the same shall be shall alienate, charge, or incumber his pension or confirmed by a resolution of the managing com- some part thereof, but the Pension Fund com- mittee of the Society. Provided always that the mittee may at any time in their absolute discretion Pension Fund shall at all times hereafter be discontinue any pension for either of the following administered by the committee, consisting of reasons: members of the Incorporated Society of Authors. (a) If the pensioner's conduct shall, in the Settled on behalf of the Incorporated Society opinion of such conimittee, be such as of Authors by George Cave, Lincoln's-inn, May 31, would disqualify him from membership of 1900, and finally approved by the managing com- the Society. mittee of the Society at the meeting of the (6) If such committee shall be satisfied that committee on Monday, June 18, 1900. the pensioner is in receipt of an indepen- G. HERBERT THRING, Secretary. dent income sufficient for his support. 21. Any pensioner may at any time be required by the Pension Fund committee to make a statu- tory declaration stating that he has not alienated, charged, or incumbered his pension or any part thereof, and also (if required) stating that he is not in receipt of any independent income or specifying the amount of such income, and in the event of any pensioner refusing or neglecting on request to make such statutory dcclaration, the ## p. 21 (#43) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 21 LITERARY PROPERTY. rather thau at the lower percentages for the benefit of the author. This is business. I.-TRADE METHODS. Closely analogous to this case is the example TN these columns have been exposed month of the deferred royalty-a frequent method of after month the more flagrant tricks producing works of fiction. The difference, how- practised upon authors, chiefly by means of ever, is that in the latter case the agreement, to agreements the nature of which they do not the eye of the expert, is bad from the beginning. understand. Let us now consider how an agree- A publisher, through long experience, knows ment which seems fair may be rendered futile by the average sale. He knows the amount likely the methods of the publisher in handling the work to be taken on subscription of a book of this kind or in administering the author's property. brought out from his house. In many instances the publisher is only He assures the author that, owing to the risk anxious to turn over his money, making 15 or 20 of production, he cannot afford to pay a royalty per cent. on the transaction, and has no real on a number of copies, and accordingly gets x interest either in the property on which he is number of copies free. Owing to this fact, it is supposed to be conscientiously working or in the arranged to the author's satisfaction that a pro- desires of the public before whom he poses as a portionately higher royalty shall be paid on copies patron. It is perhaps not altogether bis fault, it sold above the fixed number. Alas! poor author, is his hereditary instinct. Curiously enough, he never gets his higher royalty ; the accounts this cause of anxiety is often disastrous to the come in, and he is disappointed. He does not author. . know the trade of infanticide, but the guilty An author undertakes the writing of a bio. party is sometimes discovered and his tricks graphy, and enters into an agreement with the divulged. The distribution of the type in the publisher to produce the book, subject to a certain first case shows the passive neglect of the infant royalty, the royalty to be raised after the sale of for want of proper care and nourishment; and in copies of the book. the second case the use of an active agent in its In making this kind of contract, the author, destruction. In the first example, the result is having full confidence in his agent, believes that brought about by bad judgment and carelessness; the book will be pushed for all it is worth, and in the second, by intentional bad faith. the business managed for his benefit. The T he next example is not one of frequent occur. publisher, however, before entering into the con rence, but is extremely interesting as the result- tract has made up his mind that the book will not namely, the turnover of the publisher's money sell above the number on which the smaller at a sound percentage, and the cessation of profits royalty is paid, and he bas also calculated that, to the author-is practically the same as in the selling up to that number, it will pay him a hand cases quoted above; the motive is different, and some return of 15 or 20 per cent on the capital it is not so much one of gain as of personal spite. expended. To obtain a satisfactory result, you must imagine, An edition is printed accordingly, but the on the one hand, an author whose head is swollen publisher's judgment is at fault. The edition to a size too large for his body; while, on the sells out within six months, and there is still a other side, you must have a publisher who is demand. rather anxious to obtain the work of the author, If the type is still standing it would barely pay as he kuows that the publication is a sound 20 more than 5 or 10 per cent. to push the book to per cent. investment. After a considerable the sale of another 500 copies, taking into con amount of wrangling, in which the publisher's sideration the higher royalty and further adver- temper has been upset by the author's cupidity, tising. (Further advertising would be necessary, an agreement has been arrived at. The author as the book has been allowed to drop from the is to receive a sum down in advance of royalties. market for two or three weeks.) The author thinks the sum far too small, con- But the type is not standing. It has been sidering, in his opinion, the assured circulation of broken up, so that the infallibility of the pub. the book. lisher's judgment is necessarily confirmed, as it is The publisher, altogether put out, is glad to impossible for another edition to sell. He has get off with such a small advance, and is deter- made it impossible. It could not possibly pay him mined to show the author that, after all, the public to re-set the type and print, so that in spite of are not overwhelmed with a desire to read his mild remonstrances from the author the book deathless productions. dies, a victim of infanticide. Is it a paradox to kill a deathless production in The publisher proceeds to turn over his capital its infancy? Infanticide, at any rate, paradox or again at the higher percentage for his own benefit, not, supervenes. The book is produced, and ## p. 22 (#44) ############################################## 22 THE AUTHOR. continues to sell until the sum advanced on complete his book on the same subject as the royalties is covered. By this time, too, the result of his life's work. His mind is at once publisher has earned his expected percentage on made up. He hurries to the office without his capital. At once the house is drawn and the delay, writes a letter to the Professor asking him infant's life is extinguished. if he may have the honour of publishing his The cause and effect can be clearly linked, as book. the number at which the sale stops is damning The unfortunate author falls into the trap, and evidence; but legal proof there is none. The in due course enters into a hard-and-fast agree- publisher in his letters is full of regret. ment, handing over to the publisher (according A desire to study the accounts closely will often to the equitable agreement drafted by their asso. produce a disastrous result, but a longing to see ciation) almost every right the author could the “Day Book” will infallibly bring about a possibly possess, and at the same time binds him- fatal ending. self not to abridge the work or produce any other The following example is also instructive. work which may interfere with the sale. The pub- The same lesson can be drawn from it as froin lisher takes care that no such clause should fetter all the others. his action, as that would be ruinous to its success. A publisher enters into a contract with a young The Professor goes to bed and thinks that he author for the publication of his first book on a has toiled for years, and thus at length obtained royalty basis, and in the agreement binds the the reward for his life's long labours. He wakes author for a second book on the same terms. in due course, but only to find his only child This is yery bad for the author, but he accepts, strangled at its birth. He weeps, and consults sometimes through ignorance, sometimes through the publisher, who informs him that for some nervousness, sometimes through indifference. unexplained reason the work has fallen flat, and The first book comes out, and has a remarkable will not sell. run for a first book. It certainly does not bring The Professor is unable, owing to the terms of the author much return financially, as he is only his agreement, however much he may desire it, being paid a small royalty after the sale of a fixed to publish elsewhere. number of copies, but it is a really profitable But the publisher's copyright book still sells investment for the publisher, as he sees a satis- briskly. factory return in the present and great possi. The commercial instinct is a wonderful pos- bilities in the future. session. The British Empire is founded on it. The second book is brought out in accordance G. H. T. with the agreement. The circulation is, however, small compared with that of the first book. The To the above remarks, based upon actual author is astonished and disappointed, but the experience, I append two cases, the first with the tradesman knows. The circulation is sufficiently naines. large to satisfy his mercantile spirit, and is kept In the year 1869-70, I, being then secretary of sufficiently small to enable him to gain a third the Palestine Exploration Fund, and therefore volume from the same pen on the same remune having my attention every day called to the rative terms, for “as the second book has gone subject, arranged with the late Professor Palmer so badly he with great regret is unable to make a to write a history of the city of Jerusalem from better offer.” the siege of Titus to modern times. He, for his The eyes of the expert, however, sees the share, contributed the history from Moslem inwardness of the mancuvre. The marks of the Historians : I, for my part, the history from the murderer's fingers are on the throat of the infant. Crusaders' and Christian Chronicles. We devoted The last example is perhaps the saddest of all, much time and labour to the work: the thing as everyone knows the fondness of a parent for had never before been done: we hoped to produce the child of his old age, and the old Professor a standard book. We intrusted it to Bentley and who suffers is the victim of this cruel plot. Son on a half-profit system. An edition of a It happens in this wise. A publisher has an thousand copies was printed, and the book was excellent educational work on some special duly produced, making a very creditable appear- subject. He has bought the copyright for a ance. The edition was completely sold out; an small sum, and is pushing its sale to the utter account was rendered showing no profits; and we most; it is selling in larger numbers than then learned, to our mortification, that the type even B.'s famous novel “Balderdash.” But had been distributed and no moulds had been he wakes up with the uncomfortable recollection made. I vainly urged upon the publishers the that at a dinner the night before he had heard production of a second edition. Many years Professor R— state that he was about to passed, I again pressed for the production of a ## p. 23 (#45) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 23 new edition. By this time Professor Palmer was dead. The firm undertook to bring out a new edition at last, subject to the condition that I should guarantee 300 copies. I did so, and placed the copies myself to prevent any possibility of mistake. The book I afterwards, on the disap- pearance of the firm, transferred to Messrs. Chatto and Windus. It has gone through three editions, I believe, since its revival. The second instance is of a three-volume novel Some years ago the author signed an agreement by which he was to receive a very large royalty-. think about 98. a copy-after 350 copies had been sold. The worthy publisher printed 350 and then distributed the type. This case has been already mentioned in an early number of The Author. W. B. II.—THE COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE Five GRATIS COPIES. It will have been seen from the correspond- ence of 1876 between the Royal Commissioners on the one hand and the authorities of the four privileged libraries of Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Dublin on the other, which we printed in the June Author, that Cambridge left oft the questions of the Commissioners unanswered, that Oxford, though otherwise fully answering, was silent as to the value of the privilege, only stating the desire of the University to retain it, “not merely in the interests of the University, but for the sake of the public,” and that Edin. burgh and Dublin agreed in putting the value at not less than £1500 a year. It will now be desirable to state shortly the history and present effect of the statutory privileges of the five libraries entitled to gratis copies — the British Museum, so entitled absolutely, and the libraries of Oxford, Cambridge, Dublin, and Edinburgh, so entitled on written demand only, to be made within a limited time. The first Act, that of 1662, directed the printer of every book to send one copy to the Royal Library and one copy to each of the Vice- Chancellors of Oxford and Cambridge Univer- sities for the use of the public libraries there; the second, that of 1709, which first gave statu- tory copyright, directed nine copies to be delivered at Stationers' Hall for the use of the Royal Library, the Oxford and Cambridge Libraries, the library of Sion College in London, the libraries of the four Scotch Universities (of St. Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh), and “the library commonly called the library belonging to the Faculty of Advocates at Edinburgh respec- tively.” In 1801, the Legislative Union with Ireland having just been accomplished, an amend VOL. XI. ing Copyright Act directed the delivery of two additional copies for the use of the libraries of Trinity College and of the King's Inns, Dublin, making eleven gratis copies in all. In 1814 two great changes were made. The British Museum, which had been founded in pursuance of Sir Hans Sloane's will so far back as 1759, first became entitled to a gratis copy, taking the place of the Royal Library; and the requirement of a demand on the part of all the privileged libraries first made its appearance, without any distinction, as at present, between the British Museum and the other libraries. The extensiveness of the privilege caused great dis. satisfaction amongst publishers, and in 1818 a Select Committee of the House of Commons resolved :- That it is desirable that so much of the Copyright Act as requires the gratuitous delivery of every work should be repealed except in so far as relates to the British Museum, and that a fixed allowance in lien thereof should be granted to such of the other libraries as may be thought expedient. This resolution was founded upon a great mass of evidence, Mr. Rees complaining of the £955 168. which eleven copies of his Encyclo- pædia might have been sold for, Mr. Baldwin averring that he had lost in his general business £1275 in four years, and so on. Nothing was done, however, until 1836. In that year, Mr. James Silk Buckingham, the founder and first editor of the Athenæum news- paper and a most voluminous writer, introduced in a very learned speech a Bill to take away the privilege from all the eleven libraries, and the Copyright Act, which was the result, took away the privilege from six of them—the libraries of Sion College, of the four Universities of Scotland, and of the King's Inns at Dublin. The Act of 1836 had a preamble that- The provisions of the said Act [of 1814 requiring gratuitous delivery of eleven copies] have in certain rospects operated to the injury of author and publishers, and have in some cases checked or prevented the publication of works of great utility and importance, and it is therefore expedient that the said Act should be amended. Parliament accordingly directed compensation to be made to the six deprived libraries out of the consolidated fund by annual payments to be ascertained “according to the value of the books which may have been actually received” by each such library upon an average of the three years ending June 30, 1836, it being also enacted that- The person of persons or body politio or corporate pro- prietors or managers of the library for the use whereof any Bach book would have been delivered, shall and they are hereby required to apply the annual compensation hereby authorised to be made in the purchase of books of literature, science and the arts, for the use of and to be kept and pre- served in such library : Provided always that it shall not ## p. 24 (#46) ############################################## 24 THE AUTHOR. be lawful for the Treasury to direct the issue of any sum of Copies for four other Libraries if demanded.- money for such annual compensation until sufficient proof A similar copy, printed on the paper of which the shall have been adduced of the application of the money largest number of copies are printed for sale, must last issued to the purpose aforesaid. be delivered The words which we have italicised present not On demand thereof in writing left at the abode of the a few difficulties of construction. Clearly they pablisher thereof at any time within twelve months next impose some restriction upon the discretion of after the publication thereof under the hand of the officer of the library authorities. But what is it? The the Company of Stationers who shall from time to time be term “ books ” seems to exclude all newspapers appointed by the said company for the purposes of this Act, and magazines, and no books of mere reference, or ander the band of any other person thereto authorised by the authorities of the Bodleian Library, Oxford, the such as almanacs and directories, could be called Public Library, Cambridge, the Library of the Faculty of “ books of literature,” however useful they might Advocates, Edinburgh, the Library of Trinity College, be to the student. But it would be difficult to Dublin. exclude any novel whatever. Encyclopædias The copies are to be delivered- might be helped in by their scientific articles, but Within one month after demand made thereof in writing the point is a doubtful one. as aforesaid to the said officer of the said Company of The sums payable to the six various libraries Stationers for the time being, which copies the said officer were originally as follows: To the University of shall, and he is hereby required to receive at the ball of St. Andrews, £630; of Aberdeen, £320; of the said company for the use of the library, for which such Glasgow, £707; and of Edinburgh. £575; to demand sball be made within such twelve months as afore. said, and the said officer is hereby required to give a receipt King's Inns Library, Dublin, £433 6s. 8d.; and in writing for the same and within one month after any such to Sion College, £363 158. 2d. The two last book shall be so delivered to him as aforesaid to deliver the named sums are still annually paid ; the compen- same for the use of such library. sations to the four Scotch Universities became The publishers are authorised, if they prefer it, merged some ten years ago by virtue of the to deliver the demanded books free of expense at Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 in the much the libraries themselves to the librarians, and such larger grant of £42,000 for the general purposes delivery is made equivalent to a delivery to of the four Universities. This grant is divisible the officer of the Stationers' Company. The amongst the four Scotch Universities in sbares, and penalty for not delivering books pursuant to for purposes as therein directed; the Act, how the Act is not more than £5 besides the value of ever, specially providing that “the University of the undelivered book, recoverable either sum- Aberdeen shall receive an annual sum of £320 marily before justices of the peace or by ordinary for the purchase of books for the library of the action at the suit of the librarian, who, if University.” successful, is entitled to all costs reasonably Lastly, we come to the Act of 1842, which incurred. contains the present law of the subject in five It will be seen therefore (1) that the British long and rather confused sections, the effect of Museum is entitled, without any demand, to a copy which is shortly as follows:- of every book published in the British dominions; British Museum Copy.—A printed copy of the (2) that the four other libraries are entitled, but whole of every book and of any subsequent on written demand only, to a copy of every book edition published with any additions or altera published in the United Kingdom ; (3) that the tions, printed on the best paper on which any demand may be made either by the Stationers' copies are printed, must be delivered at the Company's officer or by an agent of the library British Museum, on behalf of the publisher authorities; (4) that by whomsoever the demand . Within one month after first publication, if the is made, the delivery must be made to the first publication be within the bills of mortality; Stationers' Company's officer ; and (5) that it is Within three months, if the first publication for the Stationers' Company's officer, and not any be in any other part of the United Kingdom; other demanding agent, to deliver the books to Within twelve months, if the first publication the four libraries, unless (6) the publishers be in any other part of the British dominions. deliver the copies free of expense to the libraries The italicised area—that of the “bills of direct. mortality”-is indeed a strange one in an Act so lively as the Copyright Act of 1842. The III.—THE STAMPING OF AGREEMENTS. “ bills" themselves died some sixty years ago. A point of some little importance in the The City was always within them, and West stamping of authors' agreements may interest minster soon became so, as also did Lambeth, you. A few days ago I sent an agreement, through Stepney, and other metropolitan parishes, but the local stamp office, to be stamped at Somerset St. Pancras and Marylebone were never included. House. It was an ordinary agreement to do ## p. 25 (#47) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 25 X. om A MEMBER. certain work for a publisher, which would result, Law Courts, justifying his claims, generally for in due course, in the production of a book, the the pecuniary benefit of his adviser or counsel. copyright in which was to belong to the pub. Voilà tout ! Yes! Wiser is the poor Grub-street lishers. I asked that it should be impressed tramp who, on achieving publication, spends his with the ordinary agreement stamp of sixpence. 78. 6d. on a suitable banquet—not forgetting to After three days came back a message requiring pour out a libation to the gods. an additional 198. 6d., being the amount of the J. S. LAURIE. ad valorem duty on the sum which the publishers were to pay me for my work. In other words, V.-ALTERING WITHOUT THE AUTHOR'S CONSENT. the Inland Revenue claimed to treat the agree. I want to know what is (a) the law and (b) the ment as an assignment of copyright. custom of the trade (or profession) with regard Now, to this contention there are just two fatal to altering without consent of the author the objections: (1) that, by English law, it is im. signed articles in books of reference, guide-books, possible to assign a thing which is not in existence, &c., in future editions. and as my MS. was not even begun, I had, of I am supposing the author has made over all course, no copyright to assign ; (2) that the copyright. statute expressly contemplates assignment of I imagine that the whole question turns upon copyright (by entry at Stationers' Hall) without the contribution being signed. Does it not ? payment of stamp duty. Although the regulations of the Oxford office did not permit me to obtain the Somerset House letter for study, I managed to express my objec- PARIS NOTES. tions to its claim to such effect that I have now received an official intimation that the claim to 5, rue Chomel. ad valorem duty will not be pressed. MAURUS JOKAI, the celebrated Hungarian novelist, is now visiting Paris, accompanied by his young wife. IV.--COPYRIGHT SECURED BY PUBLICATION AND This is his first visit since 1867. He has been SALE. warmly welcomed by his compatriots and the In the daily Press of May 16 there is allu. brethren of his craft; and the Société des Gens sion without question to Sir E. M. Thompson's de Lettres has given a banquet in his honour. opinion that “ practically all published books Although M. Jokai numbers seventy-five years, are registered at Stationers' Hall, and are thus well-counted, he is quite out of the running as copyright.” I venture to doubt if more than regards age beside the “ beaux vieillards ” who still 25 per cent. of published books are registered at hold honoured places in the ranks of Parisian all, and that for the simple reason that such regis- writers. M. E.Cormon-author of so many popular tration confers no copyright, or, in point of fact, plays, and father of the well-known painter-is similarly as letters patent, any privilege beyond in his ninety-second year. He is an assiduous being the essential preliminary to litigation. theatre-goer, and was lately in evidence at a dress Indeed, even this is permissible just before any rehearsal at the Théatre de la République, busily action is entered ; and in a recent threatened suit engaged in superintending the revival of “ Une I myself adopted this course successfully with refe. Cause Célèbre," the joint production of MM. rence to a production fifteen years old. Seven and Adolphe d'Ennery and E. Cormon, success. sixpence per work on all published books would fully performed at the Ambigu theatre a quarter obviously yield a mine of vast wealth either to the of a century ago. (M. d'Ennery died in 1899, aged Stationers' Corporation or any other official eighty-eight years, possessed of a fortune which beneficiary, unconditionally on any material con- amounted in round figures to about £400,000.) sideration whatsoever. The hardship of the MM. Aurélian Scholl and Paul Meurice, likewise, invent is is infinitely worse, since pairate can see leave M. Jokai behind. The former resumes and study any existing specification and procure his pen at intervals in dilatory virtuoso fashion. another for himself by a slight alteration. His senior, M. Paul Meurice, still compares As I understand the matter after a life-long favourably in literary activity with a score of experience, and the production of more than 100 modern authors. He is an ardent disciple of genuine copyrights on which no fee has been paid, Victor Hugo, to boot; and recently presented I fancy I am entitled to affirm that the sale of to the National Library a collection of over a even a single volume across the counter con- thousand documents, photographs, &c., connected stitutes publication. In case of dispute, why, the with the great French writer and his family. This owner must either succumb or fight it out in the collection will shortly be open to the public. ## p. 26 (#48) ############################################## 26 THE AUTHOR. ing. Only once in his life did he take part in the latter sport, when he fired by mistake on a gendarme, and was summoned for the offence. AN EMINENT NONAGENARIAN. But the doyen of the French Academy and the “ beaux vieillards litteraires " is M. Ernest Legouvé. His birth certificate is exbibited in the Paris Pavilion at the Exhibition. It is dated Monday, Feb. 16, 1807. M. Legouvé enjoys at the present moment the full possession of all his faculties. He is extremely keen on fencing, and attributes his robust health to his diurnal twenty or thirty minutes' practice with the foils. “ The love of fencing," he asserts, “is not merely a taste-it is a passion. C'est le jeu, avec le vice en moins et la santé en plus !" The eminent nonagenarian estimates his supple- mentary achievements with unusual modesty. “Although my plays have been represented six- teen hundred times at the Comédie Française,” he says, “I am neither a great poet nor a great dramatist. But since I have applied my dramatic and poetical faculty to teaching the young, I have succeeded in writing lessons which were not tiresome. I have spoken to youth in a language which it has loved and understood.” This is, perhaps, the success which M. Legouvé values most highly. His latest work, issued a few months ago, contains the lectures delivered to the students at the Sèvres Normal School. At the period when this volume was compiled its author designed it for the closing memorial of his long literary career. Several stray bints, however, incline us to believe that M. Legouvé has now another work on hand, which will appear shortly. M. JULES VERNE. The plays and novels of M. Jules Verne are as popular as ever. Their author has advantageously renewed the contracts connected with his drama- tised versions of “Michel Strogoff” and “Le Tour du Monde.” He is at present engaged on a new volume for the Extraordinary Voyage series. If his wonderful fertility and health hold good for a few more years, he will undoubtedly attain what is generally asserted to be his grand desideratum—viz., the publication of his hundredth volume. M. Jules Verne is in his seventy-third year. He lives quietly at Amiens, and patronises a vegetarian régime. A slight limp, the result of an accident many years ago, gives him a hesitating gait, while his mild blue eyes and placid expression appear evidence of a nature wholly at variance with the wild adventurous types he delights in creating. He formerly possessed a small yacht, the Saint Michel, which never ventured itself in rougher waters than those of the English Channel and Mediterranean Sea. The author of “ Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea" considers fishing a barbarous amusement and detests hunt. ACADEMY Prizes. The French Academy has a varded the sum of 5000 francs (prix Alfred Née) to' M. Brieux for his last graphic drama entitled “La Robe Rouge.” The fortunate recipient is now engaged in writing a new play entitled “La Petite Amie," whose details have not yet been made public. Mme. Jean Bertheroy has been awarded 4000 francs (prix d'éloquence) for her essay on the French poet André Chenier (1762-1794), while M. Pierre de la Gorse has received 9000 francs (prix Gobert) for his “Histoire du Second Empire). A number of minor prizes have also been awarded. In order to encourage literary talent the Var Academy at Toulon has announced its intention of celebrating its centennial anniversary by a literary competition on six given subjects. The prizes will consist of valuable artistic objects, and the winners' names and compositions will be inscribed in the Golden Book which the Academy will publish on that occasion. The manuscripts of the unsuccessful candidates will not be returned. This is certainly rather hard on the unsuccessful candidates. Rocks AHEAD FOR THE PUBLISHERS. In deciding a dispute between two publishers, the Civil Chamber recently gave some interesting information which completely upset the current illusion respecting the copyright of the title of a paper. It distinctly stated that the property of a journal's title could only lapse through non- usage; but that the popular belief that a non- usage of one vear was sufficient to annul such a copyright was an erroneous idea, based on no legal foundation. Whether editor and publisher would alike be held responsible for the infringe. ment of a similar copyright was not stated. The latter is walking softly since the Third Civil Chamber has abolished his immunity, and rendered him liable for the articles printed under his direction. The action brought by fifty-three merchants, manufacturers, &c., against the pro. prietors and editors of the Antijuif has led to this commendable reform. “Granted,” said the judgment, “that ... if Article 43 of the law of July 29, 1881, enacts that the printer cannot be penally pursued as an accomplice (in virtue of Article 60 of the Penal Code referring to printed matter) except in the event, and under the conditions, foreseen by Article 6 of the law of June 7, 1848, relating to riotous assemblages; this law has only been framed from a penal point ## p. 27 (#49) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 37 of view, and is not intended to detract in any Poor “Caliban-Bergerat” cannot boast such manner from the principles laid down by the good fortune. The fourth and last volume of his Civil Law, which render each person responsible “Théâtre Complet d'Emile Bergerat” has just for the prejudice caused by his fault, &c.” been issued by Ollendorff. Rarely has a writer For which, and sundry other causes, the printing of equal merit been handicapped hy a more per- society known as the Société Paul Dupont has sistent run of ill-luck than that which has for been separately and jointly condemned with the years dogged the productions of the talented proprietors and editors of the Antijuif to pay author of “ Plus que Reine." His fierce defence damages amounting to twenty-eight thousand of the children of his brain make part of the francs for injurious matter printed in the columns dramatic history of the period. In the preface of the Antijuif. Wherefore the Israelites rejoice to the first volume of the “ Théâtre Complet,” M. and the Philistines mourn. Bergerat states that the publication of this work represents thirty-five years of struggle—“not CONTEMPORARY FEMINISM. without courage, perhaps "—for theatrical life. The publication of the “Vierges Fortes " series A little later he claims the glory of having -comprising two novels respectively entitled invented the following three words, viz., Tripa- “ Frédérique" and“ Léa ”-of M. Marcel Prévost, touillage, Cabotinville, Soireux, which, he says, was quite a social event. The reason is obvious. have become national property, and sum up the Both works deal in a masterly style with the entire history of the theatrical customs of his burning question of contemporary Feminism, time. M. Rostand would probably entertain a which is the prominent topic of the day. France different opinion. DARRACOTTI Scott. -or rather Paris-is witnessing the tidal rise of the Feministic Era which England successfully encountered, developed, and utilised several decades ago. Everything worth reading on the NOTES AND NEWS. subject is eagerly perused. The “Femmes Nouvelles ” of Paul and Victor Margueritte have INHE annual dinner of the Women Writers was just attained their twentieth re-edition (chez held in the Criterion Restaurant on June 25. Plon). Nevertheless, M. Prévost still remains Mrs. Humphry Ward was president, and the undisputed leader and apostle of the move- among a large company were Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. ment. Hodgson Burnett, Miss Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler, A recent article from bis pen in the Figaro, Miss Beatrice Harraden, Dr. Margaret Todd, Mrs. anent the author's right of publishing “ Le Secret Clifford, Mrs. Campbell Praed, Miss Violet Hunt, sentimental à deux," has given rise to some and Miss Clo Graves. The meeting was most piquant controversy between him and M. Gabriele successful. In concluding an eloquent reference D'Annunzio — whom his admirers here have to the late Miss Kingsley, Mrs. Humphry Ward surnamed “the Marcel Prévost of Italy.” The latter took umbrage at a supposed reflection Those true knights-errant of intelligence and pity, who (in an article which he confessed he had not thought no travail of mind and body too great to face if read) questioning the good taste of his having only they might come at the truth and tell it, who wandered, staged Madame Eleonora Duse, under the thin suffered, laaghed, and learned, who made a new wisdom of disguise of the Foscarina's name, as the heroine their fellows—it was of them that they might say in the of his new novel, “ Le Feu,” which work is now words of a true poet who was with them that night "Out of danger, dreams, disasters, appearing in serial form in the Revue de Paris. They arise to be our masters.” No such reflection had ever been made—at least, Small and thin was the true band of them in every age. by M. Prévost. Matters were finally explained, One of its most honoured members assuredly was with them and the susceptible Italian declared himself satis- as she spoke, Mrs. Bishop; and of their inmost company fied. The celebrity of the personages concerned let them as women rejoice in it with pride that night was Mary Kingsley. has given undue notoriety to the incident. The members of the Authors' Club held a A DRAMATIC CONTRAST. dinner on Monday, June 11, when Mr. E. F. The health of M. Edmond Rostand is reported Knight, the correspondent of the Morning Post to be completely re-established. According to who was wounded at Belmont, was the guest of the theatrical returns published at the end of the evening, and Mr. Bloundelle-Burton, an old May, the “ Aiglon” is making 11,000 francs friend of Mr. Knight, and the well-known author a day, and “ Cyrano de Bergerac" 10,000 francs. of the “ Hispaniola Plate," was the chairman.. Whereby the lucky dramatist daily pockets a Mr. Bloundelle-Burton made a very interesting royalty of 2500 francs—a princely revenue. speech with regard to Mr. Knight's career, and VOL. XI. said : ## p. 28 (#50) ############################################## 28 THE AUTHOR. Mr. Knight in response gave a graphic description of the fighting powers of Tommy Atkins and his experiences during the battle of Belmont. Mr. Frankfort Moore proposed the health of the other guests, amongst whom was Mr. Charlton, one of the engineer officers of H.M.S. Powerful. Mr. Charlton gave a detailed account of the part that the crew of the Powerful had taken in the war from the time of their leaving Singapore. There were about thirty members present, Mr. Percy White, Mr. E. A. Morton, Mr. G. H. Thring, Mr. Douglas Sladen, and Mr. M. H. Spielmann being among the number. On Monday, June 18, the Authors' Club held a dinner to Lord Strathcona. There was a large gathering. Mr. Robert Machray was in the chair. In answer to the toast of his health Lord Strath- cona gave some very interesting facts about his connection with the Hudson Bay Company, and that company's connection with the Empire, and he ended his speech with a statement regarding the enthusiasm of the Canadians in their action in the present war. He stated that all the Colonials were not so much fighting for the Mother Country as fighting for themselves as part of the Empire. His speech was enthusiastically received. and dreary as the mines of Potosi. Yet from either there is no return, and though little confident of finding content- ment-happiness is too proud a term-I must work, I believe, in those damp caverns till once the whole mind is recast or the lamp of life has ceased to burn within it. In the same collection was the following letter from the Countess of Blessington :- Since I first sent a book before the public I never, directly or indirectly, asked for a notice of a book of mine. I have hitherto been so fortunate as to have had my works kindly treated by the Press, but this kind treatment would have given me but little satisfaction had I owed it to any solicitations of mine. The following letter by Dr. Conan Doyle is taken from the columns of the Daily Telegraph, to whose veteran war correspondent in South Africa, Mr. Bennet Burleigh, the letter was addressed. “As I fear to spoil or transpose Dr. Conan Doyle's graphic depiction of the event,” says Mr. Burleigh, “I give it in his own words": Brandfort, Monday, May 7. My dear Barleigh, - ... and saw a little fight beyond the Vet River. We had a curious adventure on the way back, which might perhaps make a paragraph for a letter if ever the great events run short. Langman and I were riding back, and had reached the point where the engagement was the day before, when a mounted Kaffi, came across us, and told us that a wounded Englishman had been deserted or overlooked, and was out some two or three miles to the west on the veldt. We got him to guide us, and set off in search. At last, in the middle of a large clear space, we came across him, but he was dead. He was shot in the stomach and through one arm, and had apparently bled to death. He belonged to the New South Wales Mounted Infantry, and had the initials “N. M'M." upon bis batand on a silk handkerchief in his pocket. Horse and rifle were gone. A carious detail was that his water-bottle lay beside him, and on it was balanced a red chess pawn. The other chessmen were in his haversack out of his reach. We laid the poor fellow across my saddle and led the horse back to the road, where we placed him under a telegraph post, and told the officer of the next convoy, who promised to have him decently buried. Close to Brandfort we saw mounted and armed Boers on a hill within half a mile of us. We were told that they were Boers, and did not believe it, but this morning we learn that they have been pursued. I suppose that they thought we were too small game, but as we were unarmed and apon tired horses, we were lucky to get past them. A. CONAN DOYLE. The President of the Argentine Republic has accepted the adhesion of the Kingdom of Italy to the Treaty of Montevideo-A South American Copyright Union. Signor F. Foa discusses, in an interesting article in the pages of our Italian contemporary I Dritti d'Autore, the value to Italian authors of this new international agree ment. The advantages which it will confer do not appear to be very great. Lord Thring contributes an interesting article on “The Copyright Bills, 1900," to the Nine. teenth Century for June. The article is a plain statement of facts. At its conclusion the author remarks dryly, respecting the Bills, “Whatever may be their demerits, they claim to have reduced the law into an intelligible shape, in which it is capable of being criticised by the most unlearned of authors, and of being amended by the most inexperienced of legislators.” NOTES FROM AMERICA. A letter written by Carlyle from Edinburgh in 1821 was sold in London recently in the collection belonging to the late Chevalier de Chatelain. It was addressed to Dr. Allen, and contained the following revelation of the philo- sopher's mind-he was then only twenty-six :- Literature is like money, the appetite increases by gratification. The mines of literature, too, are unwholesome LOLLOWING the evidence of publishers that F there is an improving market for the better class of books, the New York Evening Post adds the testimony of the Hart- ford (Conn.) Public Library, as given in the president's annual report. From this it appears that there has been a large gain in more serious reading matter at the expense of tiction. As compared with two years ago, novels have fallen ## p. 29 (#51) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 29 off 7 per cent., while sociology has gained about 8 per cent., the fine arts and history 11 per cent. each, and biography 15 per cent. A complete edition of the works of Mr. Thomas Wentworth Higginson—who, at seventy-five, is still active with his pen-is being prepared by Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin and Co. A new serial by Mr. Hamlin Garland has just begun. It is a story of Western life, entitled “The Eagle's Heart,” and deals with adventurous life in cow towns and mining settlements. Commenting on the recent financial difficulties of Messrs. Appleton, the Sewanee Review for April (Longmans) says: Coming so soon after the Harper assignment, this notable event in the publishing world calls special attention to the fact that the pablisher of to-day does business on very different lines from his predecessor. Production must now be on a large scale if success is to be attained, and produc- tion on a large scale means a big smash if affairs go wrong. Local booksellers have long since gone to the wall; will publishers go, too, leaving a trust monarch of all it surveys ? We hope not. The people of Northampton (Mass.) and dis- tinguished guests from abroad have just erected a memorial to Jonathan Edwards, the American philosopher of the eighteenth century, and a For the eighteenth century, and, a proposal is made to issue a new edition of his works. " Janice Meredith” has been dramatised, the rights of production going to Miss Mary Manner- ing. Mr. Daniel Frohman will present“ Richard Carvel ” in the coming season. Ogilvie, Stuart Skeat, The Rev. Professor Parker, Louis N. Smith, Dr. and Mrs. Barnett Pinero, Mrs. Sonnenschein, A. Prinsep, Val Thring, G. Herbert Scott, Clement Todd, Dr. Margaret Senior, W. Zangwill, I. Shaw, Bernard And many others. The Chairman gave the toast of the evening, and began his speech by an allusion to the losses that letters had suffered through the deaths of Mr. Ruskin, Dr. Martineau, Mr. R. D. Blackmore, and Mr. G. W. Steevens. Proceeding, Mr. Pinero said : This corporation of prominent literary men and women to-night, for the first time in its history- for the first time in the history of any modern literary association-extends a kindly hand to the poor hack-playwright. What is the reason, ladies and gentlemen, underlying this generous and gracious act on the part of the governing body of your Society? I cannot tell you. I can only indulge in surmise, in hypotheses. A vainer person than myself might suppose that your council is desirous of promoting a feeling of fraternity, of establishing something approach- ing a bond of equality between writers of books and writers of plays. (Cheers.) But I cannot think that; the assumption would be too arro. gant. At the furthest, I can only believe that certain members of your Council-grey-haired men, perhaps, anxious to be at peace with the world, even with playwrights; gentlemen of acknowledged literary eminence, but possessed of those normal feelings of compassion of which writers of scholarly English are not necessarily destitute—I can only believe that these gentlemen have been impelled by a simple good-natured impulse to bestow a passing pat-on-the-back upon a poor, distant relative. (Laughter.) It may be that I take too depressed a view of the whole affair. It may be that the novelist is not only gradually relaxing in his disdain for the drama, but is applying himself assiduously to the task of grasping the special conditions of dramatic writing. It may be that in doing this he has become possessed of the suspicion that these con- ditions are exceptionally arduous, that they are conditions requiring a wide and curious knowledge of life and of manners, a rapid but assured touch in the delineation of surface characteristics, an unerringly accurate ear in striking the deeper notes of pathos and of passion, and a wise economy of selection and a dexterity of composi. tion exacted by no other form of art. It may be, too, that from his own young experience he is beginning to perceive that while out of the theatre the despised playwright labours in cir. cumstances demanding the exercise of the closest application and the practice of the sternest self- denial, the writer of drama should bring to the ANNUAL DINNER OF THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF AUTHORS. [Owing to the fact that the original dinner report has been lost or mislaid, the present curtailed report has been inserted at the last moment.] THE annual dinner of the Society was held in the King's Hall of Holborn Restaurant on May 16, and was a large and highly suc- cessful gathering Mr. A. W. Pinero presided. Among the company were Archer, William Greville, Lady Violet Ball, Sir Robert Grundy, Sydney Beringer, Mrs. Oscar Hare, Mr. and Mrs. John Besant, Sir Walter Hawkins, Anthony Hope Blake, Dr. Sophia Hooking, Rev. Silas Browning, Oscar Hollingshead, John Castle, Egerton Hunt, Holman Charley, Sir W. J. Jacobs, W. W. Collier, The Hon. John and Lee, Sidney Mrs. Lennox, Lady William Colin Campbell, Lady Marshall, Capt. R. Courtney, W.L. Middlemass, Miss Jean Craigie, Mrs. Monkswell, Lord Fitoh, Sir Joshua Norma an, Mr. and Mrs. Grand, Mmo. Sarab Henry ## p. 30 (#52) ############################################## 30 THE AUTHOR. rehearsal of his work evidence of his capacity for does she persist in calling herself Anthony gently influencing and gaining the sympathy and Hope ? " (Laughter.) But what I was about to support of clever men and women of diverse but say is that, with writers of such high account peculiarly sensitive temperaments, without which devoting themselves in part to the theatre, it will capacity no dramatist ought to pass the stage be a matter of small wonder if the prevalent and door; possessing which capacity he might, in disparaging idea of contemporary drama, and of other and more fortunate walks of life, have led those who give their energies wholly to dramatic parties or won battles. And I am encouraged to writing, does not ultimately yield to a fairer, a think that there is something in all this, by more truthful, estimate. Only one danger do I the fact that the drama has lately received many apprehend from the invasion of the playhouse by notable contributions from authors enjoying the novelist-and I confess the contemplation of enviable reputations in other departments of litera- it chills me to the marrow—the possibility that ture. I will not attempt to furnish you with a the mere playwright may some day find his occu- complete roll of these authors; in such an endea- pation gone. Indeed, the rich imagination of vour the memory might prove treacherous, and Mr. Wells might form a conception of a time the omission of a single name would, perhaps, when the carefully preserved skeleton of the make one appear less ignorant than ungracious. dramatist who was not a novelist will be all But I cannot refrain from mentioning, especially, that is left to remind people of the old order two writers who have thus distinguished them of things. However, time alone can decide selves—who have, if I may say so, made them- whether or not events are to justify these selves indispensable to the modern stage. I fears, and, meanwhile, it is well, I suggest to you, speak of the gentleman who is incautiously that we should all dwell together in the most described in the list of your Council as Mr. perfect good-fellowship. It may be that the im- Hawkins, but who masks himself closely from provisatore, reciting his romances in the market the public under another title, and of that charm- place, with flashing eye and to the accompani. ing lady who, by her own perversity, obliges me ment of sweeping gesture, is a slightly more to be so ungallant as to allude to her as John imposing figure than the marionette man as we Oliver Hobbes. (Cheers.) I wonder whether espy him through the curtains of his booth any of you ladies and gentlemen are, like myself, lovingly assorting his little company of dolls. a little disturbed by the dark disguises of certain But each plays his part : each suffers or enjoys of our modern writers. (Laughter.) I confess I his share of defeat or of success; each, upon find it difficult to feel quite at ease with mysterious occasion, tightens his belt in answer to the figures in sombre draperies and slouch bats. One cravings of hunger, or releases a button after a is almost inclined, for example, in speaking of congratulatory feast; each knows what it is to Mr. Hobbes and of the creator of the delightful be waked from sleep by the sound of his own “ Prisoner of Zenda,” to drop into a whisper. sighing, or to shirk purposely the slumber that And the confusion in the public mind, too, pro- would suspend, even for a moment, the conscious. duced by the aliases of popular authors is ness of a rare prosperity. Let them, therefore positively lamentable. Only the other day, while the marionette man and the weaver of on a visit to a provincial town, I found myself tales — foregather at the end of their day's sitting beside a young lady who takes an eager, labour, as we do to-night, and, between their if somewhat uninformed, interest in current draughts of Falerno, console one another, and literature. “I wish you would explain to me,” stimulate one another, and so help one another, she said, “why many of our famous novelists until the hour comes when the friendship must appear to be so anxious to conceal their identity." perforce be broken, when the voice in the market I hazarded the conjecture that it is, in some place is hushed, or the booth is found empty. In instances perhaps, a precautionary measure on the this spirit, ladies and gentlemen, in the spirit part of those who may desire, in later years, the which this Society has done much, and will, I opportunity of living down their successes. “Tell venture to prophesy, do even more in the future, me," my companion went on, evidently far from to promote ; in the spirit expressed by satisfied, “tell me, have you ever met Mrs. the time-worn, but still eloquent, phrase-the Craigie ?” I said I had had that privilege. Brotherhood of Letters—I beg leave to submit “ And what is your opinion of her as an author?” the toast which it is my duty to propose. (Cheers.) was the next question. I had no hesitation in With this toast I have the privilege of associating replying, “ Assuredly one of the most brilliant the name of the gentleman of whom I have women writers any country has produced.” “I already tremulously made mention-Mr. Hawkins. agree with you,” said my fair friend, “I have And here you will, I am sure, appreciate the read every word she has written. But why- renewed difficulties of my position. But if I ## p. 31 (#53) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 31 cannot overcome these difficulties, I can, I think, he told them that that was why he wrote them- partially evade them; and with your permission (laughter)—and he therefore appreciated more the I do so in this wise, by associating with this attitude of a man like Lord Monkswell, who had toast the name of Mr. Hawkins and coupling probably not read his works, but had recognised, with the name of Mr. Hawkins that of his friend, in his attitude towards the law of copyright, that Mr. Hope. (Laughter.) Now, of Mr. Hawkins an author must live and have the means of feed. I can say little, except that he is a devoted and ing bis brain so that it could produce the splendid invaluable servant of this Society; and of Mr. visions that other people delighted to read about Hope you will require me to tell you nothing, for in his books. (Laughter.) He thought the is he not known to his brother and sister authors rights of authors should be as long-lived as as a good comrade, and to the wide world as a those of the original shareholders in the New writer of combined daintiness and power, and of River Company. After all, Shakespeare might apparently inexhaustible fertility ? Indeed, tbe without exaggeration be considered to have done worst I have ever heard of Mr. Anthony Hope- as much for the nation as one of those share. and if I have not heard it, I must have dreamed holders. (Laughter and cheers.) it-is that it may be remarked of him as a writer LORD MONKSWELL responded. that his profundity will never be remembered till Mr. HENRY Norman, in giving “ The Chair- we have succeeded in forgetting his vivacity. I man,” said the laughter caused by Mr. Pinero do not know how just a reflection you may consider was not as the crackling of thorns under the pot, this to be, but it is one that can be more easily but was always ornamented by a valuable idea. repelled by Mr. Hawkins, or apologised for by He had given to the world the solemnities as seen Mr. Hope, than dealt with by myself. I will no through the eyes of the humorist. He had held longer, therefore, stand between you and these up the mirror to life as it was, and consequently gentlemen. I give you“ The Society of Authors.” the absurd cbarge of indecency was made against Let us drink to its continued, its increasing, him. (Laughter.) The toast would be drunk usefulness and welfare. (Cheers.) with especial heartiness. (Cheers.) Mr. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS replied to the Mr. Pinero made a brief reply, and the com- toast. The Society of Authors, he said, was pany adjourned to tea and talk. making steady progress, but it wanted money. Every day it was asked to undertake important work which it could not undertake because of this deficiency. There was notably the case of THIRTEEN YEARS AGO. America. The relations of literary men with that country were becoming more and more intimate and important, and the Society felt it desirable to IN the year 1887, shortly after the foundation maintain in America a permanent staff to look 1 of the Society, an article appeared in Time, after the interests of British authors. (Hear, e a monthly magazine now extinct, on the hear.) Next year the Society would make a start Society of Authors. It is signed with the name with the Pension Fund. A man who had done of J. Neville Porter, a writer of whom I know good literary work would not under this scheme get nothing. His name is not in the list of Barristers charity from the Society, but his brothers would and Solicitors for this current year. He writes, offer him a testimonial in the shape of a good, however, with apparent knowledge of law, and was solid pension. (Cheers.) laudably desirous of presenting the facts of the Mr. BERNARD Shaw then proposed “The case as he understood them. So much has been Guests." He said he bad often been asked why done since that time that it is well to look he became an author, and had given many back and to consider arguments and statements reasons, most of them untrue—(laughter)-but advanced thirteen years ago. the real reason was because he had an unconquer. THE SALE OF A MS. OUTRIGHT. able aversion to honest work of any description. We find a publisher writing to say that he (Laughter.) He had had to work a good deal should take no notice at all of any opinion of the harder than people who had adopted honest Society as to the fair price. He understands by means, and he would therefore point out to those this time that the author would then go to some- who had not become authors, and therefore one else. Mr. Porter remarks, however, that wanted to—(laughter)—that, if they entered the authors are not the best judges of the value of profession on his grounds, they would probably MSS. He did not understand that the Society be disappointed. (Laughter.) When people intended to proceed with the advice and help of told him, with a slight air of unexpectedness, secretaries and solicitors always engaged upon the that they had read his books and admired them, subject of Literary Property, and with a perma- ## p. 32 (#54) ############################################## 32 THE AUTHOR. nent committee also continually engaged upon inore than, as said above, a solicitor or a medical the subject; so that it may now be fairly ad. man. vanced that the Chairman and Secretary of the The author's risk, where there is risk, is his Society, not to speak of the Committee, have time and labour; the publisher's risk, where there between them a wider and firmer grasp of the is risk, is the money actually expended and the subject than any publisher or company of pub. proportionate cost of his establishment. lishers. Here is another reference to a leading case : Here, however, is a warning which should be A contract between an anthor and a publisher, that the looked into. We have always protested against latter should, at his own risk and expense, publish a work any alteration of an author's work without his belonging to the former upon payment of an equal division consent. Read this note from the article :- of the profits after all charges had been defrayed, may, It bas been decided in the case of Cox v. Cox (11 Hare, according to the dictum of Lord Justice Tarner in the case 118), that in the absence of a specific contract, reserving of Stevens v. Benning (6 D. M. G. 229), be considered in to the author a qualified copyright, the purchaser of a MS. the double light of a licence and a partnership-a licence for is entitled to alter and deal with it according to his the publication of the treatise, and then a joint adventure discretion. The consequence has been that several treatises between the author and publisher in the copies to be thus have been published in & ridiculous manner, much to the published. A pablisher, therefore, on the half-profit prejudice of the writers. The remedy for this is, of course, Bystem, is bound to show the author his accounts and a matter for the agreement-form. vouchers in respect of the work published, or an action may be commenced to compel him to do so unless the pab. lisher satisfies the judge that there is some preliminary THE HALF-Profit System. question to be tried. It is not, therefore, necessary to bave It appears that Mr. E. Marston, according to & stipulation in the agreement to this effect. this writer, had written to the papers, stating When there is no assignment of copyright in that he knew nothing of any secret profits. the agreement, and no stipulated time during It was stated, from knowledge, by those who which the publisher is entitled to publish a book, then represented the Society that there existed a can the author put an end to the contract ? On widespread system of secret profits, viz., by adding this point Mr. Porter is instructive :- to the cost of printing, paper, corrections, and If the author endeavour to put an end to the contract, binding; and further, by advertisements costing and to stop the publication of any subsequent edition by nothing to the publisher, such as advertisements the publisher, he must take action for this object previous in their own organs and by exchanges. It has to any expenso being incurred by the publisher on account been remarked repeatedly that in the agreement. of such new edition; otherwise the publisher is entitled to be repaid this cost, and to enjoy the benefit of all the profit forms put forward by the Publishers' Association the hope of which induced him to incur this expense. But they claim the right of adding percentages, and when expense has not been incurred by the pablisher on a say nothing about the advertisements which cost subsequent edition, the author can lawfully terminate the nothing. joint undertaking, and prevent any further issue of his work Mr. Porter in this article falls into the trap by the publisher, even if the latter has stereotyped the book before the publication of the last published edition. set for him, and looks upon the publisher as an In deciding this question in 1838 in the case of Reade v. agent as well as a publisher. The publisher is Bentley (4 Kay & J. 664-6), Vice-Chancellor Wood (after. entitled, Mr. Porter says, to a profit on every wards Lord Hatherley) pointed out the difficulties which thing, to cover incidental expenses, and the cost were connected with the subject, and the grounds on which of his establishment; in other words, to cover his judgment was based. He mentioned that, while on the one band it might be stated on bebalf of the publisher that his own work in the business. What claim has he had devoted the benefit of his talents and status as a he, after this, on the proceeds of the book ? And publisher to the undertaking, and bad incurred charges in why are not the author's “incidental expenses " respect of bringing out the first edition in the hope that he and the cost of his establishment to be con. would be repaid the expense of the first by the sale of the sidered? And why are not the bookseller's inci. second and subsequent editions, and to hold the author at his own instance to be at liberty to put an end to the agree- dental expenses and the cost of his establishment ment after the first edition had been published, would be to to be considered ? And why do not solicitors, enable him, by an arbitrary and unreasonable exercise of medical men, and professional men of all kinds that power, to deprive the publisher of all his profits. On charge for their establishments ? The history the contrary, it might be contended, on behalf of the of the half-profit system is simply this : It meant, anthor, that unless he was empowered to terminate the contract, he might be under an obligation to the publisher at first, the honest deduction from proceeds of during the whole of the latter's life, while the publisher actual cost and money expended. The publisher would be under no reciprocal obligation to bim. The former then began to filch and to steal : he said he had could also prevent the author from publishing a single copy spent £20 when he had only spent £15, and so on. of the treatise so long as the publisher expressed his readi. ness to continue publishing. The author, however, would Then he began to rob on a system of adding so bave no reciprocal power, and could not compel the pab. much per cent.—saying nothing about it. Of lisher to publish more than a single edition of the book. course he has no right to any such profit any The latter, moreover, in the bona fide exercise of his discre. ## p. 33 (#55) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 33 tion as to the proper time and mode of publication, might twelve. Aboat £150 was spent by the plaintiffs in adver. decline indefinitely to publish, but without giving up his tising the book, and more than 40,000 copies of it were sold. agreement, while the author, at the same time, might be of As, however, Mrs. Cook became offended with the plaintiffs an opposite opinion, yet for months, and even years, might for describing the book as a companion work of their series, be kept in suspense, and probibited from publishing on his she gave them notice to put an end to the contract with own account, until the publisher thought that the time had them, and entered into an agreement for the issue of a arrived for the revival of the public interest in the book. revised edition of the book with Messrs. Routledge. It was Under such circumstances, this learned judge thought the firstly maintained by the plaintiffs that their agreement position of the author to be one of so great hardship and with Mrs. Cook amounted to a sale of the copyright; but, difficulty, that anless it was clearly proved to have been at the hearing of the case, they merely moved for an injunc. contemplated by both the contracting parties it should not tion to restrain the farther publication of the book as long be enforced. as any copies printed by them before the receipt of the notice were unsold. The injunction, however, was not On a royalty system we have advanced so much granted, and the plaintiffs' bill of complaint was dismissed that Mr. Porter's remarks need not be quoted. with costs. The verbal agreement referred to was 28 follows, according to the statement of Mr. Warne, mentioned THE COMMISSION SYSTEM. by the Master of the Rolls in his judgment, viz. : “I," said Mr. Warne, "offered a royalty of a penny a copy on all On the commission system he says that profits copies sold, counting thirteen copies as twelve ; to which -i.e., secret profits-on the cost of production she replied, I have a speculative turn of mind, and will are reasonable. Surely when a man agrees take the penny.' To this I consented.” This is all the con- versation that occurred, and is the evidence upon which the to act as agent for another man, and to sell agreement is based. It is to be hoped that this case will his wares for a fixed percentage, to take secretly be & warning to authors and publishers against entering another kind of percentage is pure swindling and into a mere verbal arrangement for publication. It is oppor. cheating. Mr. Porter does not seem to under. tane to remark concerning this point that, if & contract stand this. Very few people did thirteen years between an author and publisher is one that cannot be per. formed within a year after being made, no legal action is ago. His words, however, on vouchers show his maintainable upon it for its enforcement, unless the agree- desire to present the subject fairly :- ment, or some memorandum or note of such, is in writing, The commission publisher is under the same legal obliga- and signed by the person to be charged therewith. It is tion to show his accounts and vouchers on demand by the not necessary, however, for this purpose that the agreement author, as the half-profit system publisher is bound to show should be in one document. It may be collected from many them to his author, as the former publisher is the author's papers if they are clearly connected, and do not reqaire agent. parol testimony to maintain the connection, as such evidence is inadmissible for that object. On the subject of "risk” he has been led The rest of the paper is devoted to speculation astray, as so many used to be, by a confusion of as to the future of the Society. The writer thinks thought. Those who wrote on one side used, that authors will rather go to their solicitors than and still use, the word “ risk” to signify danger to a committee of authors, still under the supposi- of loss; the publishers confused the minds of tion that the Committee will themselves attempt people by meaning chance of not making great lawyers' work. He also thinks that publishers profits. There are hundreds of writers, taking all will refuse to treat with authors who send agree- the branches, whose books carry no kind of risk- ments to the Society, forgetting that if one i.e., they are quite certain to be sold up to a publisher puts his dignity before his business number which will pay all expenses and leave a another man will reverse the operation. reasonable margin. There are not many books which are certain to sell in large quantities. That THEN AND Now. is as true to-day, when the demand for books has The Society proposed at the outset to recom- so greatly increased, as it was thirteen years ago. mend authors to houses where they would be safe -or comparatively safe. It is objected that THE NEED FOR AGREEMENTS. experienced authors will not need the advice of the Society, and that inexperienced authors will As to the folly of not looking after agreements, find the publishers unwilling to publish in the Mr. Porter adduced a remarkable case :- mode recommended by the Society. A notewortby instance of this was stated in the case of Now, during the whole period of its existence, Warne v. Routledge, adjadicated upon by Sir George Jessel, Master of the Rolls, in Jane, 1874. In this instance, Mrs. the Society has steadily kept its members out of Milicent Cook wrote a book called “How to Dress on £15 certain publishers’ hands. . Authors experienced a Year as a Lady, by a Lady," and entered into a verbal and authors inexperienced use the Society for contract with Messrs. Warne and Co. that they should information and for advice : they come to the pablish the work anonymously, and incur all expenses Society when they are in difficulties. They get directly and indirectly connected therewith, and that each copy should be published at one shilling, and that the plain. a legal opinion for nothing, and that of a kind tiffs were to remunerate her by a royalty of one penny for which requires special knowledge which their own each copy sold. The copies were to be rookoned thirteen as solicitors could not give them. ## p. 34 (#56) ############################################## 34 THE AUTHOR. boys. The failure of these forebodings is instructive Straightforward copying, duplicating, &c., are and interesting. still fairly easy to obtain, but the ever increasing The writer acknowledges at the end of his paper army of " pocket-money ” workers who can afford that the Society may have a great future before to undersell their work makes it increasingly it. Yet he does not understand the greatness of difficult for a copyist to earn a living wage. that future. Some of us have to earn our own living by our One point he advances which seems worth con. own unaided efforts, and some of us would gladly sidering, but is not. He thinks that the Society earn it by less mechanical means—by making our might point out methods of literary training for machines the handmaids of our intellect, and by the higher class of instructive literary work. The placing our capacities of mind at the service of only method of literary training for this higher those who write. A BOOK-LOVING TYPIST. class of work is a full mind. A writer in order to be instructive must be himself a scholar and a student in his subject. Toe rest can be learned II.-CONCERNING BOOKS FOR Boys. by any work on rhetoric which will point out the The piece which you print in your June number meaning of arrangement and order, attention to under this heading is useful, as a good example of the marshalling of facts and an endeavour to aim the prevalent opinion with regard to books for at the charm of style and language. ** Any trash will do," says the writer in the Guardian from whose article you have quoted, and this sentiment is apparently indorsed by CORRESPONDENCE. publishers and reviewers. The very manner in which the “ gift book” makes its annual appear- I.-AUXILIARY LITERARY WORK. ance on the market is sufficient to rank it as some. CAY I draw your attention to a branch of thing equal in value to Christmas crackers and auxiliary literary work, i.e., typewriting candied fruit. in combination with what, for want of The pay for this class of work is miserably a better term, I must call secretarial duties? The poor; the reason, I am told, being the large dis- question for the educated typist who aspires to be count which the publisher has to give to the book. something more than part of ber machine is, How seller, while the reviewing is altogether a farce, may such work be obtained ? the “ innocents" being slaughtered in batches of It is depressing to read lists of historical, from thirty to forty in a single column. When biographical, and educational books, and to a longer“ notice" is given, it is often worse realise that all of them have entailed a consider than none at all. I have been severely lectured able amount of auxiliary work-such as copying for “ preaching a sermon on horse-racing," when and arranging notes, epitomes of documents, and the book in question contained no mention what. sorting masses of information, in addition to the ever of this kind of sport-a clear proof that the more mechanical work of copying the finished “reviewer” had got the contents of several MSS. volumes mixed up in his head before setting to A busy author must often need the services of work. an efficient helper at some stage of the prepara- The assertion made by “R. F. C.” that boys tion of his works, and he must need one who has read a sto y of school life simply to enjoy the had experience and who is endued with a sense of discomfiture of a comic schoolmaster is a mis- literary form. There can be no doubt that chievous statement, the untruth of which I, or supply and demand both exist; but how may any writer of similar experience, can prove by they be brought into contact ? I have ceased to letters received from readers ; but when our books believe in advertisement as a means of procuring are bought as rubbish, sold as rubbish, and re- either permanent or temporary appointments; as viewed as rubbish, it is perhaps natural for anyone an instance, mine has appeared in The Author for to suppose that they are read and written in the three montbs without eliciting a single reply. same spirit. Perhaps this is not surprising, for the capacities It may, however, surprise “ R. F. C.” to learn of an advertiser are, after all, merely a matter of that there are men and women who regard the conjecture. weaving of stories calculated to influence the Is there any hope for the typist (and there impressionable mind of a child as a branch of the must be many of them) who has not the necessary literary calling as honourable as that of the sensa- capacity for original literary work, but who fortional novelist or newspaper hack. love of books would fain have a place in the To write successfully for the young is an art humbler rauks of literature ? requiring special gifts and methods; an art which, ## p. 35 (#57) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 35 though at present ignored, will in time receive character-study, and every word that Miss Dora due recognition and reward, but which is not Russell could give me. When nothing was likely to derive either assistance or encouragement forthcoming, and at the request, in writing, of from the penning of articles such as the one to the lady's sisters, I did the best I could. I looked which you have referred. day after day for improvement. There even A WRITER FOR Boys. came to be some hope; but, unbappily, it never arrived at fruition. May I, then, ask at what precise point should I have stopped supply, and III.—ROYALTIES. by announcing that the novel could not proceed When consulting the “ Tables of Royalties ” in ended all? It has been stated that sentiment of “ The Literary Year Book” for 1900, I was sur that sort should not have prevented the enlighten- prised to see that they only mention royalties ment of the public. But the syndicate was varying from 2 to 15 per cent. Was this writing its congratulations on an improvement curious table composed with the view of throwing which was being evidenced hy “the manner in dust into the eyes of inexperienced authors by which you and Colonel Craig are finishing the making them believe that 27 was a reasonable story."' Whose part was it to announce that a royalty and 15 per cent. the utmost limit of work so satisfactorily proceeding-even in the generosity ? I notice that the book is the pro- opinion of the syndicate which had had a perty of a publisher, and perhaps that accounts monopoly of the authoress's work for years-had for the milk in the cocoanut. GLENFRUIN. now become one of unavoidable collaboration. Not mine, surely. The serial issue began on Oct. I, 1897, as “ A IV.-AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER. New and Exciting Story! By that Talented and With reference to “ A. Penn-Wyper's" commu- Popular Authoress, Dora Russell.” Of this nication in the June number, I cannot suppose description I, of course, knew nothing, for I had there would be any difficulty in forming a joiut never been consulted about the publication of the committee to which a publisher and an author tale. I had not even heard of the issue having would be mutually willing to submit the question commenced until several weeks after the date of terms, in cases where the publisher was desirous given. When I at last asked for the names of to publish a work and the author was willing that the papers in which the novel was appearing, I he should do so. They could both state their got this somewhat curt answer from the syndi- respective cases in writing, and their willingness cate: “It is a rule of our office not to supply to abide by the decision given. It would secure to such information as you ask for.” both the effective representation of their interests. The question has been put: How far did I T. L. acquiesce in the issue of the novel under the name of the popular authoress? I answer: only V.—“A TORN-Out PAGE,” “BY” Dora RUSSELL. in so far as I did not take legal action to prevent It having become an item of general informa- it, or render myself liable to prosecution for tion, froin a review which appeared in Vanity calumnious publication. But forbidding the Fair of April 19, that the above novel could not issue by injunction would have been, first, have been the unassisted work of the popular impossible, in my circumstances; secondly, unfair novelist, I have had to assume all responsibility, to Dora Russell, who, after all, had actually moral and literary, for the fact that every word written some thirty-three thousand words of the on the concluding 239 pages was wholly mine. novel with her own hand; and thirdly, a stulti- The letter proposing the scheme to the syndicate fication of myself, who, to help her, had written was penned with her own hand. My undertaking the remainder. What I felt called upon to do the task had the warm approval in writing of her was to satisfy the syndicate with the work. As family. Every instalment as written by me was to duty to the public, that body had for weeks read aloud to the authoress in the presence of her been assured that the novel was “by” the popular sisters, except the concluding two. writer before I had even come to know that the When I wrote to the syndicate indorsing Miss clients of the syndicate “would acquire it.” And Dora Russell's statement of my willingness to “by” Miss Dora Russell the novel actually was, finish the novel as a help to her, I plainly made up to just about that time. Had I a right to my doing so conditional upon “the scheme being assume that the syndicate's clients would be announced to your readers as you” (the syndicate allowed to go on from that point, issuing the tale “ may deem fit.” Taking up the authoress's without the announcement which I had demanded? characters and incidents as I found them, I was As Vanity Fair says: “ Explanation of the absolutely resolved to use every plot, every facts should have been made, as could easily ## p. 36 (#58) ############################################## 36 THE AUTHOR. have been done by a few words of preface, or by be true, I seem to have been badly treated. If Colonel Craig's name as joint author.” I hold their “ belief," on the contrary, be even mode- that I could not, by anticipation, charge the rately justified by the quality (such as it is) of syndicate with the intention of continuing to the writing, I must have produced a fairly suc- publish the novel from the point at which the cessful imitation (which should have been an- work came to be mine (i.e., from p. 110) without nounced as such) of a certain class of popular the announcement for which I had stipulated fiction, for which they have found a place. expressly from the first. Am I to suppose that Either way, I hope, Sir, that you will find some if I had received, and made use of, a letter of of the “ literary interest” so dear to T'he Author thanks and commendation from the syndicate for in my statement of the matter. my part of the work I should have been chargeable R. MANIFOLD CRAIG. with condonation and “acquiescence” past all 3, Harcourt-buildings, pardon ? The Temple, E.C. I have come to know that the syndicate and a [Colonel Craig's case is not one in which any London publisher have announced their belief question of legal liability arises. It presents, that the authoress wrote every word of “A Torn. however, some features of literary interest, and out Page.” Very well. Let us courteously assume the Committee have thougbt it right to give that, after the fullest inquiry in every direction Colonel Craig this opportunity of stating his except mine, they considered they had adequate view. 7 grounds for that belief. But I have at this moment in my possession most of the typewritten sheets, bearing proofs of being those from which BOOK AND PLAY TALK. my part of the work was set up. I allege that I typed them in my own residence, directly upon COLUMNS of book announcements are very my typewriter ; and that Miss Dora Russell I thin at present, as it is too early yet for the was never in my home, and never saw my type- autumn lists. One of the important books writer. Is the belief of the syndicate and the then will be the biography of Professor Huxley, publisher compatible with the veracity of that which his son is writing and which Messrs. Mac- allegation? These sheets came back to me in the millan will publish. Mr. P. A. Chalmers Mitchell ordinary course of proof-correction. I allege is carrying out a long-standing engagement with that they and their fellows constituted the only Messrs. Putnam for a book on Huxley, while Mr. “copy" of the story which was in existence at Edward Clodd is writing a volume on the same the time of the serial publication. Can that subject for Messrs. Blackwood's “Modern English statement be refuted ? Again, I have it under Writers " series. Another volume in this series the hand of the syndicate that there had been no will be on George Eliot, by Mr. Sidney Lee, whose "copy" from the authoress for months, and that services in connection with the now completed she was far over two years in arrears with her “ Dictionary of National Biography” have just work. Suddenly, directly upon the acceptance of been commemorated by a presentation of plate my categorical offer to “finish " the novel, typo- made to him in the name of the contributors to script copy begins to flow in at the rate of that monumental work. - 15,000 to 20,000 words per week. Am I, in my Mr. Justin McCarthy is finishing his “ History courteous effort to believe in the belief of the of the Four Georges,” and contemplates writing a syndicate, to opine that that circumstance did not novel on Ireland as he knew it in his youth. strike them, or seem other than matter of course ? I am entirely content that my whole case shall be When Mr. B. L. Farjeon's new novel, “ The read in the light of the declared belief of the Mesmerists,” is published by Messrs. Hutchinson, syndicate and the publisher. Surely, they can the volume will be found to contain also a have no objection. dramatic version of the story. This is the first I hold a statement of the syndicate that their time, we believe, that the two have been com- clients “ bad perceived the distinction between” bined in one volume. The object is to safeguard the authoress's work and mine. I answer that the author against unauthorised stage versions of with another statement from the same gentlemen. his novel. They say I have deceived them-palming as The Hon. W. H. Lyttleton is writing on “Out- collaborated work matter which was entirely my Door Games” for Messrs. Dent's “ Haddon own. Now, I claim that all this is matter of Hall Library." His work will be in two volumes, literary interest; and surely the syndicate is at and in the first cricket and golf will be treated. liberty to decide which is their real opinion. But “Hunting,” by Mr. Otho Paget, is another pro- they cannot have it both ways. If what I allege spective volume in the series, but before either ## p. 37 (#59) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 37 of these there will be published “Our Forests and all times takes extreme pains in revising his and Woodlands,” by Dr. John Nisbet, who pleads writings, is re-writing part of “Evelyn Innes.” for more support from the State to enable land. Mr. William Le Queux calls his forthcoming owners to form plantations on poor lands and waste tracts. story “ An Eye for an Eye,” and the publishers of Anthony Trollope's works (which, by the way, An important scheme for the foundation of an continue to find a good sale) have formally per- international association of the principal scientific mitted the use of this title. On the subject of and literary academies of the world is reported by duplicate titles, Mrs. Roy Devereux has been the London correspondent of the Manchester writing in the Academy with reference to her Guardian. It provides for the division of the book, «Sidelights on South Africa,” having been association into two sections, “scientific ” and followed in a few months by one by Lady Sykes, “ literary” respectively, and is the outcome of a entitled “Sidelights on the War in South Africa." meeting of the representatives of the chief Euro. Mrs. Roy Devereux states that several cases have pean and American academies held at Wiesbaden been reported to her in which readers who asked in October last. “The Royal Society, which has for her book were supplied with that of Lady taken a leading part in the promotion of the Sykes. scheme, will naturally represent this country in Among the newer guide-books “ Paris in its the scientific section, and steps are being taken with a view to securing an adequate representa- Splendour," by Eustace A. Reynolds-Ball, must tion in the second section.” *be mentioned. It is a popular study of Paris past and present, historic and picturesque. It is Mr. Charles Neufeld, the “prisoner of the illustrated by sixty studies in photogravure, and Khalifa,” is writing a story of adventure for it contains 580 pages, in two volumes priced at boys, based on his experiences in Egypt. one guinea, and published by Dana Estes and Co., Mr. Walter Winans is writing a book-an Boston. édition de luxe—on the art of revolver shooting, “The Mystic Number 7,” by Annabel Gray, which will be published by Messrs. Putnam. the publication of which was delayed on account Mr. Cutcliffe Hyne's letter to The Author of the war, is now at all the libraries and pub- suggesting to novelists to combine in producing a lished by Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall and Co. book which should be sold on behalf of the War Mr. Thomas Cobb bas in the press a novel Fund has come to fruition. The volume is entitled “ Severance," which will be published by entitled “ For Britain's Soldiers," and contains Mr. John Lane. He has also almost ready “ The stories by Mrs. Croker, Mr. W. L. Alden, Sir Bountiful Lady," to appear as one of Mr. Grant Walter Besant, Mr. Crockett, Mr. Hornung, Mr. . Richards's “ Dumpy Books for Children.” “The Hyne, Mr. Kipling, Mr. Mason, Mr. Moore, Mr. Dissemblers," from the same pen, will form a part Pemberton, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Ridge, Mr. Wells, of Lippincott's Magazine for September. Mr. White, and Mr. Wood. It will be published immediately by Messrs. Methuen, whose services H.R.H. The Prince of Wales has accepted a copy of the “Handbook to Christian and Eccle- also are given by way of a contribution to the siastical Rome”-third volume, “Monasticism, and same patriotic cause. Ecclesiastical Rome” (A. and C. Black), by Sir George Trevelyan is editing the diary of M. A. R. Tuker and Hope Malleson. Part 4 Lord Macaulay. (Monasticism) contains an account of the order Mr. Maurice Hewlett's new novel is to be called of St. John of Jerusalem, of which H.R.H. is “ Richard Yea and Nay.” Grand Prior in England and of which the first- Sir Walter Besant's new novel is entitled named author is a member. “The Fourth Generation.” After appearing as a Among many articles and stories of special serial it has been partly rewritten and enlarged interest to be published in the August issue of for publication in book form in September or The Argosy, a short story is included from the October. pen of the late Mr. Stephen Crane. Mr. Neil Munro is writing a new novel, which The first thing which the author of “ To Have will be published by Messrs. Blackwood, but will and to Hold” ever wrote for publication is said not run serially. to have been a little account of a roadside meeting Mr. George Moore's new story will be called with Queen Victoria in the south of France. “Sister Teresa," and it will have a certain connec- Professor Owen Edwards has completed his tion with his last work, “Evelyn Innes.” The volume on Wales for “ The Story of the Nations" chief subject is convent life. Mr. Moore, who at series. ## p. 38 (#60) ############################################## 38 * THE AUTHOR. Mr. Herman Merivale has been granted a Civil List pension. “The Casino Girl," a comic opera, written by Mr. Harry B. Smith, and composed by Mr. Ludwig Englander, is the American “success" which is now taking the place of “An American Beauty” at the Shaftesbury. The scene is laid in Egypt, and one of the characters represents the Khedive. The title róle is held by Miss Mabelle Gilman, a singer and dancer whom London sees for the first time. Miss Julia Neilson's season at the Haymarket will open on Aug. 30, when she and Mr. William Mollison will produce “Mistress Nell Gwynne," a new play by Paul Koster. The part of Charles II. will be taken by Mr. Fred Terry. A new play called “The Great Philanthropist," by Miss Gertrude Warden and the late Mr. Wilton Jones, will be produced at the Strand on July 16, by way of celebrating Mr. Sidney Alport's return from Australia. Miss Kate Rorke and Mr. Abingdon will be in the cast. The “ Pirates of Penzance" is being revived at the Savoy. Mrs. Patrick Campbell will produce in the autumn an adaptation of Echegary's play, trans- lated by Mr. J. M. Graham, and adapted by Mr. Arthur Symons, entitled “Mariana.” Mr. Robert Marshall has written a play for Mr. Frederick Harrison and Mr. Cyril Maude. It will touch the events of the South African war. of one of the most remarkable figures of the day.” “ Interesting and historically important,” is the Daily Telegraph's opinion of the speeches. The Daily News says “ Vindex” is obviously an admirer of Mr. Rhodes, but " the book should be equally welcome to those who do not and those who do share his admiration.” THE GENTLEMAN PENSIONER, by Albert Lee (Pearson, 68.), is a bistorical romance dealing with the rising of the Nortbern Lords in Elizabeth's days. The Spectator says : “Mr. Lee cleverly varies the adventures, and his story is something more than readable.” British Weekly describes it as “a powerful and abeorbing story, full of delicate writing, without weakness or a touch of affectation . . . a really excellent bit of historic fiction. Graphic says: “Mr. Lee has made the most of his study of bulldog tenacity and fidelity.” Scotsman describes the story as “ a very successful attempt to deal with an interesting episode in English history." The World: “Those who enjoy historical romance will find this an excellent specimen of the class to which it belongs." HISTORY OF EPIC POETRY, by John Clark (Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, 58.), is referred to by the Spectator as "a very instructive volume, especially in respect of various poems wbich are often spoken of, but very seldom read. Mr. Clark has had the patience to deal with Valerius Flaccus and Statius, and, what is a far greater achievement, Silius Italicas himself.” “He limits his subject on his title-page to .post-Virgilian,' bat he has something to say about both Homer and Virgil that is worth reading. The defence of Virgil, in particular, is distinctly able. The book, as a whole, is an addition of value to the literature of criticism." CHARLES HENRY PEARSON, Fellow of Oriel and Educa. tion Minister in Victoria : Memorials by Himself, his Wife, and his Friends, edited by William Stebbing (Longmans, 148.), “ one of the most interesting of recent biographies” (Literature), is a “deeply interesting work," says the Spectator; it “supplies a want, and we are grateful to Mrs. Pearson and to Mr. Stebbing for presenting us with a true portrait of Charles Henry Pearson.” The Daily Chronicle (Hon. Alfred Deakin) says the volume will leave the reader with “ a profound admiration” for the man it commemo. rates. A HISTORY OF GREECE, by Evelyn Abbott, M.A., LL.D. (Longmans, 108. 6d.). Part III. : From the Thirty Years' Peace to the Fall of the Thirty at Athens, 445.403, B.C. “ The first volume of Dr. Abbott's History was published in 1888, and another volume is wanting to complete the purpose ; 80 that we have here," says the Spectator, “a leisurely, well-considered work, which has occupied the better part of two decades. The author's aim is to provide a history in moderate compass dealing with broad lines of development rather than minuto archeological questions. It is a book of a different class from Holm's brilliant work ; for one thing, it considers the great texts more in detail, giving four volumes to his two. .. It is free from the wordy platitudes of Curtius, and it is fairer and more scientific than the many volumes of Grote and Thirlwall. In certain ways it resembles Beloch's compendium, but it has many qualities of its own. It is extremely readable, and in the simple, anrhetorical style there is often a genuine enthusiasm and appreciation.” THINGS SEEN : IMPRESSIONS OF MEN, CITIES, AND Books, by G. W. Steevens, collected and edited by G. S. Street, with a memoir by W. E. Henley (Blackwood, 58.). “Quite apart from the tragic circumstances of Mr. Steevens's death,” says the Spectator, “the energy and versatility displayed in the aureum quinquennium which succeeded an exceptionally brilliant academic career, and BOOKS AND REVIEWS. (In these columns notes on books are given from reviews which carry weight, and are not, so far as can be learned, logrollers.) GRANT ALLEN, A Memoir, by Edward Clodd (Richards, 68.) is, says the Daily Chronicle, "authoritative in many ways. It has the authority of a long and intimate friend. ship with its subject; it has, too, the authority of kinship in studies pursued in much the same spirit, and certainly to similar conclusions.” “Mr. Clodd does a real service to his friend's memory in publishing letters which show how the very makers of evolutionary sciences regarded Grant Allen." The book also contains some of Grant Allen's letters, though he was “not a great writer of letters," and two of the dearest of his friends “add greatly to the value” of the book by “vividly-written reminiscences : Miss Alice Bird and Professor York Powell.” CECIL RHODES, by Vindex (Chapman, 128. net), is & collection of speeches made by Mr. Rhodes from 1881 to the present year. The Times says these give“ an extremely interesting view ” of the development of contemporary history in South Africa, with “characteristic bits of self- revelation which, when the speeches are read together as a whole, leave a tolerably vivid impression of the personality ## p. 39 (#61) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 39 the charm of his personality, the pablication of these stray papers, edited by two intimate friends, is entirely justified by their intrinsic merits." THE EVOLUTION OF THE ENGLISH NOVEL, by Professor Francis Hovey Stoddard (of New York University) (Mac- millan, 68.), is praised by the Daily Chronicle as “ not only well-written and well-informed, but also marked throughout by measured judgment, proportion, and a certain dignity of attitude and expression.” The Daily News calls it "an interesting book on a pleasant sabject.” DRIFT, by Horatio F. Brown (Richards, 58. net), is a volume of poems. The Spectator says that " what strikes the reader most in Mr. Brown's verse is his feeling for and power of transmitting the charm of natural scenery. His verse is full of rhythm and shows a nice and scholarly use of language, bat beyond this there is what we may term an hieracchic knowledge of invoking the genius loci, whether he is dealing with England, Switzerland, or Italy. .. The glimpses we get of hedgerows, of pine-clad mountain slopes, or of windy wastes of inland waters are generally incidental and unpremeditated.' THE ART AND CRAFT OF GARDEN MAKING, by Thomas H. Mawson (Batsford, 218.), is not only “excellent to read and look at—the pictures with which it is embellished are without exception delightful—but it is,” says the Spectator, “full of practical suggestions for those who wish to lay out a beautiful garden.” “Just at first," says Literature, “ the beauty of the designs and the great charm of Mr. Chamber- lain's chapter-headings threaten to deflect the mind of the reader from the wise things in the text, but this is only at first.” The Times says “Mr. Mawson has plenty of ideas and a very pretty taste"; and the Daily Chronicle is equally appreciative. VILLAGE NOTES, by Pamela Tennant (Heinemann, 6s.), bas, says the Daily Telegraph, "all the charm of the quaint and primitive country she describes--South Wiltshire, with its patient, slow-witted, but intelligent rustics, and its rare provincialisms of speech.” “ It is pleasant,” says the Daily Chronicle, " to those loving Nature, who yet do not write about her, to find her approached in such a manner as Mrs. Tennant's.” NATURE IN DOWNLAND, by W. H. Hadson (Longman, 108. 6d.), is described by Literature as "a guidebook in the sense that it reveals to you not the most interesting spots and the exact turnings to take in reaching them, but the trae beauty of the Sussex Downs, and the charm of the human and of the wild life which inhabits them.” HIGHWAYS AND BYWAYS IN NORMANDY, by Percy Doarmer, with illustrations by Joseph Pennell (Macmillan, 68.), leads the Daily Chronicle to say : “If not too soon to think of summer holidays, here is a book to send the fancy toward a very pleasant land of travel.” Literature says it “ will take a high place” in Messrs. Macmillan's series of guide books, while the Spectator advises "all travellers in Normandy, and especially all cyclists,” to read Mr. Dearmer's book before they leave England. TALKS WITH OLD ENGLISH CRICKETERS, by A. W. Pullin (" Old Ebor") (Blackwood, 68.), “is crammed with matter of the greatest interest to all who take delight in the game and the lore of cricket." Among the veterans with whom the reader is able to talk familiarly are V. E. Walker and Richard Daft. TRAVELS IN ENGLAND, by Richard Le Gallienne (Richards, 68.), is “peripatetic prose,” in the language of the Daily Chronicle, which thanks the bicycle " for having taken Mr. Le Gallienne on a roving tour through the green places of England, odorous with the memory of sweet names.” “Mr. Le Gallienne is peculiarly rich in suggestion, and as a ' Voyage autour de ma chambre' may be more interesting than a journey to the moon, so are these desultory rides on a bicycle quite independent for their interest of the ground covered.” "A PEEP INTO Punch,” by J. Holt Schooling (Newnes, 58.), is the “Story of Punch, with illustrations by Himself." * Altogether,” says the Spectator, “this is a delightfully amusing book by one who knows his subject.” The Daily Chronicle describes it as excellent for a lazy summer day. · THE HOUSING QUESTION, by Alfred Smith, late Chairman of the Housing Committee, L.C.C.(Swan Sonnen- schein). “Mr. Smith,” says the Guardian, “writes as an expert and with the authority of one. This little book contains an admirably clear statement of all the aspects of housing the poor so far as that question affects London ; and, though other towns suffer from the evils of overcrowding, London suffers from them to a degree and extent which no other city can approach. The second section sets out in an impressive form the vast dimensions which this evil has - attained in London.” LOVE AND MR. LEWISHAM, by H. G. Wells (Harper, 68.), will be considered by many, says the Daily Telegraph, “the most fascinating piece of work he has done." Mr. Wells portrays the life of the fifth-rate assistant master. “It is wonderfully well done,” says the Daily Chronicle. “The descriptive pages are charming, the dialogue real and bright.” “The element of irresponsible gaiety which animated “The Wheels of Chance,'” says the Spectator, “ is here replaced by a more consistently serious outlook on the struggle for existence that goes on in the humbler ranks of the teaching profession.” “The bandful of vivid human figures belong,” says Literature, “ to a great extent, to the world of South Kensington students, and into that often purposeless and sordid background Mr. Wells weaves the poetry of life and the beauty of human love." JAN OXBER, by Orme Agnas (Ward, Look, and Co., 38. 6d.), is a series of stories dealing with West of England villagers. Mr. Agous, says the Daily Telegraph, “has achieved a remarkable task in reproducing not only the superficial life of the west country village, but the actual workings of the rustic mind. Jan Oxber is a very striking oharacter, and his tragic story is told with unforced pathos and unexaggerated truth.” The Spectator describes it as Hvigorous," “ well told,” and “highly entertaining"; and says that “the author is one of our ablest interpreters of rural manners." UNLEAVENED BREAD, by Robert Grant (Hutchinson, 68.), is a portrait of a type of American woman. “ Viewed in the light of a study of character, it would be difficult,” says the Spectator, " to find a modern novel cleverer than · Un. leavened Bread.'” The book is divided into three sections. one for each of Selma's matrimonial experiments, so that, says the Literary World, it is “ three moderately long stories rather than a novel. It is well written, and the characters succeed in making us accept them as reasonable human beings.” BLACK HEART AND WHITE HEART, and Other Stories, by H. Rider Haggard (Longmans, 68.), are stories of Zulus and Central Africa. The Daily Chronicle heads its notice of the yolume : “Mr. Haggard in his True Vein.” “Black Heart and White Heart," the tale from which the volume takes its name, is, says the Spectator, “quite in Mr. Hag. gard's most vigorous and effective manner." THE ACCUSED PRINCESS, by Allen Upward (Pearson, 68.), belongs, in the opinion of Literature, "to the class con- ventionally known as 'readable.'” . The author “makes a ## p. 40 (#62) ############################################## 40 THE AUTHOR. new departure, and follows in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes. His book relates the mystery of the ruby of Bharani, one of the sacred stones of India and the property of the British Crown. It tells how the gom was brought over to Europe to be sold, and how it disappeared and was subsequently recovered with the help of an English detec- tive." The Daily Chronicle finds the story “good and ingeniously worked-out.” “Mr. Upward's characters are quite alive, and the accused princess quite charming." THE CHICAMON STONE, by Clive Phillipps-Wolley (Smith, Elder, and Co., 68.), " is much more than a story for boys," says the Spectator, “though by its wealth of incident and is wealth of incident and its crazy athleticism ... it will appeal with peculiar force to the javenile reader. Mr. Phillipps-Wolley is a poet as well as a sportsman; he has a keen sense of the picturesque and the sinster, a happy knack of translating his impressions into forcible and suggestive language, and a most artistic touch in the portraiture of villains, whether of the pale or red-skinned variety.” “It is a delightful book of stirring adventure,” says the Pilot, “one of the best we have read for some time. The scene is laid in Alaska; the Chicamon Stone is a specimen of gold, and the book tells of the efforts of several people to find the rock from which the specimen was taken, and so to become rich. There is no love-making, indeed, there is no woman in the book; the interest of the wild rough life is the only interest, but that is sufficient, for there is no want of peril and of thrilling escapes.” VOICES IN THE NIGHT, by Flora Annie Steel (Heine- mann, 68.). “ We cannot better summarise our impressions of this brilliant but unequal novel,” says the Spectator, " than by saying we have been fascinated by the native or bazaar portion of the story and bored by the Anglo-Indian chapters." A LADY OF THE REGENCY, by Mrs. Stepney Rawson (Hutchinson, 68.), is described by the Pilot as "a very fine historical picture by an excellent artist. Jane, the girl whose love affairs, after a bad start, come at last to a happy end, is the Lady of the Regency in question, but from first to last Caroline of Brunswick is the real heroine. From the moment the novel opens up with her playing 'blind man's buff' in her house at Blackheath, or bidding her guests * bite off the head of the sugar Prince of Wales,' her figure is thrown on the canvas with masterly art." his “Notes on Sport and Travel,” published a few months ago. The news of Miss Kingsley's death came as a great shock to her many friends in this country. She was about thirty-five years of age. MR. STEPHEN CRANE died at Baden-weiler, Baden, on June 5, aged thirty years. Of his work as author and war correspondent, the most distinguished is “ The Red Badge of Courage,” published four years ago. As a detailed study (in the form of romance) of the development of a raw recruit in the American Civil War under the fire of the enemy, it was remarkable in that the author had the author had not up to that time had any real experience of what he so realistically described. Next in importance comes his “ The Open Boat," a sketch of the wreck of a filibuster on the Florida coast. Mr. Crane also wrote verse. He was in the Cuban campaign as a correspondent, and before the illness which has cut him off he was writing some sketches of his Army experi- ences before Santiago. He was also to proceed to St. Helena on a commission for a London daily. A volume of short stories, which will probably be called “Wounds in Rain," and a novel of adventure are among his literary remains. The death-roll of the month also includes the Rev. J. M. RODWELL, the Orientalist, who trans- lated the Koran about forty years ago ; Mr. H. R. FRANCIS (89), author of "Junius Revealed by his Surviving Grandson,” and an authority on the literature of angling; Mr. D. D. WELLS, the young American novelist, author of “Her Lady- ship's Leopard,” &c.; and Dr. T. H. RAND (New Brunswick), whose“ Treasury of Canadian Verse” has lately been published by Messrs. Dent in this country. - OBITUARY. * THE AUTHOR.” SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. M HE death of Miss Mary KINGSLEY, the distinguished African traveller, was announced by a telegram from Cape Town on June 4. She was on her way to West Africa to study the fish fauna of the country. Daughter of Dr. George Kingsley and niece of Charles and Henry Kingsley, her name first gained prominence three years ago with the publication of “ Travels in West Africa, Congo Français, Corisco, and Cameroons.” Her second volume, “South African Studies," was published at the beginning of last year, and eight months ago she wrote a little volume on South Africa for the “Story of the Empire” series. More recently she wrote a memoir of her father for the volume of Front Page Other Pages Half of a Page ... 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SIKES The West Kensington Typewriting Agency, 13, Wolverton Gardens, Hammersmith, W. (ESTABLISHED 1893.) Authors' MSS. carefully and promptly copied. Usual Ternis. Legal and General Copying. Typewritten Circulars by Copying Process. AUTHORS' REFERENCES. AUTHORS' TYPEWRITING. Careful work with Yost macbine on good paper. Inclusive prices. Novels and Stories, 8d. per 1000 words; in duplicate, Is. Plays, Poems, &c., Is. per 1000 words ; in duplicate, Is. 3d. Also Technical and Scientific work; French and Spanish. Specimen of work and Extracts from Testimonials on application. L. A. ST. JOHN, 20, Lucas Avenue, Upton Park, London, E. TYPEWRITING. Beference, Miss BEATRICE WHITBY. MS. Typed at ls, per 1000 words. Address Mrs. KAY, Crossmead, Exeter. SECRETARIAL WORK. LADY DESIRES TEMPORARY ENGAGEMENTS. Experienced Typist (owns machine). Also COPYING MS., DUPLICATING, &c. References. MISS W. KEMPSON, ROATH HOUSE, CARDIFF 70 JTTON A MRS. GILL, TYPE-WRITING OFFICE, 35, LUDGATE HILL, E.C. (ESTABLISHED 1883.) Authors' MSS. carefully copied from 1g. per 1000 words. Duplicate copies third price. Skilled typists sent out by hour, day, or week. French MSS. accurately copied, or typewritten English translations supplied. References kindly permitted to Sir Walter Besant; also to Messrs. A. P. Watt and Son, Literary Agents, Hastings House, Norfolk-street, Strand, W.0. a HTAOW 2i ЗИUTHO3 тазаОМ А HTROW ## p. 40 (#64) ############################################## ADVERTISEMENTS. T HAS NEVER BEEN SERIOUSLY QUES. TIONED BY ANY HONEST TYPEWRITER S INVENTOR, MECHANICAL EXPERT, OR USER THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL LINES UPON WHICH THE SMITH PREMIER IS BUILT ARE FAR IN ADVANCE OF ANY OTHER TYPE- WRITER. THAT ALONE WOULD NOT MERIT SUCCESS, BUT THAT FOUNDATION TOGETHER WITH BEST MATERIAL, BEST WORKMANSHIP, AND EXPERT INSPECTION OF ALL THE PARTS AS WELL AS THE FINISHED PRODUCT, HAVE CAUSED THE SMITH PREMIER TO WIN. THIS IS THE EX- PLANATION OF ITS PHE- NOMENAL RECORD OF SUCCESS. O SEND FOR ART CATALOGUE. The Smith Premier Typewriter Co., 14, Gracechurch Street, LONDON, E.C. Premier Saith ESTABLISHED] The Athenæum Press, Taunton. [XVIII. CENT. BARNICOTT & PEARCE INVITE ENQUIRIES RESPECTING PRINTING. ESTIMATES OF COST, AND OTHER DETAILS, PROMPTLY GIVEN. Established as a medium for communication between Composers and Authors and the Public, on Fair, Equitable, and Reciprocal Terms. THE COMPOSERS' AND AUTHORS' PRESS LIMITED. Registered 20th May, 1897. Registered Office :-No. 9, FENCHURCH BUILDINGS, E.C. DIRECTORS. JOHN THOMAS FIELD, Esq., Montana, Blackheath. | WILLIAM SKINNER VINNING, Esq., Mus. Bac., 88, Lansdowne- FRANK MERRIOK, Esq., Mug. Doc., 7, Hughenden-road, Clifton, road, W. Bristol. JOHN WARRINER, Esq., Mus. Doc., De Crespigny Lodge, WILLIAM PINNEY, Esq., Mus. Bac., 25, Colville-square, W. Denmark Hill, S.E. SOLICITOR: FREDERICK GEO. MELLOWES. Esq., 9, Fenchurch-buildings, E C. SECRETARY: W. A. PERREN. Oficos and Warehouse : 18, Featherstone-buildings, Holborn, W.C. For all particulars address the MANAGING DIRECTOR, as above. Second Edition Crown 4to., cloth, price 3s. 6d.; by post, 3s. 9d. Orown 8vo., with illustrations, price 6s., to be had of all booksellers. DAIRY TALES. By BASIL FIELD. Beautifully LOR HIS COUNTRY'S SAKE; or, Esca, a British Illustrated by C. E. Fripp. T Prince at the Court of Trajan. By L. M. P. BLACK. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.O. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.O. Printed and Published by HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream’s-buildings, London, E.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 02 (July 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 02 (July 1900) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1900-07-02-The-Author-11-2 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/333/1900-08-01-The-Author-11-3.pdf 594215024095b53fec336cff258db9e4 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1900-08-01 Volume 11 Issue 3 Pages Page range in volume 41–60 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19000801 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin The Et utbor. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. XI.—No. 3.] AUGUST 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. 2 ... 53 CONTENTS. PAGE PAGE Memoranda ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 41 The Authors' Club ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 52 Literary Property Civil List Pensions ... 1. United States Circuit Court.-Southern District of New The Police as Censors York ... .. . ... ... ... ... ... ... 42 Bombay Society of Authors ... ... 54 2. Review or Return? ... Correspondence --1. Concerning English Authors ia the United 3. The Chambers of Commerce • States. 2. " Printers' Errors" 3. Long Retention of MSS. The Copyright Act and the Five Gratis Copies 1 ... 44 4. The Indian Government as Publishers. 5. The Hardships American Letter. By John Russell Davidson ... 46 of the Typist ... . ... ... ... ... ... ... 54 Paris Letter, By Darracotte Scott ... Book and Play Talk... Notes from the Bulletin of the Society of American Authors.” 51 | | Books and Reviews ... ... 48 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. The Annual Report. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices : Vol. I., 108. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., III., and IV., 88. 6d. each (Bound); Vols. V. to VIII. (Unbound), 6s. 6d. 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. MORRIS COLLES, Barrister-at-Law. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 4. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE, late Secretary to the Society. 18. 5. The Cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 28. 6d. (Out of print at present.) 6. The Various Methods of Publication. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. . 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. Eyre and Spottis- woode. 18. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By Walter BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888–1892). 18. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By ERNST LUNGE, J.U.D. 28. 6d. 10. The Addenda to the “Methods of Publishing." "By G. HERBERT THRING. Being additional facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “ Methods," With comments and advice. 28. 11. Forms of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Association ; with Comments. By G. HERBERT THRING, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. 18. ## p. 40 (#66) ############################################## ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Nuthors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT. GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL. SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. AUSTIN DOBson. SIR LEWIS MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. Miss E. A. ORMEROD. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.Ş. D. W. FRESHFIELD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BEBANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE RIGHT Hon. THE LORD PIR- AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, M.P. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE RIGHT HON. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT Hon. THE LORD BURGH JEROME K. JEROME. E. ROSE. CLERE. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONES. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. SHAW. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMS. P. W. CLAYDEN. THE RIGHT HON. W. E. H. LECKY, S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. THE HON. JOHN COLLIER. . The Rev. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM MOY THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. SIR A. C. MACKENZIE, Mus.Doo. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGB. THE Right Hon. THE LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel – E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A. HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. À BECKETT. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. GILBERT PARKER. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E. ROSE. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN. FRANCIS STORR. D. W. FRESHFIELD. 'SUB-COMMITTEES.' ART. Hon. John COLLIER (Chairman). I SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A. W. À BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLES. GILBERT PARKER. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). I F. C. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD ROSE. Solicitors FIELD, ROSCOE, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. CG. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, Lincoln's Inn FIELDS, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. 1 GA. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. THE ART of CHESS. By JAMES Mason. Price 5s. L net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Wirdsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. | ## p. 41 (#67) ############################################## The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 3.] AUGUST 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. M HE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all 1 remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the “Cost of Production." IV. A COMMISSION AGREEMENT. The main points are :- (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production. (2.) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. GENERAL. All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned. Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. Never sign any agreement without competent advice from the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The main points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are :- (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- joots whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. TERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property : 1. THAT OF SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. Bat the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of agreement). In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the e the onblisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise. ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for “ office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. VOL. XI. 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 3. There are three forms of dramatic contract for PLAYS IN THREE OR MORE ACTS :- (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING RIGHT. This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters into such a contract shoald stipulate in the con- tract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills. G 2 rights. ## p. 42 (#68) ############################################## 42 THE AUTHOR. Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The infor nation thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- posed document to the Society for examination. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. dence of the writer. 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. THE READING BRANCH. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES on gross receipts. Peroentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain & percentage on the sliding scale of gro88 receipts in preference to the American system. Should obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., fixed nightly fees). This method should be always avoided except in cases where the fees are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The other safeguards set out under heading (b.) apply also in this case. 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one act plays should be reserved. 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but sbould grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is of great importance. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot print the book of the words. : 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in the beginning. 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object is to obtain adequate publication. "As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on acoount of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con. tracts, those authors desirous of further information are referred to the Secretary of the Society. M EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this 1 branch of their work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated as a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. NOTICES. THE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the 1 Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 68. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should be addressed to the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- ball-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. · LITERARY PROPERTY. 1. HVERY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice bought is such as can be given best by a solici. tor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreoments do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society. 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past at accounts with the loan of the books represented. The I.-UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT.-SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK. M HE Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars of the University of Oxford. Complainant. v. - Wilmore-Andrews Publishing Company, Defendant. (In Equity). Rowland Cox for Complainant. Louis F. Doyle for Defendant. ## p. 43 (#69) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 43 WHEELER, J. - The University of Oxford, right in any false manner to represent such a England, is a body corporate known by the name product as the work of the plaintiff. The use of and style by which this suit is brought. the name upon the defendant's Bibles had a Books appear to have been printed by it as tendency to so represent, and to confuse the early as the fifteenth century, and Letters Patent plaintiff's use of its name in its business. for printing books of all kinds, including Bibles, to That the plaintiff prints and publishes this have been granted to it by King Charles I. in the work in America as well as at the University seventeenth century. makes it none the less the plaintiff's product, and It has printed Bibles of many kinds prepared confers no right upon others to publish it in the by its officers and scholars with great care, which name of the plaintiff, or to use the plaintiff's are generally known as Oxford Bibles ; no other name in publishing it in America or elsewhere. Bibles are published at Oxford, and these are The evidence does not show acquiescence of the ordered, sold, and bought by that name. Among plaintiff in use by others amounting to an aban- the kinds is the “ Teachers Bible,” first published donment of right by the plaintiff, nor establish in 1876, which contains, besides the text, a Manual that the name has thereby or otherwise become of Helps to the study of the Bible full of reliable merely descriptive of the Bibles, instead of repre- information respecting the authors and books of senting their origin; nor that an “Oxford the Bible, and Palestine, a concordance, indices, Bible" is merely the “ Divinity Circuit.” tables, and maps. This with new editions has The case shows sufficient interference by the since been published and sold by that name con- defendant to furnish ground for commencing the tinuously in this country, and throughout the suit, and the ceasing of the interference by the world. defendant does not take away the right of the The defendant has printed and published a plaintiff to a decree, with costs. Sufficient reason Bible specified on the title page as an “Oxford does not, however, appear to warrant an account- Bible, the S. S. Teachers Edition," and on the ing. Rahtjen v. Holzapfel, U.S. Circuit Court back as a “Holy Bible, Oxford, S. S. Teachers of Appeals, Second Circuit, April 11, 1900. Edition.” Decree for a perpetual injunction, with costs. This suit is brought against this use of that name. The defendant denies any right of the plaintiff II.—REVIEW OR RETURN ? to the exclusive use of the word “ Oxford” upon The following interesting case has been placed Bibles, and alleges that this name as applied to before the Secretary of the Society of Authors :- Bibles is used to designate and describe a style of An author publishes a limited edition of a Bible otherwise known as the “ Divinity Circuit,” very expensive illustrated work. He sends out bound in soft flexible leather, with overlapping four copies for review to the editors of the best edges; that the plaintiff has lost any right it known papers. The edition will not stand the may have had to the use of this word by permit. distribution of a larger number of review copies. ting others to use it; that the Bible with which One of the papers, after a lapse of five or six the defendant is claimed to interfere was printed weeks, fails to review the book. The author in this country; and that the defendant has writes to the editor, and the editor states that the altogether 'ceased using it. buok was acknowledged in due course in his list • It is insisted for the defendant that the name of publications of the day. The author again of a place of origin cannot become a valid trade writes to the editor, and points out that the book mark of goods and products, and that “Oxford ” was sent in order that it might be reviewed, and here is merely the name of the city of the plaintiff, asks for the return of the copy if it is not the and could not be exclusively used to distinguish intention of the editor to review it. To this the plaintiff's Bibles. letter the editor replies that the discretion with But this word is a part of the plaintiff's name, regard to the review of the book must be left and as such has given name to the plaintiff's entirely in his hands, and that it would be impos- Bibles, and has come to be a means of showing sible for him as editor of the paper to return the their origin. The defendant has no connection book. with the place or name, and this use of the name This interesting question arises : In the by the defendant can be for no purpose but to case of a valuable limited edition would it be represent the defendant's Bibles as coming from possible to argue that the book sent was for the plaintiff. review, and that the reviewing of the book was The plaintiff has no copyright of this work, and part of the contract, so that if the book was not anyone would, of course, have a clear right to reviewed it could not become the property of the print and publish it, but no one would have a paper to which it was sent; or, on the other hand, ## p. 44 (#70) ############################################## 44 THE AUTHOR. “Where a licence has been granted under this section for any British possession, any copy of the book produced subject to such licence sball, if found in any other part of Her Majesty's dominions, be deemed a pirated copy, and be treated accordingly.' that the custom of sending out books for review as at present established is on the understanding that books so sent out take their chance, and that as they are sent out gratis on this understanding the editor is not bound to return them? The latter would appear to be the real legal position, but it is a further question as to what might happen if the author when sending out such a book stipulated in his letter that the book should be reviewed or the copy returned. THE COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE FIVE GRATIS COPIES. III. III.—THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE. The resolution printed below was unanimously passed at the meeting of the Chambers of Com- merce of the British Empire. The resolution is of considerable importance to authors, as any step that can facilitate the passing of Lord Monks- well's Bill nust necessarily have great weight with all those who are holders of literary pro- perty. One of the chief difficulties of the passing of the Bill, as has been pointed out on many previous occasions in The Author, is the colonial question. As at this meeting of the Chambers of Commerce there were important representatives of the publishing and printing trades of all the colonies, such a resolution, in that it has been supported by these representatives, will have con- siderable weight with the Colonial Office and those concerned in promoting the Bill. Fourth CONGRESS OF THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. [Copyright.] Moved by Mr. Geo. N. Morang ; seconded by Hon. Thomas Fergus of New Zealand : " Whereas the various Copyright Acts throughout the Empire are unnecessarily complicated and vexatious to certain dependencies, and whereas it is now contemplated to consolidate the same by a Bill now before the House of Lords. Resolved, therefore, that this Congress declares its approval of such measure, whereby the Colonies are em. powered to legislate for exclusive copyright, and earnestly trusts that it may speedily become law." Note.-The section of the Act referred to is as follows:- Sect. 34. “In the case of a legislature of any British possession, if the following circumstances occur, that is to say, if a book has been first lawfully published in any other part of Her Majesty's dominions, and it is proved to the satisfaction of an officer appointed by the Government of guch possession to receive such proofs that the owner of the copyright has lawfully granted either a licence to import for sale in such British possession or a licence to reproduce therein by any process an edition or editions of any such book designed for sale only in such British possession, it shall be lawful for the Legislature of such possession by Act or ordinance to provide for the prohibition of the impor- tation, except with the written consent of the licensee, into such possession of any copies of such book printed else- where, except under such licence as aforesaid, except that two copies may be specially imported for the bona fide ase of each of the public free libraries, of the aniversity and college libraries, and law libraries of any duly organised law institution cr society for the use of its members. TN the July Author we reviewed the various T statutes from 1662 to 1842 which regulated the business of sending a copy of every book published to the British Museum, whether demanded or not, and to Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Dublin upon demand. It will now be desirable to say something upon the obligation of the British Museum authorities to require and preserve books, and, if we can, upon the obligation of the other authorities to preserve them, for clearly the other authorities are under no obligation to require any book whatever. For a very long time publishers have sent practically all their books to the British Museum. and the penalty for failure to send is heavy, but statutory obligation to require books or to enforce penalties there is none. Bearing this in mind, and bearing in mind also that the British Museum privilege has existed only since 1814, we think it is greatly to the credit of the authorities that the occasions on which a book published in the United Kingdom cannot be found in the British Museum library are rare indeed. Where exceptions occur, he does a public service who calls attention to them, as did recently Wirt Gerrare in a letter to Literature. As to the duty of the British Museum autho- rities to preserve books, that is much more implied than express, though there are express directions as to particular libraries. The Geor- gian statute, by which the museum was established in 1753, after reciting that- Sir Hans Sloane, having through the course of many years with great labours and expence gathered together whatever could be procured either in our own or foreign countries, did bequeath to certain trustees all his collec- tion, consisting of all his library of books, drawings, manu- scripts, prints, &c., &c., with short histories or accounts of them with proper references in catalogues by him made, containing thirty-eight volumes in folio and eight volumes in quarto, to be offered to Parliament for £20,000; the collection, which was worth much more, was bought for the £20,000; all arts and sciences have a connexion with each other; and the collection should be maintained not only for the inspection and entertainment of the learned and the curious, but for the general age and benefit of the public ;- and also reciting the bequest to the public of the Cottonian Library, and the building of a room ## p. 45 (#71) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 45 under an Act of William III. “ in which, when built, all the manuscripts, written books, papers, parchments, records, and other memorials in the said library contained should be lodged and there kept to all posterity," the legacy of Mr. Arthur Edwards towards the expense of building, and the foundation of the Harleian Collection, enacted that in the cities of London or Westminster One general repository shall be provided for the reception not only of the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, but also of the Cottonian Library, and of the additions which have been or shall be made by virtue of the will of Arthur Edwards, and likewise of the Harleian Collection and of such other addi. tions to the Cottonian Library as with the approbation of the trustees shall be made, and of such other collections and libraries as with the like approbation shall be admitted into the said general repository, which several collections, additions, and library so received into the said general repository shall remain and be preserved therein for public use to all posterity. This enactment is a clear direction to the authorities to preserve libraries and collections bequeathed or given en bloc to the museum, but it could hardly be said to include the masses of single books which the law of copyright has thrown into it ever since 1814. However that of may be, the Act of 1878, which empowers the authorities to give away duplicates, and the recently rejected Bill by which it was proposed to empower the trustees to dispose of valueless printed matter, seem to show that “ once in the museum, always in the museum” is recognised as an implied rule,* and it may be assumed that the trustees have always recognised, still recognise, and will always recognise this rule. But what of the other four library authorities The publishers, as we have seen, have long treated them as equally entitled with the British Museum * The Bill as it came from the House of Lords had this clause : “ The trustees of the British Museum may, with the approval of the Treasury, make rules respecting the disposal by destruction or otherwise of printed matter deposited in the British Museum which is not of sufficient value to justify its preservation in the museum.” The Bill was dropped with the general approval of literary persons; but it may be that the intention of its framers never was to destroy anything that could possibly be called a book or pamphlet, but only blank forms, Christmas cards, wall-texts, and such like matter, whereas except for judicial decision, perhaps even newspapers are not deliverable ander the existing law. See Report of Copyright Commission, par. 166. The 3rd secticn of the British Museum Act 1878 pro- vides that, “The trustees of the British Museum may give away any duplicate works, objects, or specimens not required for the purposes of the museum. Provided always, that the power hereby conferred shall not extend to any daplicate works in the Royal Library of King George the Fourth, or in the Cracherode, Grenville, or Banksian Libraries, or to any objects presented to the Museum for age and preserva- tion therein." to gratis copies, and have, as a general rule, forwarded four copies either to the agent whom they share amongst them, or else to Stationers' Hall for the use of the four libraries, without waiting for any demand. In the rare cases in which the four copies are not sent, and apparently in all those rare cases, the publisher in default receives the following notice :- To Messrs. - Agency of the University Libraries, 96, Great Russell-street, London, W.C. I am desired by the Curators of the Bodleian Library, Oxford ; the University Library, Cambridge; the Advocates Library, Edinburgh; and the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, to ask you to be good enough to supply for the use of their libraries, four [the italios are not ours) copies of the undermentioned works, one for each library, in com- pliance with the provisions of the Copyright Act (5 & 6 Vict. cap. 45). Should any of the works applied for be outside the terms of the Act, or have already been delivered through another channel, you would confer on the libraries in question, and on myself, a great favoar by returning me this list, and notifying the reason of the exemption on the margin (the italics are not ours]. I should thus be able to avoid troubling you with repeated applications for unclaimable works.- Believe me, yours faithfully, G. W. ECCLES. It will be seen, on referring to the June Author, that Mr. Eccles acted for the University of Oxford so far back as 1876, and on referring to the list of British Museum officers in “ Whitaker's Almanac" that Mr. Eccles holds the position of an “ Assistant, ist class,” of the Museum ; but we understand that he is shortly about to retire from that position. So much for the seemingly very efficient mode of getting the four gratis copies into the four University libraries. How about their preserva- tion there? Unlike the British Museum Library authorities, the other library authorities are not even under any implied obligation to preserve them, and, unlike those authorities, they have no annual reminder in the Appropriation Act — under which the British Museum receives a hand. some grant, but the Universities receive nothing. IV. The following letter was sent to the Times by the chairman of the Committee, and appeared there on May 31. By an unfortunate oversight it was not published, as it should have been, in our July number :- To the Editor of the Times. Sir,-The letter recently addressed to you by Mr. John Murray, in reference to the question of “gratis copies," seems to the Committee of this Society to offer an opportunity of calling atten- tion to one or two points besides those with which Mr. Murray deals. It is material to point out ## p. 46 (#72) ############################################## 46 THE AUTHOR. that the tax is heavier than appears to have been of 1878 recommended the abolition of the privi. in the original contemplation of Parliament. lege, a fact which justifies the inquiry we now By the Act of 1842 a broad distinction is drawn suggest, although we do not wish to pre-judge between the British Museum and the four other the issue of it. Meanwhile it would seem to be privileged libraries. The former is to have a in the power of publishers themselves to raise copy of every book without demand. To the the question whether the existing law does not latter any book is to be delivered “on demand require a specific demand on the part of each thereof left at the place of abode of the pub- library for any book it may desire to have lisher . .” The section goes on to authorise delivered. the authorities of the four libraries to appoint an We have also to ask your indulgence to allow agent to receive the books demanded. We submit us to state that we find among our members, that the intention of Parliament plainly was that many of whom are engaged in research, strong dis- the University libraries, as distinguished from the approval of the proposal to allow the British British Museum, should make a specific demand Museum either to destroy or to scatter news- for any book they desired to receive, and that in papers. This question has been so fully dealt the absence of such demand the book should not with by Mr. Sidney Lee in your columns, that it be delivered to them. is enough to say that his objections, whether The Act contemplates an exercise of discretion, based on the danger of destruction or loss of according to which the libraries would ask for valuable matter, or on the hardship of compelling such books as would be of use to them and literary men engaged in research to follow their abstain from asking for the rest. dispersed materials from one place to another, The practice, however, is and has been for a appear far too serious to be disposed of by the long while back, quite different. Most publishers cry of “no room." There is no disposition send copies to the agent of the four libraries (they among authors to grumble at being obliged to all employ the same agent) without any demand. supply their books to the Museum. That they If any book is not sent, it is demanded as a are under this obligation does, however, seem to matter of course. By the claims of the libraries give them a right to e, pecial consideration when and the acquiescence of publishers, the libraries such a question as this is under discussion. are, under the existing practice, placed in the same ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. position as the British Museum, although they do not appear to be under any similar obligation to retain the books sent or to be subject to any statutory control in the use or disposal of the AMERICAN LETTER. property they thus acquire. It also appears obvious that they must acquire a vast number of New York City, July 10, 1900. books which can be of no value to them. TN these United States publishers are inclined We desire respectfully to suggest that before 1 to look askance upon the season of a Pre- the Copyright Bill now before Parliament takes - sidential campaign, and the commercially- final shape the following questions should be con- disposed author ordinarily shares this feeling of sidered :- suspicion. It is not a time for the launching of (1) Is the present system of a general demand new undertakings; the public mind is busied with of all books (if not sent without demand) on the “issues” and “ platforms,” and people would part of the University libraries in accordance with rather devour candidate So-and-so's last speech the intentions of Parliament ? or a denunciation of the legislative career of (2) When did the practice of a general candidate What's-his-name than read poetry or demand begin? Has it existed from the first, or romance. Once in every four years the country has it been of later growth; and, if so, under what is inundated with a prodigious flood of campaign circumstances did it first arise ? “ literature,” with which the enlightened voters (3) Are all the books received actually placed struggle madly, while current reading matter of in use in the libraries; or, if not, how are they all other descriptions glides by in an unnoticed and dealt with ? unimportant rivulet. Even the attention of the (4) Are any of the books disposed of by the scholar is diverted temporarily from literature to libraries; and, if so, after what lapse of time and the politics of the hour. in what manner ? An answer to these questions would, it appears POLITICS AND LITERATURE. to us, help to show how far the tax on authors The present campaign, however, which is to and publishers is justified by benefit to the public. terminate with the election of a President in It will be remembered that the Royal Commission November, promises to be less disturbing than ## p. 47 (#73) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 47 usual. The publishing world seems to believe realised. It enlarges immeasurably the scope of confidently in the re-election of Mr. McKinley. the fiction writer. He has two publishers at Both of the present nominees of the two great hand, Mr. Frohman and the printer. He may parties were also the leaders in the struggle of play one against the other with a good deal of 1896-a fact which will probably tend to decrease advantage to himself and to his work. The serial the quantity of campaign literature of the per- publication of Mr. Zangwill's latest novel, for sonal and biographical type. And moreover, the example, has been arranged with careful reference issues, as well as the candidates, are familiar to to the time of the production of its dramatic the rank and file of the voters. Public interest version in the fall; the play will be produced on in newspaper politics will be discounted, and the the stage, it is said, before the concluding chapters output of political pamphlets and tracts should be of the story have been produced in type. Such comparatively meagre—which may be good news a scheme, and similar schemes which doubtless to British authors who look with longing eyes at will be planned, place the theatrical manager in the American literary market. direct and close business relations with the pub- The present tendency of our reading public, of lisher. It can be readily conjectured that the course, is all for China and the Orient. “East- author must profit from this expansion of his ward ho!” cries the American publisher, and audience. searches madly for a novel dealing with life under Nor can these developments be without their the mandarins. Our presses are grinding out curious effect upon the texture and character of reprints of the best books about China and the current fiction. The popular novelist must East which have been published recently in compose with the odour of grease, paint, and England, and the editors of our popular periodicals scene varnish in his literary nostrils. The unfor- are paying startling prices for articles of travel tunate critic, who is compelled to cope with our and adventure in the Yellow Empire. The present ordinary or extraordinary fiction of to-day, may crisis seems to have discovered our publishers imagine that he detects this already. Mr. very ill prepared, although there has been no Frohman and his syndicate are affecting the lack of signs of the imperial struggle, which book trade and the profession of author. It may could be read even in an unimperial democracy. be fanciful to look forward, along these lines, to At any rate, the disappearance of the Khaki hue an entrenchment of the favoured novelist's posi- of our current reading can hardly fail to be tion behind the protection of the theatrical gratifying managers, from which he would be able to dictate more equitable terms to the publishers—it may NEXT Season's THEATRES. be fanciful, but it is an enchanting picture. No little literary interest is excited by a survey of the work laid out for the coming season by BETTER DAYS IN THE Book TRADE. American theatrical managers. The plural is The financial entanglements in which two very used for reasons which are rhetorical rather than prominent American publishing houses struggled real. The theatrical manager of the United last year seem to have brought about a healthy States is Mr. Charles Frohman, the more or less reaction in the trade, which redounds somewhat intelligent head of a more or less unintelligent to the advantage of the author. It has induced syndicate in control of most of the actors, publishers to suspect that the writers of books actresses, playhouses, and playwrights in the are important factors in the production of them- country. The striking feature of Mr. Frohinan's a truism which was slighted in some long- prospectus is the importance assigned therein to established houses where the imprint of the dramatisations of popular books. Of all Mr. publisher was regarded as of far more signi. Frohman's “stars ' the two which have made ficance than the author's name on the title-page. the most money for him have been Miss Maude Of course, in estimating the success of the Adams and Mr. William Gillette. The former younger American publishers who have come to has played for three enormously successful years the front during the last decade, one must not in "The Little Minister,” while Mr. Gillette, in forget to credit them with that modern business Dr. Doyle's “Sherlock Holmes,” has made a push, and that sympathetic acquaintance with the record of two hundred packed houses in New temper of our people, which the older houses York, with the provinces uniried. “Red lacked. They are not burdened with complicated Pottage,” « Richard Carvel,” “ Janice Meredith,” business machinery, and with creaking and dusty are a few of the novels which Mr. Frohman pro- methods of reaching the outside world in any poses to exploit behind the footlights. direction. The relations of the newer publishers The significance of this sort of thing has been with their authors display the same freedom and noted, but one may doubt whether it is fully quickness in achieving direct results, and they do VOL. XI. 1 ## p. 48 (#74) ############################################## 48 THE AUTHOR. not keep writers “in stock," as it were, until the PARIS LETTER. unfortunate men of letters become parts of the business routine, like persons who add columns of m 5, rue Chomel. figures in the counting-room. All this is an M HE celebrated chirographist, Mme. de encouraging sign. It makes for an equitable Thèbes, has recently published au interest- co-operation between author and publisher upon - ing work entitled “L’Enigme de la main.” a practical and business-like basis, an excellent Mme. de Thèbes is no vulgar adventuress seeking substitute for the old-fashioned sentimental rela- renown or wealth. She is a widely known and tion, which was presumed once to exist and which highly respectable personage who enjoys a Euro- meant so little latterly, in many cases when actual pean reputation. Casts of the hands of her most property rights were concerned. interesting clientèle (including a large number of A curious and suggestive state of affairs in a representative men and women of the present publishing business was disclosed here recently. day) are to be seen in her small suite of rooms, It seems that it has been the custom of the firm, situated within stone-throw of the Arc de after a book was printed and published, to store Triomphe. The hand of her friend and master, the plates and carry them on to its inventory at Alexandre Dumas fils, here reposes in solitary the cost of manufacture. It made not a particle state under a glass case. The pointed fingers of difference that, for publishing purposes, the and huge hand of Dumas père, clasping the book was dead and gone, and the plates worth slender, narrow hand of the mother of his son, is nothing more than their value as old metal. also easily recognisable. It lies carelessly on a They stood on the list of assets as representing side-table, surrounded by scores of plaster and the sum expended in composition and casting; bronze models of the characteristic hands of this might be six or seven hundred dollars, modern celebrities. Among the latter the obsti- entirely fictitious. The older the house and the nate hand of M. Emile Zola; the impassive more antiquated the plates, then the less substan- hand of Mme. Christine Nilsson; the dominating, tial would such assets become. But on the house caressing band of Mme. Sarah Bernhardt; the ledgers they would represent capital, and moneys enigmatical hand of M. Edouard Drumont; and invested, and there would be no denying the fact the energetic hand of Coquelin imperiously attract that the plates were in existence and in a good attention. state of preservation. It is needless to expatiate Mme. de Thèbes is a woman of imposing figure, upon the borrowing value of such securities. penetrating glance, and stately presence. Hers is palmistry, pure and simple-no fatalistic craft AUTHORS Who Own THE PLATES. reducing the individual will to a valueless factor. That the author should himself own outright “God," so she asserts, “has placed in each of the plates of his books is a favourite theory our hands the road.map of our life. If He has among American writers. In practice it is a done this, it is that we may make use of the luxury which is not for the ordinary, but Mr. information thus given. This map warns us of Howells and others, I believe, have found it an the accidents which menace us ; of our con- effective and simple plan in their efforts towards stitutional weaknesses; and of the defects in our establishing a reasonable status of literary nature. We are thus put on our guard to property. struggle against our bad inclinations. This is so The last canvass of the best selling books in true that, if we struggle, the lines in our road- this country, elaborately prepared by the Book- map will change.” From which fact she argues man, testifies to the overgrown popularity of that that our first duty is to know ourselves, or rather, ingenious novel “ To Have and to Hold," which to know how to decipher the hieroglyphics traced heads the list. Next come two English stories, on our hands by a Divine agency. The study is “Sophia" by Weyman, and “Red Pottage.” The interesting, even though unaccompanied by the phases of life in Miss Cholmondeley's book are so blind credulity which will strain at a gnat to essentially and modernly English that the swallow a camel. American vogue of her story must be set down as a tribute to her art. After “Red Pottage" on the “LA FILLE DE GEORGE SAND.". Bookman's list appear in order : “ Unleavened Such is the title of a most entertaining little Bread," a new and promising American novel by booklet published by M. Georges d'Heylli for the Robert Grant, “Resurrection,” and “ The edification of a select coterie of friends. The Farringdons.” Our public's taste, if not dis author is the son-in-law of the venerable Mme. criminating, is at least encouragingly catholic to Bascans, proprietress of the school in which the the aspiring novelist abroad. wayward little Solange was brought up. Every John RUSSELL DAVIDSON. letter written by the illustrious mother was care- ## p. 49 (#75) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 49 fully guarded by the old schoolmistress. It is “ Clotilde de Lusignan,” for the sum of 2000 amusing to note the logical, convincing manner in francs. This liberal remuneration is to be received which the celebrated novelist explains the method as follows: 500 francs in notes payable at a year's of education she desires to be adopted for her date ; 500 francs in notes (payable six months daughter, and the results to be obtained there- later) at the moment when twelve hundred copies from. A little later we find all these fine theories of the work in question shall have been sold. evaporating in thin air on being put to the test. The remaining 1000 francs are to be paid in notes, George Sand has, undoubtedly, written exquisite likewise dated six months hence--whenever sieur pages on maternal love; she might, and did, Grégoire Hubert shall be unable to produce on exercise a wide influence on her contemporaries the author's demand more than a hundred copies and on posterity ; nevertheless, she failed signally of this first edition ! in obtaining either reverence or obedience from her own daughter. Twenty-four hours of Solange's SHEARING THE SHorn. company invariably ended in a scene and the basty But the final article in this iniquitous treaty return of the offender to Mme. Bascans' charge, carries off the palm for munificence. It expressly usually accompanied by a note couched in some- states that: what the following terms: “In this sum (of 2000 francs) is included the “This morning Solange has been unbearable, cost of the advertisement of the said work, She cries because I will not arrange her curl. which M. Balzac binds and engages himself to papers, and resists when I attempt to do so. If have inserted in the journals below mentioned (or she arrive after ten o'clock, I beg you will punish in those which may replace them should they her. She has been incessantly urged to hasten be suppressed), viz., the Constitutionnel, the without its having any effect on her movements. Journal des Débats, the Courrier, the Miroir, the . . . Mme. Bascans will have the kindness to Quotidienne, and the theatrical papers. The explain to her the naughtiness of her conduct.” advertisements shall each occupy at least half a * The perusal of these letters," writes a French column in the body of the journal; and shall be critic, “ will be a consolation to those women who placed either beside the article ‘Paris,' or immedi- possess only a little good sense and not anyately after.” To reimburse him for this outlay, the author is entitled to six copies gratis of his A CRUEL CONTRACT. own work! On Aug. 18, 1900, the Lévy copyright of the Comment is superfluous. In 1848 the tax on novels of Honoré de Balzac expires, and this the serial novel (which led to its temporary immense work becomes public property. Some suppression) reduced Balzac to the last extremity. idea of its value may be gained from the fact that He continued to occupy the elegant hotel fur- in 1865 (after thirty years' continuous re-editing) nished by Mme. de Hanska ; but he indulged in M. Michel Lévy paid 80,000 francs to the great boiled beef only once a week, eking out the man's widow for the right of being sole remaining days with the meagre broth obtained publisher during a period of thirty-five years. in cooking the above delicacy. It was probably The petty remuneration originally doled out to at this epoch that he wrote: the author for the majority of these brilliant “Creditors know how to find us much better masterpieces of French literature is truly absurd. and more promptly than our friends. For the Generous and prodigal as the elder Dumas, no sake of a little sum they often come to a place man was ever more at the mercy of his pub. where others do not come for the sake of a great lishers. Instances of his colossal extravagance, affection.” on several occasions, are not lacking. They were, He died two years later, Aug. 18, 1850. however, counterbalanced by his extraordinary fertility. Yet it is not surprising that, despite AN IDEAL HISTORIAN. his brilliant reputation, this modern Shakespeare M. Frédéric Masson is an ideal historian. of French fiction died a poor and completely Dramatic as the English Froude (and thoroughly worn-out man at the comparatively early age of reliable), he is marvellously successful in his fifty-one years, when his business inability was conscientious resuscitation and portrayal of a as mercilessly exploited as is witnessed by the bygone epoch, and the men and women who Hubert contract, which document is now in the formed it. His third volume of “Napoléon et sa possession of the Vicomte de Lovenjoul. In this famille” has closely followed its predecessor. contract “M. Honoré Balzac" engages to supply The contrast between the first Napoleon and his (under the pseudonym of Lord R’Noone) a certain brother-that political Winkle Joseph, King of sieur Grégoire Hubert, libraire au Palais Royal, Spain-is pungently drawn. The latter possessed with four volumes for publication, entitled the overweening self-confidence, minus the genius, genius.” ## p. 50 (#76) ############################################## 50 THE AUTHOR. of the great Bonaparte. He passed his time in thoughtful, conscientious writer, and does his elaborating a series of military mancuvres which level best to be impartial. At least, that was the failed signally when put into execution. Imme- impression left on my mind after the basty diately one stratagem proved abortive, he set to perusal of a few pages of his new volume, includ- work to devise a second still more impracticable. ing the chapter entitled “Les Dessous de Joe “What alone saved Joseph from the consequences Chamberlain." of his extraordinary combinations," writes M. Masson," was that nobody obeyed him. Marshal MM. DE REGNIER AND LUCIEN MUHLFELD. Moncey received with extreme politeness the Contrary to general expectation, M. Henri de aide-de-camp who bore the royal commands, Regnier has this year undertaken the lecturing showed the absurdity of the movement ordered, tour in the United States. He appears to have and terminated by saying, “The Emperor, sir, had great success. A well-known critic has has not entrusted me with one of his finest asserted that, though this young writer occupies regiments to compromise thus his glory and a high position among the rising generation of safety. Return to the King. Inform him of authors, his success in the poetical medium is what I have said ; and tell him that, neverthe considerably hampered by his incorrigible predi. less, should he persist, I will give the example lection for making a word in the singular rhyme that I should give of the most implicit obedience." with a word in the plural, and by his indulgence Besinères invariably affirmed that he would obey in various minor idiosyncrasies of the same immediately; that his duty, inclination, and stamp. respect impelled him to do so; and, that said, he His talented compatriot, M. Lucien Muhlfeld, acted as he chose. As to Ney, he roundly replied, also possesses a marked individuality. A year “ This order undoubtedly comes from a man who ago he published his first novel, entitled “Le understands nothing of our trade. The Emperor Mauvais Desir"; and, at the present moment, has given me an army corps with which to conquer “La Carrière d'André Tourette" has consolidated and not to capitulate. Tell the King I have not his reputation as a novelist. It would be difficult come to Spain to play Dupont's rôle !” The to find a more complete and comprehensive study book may be obtained chez Ollendorff. of the career of an ordinary young man of bourgeois origin, or a more subtle and conscien- Two INTERESTING PUBLICATIONS. tious delineation of the multitudinous types of “Every year the tuberculose' kills in France characters to be met with to-day in the various 150,000 persons-a population equal to that of grades of society. Rouen and Nantes,” is the startling assertion imprinted beneath the title-head of a new paper, APROPOS OF FRENCH DRAMATISTS. Curre Antituberculeuse, which has just been M. Jean Richepin—first-rate gymnast, play- started, edited by MM. Sersiron and Dumarest. writer, and poet—is enjoying a well-earned The object of this publication is to awaken all holiday in Palma. M. Maurice Donnay is reposing classes to the necessity of taking strong measures in “a marvellous country” in the Villa Lysis to check the increasing tendency of the populace (Agay in the Var), which boasts a garden as full to consumption; also, to set forth the best means of blossoms as an opera star's box—minus the of preventing and counteracting contagion. The card pinned to each bouquet. He is meditating movement is being warmly supported. A com. a new “ scénario” beside the violet sea ; and has mittee has been formed, and large sums have recently requested a friend to announce that the already been subscribed to found popular right of performing his latest play, “L’Education sanatoriums wherein to isolate, and endeavour to d'un Prince," has been bought by Belgium, Italy, cure, the consumptive working-class adults of and America. M. Pierre Decourcelle is rejoicing Paris who are sufficiently affected to spread the in his new decoration, and in the revival at the contagion --but are still well enough to perform Ambigu Theatre of his “ Deux Gosses"_which wearily their daily task. The first list of dona- play formerly broke the standing record of five tions received (published by the Euvre Anti- hundred nights, having been performed 758 con- tuberculeuse) amounted to a total of 316,000 secutive times at the above theatre (1896-1898). francs. A good beginning! M. Georges Feydeau is still to be seen on the “L'A ugleterre et l’Imperialisme” is the title of grands boulevards. Elegant, sedate, and dignified, M. Victor Bérard's latest work, which is being the combined verdict of the German and English widely read. It is interesting as giving us a censors, who pilloried his “ Dame de chez Maxim" glimpse of the British character and policy seen as a production injurious to the morals of the through French spectacles. M. Bérard is un spectators, has in no wise disturbed his tran- doubtedly prejudiced. Nevertheless, he is a quility. At the present moment the triple revival ## p. 51 (#77) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 51 of the offending play and two others of the same The early experience of Stevenson with the type, at the Nouveautés, Palais-Royal, and Bouffes Century is, however, only a typical case, and not theatres, are pecuniarily justifying their author's by any means unique. While it is no doubt true popularity with the respective managers of these that the great magazines do desire to discover establishments. M. Feydeau has been engaged unknown writers of promise, they none of them for some time past on a new play, of which only offer them unreservedly much consideration and a few unimportant details have yet leaked out. encouragement. M. Edmond Rostand is likewise reported to Again, most of the magazines are like Self have a new play on hand, dealing with the perse. Culture, practically made up for six months in cution of the early Christians under Nero. The advance, à fact that the literary aspirant does principal feminine röle is designed for Mme. not know, and not knowing is seriously handi. Sarah Bernhardt. capped. The editor of a great magazine is in A Dual DISAPPOINTMENT. part obliged to provide for future publication from the very fact of unnecessary absence from The reconstruction of the Comédie Française is home in Europe and elsewhere in search of attrac- proceediag but slowly. “Play in a barn as Molière did," was the advice of M. Victorien tions. This is editorially the case with the Ladies' Home Journal, and contributions during Sardou ; but bis suggestion was dismissed as proxy editorship must be left to the tender mercies impracticable. The revival of the magnificent of the one upon whom the real editor's mantle “ Patrie" of the latter author has been postponed has fallen, but whose power is small. owing to lack of suitable accommodation, deco- The Book Buver, the Bookman, and the Critic, ration, &c. M. Paladilhe, composer of the as organs of book publishers, all occupy special music which accompanies this famous drama, fields, and from their very nature as such made his debut at sixteen years with a Neapolitan organs are all surrounded by conditions that are song, entitled “ Mandolinata,” which instantly peculiar, and that do not count in favour of the became the success of the day. It brought fifty htnpty lite literary aspirant. They are alike erratic in francs to its author, and a million to its pub. puo various ways. They are hedged about against lisher. The music of the splendid lyrical poem the innocent or inexperienced writer as Job in being written by M. Victorien Sardou (in his prosperity was hedged about against the collaboration with M. Gheusi) for the Antique intique machinations of the Evil One. The necessity for Theatre of Orange in 1901, has been intrusted to ced to considering and booming the authors of books considering M. Camille Saint-Saëns. published by their respective firms, while not The productions of M. Henry Kistemaeckers entirely paramount, has more influence than appear doomed to misfortune, his rehearsals might be supposed by those who do not know. having again been interrupted. The success of In practice it will surely be found that thoughts M. Janvier's new play “Francine, ou le respect de of literary aspirants seldom if ever flit with l'innocence" (Athénée theatre) - which has cordiality across the editorial sun disks of any of obtained the unanimous approval of the entire these mediums. French Press—is responsible for the mishap. The Metropolitan Magazine has a staff that is This time M. Kistemaeckers appears to have expected to provide the material it uses. Some accepted his fate with resignation. journals also doing business on this plan hesitate DARRACOTTE Scott. not to reject a contribution offered, and then to work up the idea derived therefrom, through their own staff, to the detriment of the aspirant. NOTES FROM THE “BULLETIN OF THE It is not easy for an unknown aspirant to enter the editorial department of Frank Leslie's SOCIETY OF AMERICAN AUTHORS." Popular Monthly. If the coming guest is not welcomed, the departing one is cordially speeded. THE MAGAZINES AND THE ASPIRANT. The Art Amateur has a frosty temperature for THE Home Journal does not welcome the those unknown to the editor. Disappointed ones literary aspirant, and if he calls, the air of may weep if they choose outside the office doors. the editor is distrait in interview, The Art Interchange is far more considerate, but The Broadway Magazine cheerfully admits the editor of the Interchange is an expert on to the visiting aspirant that it is not very serious, reading character and literary ability by means and will have none of the manuscripts of those of handwriting and of physiognomy, so that he who are. can tell by reading your letter, offering a contri. The Century, Scribner's, and Harper's all do bution, or by looking at you carelessly if you call, sometimes open their doors to literary aspirants. whether your stuff is likely to be available, with- ## p. 52 (#78) ############################################## 52 THE AUTHOR. out the trouble of reading the material. Con that the photograph was inartistic and not a tributors must call for payments, unless otherwise proper subject for copyright. The judge gave arranged. this question, as one of fact, to the jury to deter- The editorial management of Ev'ry Month is mine, and they found for the defendants. Zulker, new. The editor is pleasant, but he is very limited Sweet, and Loeb, manufacturers of a household in his appropriations for contributions. The preparation, were the defendants. Jacob Schloss agreed cheque is, however, promptly sent subse- the photographer, the plaintiff; the suit being quent to publication. brought by the counsel for the Copyright The management of Success is ordinarily not League. very considerate of literary aspirants. Their un. A QUESTION OF COPYRIGHT. solicited offerings of manuscripts are very nume. Two famous books figure in court just now, rous, and their examinations are at times some- and upon them depends a question of copyright what slow, which is often a serious item to the of great interest to publishers, as well as to writer who depends upon the sale of his manu. writers and the reading public. One of these is scripts for income. Oliver Wendell Holmes's “ The Professor at the The Home Magazine will fastidiously consider Breakfast Table," the other Mrs. Harriet Beecher anything offered, especially if accompanied with Stowe's “ The Minister's Wooing.” illustrations, but its compensation rates are low. A suit has been brought by Houghton, Mifflin Munsey's says “Yes,” and means “ No.” As and Co. to enjoin R. H. White and Co. from is the case with others, a beautifully printed form selling the first-named work, and another to is used to reject manuscripts, that upon receipt enjoin Houghton and Dutton from disposing of consoles those whose funds grow low and whose the latter. The publishers assert that the sale of hearts grow sick waiting and hoping for long. these books by the respondents is a violation of delayed cheques almost as much as if the cheque copyright. itself had come. Some authors collect these The works involving the present suits were forms as others do postage stamps. published serially in the Atlantic Monthly in The Churchman has not time for anyone. 1858, and the publishers were apparently neglect- except it be a specialist. No literary aspirants ful in securing copyright. It now appears that a need apply. valid copyright was secured on the last issue of The Gentlewoman gets many of its features the year, December, 1859, and “The Minister's from Europe. It is well for the would-be con- Wooing” was published in book form and pro- tributor to remember this fact in doing business perly entered for copyright before the publication with the magazine. The editor is seldom at the in the Atlantic Monthly of the last thirteen office, and the rush and crush is thereby avoided chapters. by her. The respondents demurred from the bill. The There are many magazines, like the Impres. demurrer is based on three contentions, viz.: That sionist, the (new) Criterion, the Ledger Monthly: “The Professor at the Breakfast Table” was a few of the trade papers and others, that pay a printed serially in the magazine under a title cent per word or thereabouts, which is a good totally different from the recorded title of the average rate. magazine number in question ; that no notice of the copyright of the Atlantic Monthly was given Two COPYRIGHT Decisions. on the published copies containing the instalments A curious copyright decision was rendered by of the story in question, and that the copyrights the Supreme Court in the case of Bolles v. of said magazine number, even if valid, expired in " Outing.” The judges decreed that the statutory 1897. damage could only be collected on copies infring- ing the copyright actually found in the possession of the defendant at the time the action was THE AUTHORS' CLUB. announced, nothing being collectable on copies previously distributed and sold; a decision that M HE last dinner of the Authors' Club for the would, in most cases of copyright infringement, present season was held on July 2. Mr. make the law inoperative, as publishers do not Frankfort Moore took the chair, and Mr. keep more publications in their possession than Walter Macfarren was the guest of the evening. are actually necessary. The speeches were excellent. The Lyric Glee Another copyright decision of interest to Singers gave the club a delightful entertainment, publishers is that in the case of a poster made by singing Mr. Walter Macfarren's four part songs. the defendants from a copyrighted photograph of As a finish to the season the evening was most a chorus girl. The defendants' counsel claimed successful. The directors of the Authors' Club, ## p. 53 (#79) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 53 and the Club, may congratulate themselves on the Monday night dinners during the past winter and spring, as they can reckon among the club guests some of the most distinguished people in England, among whom were the following: The Lord Chan- cellor, the Lord Mayor, the Commander-in-Chief, the Bishop of London, the French and American Ambassadors, the Swedish and Norwegian and Chinese Ministers, Sir George Trevelyan, Mr. Leslie Stephen, Mr. Bryce, General Sir Evelyn Wood, Sir Herbert Maxwell, Sir Walter Foster, Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace, Sir Alma Tadema, the President of the Royal Academy (Sir E. Poynter), Lord Strathcona, Sir Robert Ball, Mr. E. F. Knight, and Mr. Alfred Austin. CIVIL LIST PENSIONS. of Margaret of Navarre.” Mr. Muir and Mr. Leycester prosecuted, and Mr. Biron defended. Inspector Arrow ransacked the premises in question and removed two cab loads, but he was unable to find more than two books upon which to base a prosecution. As to one of these, “ His Excellency Eugene Rougon," the grand jury threw out the bill. Mr. Biron ridiculed the idea that “ The Heptameron" was an obscene work. It was a classic historical work, he said, and was to be found in every library of note. It was a perfectly lawful publication, illustrative of the literatare and manners of the Middle Ages. The defendant had carried on a most respectable business both in Booksellers’-row and near Temple Bar, where the seizure was made, and he submitted that the prosecution was a most vindictive one on the part of the police, and wholly unjustifiable. The Common Sergeant, in summing up the case to the jury, said the only question for them was whether the work was of a lewd and lascivious character, manifestly calculated to corrupt public morals. They did not require the Vigilance Association or the police, or even critics of literary style and antiquarian research, to decide that question. A great deal depended on the time, place, and circumstances of the publication. It was a matter of common knowledge that in the writings of many respectable people, ecclesiastics, students, and others of past ages, there were passages the wholesale publication of which would not now be tolerated, yet which no one would wish to destroy or mutilate, inasmuch as in their proper place and properly used they were of great value to the student and the historian. The sole question for the jury was whether the book in the form in which it was published and advertised was calculated to corrupt public morals, and the jury must judge of the case as men of the world without leaning to a prurient morality on the one hand, or a prurient laxity on the other. The jury, after some deliberation, acquitted accused, and she was discharged. In the case of Charley Haines, otherwise Reid, committed from Tottenham on a charge of selling “ The Heptameron," Mr. Muir, after the verdict in the previous case, offered no evidence, and a verdict of not guilcy was returned. Mr. Purcell appeared for the accused, who was discharged. Mr. Muir, in justification of the action of the police, said that earlier in the year a man was prosecuted for selling the same work, and pleading guilty was sentenced. Observe that the inspector ransacked the premises—he was probably acting on information and was within his rights. He carried off “ two cab loads ” of books. That is to say he deprived a bookseller for a certain time, pending the return of the books, of his means of livelihood. He found, among the two cab loads, two on which to base a prosecution. The first was “ His Excellency Eugene Rougon.” The grand jury threw out the bill as regards this book. Other- wise the grand jury would have been an ass indeed. There remained the “Heptameron of Margaret of Navarre.” If this book is to be made the subject of a prosecution, Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Butler's Hudibras, Burton's Anatomy, Dryden, Walt Whitman, the Cent Nouvelles Nou- velles, Boccaccio, and Heaven knows what besides, will have to vanish from the bookseller's shelves. The jury, happily, acquitted the accused. But what bookseller is safe? The next thing, perhaps, will be a raid upon the private library. NHE complete list of Pensions granted during the year ending June 20, 1900, and charged upon the Civil List, has been published. The whole amount at the disposal of the First Lord of the Treasury has been expended. The following is an analysis of the grants : Art (sculpture, painting, and singing) £300 Science (archæology, submarine tele- graphy, mathematics, hygiene, Antarctic exploration)........ Literature.................................... 550 Pensions which have nothing to do with either Literature, Science, or Art, and have no claims, therefore, upon this Fund ........................ 105 Cannot the Committee procure an amendment of the resolution so that it should include persons with claims depending on achievements in Litera- ture, Science, and Art only? This seems the only way of putting a definite stop either to the jobs which formerly disgraced the List or the little nibblings which are now allowed every year in favour of persons whose claims may be very strong, but are not literary, scientific, or artistic. 245 THE POLICE AS CENSORS. THE following case was published in the Newsagent and Booksellers' Review. PROSECUTION OR PERSECUTION ? Ridiculous Charges against Booksellers. At the Central Criminal Court, London, last week, Mabel Florence Thomson, manageress and secretary of a publishing company in Booksellers'.row, surrendered to her bail to answer an indictment charging ber with having pablished an alleged obscene libel, a book entitled “The Heptameron ## p. 54 (#80) ############################################## 54 THE AUTHOR. The mournful part of the business is that early in the present year a man was prosecuted at the instance of the police for selling the same book, and, pleading guilty, was fined. On the other hand, let us ask how it is that certain shops in some parts of the West End are allowed to flaunt in their windows every kind of picture and title which can possible invite prosecu- tion--and escape scot free, while these small dealers, who happen to have a classic in which are certain coarse passages, are harried and haled before magistrates, and have to look on while their stock-in-trade, proved to be perfectly innocent, is forcibly carried off in four-wheeled cabs. this city who is a living link between the events of the middle of this century and of its close this year. His experiences, therefore, must be of a particularly interesting kind, and those that he recounted before the Authors' Society, flavoured as they were with personal allusions, were well received. As Mr. Karkaria suggested at the gathering, these reminiscences of a very active and many-sided career would be not only pleasant but instructive and edifying reading if Mr. Kabraji were to put them on paper and publish them in a book. We wish the Authors' Society success, and hope it will fulfil its object of increasing friendship and intercourse among native writers.— Bombay Gazette, June 9. BOMBAY SOCIETY OF AUTHORS. CORRESPONDENCE. TT is an encouraging sign of the times that the Parsi authors and journalists of Bombay 1. — CONCERNING ENGLISH AUTHORS IN THE have formed a “ Society of Authors ” more UNITED STATES. or less on the model of the well-known association T HAVE long felt the helplessness of English established some years ago in London. That authors in the hands of American pub. society is the first of its kind in England, though lishers. How good soever our agreements in France “ La Société des Gens de Lettres ” has may be, we have no means of seeing them carried now existed for over sixty years, and has done out. The experience of others probably tallies much good to its members as well as the literary with my own, though I have seen no complaint profession in general. Our local society also bids in The Author or elsewhere. I would propose fair to be useful and successful as it is in that our society should have an agent or an enthusiastic and able hands. The veteran Parsi agency in New York, with full powers from author, Mr. K. R. Cama, who in the present year individual writers to examine—as far as existing finishes the Psalmist's limit of three score and laws permit - either the books of publishers ten, and who is as vigorous and enthusiastic in his or the price-lists, advertisements, and sales of literary schemes as ever, is the president, and each work, and forward half-yearly statements of Mr. K. N. Kabraji, the veteran Parsi journalist, the same to authors, who, of course, would be is the vice-president. The new society performed charged some fee. This is merely a rough and a very pleasing function the other day by sketchy idea that might be thought out in inviting a very select and cultured party of detail and improved and amplified by the authors and authoresses—for Parsi lady-writers collective mind of the Incorporated Authors, have also joined the society-and their friends to should they see the utility of such an agent or an afternoon party to meet their vice-president, agency Mr. Kabraji, before his departure for England It would be well, perhaps, to impart my to-day. The most interesting part of the pro- experience with regard to “ The Last Sentence," ceedings was the speech in which this veteran a novel published by Mr. Heinemann in 1893, journalist recounted his experiences of over forty after running in Great Thoughts. Accord- years in his profession. Mr. Kabraji commenced ing to my rule, I retained the copyright of this his connection with the native Press in the pre- novel, and empowered Messrs. Lovell and Co. to Mutiny days, and all the great landmarks of publish it in the United States for me on con. recent Indian history have passed under his eyes. dition of paying me a stipulated royalty. The He witnessed the Mutiny, heard the Queen's Pro novel sold well on both sides, and I received sub- clamation proclaimed with due pomp and cere- stantial cheques from America as well as England. mony in Nov. 1858, saw the preparations in But Messrs. Lovell and Co. became bankrupt, Bombay for the Abyssinian and Afgban Wars, and, without consulting me-as I believe, illegally was present at the Grand Durbar where the -transferred this rigbt or sub-let this right of Queen was proclaimed Empress of India, took publishing to firm after firm, all of which, as far part in the festivities of the Jubilee of the Queen, as I can ascertain, became bankrupt, but con- He is the only journalist, native or European, in tinued to publish my novel and to send me from ## p. 55 (#81) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 55 time to time varying sums as royalty. But I exceptional, in which case it may serve as a warn- could not obtain regular statements of sales, and ing to others. MAXWELL GRAY. seldom knew in whose hands the book was. It2, Mount Ararat-road, Richmond, was pirated, I believe, by one firm, but I really do Surrey. July 12, 1900. not quite know what happened to this book, except that it was always selling, a fact I ascer- tained sometimes by indirect means. At last I II.—“ PRINTERS' ERRORS." received an intimation from the “ American It is distinctly amusing to find anyone com- Publishers' Corporation” to the effect that they plaining of the printer as a tyrant. With most had the book, and furnishing a sort of genealogy authors he is a scapegoat. Whenever some of the firms through which it had descended to unusually palpable blunder appears in type it is them from Messrs. Lovell and Co. (or Proteus invariably spoken of as a "printer's error.” In a and Co.). I think this was in 1897, when, I see. recent number of Truth, for instance, it was the £6 was received from them, presumably for 1896. demoniacal printer who compelled the editor to Then comes an entry in the autumn of 1898 of call Mr. Robert Lowe Lord Sherborne instead of 159. This was accompanied by an intimation Lord Sherbrooke. Perhaps, Sir, you will allow that the sale was so feeble they proposed printing me to say a word or two upon this harrowing no more copies. One would suppose this to be subject. the end of the history. Not at all. In May, In the first place, the printer has, and can 1900, I received a letter from the manager of the have, nothing whatever to do with it. The Publishers' Plate Renting Company, stating that man who prints, i.e., the pressman, never, as far “ between the receivership of the American Pub. as my experience goes, sets up type. I suppose, lishers' Corporation and the foreclosure sale of its therefore, that when Mr. Corbett says printer plates ... some publishing was done, and (see April number of The Author, p. 250) he any royalties earned were deposited in a trust means compositor ; that it is the compositor who company in this city. There are now on deposit presumes to alter his undeniably accurate spelling, royalties from the sale of your book amounting to and whose fault it is when a blunder defaces a about £60.” page. But I submit that this is putting the That is all I know (except that I claimed and saddle on the wrong horse. In any published received my cheque). It appears to me a singular matter, be it book or newspaper, a printer's error circumstance that whereas such sum as £6 for one (to use the expression in vogue) does not exist. year and 158. for another are all I appear to have It is an impossibility. The error is not that of received while the company was solvent, over £60 the compositor, but of the proof-reader. The result from the sales between Sept. 1898, and only place in which a printer's error can occur is in May, 1900, when the company was insolvent. I the first proof pulled; and if such error is over- am not informed of the sales or the percentage by looked, and appears in the published form, it is which my royalty came. It may be rightly the proof-reader, and not the compositor, who is calculated, or the trust company may be ignorant to blame. of my stipulated percentage. I do not impugn But who is to blame when blunders that exist the honesty or accuracy of the various firms which in the manuscript are perpetuated in the public have sold my book. I merely observe that the cation ? Here the question lies between the jump from 158. to £61 78. (the exact cheque) on publisher's reader and the author. Very often a book seven years old is remarkable. There was the reader is incompetent, and, failing to under- also a sudden decline from a cheque in three stand the author's meaning, ventures to correct figures to £2 on an earlier firm becoming solvent, his copy. A case once occurred in my own which is less remarkable. It is true that in 1898 experience. Being absent from Europe, I sent my novel, “ The House of Hidden Treasure," had home my copy in type, and of course could not a large sale in England and the United States, correct the proofs. In a certain passage I had and that may have sent up the American sale of used the expression “reification of a concept." “ The Last Sentence," though it had not that The reader had never heard of the word reifica- effect in England. But the point is that I, and I tion, and you may imagine my dismay when, on suppose all authors, except a few ubiquitous the publication of my book, I found that he had people, are helpless as a child in the matter; altered it to “ deification." Here he was wrong; and that an agent, who must be neither pub- and yet there certainly are cases in which a reader lisher nor author, to watch books in the might save the author from some of the gram- United States would be a great boon to English matica) atrocities that bring amateur authorship authors. into disrepute. A novelist or essayist who writes On the other hand, my experience may be "like he does,” “different to,” or “neither of ## p. 56 (#82) ############################################## 56 THE AUTHOR. them were,” splits his infinitives, and begins two far cry, and my publishers took what money was consecutive separate sentences with the word made by the sale of the book for themselves, then “but," is lucky if he finds a publisher ; but he (although the whole edition was entirely my pro- would be luckier still (and so would the public) perty) they disposed of the unsold copies to if the publisher's reader were benevolent enough another firm without informing me; and, on the to correct his English. F. H. B. Authors' Society interfering, it was found that the firm was bankrupt and had vanished without assets. III.-LONG RETENTION OF MSS. I had written two more books by this time; Perhaps one of the greatest grievances and one a work of 58opp. 4to. on some little-known discouragements the literary aspirant has to languages, and the other a history in two volumes, suffer from is the unreasonably long detention of 875pp. 4to. A highly-placed official of the his MSS. by publishers or editors. In fact, the Government of India saw the MS. of the first preliminary step to failure or renown resembles book and said, “ You will let us have this”; of the launching of Moses among the bulrushes, or course, publication by the Government of India the venturesome vulgar boys of Margate sands is a cachet for a work, so I agreed. The second who went to sea in a sieve. book was written at the request of the Govern- A play of mine was retained by a stage manager ment in my leisure time, but not in any way “by for over a year, and then he pretended he had lost order.” it. At length I bearded the lion in his den, I agreed because my experiences with private and simply seized it on the rack of his desk, and firms of publishers had not been pleasant or walked off triumphant. Recently an elaborate profitable, and if the Government of India tells work of 500 pages went the round of four pub- one of its servants that it wishes to publish his lishers in the short twinkling of fifteen months! books, he knows a great deal better than to The fifth grand lama delightedly appropriated it refuse. by return of post, politely offering me £50 in Both books were published by the Government return for five years' exile and hard labour. of India, and I received 30 copies of the first and Being but a Grub-street vagabond, I accepted; 42 copies of the second. I have not received any and then had the pleasure of correcting the proofs payment or other acknowledgment, and the of the mutilated and largely abridged “copy," Government have all the rights and the owner- which, although written in the same legible hand ship of the books. as enclosure, largely abounded in distinctly Now, have I been well treated or not, and how “ printer's errors.” My magnum opus having do the Government compare, as publishers, with honourably run the gauntlet of the critics, I hope some of those firms our Society has been so busy fully inquired about the sales by way of curiosity, safeguarding its members against ? TALAI. but received no answer. I have lost nearly half of my contributions to magazines, and enclosure represents the sting of a V.—THE HARDSHIPS OF THE TYPIST. recent experience. Your correspondent's remarks on the hardships- J. S. LAURIE. of the typist are just. Ninepence a thousand words is cruel pay, in face of the fact ihat the work is IV.—THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT AS PUBLISHERS. very uncertain. I give my experiences with publishers in the The lady who has typed my later novels (Miss hope of obtaining some expression of opinion E. Longworth, 310, Strand) assures me that some- regarding the position adopted by the Indian times for weeks at a stretch she has scarcely any. Government towards those of its unfortunate thing to do, and then is wearied by a sudden rush servants who happen to be authors. of work, much of which she has to put out and In 1887 I wrote, at the request of the head of pay for, as she cannot do it in the time given her. the local government under which I was then And authors are always in a hurry! serving, a small work containing special informil- She charges me is. a thousand words, and gives. tion which I alone possessed, and brought the a carbon copy in, which is, I think, as fair as MS. to England. The Secretary of State for anyone can desire. One cannot expect typewriting India gave me £100 and told me to bave the book to be done well for less, and any typist who makes published at my own expense ; both he and the a lower charge shows herself an enemy to the other Government of India promised to take a certain members of her profession. number of copies. One thing should be remembered—that the This was very satisfactory, and I hoped for a working of a typewriter is exhausting to most reasonable profit. I had returned to the East, a women. It causes a fearful backache in many ## p. 57 (#83) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 57 cases, and, if persisted in too long every day, is Mr. Beckles Willson, whose history of the very injurious to health. Considering all this, I Hudson's Bay Company was published a few should be ashamed to pay another woman less months ago, is now writing a somewhat similar than I should care to work for myself. Is it not work on the East India Company. time that typists combined to protect themselves ? Mr. Anstey's new story, to be published in Ninepence a thousand words will soon sink to October by Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co., is sixpence—and then ? Mary L. PENDERED. called “ The Brass Bottle.” be Mr. Ashton Ellis's life of Wagner will be in four volumes, the first of which Messrs. Kegan BOOK AND PLAY TALK. Paul hope to publish in the autumn. Mr. C. T. Hagberg Wright, the librarian of the MOLONEL SPENCER CHILDERS, of the London Library, is engaged upon a biography of Royal Engineers, has prepared the “Life Count Tolstoy. and Correspondence of Mr. Childers," Mr. Ferrar Fenton has in the press a sixth which will be published in one volume by Mr. edition of his “ St. Paul's Epistles in Modern Murray. Mr. Childers's political career lasted English,” with an “Introduction estimating that from 1860 to 1892, during which time he occupied Apostle's influence upon the Progress of Man. five Ministerial posts--First Lord, Chancellor of kind." The publishers are Messrs. Horace Mar. the Duchy, Secretary for War, Chancellor of the shall and Son. Exchequer, and Home Secretary. Mr. Aylmer Gowing's new novel, “A Spider's Lord Rosslyn is publishing through Messrs. Web,” will be the next work produced in Mr. Blackwood an account of his adventures during Burleigh's half-crown series. The plot is evolved the war in South Africa. The book will be called through the arts of a fair Russian Arachne, who “ Twice Captured.” spins her web about a young English attaché. A Mr. W. Basil Worsfold is writing “ The Story contrast to the dark shadow of deceit and crime of Egypt” for Messrs. Horace Marshall and Son's is found in an idyllic love story in England. little Story of the Empire Series. “The Story of A third edition of Mr. de V. Payen-Payne's Uganda," which also will appear this autumn, is by 1, is by “French Idioms and Proverbs " is shortly to be Brigadier-General Lugard, C.B., D.S.O. published by Mr. David Nutt. The first edition A new history of “The Venetian Republic” has of this work appeared in 1893, and the second in been written by Mr. W. Carew Hazlitt, and will 1897, and it is now accepted in all colleges and be published shortly. schools where French is seriously studied as a The Publishers' Circular makes the following competent guide to a very difficult subject. For statement (July 21):- those preparing for examinations, such as those As an indication of the success of the net system, the of the London, Victoria, or Welsh Universities, Booksellers' Association has sent a letter to the Publishers' the Society of Arts, the Oxford and Cambridge Association expressing the hope that the number of net locals, or the Civil Service Commissioners, this books may be increased. The publishers are now giving book is valuable. the matter their serious attention. A story of Afghan life by Miss Lillias Hamilton, The War Fund book, “For Britain's Soldiers," who was the Ameer's medical adviser, will be wi or will be which Mr. Cutcliffe Hyne has got together and published by Mr. Murray, under the title “A Messrs. Methuen are publishing gratuitously, will Vizier's Daughter : an Autobiography.” This be on sale for three months only, so as to induce publisher has also on his autumn list a novel by the charitable to buy copies in the pious hope that Lady Hely Hutchinson, entitled “Monica Grey," they may go to a premium afterwards. The con- and one by the Hon. Mrs. Walter Forbes, “A tributors are Messrs. Alden, Besan, Crockett, Gentleman.” Hornung, Hyne, Kipling, Mason, Moore, Pem- berton, Roberts, Ridge, Wells, White, Wood, and “ Footsteps of a Throne" is the title of Mr. Mrs. Croker. Max Pemberton's new book, which Messrs. Methuen will publish in this country. An early new comedy at Wyndham's Theatre will be “My Lady Dainty,” by the lady who A posthumous story by the late Mrs. Lynn wrote “ Young Mr. Jedburg” and “ An American Linton, entitled “ The Second Life of Theodora Citizen.” The new piece was produced success- Desanges,” will appear shortly. fully at Brighton a month ago. The scene is Mr. Egerton Castle's new novel for the autumn laid partly in Devonshire and partly in New is to be called “ The Sacred Orchard." York. ## p. 58 (#84) ############################################## 58 THE AUTHOR. At the Duke of York's a new comedy by Mr. Exhibition, and the other (which should be con- Henry Arthur Jones will be produced by Mr. sulted by all interested in the China crisis) with Charles Frohman in September. the most important recent English and French In view of the success which the German plays works on China ; it appeared in Literature of have met with in London this year, a syndicate ndirate July 21. July 21. (with Mr. Henry Oppenheim and the Earl of Mr. Cosmo Hamilton's new book is called Dysart among the guarantors) has been formed “Impudent Dialogues," and will be published by for the production of German pieces at the Mr. Arrowsmith next spring. The romantic play Comedy Theatre from the middle of October to in four acts founded on “ The Countess Tekla," the middle of April next. by Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Robert Barr, is to be The object of the National Drama Company, produced in London next Easter. Mr. Hamilton which has just been formed, is “to provide an is at present engaged on a society extravaganza organisation by which our great plays may be to be called “The Danger of Innocence,” which produced in frequent succession; and it has been will form the Christmas number of the World. thought advisable,” says the prospectus,“ to The editor of the Century Magazine has taken make Mr. F. R. Benson's Shakespearean and Old up the charge against the American stage, and Comedy company-which has long been engaged goes the length of saying that American drama- in this work as a private undertaking, and has a tists are not only incapable of appreciating what repertory of no less than twenty-three of Shake is intellectual, instructive, wholesome, or inspiring, speare's plays—the basis of the new organisa but addicted naturally to what is morbid, auda- tion.” The capital is £27,000 in ordinary and cious, or unclean. On this subject, and in view preference shares, and the board of directors of the recent discussion in Parliament of the includes Sir H. W. Lawrence, Sir John Scott, Mr. English stage, it is instructive to observe the Joseph Walton, Q.C., and Mr. Benson. point of view of another American, Judge Mr. Stephen Phillips has written for Mr. Beer- Fursman, as expressed in his summing-up in the bohm Tree a new play on the subject of Herod prosecution against the performance of “ Sapho" the Great. It will be called “The King of the in New York-a case which ended, as will be Jews," and will be presented at Her Majesty's remembered, in the acquittal of Miss Olga during the coming season. Mr. Tree intends also Nethersole and her colleagues. Addressing the to produce two Shakespearean plays—“ Julius jury on their duties, the judge said: Cæsar” and “ Othello." For the former he has Consider as to them only the fair arguments that in the secured Mr. Murray Carson for the part of Julius cold deliberation of honest minds ought to prevail. Where Cæsar, Mr. Beveridge as Casca, and Mr. Robert you sit there is no room for imagination. Where you sit there is no room for sympathy, for prejudice, or for Taber for the role of Cassius. vengeance. You are not here in the interests of any public Mr. Martin Harvey has taken the Lyceum newspaper. You are not here in the interests of the public Theatre for the autumn, and his programme will prosecution. You are not here in the interests of the defendants. You are here as sworn officers of the law to probably include, first, “ Romeo and Juliet," and determine what the truth is—what justice requires, what afterwards an adaptation by Mr. Charles Hannan fairness demands, under the evidence and the law in this of Mr. Marion Crawford's story, “A Cigarette case. The law requires you to presume that these defen. Maker's Romance." dants are innocent. Innocence is the garb with which the law clothes every accused person, and the prosecution is The familiar type of melodrama at the Adelphi required in law to overcome this presumption by evidence is at last to suffer an eclipse, Mr. George that leaves no reasonable doubt in a man's mind. ... Edwardes having secured the house as a home The statute does not make it an offence that the tenor, for the production of musical plays. the product, the outcome of a book or a play is not moral. The statute makes it an offence when it offends public On August 30 Miss Julia Neilson will re-open decency so as to become a public nuisance. Mere sag- the Haymarket Theatre with the new play by Mr. gestiveness—and I think it must be said in all fairness Paul Kester entitled "Sweet N L of 'Durga that there are things in this play, and it cannot be denied and has not been denied, that are to a certain extent sag. -otherwise Nell Gwyn. The play is in four gestive—but mere suggestiveness is not sufficient. It is acts, and besides Miss Neilson the cast includes not enough, in order to make a crime under this statute, Mr. Fred Terry, Mr. W. Mollison, Mr. Sydney that it may offend the modesty of young girls. This statute Brough, and Miss Constance Collier. means, when it declares a play to be an offence against public decency, that it shall be of such a character as to Two bibliographical articles of considerable offend in that manner the great mass of the people of all interest at the present juncture appeared in characters, of all estates, of all faiths, of all denominations, the course of July in Literature from the of all positions in society. pen of E. A. Reynolds-Ball. One (July 7) The only book ever done by President Lincoln dealt with the recent literature of the Paris is about to be published in America by Messrs. ## p. 59 (#85) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 59 BOOKS AND REVIEWS. (In these columns notes on books are given from reviews which carry weight, and are not, so far as can be learned, logrollers.) McClure, Phillips, and Co., and will be a repro. duction in exact facsimile of a small scrap- hook compiled by Lincoln for use in the political campaign of 1858. This book was presented by the owner to his strongest supporter, Captain James N. Brown, who carried it with him in 1860 and in subsequent campaigns for use as a book of reference whenever Lincoln's opinions were called in question. Captain Brown died in 1868, and the book passed to his sons, by whose desire it is now being published. The clippings give. in Lincoln's own words, “the substance of all I have ever said about negro equality," and the book also contains notes in Lincoln's handwriting prefaced to the extracts from his speeches. It will be called “Abraham Lincoln : His Book.” Mr. Norman Hapgood is following his recent biography of Lincoln with a life of Washington. The source of the title, “Red Pottage," has been engaging the curiosity of American readers and reviewers. Some attributed the passage quoted by the author—" After the red pottage comes the exceeding bitter cry”—to the Bible, others thought it came from Omar Khayyam. At length, Messrs. Harper and Brothers, the American publishers of the book, sought to place the matter beyond doubt by asking Miss Chol. mondeley. Her reply was as follows:- Miss Cholmondeley, in answer to Messrs. Harpers' inquiry of May 23, regrets to say she does not know where the motto comes from—“After the red pottage,” &c. She remembers jotting it down in her note-book years ago, but when she turned to it she found to her surprise she had not added the author's name, which in nearly every other case she had been careful to do. She thinks it may be found in the sermons of the Rev. John Hamilton Thom. The curiosity of the American reading public in regard to another lady novelist, Miss Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler, has been answered in a singular fashion. Messrs. D. Appleton and Co. have issued a new edition of “ Concerning Isabel Carnaby," which presents a portrait and an elaborate biographical and critical study of the author. The late Mr. Harold Frederic's work, “The Damnation of Theron Ware,” which is known in England as “ Illumination,” is being dramatised in the United States. Mr. Walter H. Page, formerly editor of the Atlantic Monthly, is named as editor of a new illustrated magazine which Messrs. Doubleday, Page, and Co. hope to bring out in the autumn. It will be called “The World's Work," and will attempt to cover a field of its own. THE “OVERLAND" TO CHINA, by Archibald R. Colqu. houn (Harper, 168.), “ covers a vast area, for its backbone, so to speak, is a journey of 7000 miles to and through the Far East." Much of it is immediately concerned with the vital issue and localities of the present crisis, and the Daily Chronicle trusts it " will be very widely read. It is full of exact information set forth in most readable fashion, and it appears at a moment sensationally opportune." "The account of diplomatic life in Peking as it used to be is the best extant." CHINA, THE LONG-LIVED EMPIRE, by Eliza R. Scada- more (Macmillan, 8s. 6d. net), is “to be recommended,” says the Daily News, "as a lively and vivid account of Chinese life and character. With its sketches of scenes and persons where with the entire world is now concerned, it appears at an opportune moment. It contains a large namber of good illustrations." THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSPIRACY; or, The Aims of Afrikanderdom, by Fred W. Bell (Heinemann, 58. net), deals with “a matter of great importance," says the Times, and "serves a useful purpose in bringing the known facts and the argument to be deduced from them within the reach of all who seek to be informed.” My DIOCESE DURING THE WAR, Extracts from the Diary of the Right Rev. Arthur Hamilton Baynes, D.D., Bishop of Natal (Bell, 68.), is described by the Daily Chronicle as “in large measure a chronicle of small things, of personal detail and hearsay in the rear of the fighting line, of hamanitarian and yet sensible views of the war and its consequences.” The author was at the front, says the Spectator, “and saw many things from a point of view somewhat different from that either of the soldier or of the war correspondent, and what he writes is in the best taste, simple, anaffected, and graphic, withont the least attempt at fine writing.” A HISTORY OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY, by Harald Höffding (Macmillan, 308.), is a translation from the German of a work wbich, says the Guardian, “undoubtedly stands in the front rank of histories of philosophy, not only on account of the eminence and learning of its author, bat even more from the lucidity of its plan and the consistency with which it is adhered to throughout. A history of philosophy should, the author tells us, throw light on what philosophy really is ; and the present book not only does this by distin. guishing the chief problems of the philosopher and tracing their rise and development, but also by making clear every- where the intimate relation of philosophy to political and social conditions and to scientific progress. Parts of the work are, indeed, almost as much a history of calture as of philosophy.” The Guardian adds, however, that the trans- lation needs a “very thorough revision.” Professor Höffding's work, says the Daily Chronicle, “is charac- terised by singular clearness, discrimination, and detach. ment of mind.” ROBERT BROWNING, by A. Waagh (Kegan Paul, 28. 6d. net), is a volume of the “ Westminster Biographies," " and is in every way an excellent piece of work,” says the Spectator. “The two personalities of Robert Browning and his wife are sympatbetically treated, and there is some admirable criticism of their literary work.” “It is," says the Daily Telegraph “at once a biography, concise, but omitting nothing material, and a scholarly critical apprecia- tion.” “Mr. Waugh's criticism,” says the Daily Chronicle, “ is justly appreciative, not fanatically eulogistic." ## p. 60 (#86) ############################################## 60 THE AUTHOR. NATURE IN DOWNLAND, by W. H. Hudson (Longmans, 108. 6d. net), is, among other things, full, says the Daily Chronicle, “ of amusing evidences of the rural intelligence as found in the county of Sussex.” “It is long since Mr. Hudson gave as a book. It is longer still since he gave us Bo good a book as this one, in which there are more than a few passages that recall the Naturalist in La Plata 'at his happiest.” The “Downland,” says the Daily News, is Spectator, the promise is redeemed “ with a measure of success rare in sequels. Though less prodigal of incident and description, the present volume is far superior to its predecessor in concentration and intensity. . . . At the close of “The School for Saints' it may be remembered that Robert Orange, the brilliant and many-sided idealist, had become engaged to the beautiful Mrs. Partieto. . . . The volume before as unfolds the tragic consequences of Sussex Downs. “Mr. Hudson shows us every detail of the landscape,” the features of the treeless downs, the abundant flowers, bird and beast, reptile and insect, “even the seldom-noticed snail, apon whose sculptured covering nature has indeed bestowed some of her very daintiest handi. work." BURMA, by Max and Bertha Ferrara (Low, 308.), describes “the modern Burmese as he lives and has his being from the cradle to the grave, with," says the Daily Telegraph, “ a painstaking elaborateness and exactitude.” The Daily Chronicle says the book contains "genuine masses of infor. mation," and a “beautiful and varied collection of photo graphs.” “Everyone,” says Literature, “who is so fortu. nate as to have read Mr. Fieiding's book, 'The Soul of a People,' should get ‘Burma. Although, from its size, weight, and price, it comes into the category of 'gift-books,' books which serve to decorate a table and never get read, * Burma' should prove the exception to this rule. Our authors' detailed account of the outward life of the Burmese -an account which rounds off and completes Mr. Fielding's story of their life-is well worth reading." A SON OF THE STATE, by W. Pett Ridge (Methaen, 38. 60.), " is vivid as well as engrossing,” says the Daily News, "and its robust manliness— quality that asserts itself on every page—is not certainly its least merit. And, apart from all other considerations, we can only advise those who are discontented with existing State institutions to read Mr. Pett Ridge's book and benefit by his cheerful optimiam.” He depicts for us, says the Daily Chronicle," the blatant, garish, open-air life of the City-road.” “All the early part of Mr. Bobbie's vagrant career is exceedingly gay, lively, and well told,” and “the book may be recommended to everyone as a pleasant summer drink.” LITTLE ANNA MARK, by S. R. Crockett (Smith, Elder and Co., 68.), is " a rattling rousing story of adventure and misadventure," says the Daily Telegraph, "related in the first person by a somewhat dull-witted Scottish youth.” The Daily News describes the hero of the book as “a picturesque villain whose crimes are of the medieval and semi-Satanic kind,” while" the good angel of the work is a big Englishman with the euphonious name of Umpbray Spurway.” The scene is laid partly in Scotland, partly on a pirate ship, and partly in mysterious tropical islands. The Chronicle confesses that “Little Anna Mark ” is “very much to our liking.” “Mr. Crockett carries us along from exciting incident to thrilling episode, and gives as scarce time to breathe." THE LADYSMITH TREASURY, edited by J. Eveleigh Nash (Sands, 68.), “has nothing to do with Ladysmith or the war,” remarks the Spectator, “ except that the profits of the book are to go to the relief of distress in the town. It con- tuids sixteen short stories and ketebes. Among the authors we see the names of Ian Maclaren, W. E. Norris, Morley Roberts, and F. Frankfort Moore. We recommend the book to ou readers, and can do so without scruple, not only because the object is patriotic, but because there is good literary work in it.” ROBERT ORANGE, by John Oliver Hobbes (Unwin, 68.), which the Daily Telegraph describes as a containing work “uniformly sober, restrained, literary," is the promised con- tinuation of “The School for Saints," and, says the adds: “It is rare in these democratic days to encounter & book in which the existence of the masses is barely hinted at; it is not unwelcome, after the tyranny of slum realism, to be for once in a way completely relieved from the con. templation of squalid emotions and underbred unhappiness.” AFRICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS, by A. J. Dawson (Heinemann, 68.), contains a dozen studies of Morocco which the Spectator says are “ very picturesque.” “The • West Coast' stories in the book are also striking," " and Mr. Dawson has seized the essential difference between Morocco and what we may call the East' with acute appreciation.” Mr. Dawson's book, says the Daily Chronicle, “does not hold a dull page, and the unmistakable earnest- ness aboat certain of the more dramatic stories robs them of any offence.” THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A CHARWOMAN, as chronicled by Annie Wakeman (Macqueen, 6s.), “ if it really gives a trne account of its heroine's adventures," “ may be taken," says the Spectator, " as a striking example of the fact that happi- ness does not lie in outward circumstances.” “Through the various vicissitudes of her career Betty shows no sort of feeling of her life being intolerable, but bears her troubles as she does her babies, with a fine sense of the uselessness of a struggle against the inevitable. The cheerful patience of the poor is cleverly indicated, and readers who like this stamp of story will enjoy Miss Annie Wakeman's book." Miss Wakeman's charwoman, says the Daily Chronicle, " is magnificently real and altogether admirable.” STUDIES IN LOVE, by Maud Egerton King (Dent, 43. 60. net), consists of four stories, which in the opinion of the Daily News are " very charming,” After saying that the book is “very pretty reading,” the Spectator adds that it is “ one which irresistibly suggests a hammock and a hot mid. summer afternoon as the proper place and time for its perasal.” A MILLIONAIRE OF YESTERDAY, by E. Phillips Oppen. heim (Ward, Lock and Co., 68.) is said by the Daily News to be quite up to his usual level." "The story is romantic, and the African scenes are very vivid and picturesque.” Mr. Oppenheim takes for the theme of his novel the always engrossing topic of the quest and attain- ment of boundless wealth. Scarlett Trent, the hero, is an ex-Board-school boy who bas drifted to West Africa, and in partnership with a broken down and bibulous aristo- crat secured a valuable mining concession on the Congo. AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORICAL HANDBOOK TO THE PARISH OF CHELSEA, by Reginald Blunt (Lawley, 28. 6d. net.), is described by the Spectator as “an attractive hand- book," and by the Daily News as “an admirable little volume.” MEMORIES OF SOME OXFORD Pets, collected by Mrs. Wallace (B. H. Blackwell, Oxford, 38.), “is a delightful book," says the Spectator, “fittingly commended to tbe reader by Mr. Warde Fowler's admirable preface. Dogs, of course, occupy, so to speak, the front benches. It needs no Lex Roscia to secure that for them. Then come three cats, a brown owl, a chameleon, a jerboa, a mouse, a hen, and the rat-a Japanese rat, it must be understood. These creatures, some of whose histories are written for them and some written by themselves, furnish us with a feast of good things." : - ## p. 60 (#87) ############################################## ADVERTISEMENTS. T Y P E W RI TING (Authors' MSS.) Undertaken by highly educated women of Literary experience (Classical Tripos ; Higher Cambridge Local; thorough acquaintance with modern languages). Authors' References. Terms, 1s. 8d. per 1000 words; over 5000 words, 1s. S. R., 1, LINGARDS ROAD, LEWISHAM, S.E. TYPEWRITING COMPANY, DARLINGTON'S HANDBOOKS AUTHOR'S HAIR AUTHORS TYPEWRITING. THE VICTORIA 18, BOROUGH HIGH STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, S.E., Have adopted a NEW STYLE, very effective, and attracting attention. Authors' MSS. copied from 10d. to 18. 3d. per 1000 words. Kindly send for specimen. CAREFUL AND ACCURATE WORK GUARANTEED. 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Second Edition. Orown 4to., cloth, price 38. 6d.; by post, 38. 9d. Crown 8vo., with illustrations, price 68., to be had of all booksellers. TAIRY TALES. By BASIL FIELD. Beautifully FOR HIS COUNTRY'S SAKE; or, Esca, a British Illustrated by C. E. Fripp. 1 Prince at the Court of Trajan. By L. M. P. BLACK. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C. I HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C. Printed and Published by HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 03 (August 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 03 (August 1900) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1900-08-01-The-Author-11-3 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/334/1900-09-01-The-Author-11-4.pdf 517ea137377c3085ab727cce85e4e695 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1900-09-01 Volume 11 Issue 4 Pages Page range in volume 61–80 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19000901 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 4.] SEPTEMBER 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. - CONTENTS. PAGE 61 : : ... 62 ... 64 Memoranda ... Literary Property- 1. On Titles 2. Copyright in Speeches 3. Merivale v. Harvey ... Paris Letter. By Darracotte Scott American Letter. By John Russell Davidson Notes and News. By the Editor... PAGE Another Benefactor .. 72 The Ideal Editor . American Publishers' Association ... Reflections ... Correspondance --1. Good and Bad English. 2. Walter » Lene. 3. English Authors in the United States ... Book and Play Talk... Books and Reviews ... ... ... 79 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. The Annual Report. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices : Vol. I., 108. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., III., and IV., 88. 6d. each (Bound); Vols. V. to VIII. (Unbound), 6s. 6d. 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. MORRIS COLLES, Barrister-at-Law. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 35. 4. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE, late Secretary to the Society. IS. 6. The Cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 28, 6d. (Out of print at present.) 6. The Various Methods of Publication. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. Eyre and Spottis- woode. 1s. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By Walter BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888–1892). 15. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst LUNGE, J.U.D. 28. 6d. 10. The Addenda to the "Methods of Publishing." By G. HERBERT THring. Being additional facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “Methods." With comments and advice. 28. 11. Forms of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Association ; with Comments. By G. HERBERT THRING, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. 1S. The Empire Translation Bureau, 25, PRINCE'S STREET, HANOVER SQUARE, W. All kinds of LITERARY WORK undertaken by Gentlemen of the highest University education. AUTHORS' MSS. TYPEWRITTEN (Williams Machine). Rates vary according to the intrinsic difficulties of the MSS. submitted. Write for prospectus. ## p. 60 (#90) ############################################## ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Authors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT. GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL. SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. AUSTIN Dobson. SIR LEWIS MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. Miss E. A. ORMEROD. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIELD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BEBANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD PIR- AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, M.P. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE RIGHT Hon. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH. JEROME K. JEROME. E. ROSE. CLERE. J. Scott KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONES. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. SHAW. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMs. P. W. CLAYDEN. THE RIGHT HON. W. E. H. LECKY S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. THE HON. JOHN COLLIER. THE REV. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM Moy THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. Sir A. C. MACKENZIE, Mas.Doc. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGB. THE Right Hon. THE LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel - E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A, HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. A BECKETT. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. GILBERT PARKER. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E. ROSE. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN. FRANCIS STORR. D. W. FRESHFIELD. 'SUB-COMMITTEES. ART. Hon. JOHN COLLIER (Chairman). I SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A. W. À BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLES. GILBERT PARKER. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). F. C. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. : SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD ROSE. Solicitors, FIELD, Roscoe, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. C G. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. GA. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. THE ART of CHESS. By JAMES MASON. Price 58. net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Broam's-buildings, E.C. | ## p. 61 (#91) ############################################## The El u tbor. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. XI.-No. 4.] SEPTEMBER 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. M HE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all 1 remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the “ Cost of Production." IV. A COMMISSION AGREEMENT. The main points are :- (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production. (2.) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. GENERAL All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. Never sign any agreement without competent advice from the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The main points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are :- (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jocts whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. TERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property :- I. THAT OF SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of agreement). In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro- duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise. ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. VOL. XI. 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 3. There are three forms of dramatic contract for PLAYS IN THREE OR MORE ACTS :- (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING RIGHT. This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters into such a contract should stipulate in the con- tract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills. I 2 ## p. 62 (#92) ############################################## 62 THE AUTHOR. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES or old, for inspection and note. The information thus on gross receipts. Percentages vary between obtained may prove invaluable. 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain a 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- porcentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts posed document to the Society for examination. in preference to the American system. Shoald 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed are fighting the battlos of other writers, even if you are date on or before which the play should be reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing performed. the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE dence of the writer. TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of fixed nightly fees). This method should be members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof always avoided except in cases where the fees safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who other safeguards set out ander heading (b.) apply will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) also in this case. To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely due according to agreements. important that the amateur rights of one act plays should be reserved 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and THE READING BRANCH. time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but M EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction isM branch of their work by informing young writers of of great importance. its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a as a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, print the book of the words. technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully NOTICES. drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative : that he runs a very great risk of M HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. I Society that, although the paper is sent to them free He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very the beginning. heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object 68. 6d. subscription for the year. is to obtain adequate publication. Communications for The Author should be addressed to As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn account of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con. Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the tracts, those authors desirous of further information are 21st of each month. referred to the Secretary of the Society. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work whicb it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. T VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the LITERARY PROPERTY. advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici. tor, the member has & right to an opinion from the 1.-ON TITLES. Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him WING to the fact that during the past two Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. or three months certain cases have been 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright placed before the Secretary of the Society and publisher's agreoments do not generally fall within the of Authors touching the infringement of property experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple in titles of hooice it he in titles of books, it has been thought well to to use the Society 2. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past repeat in substance, with certain additions, an accounts with the loan of the books represented. The article that appeared in The Author in 1898. ## p. 63 (#93) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 63 • The first statement it is necessary to make is of the plaintiffs, which product was a well-known that, speaking generally, there is no copyright in marketable commodity. titles. This statement, however, cannot be taken In order to obtain this property, one or two as absolutely true, as in the case of “ Dick v. points therefore are clear : Yates," which went to the Court of Appeal, where (1) That the product must be actually selling the title“ Splendid Misery ” was under discussion, on the market and must bave established a posi. the Master of the Rolls made the following state. tion on the market by continuous sale. ment: (2) That products with similar names must be “Now I do not say that there could not be similar products. copyright in a title, as for instance in a whole This latter statement would appear self-evident page of title or something of that kind requiring if confusion had not frequently arisen in cases invention. However, it is not necessary to decide placed before the Secretary. For instance, a book that. But, assuming that there can be copyright of poems could not be confused with a philosophical in a title, what does copyright mean? It means treatise, nor a work of fiction with a book of the right to multiply copies of an original work. sermons, even though the names were the same. If you complain that a part of your work has There are also one or two minor points which been pirated you must show that that part is are very difficult of decision, and are too intricate original, and if it is not original you have no to be dealt with in a short article. copyright. How can the title . Splendid Misery' The case in the American court above referred be said to be original when the very same words to makes it clear that if the book is out of copy. for the very same purpose were used nearly eighty right, it does not follow there is no trade mark in years ago ?” the title. But with whom the right of commencing This case was fought out mainly on tae basis, an action would lie might need some ingenuity to “Is a title copyright, and the question of trade determine. mark law on which the right of property in a title A further point arises for consideration. When rests, though dealt with, was dealt with as a a book has been produced and is out of print, and secondary point. The reason for this course in the author is deliberating, or states that he is this particular case is clear on the facts as re- deliberating, about producing the second edition, ported. Those who desire the reason are referred how far would the author have the right of to the report. stopping the production of a similar book under a · Again, (1) speaking generally, it cannot be similar title ? said there is copyright in a title. Though each case must be decided on its (2) If there is copyright, then the title must separate facts and its separate peculiarities, the claim distinct originality. broad general rule would hold that as it was impossible to buy the first book in the open That, however, there is property in a title is market, it was impossible that any of the public quite clear, and the law bearing on the right of could be deceived, and therefore the production such property comes under, and is in some way of book No. 2 could not possibly be a fraud. analogous to, trade mark law, but titles cannot be This is an imo. This is an important point, as cases have been registered like trade marks. known to occur where authors have practically The real question to consider is whether the abandoned their book, their title, and their rights, infringement amounts to a common law fraud on but have tried to revive both on seeing another the public. book produced with a similar name. This is distinctly pointed out in the case which It might be useful to quote again a case that is printed in the August number of The Author, was quoted in a former article, as it illustrates to which the reader is referred. Although decided one or two of the most important points with in the American courts, it is a case of great regard to property in a title. importance, and brings into prominence the solid Messrs. Hogg in 1863 registered an intended principle on which this question rests. There the new magazine to be called Belgravia. In 1866, Chancellor of the University of Oxford obtained such magazine not having appeared, Mr. Maxwell, an injunction against the defendant for publish in ignorance of what Messrs. Hogg had done, ing a Bible termed the Oxford Bible, which was projected a magazine with the same name, and not the “ Oxford Bible” as known on the market incurred considerable expense in preparing it and and published by the Clarendon Press. The extensively advertising it in August and September plaintiffs could not possibly have any copyright as about to appear in October. Messrs. Hogg, either in the Bible or title, and this is the point it knowing of this, made hasty preparations for is desired to make especially clear, but the defen- bringing out their own magazine before that of dant had no right to sell a product as the product Mr. Maxwell could appear, and in the meantime ## p. 64 (#94) ############################################## 64 THE AUTHOR. accepted an order from Mr. Maxwell for adver- tory way of leaving the question. It gives more tising his (Mr. Maxwell's) magazine on the covers scope and adaptability, and prevents the stiffen- of their own publications; and the first day on ing that is often produced when a matter is which they informed Mr. Maxwell that they statute-bound. G. H. T. objected to his publishing a magazine under that name was Sept. 25, on which day the first number II.—COPYRIGHT IN SPEECHES. of Messrs. Hogg's magazine appeared. Mr. The House of Lords gave its decision on Aug. 6 Maxwell's magazine appeared in October. Under in the appeal of Walter v. Lane, which referred these circumstances, on a bill filed by Mr. Maxwell, to the publication by Mr. John Lane in book form it was held that Mr. Maxwell's advertisements of nearly verbatim copies of Lord Rosebery's. and expenditure did not give him any exclusive speeches as they were reported in the Times. The right to the use of the name Belgravia, and that appellants, who sued on behalf of the proprietors he could not restrain Messrs. Hogg from publish of the Times, were granted an injunction by Mr. ing a magazine under the same name (the first Justice North, but he was reversed by the Court number appeared before Mr. Maxwell had pub- of Appeal (see report in The Author for Decem- lished his); and on a bill filed by Messrs. Hogg, ber last). Mr. Justice North's judgment has now that the registration by them of the title of an been restored by the House of Lords. intended publication could not confer upon them The following is a summary of the LORD a copyright in that name, and that in the circum. CHANCELLOR's opinion. We have to thank the stances of the case they had not acquired any editor of the Daily Chronicle for permission right to restrain Mr. Maxwell from using the to use their report: “I should very much name as being Messrs. Hogg's trade mark. regret if I were compelled to come to the con- This case was, contrary to “Dick v. Yates," clusion that the state of the law permitted one decided almost entirely on the aspect of the trade man to make profit and to appropriate to himself mark. Certain papers register titles, and pro- the labour, skill, and capital of another. And it duce periodically dummy copies in the hope of is not denied that in this case the defendant seeks obtaining some kind of property. Anyone who to appropriate to himself what has been produced has studied the question would at once know that by the skill, labour, and capital of others. In the this labour is wasted, and that this kind of pro- view I take of this case, I think the law is strong perty can only be claimed when a title has enough to restrain what, to my mind, would be a become associated with a certain commodity by a grievous injustice. The Copyright Act confers continued public circulation. what it calls 'copyright,' which means the right How can a paper of which one copy only is to multiply copies, which it confers on the authors published even every day claim to be such a of the books first published in this country. That public commodity ? the publication in question, namely, ' Reports of The contention is absurd. Lord Rosebery's Speeches,' are simply copies of From the most practical point of view, there what was first printed in the Times is not denied. fore, it is best for the author not to name the And further, it has not been, and cannot be, denied title of his book until his book is produced, if he that they were originally as in the Times, a sheet considers that there is any particular power in or sheets of letterpress, and came within the the words he is using. definition of the Act as a book. The speeches, Those who through personal experience have therefore, and the sheets of letterpress in which come across the question of title for the first they were contained, were books first published in time consider the matter as a difficulty but this country, and I confess, upon looking at the defi. recently discovered, which needs immediate nition and the right conferred, I am wholly unable amendment; they may, however, rest assured to discover why they are not protected by the statute that the question of legislating more fully on the from being pirated by unauthorised persons. point has been deeply and thoroughly discussed I do not understand the explanation the Court and considered by all those who have attempted of Appeal gives of the application of the word to legislate on copyright or who are interested in "author' to such publications as directories, the affairs of authorship. It is not a simple or red-books, maps, &c. If the maker of a direc- one-sided question. It is exceedingly complicated tory, red-book, or map is an author, one has to and has many sides. - analyse what the distinction between the author At present no remedy has been devised suffi. as thus referred to, and the author of a spoken ciently satisfactory to embody in any of the speech. If the producer of such a book can be Copyright Bills, and the solution of each case is an author within the meaning of the Act, I am based upon the common law. On the whole, it unable to understand why the labour of reproduc. may be considered that this is the most satisfac- ing spoken words into writing or print and first ## p. 65 (#95) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 65 publishing it as a book does not make the person qualities, but because, as I have endeavoured to who has so acted as much an author as the person point out, neither the one nor the other are con. who writes down the names and addresses of the ditions precedent to the right created by the persons who live in a particular street. The judg. statute. That right, in my view, is given by the ment of the Court of Appeal rests solely on the statute to the first producer of a book, whether use of the word "author,' and I cannot help that book be wise or foolish, accurate or inaccurate, thinking that some confusion has been created of literary merit or of no merit whatever. It is between two very different things. One, the said that in the view I have suggested there would proprietary right of every man in his own lite. be as many copyrights as reporters. I do not see rary composition, and the other the copyright, the difficulty. Each reporter is entitled to report, that is to say, the exclusive privilege of making and each undoubtedly would have a copyright in copies created by the statute. The question is his own published report. But where is the solely whether this book (to use the language difficulty ? Suppose à favourite view—a dozen of the statute), printed and published and exist. artists take independently their own representa- ing as a book for the first time, can be copied tion of it. Is there any reason why each should not by someone else than the producer of it, by those have his own copyright, or even a photograph, who have not produced it themselves, but have where each photograph is taken from the same simply copied that which others have laboured to point, and in the same state of the light, would create by their own skill and expenditure. It is be identical in all respects. There is, of course, admitted, apparently, by the Court of Appeal no copyright in the view itself, but in the supposed (and, indeed, insisted on as part of the reasons picture or photograph there is. It may be there for their judgment) that the owner of an unpub. is a confusion of thought between the difficulty lished manuscript, although not the author of it, of proof of the piracy and the existence of piracy. acquires copyright in it by first publishing it. There, as I have said before, no such difficulty And I observe that it is said Lord Rosebery had arises, since it is admitted that the report of no copyright in his speech, and, although he these speeches is not the result of independent could have acquired copyright in it by putting it labour, but is taken from the Times. I think into writing and printing and publishing it, he the judgment of Mr. Justice North was right, did not do so. Here, again, the implied proposi. and that the only answer sought to be given to it tion is that the only person who could gain copy. by the Court of Appeal was the restricted use of right in his speech is the person who spoke it, the word author' with which I have endea- and that the word original must by construc- voured to deal. I, therefore, move your Lord. tion be read into the statute—that the true ships that the judgment of the Court of Appeal analogy is the true and first inventor of the be reversed with costs, and the judgment of Mr. Patent Laws. I think the analogy is a false one. Justice North restored." But if it were strictly pursued I think it would Lords Davey, James of Hereford, and Bramp- not be favourable to the defendant. An importer ton concurred, but Lord Robertson differed, hold. of a foreign invention is, for the purpose of the ing that, however skilful or well qualified a Patent Laws, an inventor, and, as Lord Brougham reporter might be, he could not be considered an said, there were two species of public benefactors author within the meaning of the Act. -the one, “those who benefit the public by their The injunction to restrain the publication was ingenuity, industry and science, and invention made perpetual, and the respondents ordered to and personal capability; the other, those who pay costs. benefit the public without any inçenuity or inven- tion of their own by the appropriation of the III.—MERIVALE v. HARVEY. results of foreign inventions. Now, the latter is This case has come before the Court of Appeal. a benefit to the public incontestably, and therefore The plaintiff, Mr. Herman Merivale, agreed to they renderthemselves entitled to be put upon some. write for the defendant, Mr. Martin Harvey, what if not entirely the same footing as inventors. a play connected with the exploits of Don I might paraphrase Lord Brougham's language Juan. Disputes arose with regard to the pro- by asking whether those who preserve the duction of the play and the plaintiff's fees, memory of spoken words which are assumed to be and eventually the plaintiff brought the action, of value to the public are not entitled to the claiming damages from the defendant for his analogous merit which Lord Brougham attributes breach of contract in refusing to accept the play. to the importer of foreign inventions ? I have The defence was a denial of the contract, and the not insisted upon the skill and accuracy of those submission that the non-fulfilment was brought who produce in writing or print spoken about by the plaintiff's own conduct. Defendant's words. It is not because I think the less of those counter-claim was for damages for alleged libel, ## p. 66 (#96) ############################################## 66 THE AUTHOR. which was contained in a letter written by plain sittings awakened much enthusiasm. “Let us tiff to Mr. Acton Bond. The jury (see The honour and féte Joseph Lister," wrote Dr. de Author for June) found a verdict for the plaintiff Fleury on the morrow of the banquet given in on the claim for £500 damages, and with regard the British savant's honour by the Medical to the counter-claim they found there was no Faculty of Paris ; " ..innovators who libel. The defendant now appealed. bring about such complete and magnificent Sir Edward Clarke, in the course of his argu- upheavals in the sphere of our activity are rare. ment, said he would agree, in order to avoid a new The work of this scientific son of the great trial on the counter-claim, that Mr. Merivale Pasteur is of incalculable import; scientific should submit to a verdict against him in regard surgery dates from him." to the alleged libel for £50.-Mr. Chambers said As to the Philosophy Congress, a full report of if this order was coupled with a withdrawal of all communications read therein will shortly be all imputations on the defendant he would accept published in four volumes respectively entitled : it.—Sir E. Clarke assented to this, and the court « (1) Philosophie générale et metaphysique; (2) gave judgment for the plaintiff on the claim for Morale; (3) Logique et Histoire des Sciences; £500, and for the defendant on the counter. (4) Histoire de la Philosophie." Subscriptions claim for £50. There were to be no costs of the for the same are being received by the secretary, appeal. M. Xavier Léon, 5, rue de Mezières, Paris. Great poco Britain is represented on the list of the Honorary Committee of the Philosophy Congress by the PARIS LETTER. names of MM. Balfour, Herbert Spencer, and Stirling. 4, rue des Beaux Arts. NHE great Exhibition is, financially, a failure. A PRODIGIOUS IMAGINATION. I Nevertheless, congresses, lectures, and The great Balzac was not particularly successful soirées de gala abound. The extraordi. as a dramatist. Undeterred by this fact, an enter- nary alternations of the thermometer appear prising playwright has already announced a new merely to affect the attendance—not the duration play taken from “ Cousin Pons," the copyright —of the various ceremonies. The seventh Inter of the Balzacian novels having expired on the national Press Congress (which has, I believe, twentieth of last month. M. Gémier is consider- chiefly occupied itself in discussing the reduction ing a three-act play, adapted from “ Colonel of the postal tariff on printed matter and the Chabert" by M. Louis Forest; and several other minimum fee for Press dispatches) was inaugu. stage-writers are likewise busy in exploiting the rated under the presidency of M. William Singer, great “Comédie Humaine," which promises to proprietor of the Neues Wiener Tagblatt, and prove a second El Dorado to needy and skilful president of the committee of the Central Bureau adapters in search of thrilling situations. The of Press Associations. Prior to the invariable fertility of Balzac's imagination was extraordinary. shower of compliments with which each orator In this respect he was never surpassed. The considers it necessary to asperge the Exhibition, following anecdote (vouched for by M. Barré) M. Singer explained the object of the present attests the truth of almost incredible narratives congress. extant on the subject : “We have desired," said he, “by an inter. On one occasion, having promised M. Lireux, national organisation to offer our contribution to manager of the Odéon, a five-act drama, entitled the advent of concord—if not among the nations - Les Ressources de Quinola,” Balzac duly themselves, at least among those who form the van appeared at the appointed hour, and-leaning guard of every people, viz., the journalists. ... carelessly against a window—unhesitatingly read Thus we have decided to organise a great inter to the committee the promised five acts. After national fraternity composed of important Press the usual compliments and congratulations associations, a literary Red Cross union ... had been exchanged, M. Lireux proceeded to based upon mutual respect and firmly bound examine the manuscript, and found merely four together by the community of professional acts written—the pages devoted to the fifth act interests." About 400 persons were present at being still blank. He immediately informed the inaugural meeting. The tragic death of Balzac of his discovery. The great writer was in the Italian king prevented the attendance of the no wise disconcerted. French President. " It is true,” he blandly acknowledged, “ that I BRITISH SAVANTS. have not yet written my fifth act, but I have it A propos of the International Medical Congress, so well in my head that I am able to repeat it the appearance of Lord Lister to attend its precisely as if I read it from the manuscript. ## p. 67 (#97) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. 67 Besides, I have two other dénouements quite against any subsequent accusation of plagiarism. ready-in case you are not satisfied with the one The sensible verdict given by the Third Civil I have just recited to you!” Chamber a short time ago re the dispute between We doubt if the dying century can boast a two well-known dramatic authors–MM. Lecocq similar “record” memory. and Bisson-is largely responsible for this com- mendable state of affairs. The chamber pro- MM. FRANCE AND LOTI. nounced in the defendant's favour, declaring that That modern classic, M. Anatole France, is the plaintiff had done his comrade a grave injury, engaged on a new play entitled “La Gerbe," and one meriting compensation, in thus publicly destined for the Porte Saint-Martin Theatre. accusing him of plagiarism. It also expressed This will be M. France's second contribution to its opinion that “the author who knows the Parisian stage. The brilliant Academician's how to digest the works of others; who knows name first adorned the theatrical posters in 1899 how to assimilate them in his brain; who, later, in connection with “Le Lys Rouge,” which was at the moment when he wishes to originate in highly praised—but hardly popular. M. France his turn, sees them in consequence awake in his visited London last March. The 'impression imagination; who allows them to mingle in. left on his mind is scarcely favourable. He sensibly with his own conceptions; that author- considers the Londoners' enthusiasm automatic, very far from then meriting the reproach of their loyal demonstrations lacking in warmth, plagiarism-only draws from his reminiscences richness, spontaneity. The decorations in our the legitimate recompense of a meritorious employ capital show the puerility of the national taste. of his faculties.” Even our Rubens' are less powerful than those in For which and other reasons the Third Civil the Louvre. Chamber acquitted M. Bisson, ordering the inser. Nor is M. Pierre Loti a great lover of our race. tion of its judgment in three papers at the plain- In the description of his Eastern travels lately tiff's expense. Whereby it considerably lightened published by the Figaro, he expressly states that its future labours. the harrowing account he gives of the rarages made by the famine in India is not intended as a “Gyp” (COMTESSE DE MARTEL). sinister attack on “nos ennemis les Anglais,” but The novels of “Gyp,” great-niece of Mirabeau, merely as a new appeal to their charity. At the are highly popular here. Twelve editions of her present moment M. Pierre Loti-otherwise M. le “Trop de Chic” are reported to have been dis- capitaine de frégate Viaud—is en route for China, posed of in three days. Her late extraordinary serving on board the Redoutable as first aide-de- adventure—or hallucination — has proved an camp to Admiral Pottier. He has already written excellent expedient for whetting public curiosity several spirited and pathetic sketches dealing anew. At the present moment the sale of “Le with heroic combats between the French sailor and Journal d'Une qui s'en fiche” bids fair to equal, the cruel, dastardly Chinese. He will probably if not surpass, that of the most favoured of its add to these pages on his return. Nor is it impos predecessors. The pages of an ancient confes- sible that his present experiences may lead to a sional album have given us the following infor- modification of his opinion re the Britisher abroad. mation respecting the countess' private sentiments and inclinations. A SENSIBLE DECISION. Her favourite occupation is riding; her Several dramatists have recently notified in the favourite food and drink are fruit and milk. daily papers a similarity existing between the Solitude forms her beau-ideal of happiness, while plots or titles of their half-finished productions the principal defect of her nature is her too con. with those of their brethren of the pen. Amongst fiding disposition. The ass is her favourite others, M. Lemonnier stated in an open letter animal; the sparrow, her favourite bird. Her that he bad been engaged for the last year (in · greatest misfortune would be a long life, and she collaboration with M. Burani) on a four-act considers simplicity the most desirable quality in play entitled “La Marquise de Pompadour,” a woman. The character of M. Thiers inspires destined for Réjane. Suddenly he discovers that her with the deepest aversion, her principal trait M. Emile Bergerat is also engaged in writing a being — ne pas “m'gober" !' Maupassant is • Pompadour” for Mlle. Bartet. He immediately her favourite prose author; Heine, Baudelaire, announces the fact in the papers, and the matter and Bouchor are her favourite poets. Berlitz, ends there. M. Paul Souday has drawn up the Saint Saëns, and Offenbach, are the composers rough skeleton of a new play when he makes she prefers; while the military feat of arms she an almost similar discovery. He forthwith most admires is – the Rape of the Sabine employs the same method of protecting himself Women! VOL. XI. ## p. 68 (#98) ############################################## 68 THE AUTHOR. · Was the latter penchant a presentiment ? asks BOOKSELLER 1. STORE. her witty comrade, Sergines. The booksellers attribute their troubles to the APROPOS OF M. ZOLA. big “ department" stores. They say that so long Two revivals of plays drawn from this as books are sold in department stores at prices author's works (“L'Assommoir” and “ Le with which the regular bookseller finds it impos- Rêve") are now being rehearsed—the first at sible to compete, the regular tradesman cannot keep his doors open. Take the case, for example, the Porte-Saint-Martin Theatre, the second at the Opéra Comique. “La Sorcière” of M. of an enormously popular novel called “ Richard Carvel.” “Richard Carvel” was put on the market Victorien Sardou (who has just been created by the Appletons to be sold at retail at one dollar grand officer of the Legion of Honour) has been accepted by Mme. Sarah Bernhardt; M. de and fifty cents. The price at the department Porto Riche is engaged on two new plays, re- stores was one dollar and fourteen cents (45. 7d.), spectively destined for the Comédie Française and and in some it was sold at eighty-one cents the Vaudeville; and M. Maurice Donnay is like- (38. 4şd.), which is the publisher's wholesale price. wise completing a four-act play for the latter Now, many of the retailers could not buy in sufficiently large quantities to enable them to theatre. M. Jean Richepin has written an his- torical drama, entitled “La Du Barry," for Mme. obtain the book at the lowest wholesale price, and Leslie Carter M. Belasco is responsible for its as for selling it at eighty-one cents, the proposi. translation into English. tion was absurd. Of course, the retailer does not DARRACOTTE SCOTT. encounter this difficulty in the sale of every book on his list, but this condition alone cuts him off from his readiest source of profit. It is now for the publishers to determine whether they can afford to help the regular AMERICAN LETTER. retailers at the expense, if necessary, of the jobbers. One proposed plan is to fix a net retail New York City, Aug. 13. price for all books published by members of the CYO ready are the people of these States to cry association. From this price the retailer would out in horror against any combination of get a certain discount, but before he was permitted capital, that the recently formed Publishers' to buy a copy of the book he would be required Association was bitterly pronounced a trust by to agree not to sell any copies at retail for less than Press and public, and anathematised as an unboly the price stipulated. “In fixing the stipulated thing. As a matter of fact it would be about as price it would be put at such a figure as experi. easy to form a “trust” of book publishers as it ence has taught should yield a fair profit to the has been to communicate with the Legations at retailer of conservative business methods. This Peking. The essential nature of the business pre- plan would apply only to the publications issued cludes it. Another wild story concerning the after the plan is adopted; no attempt under it Publishers' Association ran to the effect that the would be made to regulate the price of old object of the movement was to reduce the royal publications." ties and other compensation paid to authors in the Such a scheme would carry the benefit to the future. This report occasioned so much concern author which always is the producer's when a that it seemed worth while to the officers of the uniform and fair price is maintained for the association to disclaim any such unreasonable product. and absurd motive. A SCHEME TO REGULATE PRICES. The real causes of the formal banding together But no bridge yet has been crossed, and the of American publishers are interesting and in- American Publishers' Association is little more structive. The association owes its being to the than organised. Mr. Charles Scribner is the earnest appeals on the part of the retail book- president, Messrs. A. C. McClurg and George sellers all over the country that the publishers Mifflin are the vice-presidents, Mr. George P. should try to change existing conditions in the Brett is the secretary, and Col. G. B. M. Harvey trade so that the retailers could make a living the treasurer. The experiment will be watched For the past half a dozen years the retailer over with interest. Will the organisation stray from here has been losing money. His plight has now its present avowed path, and if so, to what end ? reached a pass where the publisher must act or Will it fall to pieces of its own weight, as similar the bookseller must close out his business. The organisations have done before it? Whatever the publishers therefore have organised themselves for outcome, this action of the publishers is certainly the purpose of helping the men who make it of the greatest significance in our American book possible for a publishing house to exist. world, and pregnant with engaging possibilities, ## p. 69 (#99) ############################################## THE AUTHOR. ho Along this line a further consideration presents Byron's Profession.'” Mr. Shaw continued : “ It itself. The encouragement of the retail book. seems to me that the principle involved is worth seller means the promotion of the reading of affirming by an English author in the only way better books. A lamentable result of our trade which will convey any solid impression of his conditions here has been that it is difficult to find being in earnest-namely, when he stands to lose a good assortment of good books in the retail by it. On the other hand, as American pub- shop. The dealers, owing to the general cutting lishers as a body have been repeatedly accused of prices, are all for ephemeral « leaders,” and by Englishmen of letters of "pirating' copy- they are actually unable to handle works of more rights-an imaginary offence, as that which does solid merit. Through some reasonable regulation not exist cannot be stolen-it is well that they of prices the interests of good literature may be too should have a printed instance on record in furthered so that dealers will be enabled to offer which that viow has been repudiated from this their customers a wider range of choice. It may side of the Atlantic.” be that the whole tone of the bookselling trade One need not comment. Harper and Brothers will be correspondingly raised. This is, at least, refused to accept even this as the proper conclu. a pleasant picture not only to the buyers of the sion of the correspondence, and so, as a solution best books, but also to the writers of them. to the singular deadlock, the honorarium was finally turned over to the American Copyright MR. SHAW AND £10. League, where, let us hope, it rests peacefully We are talking here over a correspondence, just after its fitful wanderings. made public, between Mr. Bernard Shaw and the house of Harper and Brothers. In November BIBLIOGRAPHY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE. of last year Mr. Shaw offered to return to the The English Bibliographical Society has many publishers an honorarium of ten pounds which American members, but not one of them has the publishers, in the eighties, had sent to the ever read a paper at the society's meetings or author in consideration of such moral claim as contributed a monograph for publication under he could give them on “Cashel Byron's Pro. its auspices. It is therefore with some gratifica- fession.” Mr. Shaw was of opinion that this sum tion that we note a strong plea, made in a should be repaid because a new edition of the magazine article by Mr. Josephson, of Chicago, novel had since been issued by Messrs. Brentano, for an endowed bibliographical institute here. of New York, and because the "moral claim” The purpose is to be the preparation of a biblio. was worth nothing from the date of the Brentano graphy covering the entire field of American publication. And then he went on to say: "I literature. At the last meeting of the American entirely disagree with the ideas of twenty years Library, held at Montreal during July, a com- ago as to the piratical' nature of American mittee reported favourably upon Mr. Josephson's republications of non-copyright books. Unlike scheme, which is, briefly, a co-operative cata- most authors, I am enough of an economist to loguing of the various public libraries in this know that unless an American publisher acquires country. The editing and publishing, as well copyright he can no more make a profit at my as the scientific direction, of the work would be expense than he can at Shakespeare's by repub- in the hands of the staff of the proposed biblio. lishing ‘Hamlet.' The English, when taxed for graphical institute. The realisation of this the support of the author by a price which plan would surely be acclaimed by English includes author's royalties, whilst the American speaking readers everywhere, and the results of nation escapes that burden, may have a grievance such an achievement can hardly be estimated. against the American nation; but that is a very John RUSSELL DAVIDSON. different matter from a grievance against the American publisher." The Messrs. Harper were so impressed by this illumination that they politely declined to retain the ten pounds; they thought that they had no NOTES AND NEWS. right to it. Mr. Shaw, in reply, insisted that "though you are good enough to say that you N interesting correspondence on the“ Manu. have no right to it, it is clear that I have no facture of a Series” has been recently right to it—and, indeed, never had—though I Ane published in the Athenæum. The author have ingeniously excused myself from paying you concerned pointed out that he was offered a sum interest on it, on the ground that the moral of money down—say £50—and after 5000 copies right' it secured you was respected up to the had been sold, the handsome royalty of a farthing date of Messrs. Brentano's reprint of Cashel a copy. The price of the book was 18. He ## p. 70 (#100) ############################################# 70 THE AUTHOR. refused indignantly. The editor, however, made but for recreation, we ought surely to be satis- haste to point out that the price originally con- fied when we hear that they buy the standard templated was 6d., not is., and that the royalty authors first and fiction next. would be increased. It does not appear what the increase really meant. Now, the small sum down, The extracts from the New York paper, read followed by the small royalty, after a large sale, with the remarks of our New York correspondent has become quite a common offer. Its applica- on the question of the American Publishers' tion to a “series,” of which there are so many, is Association, are of great interest to authors on this in this way. One or two men, ignorant or vain, side of the Atlantic. We shall perhaps learn more are induced to give in their names as contributors about the work of the Association. Meuntime, on certain miserable terms. The names are used it is a pity that the Booksellers of the United as an inducement to get other well-known men States cannot form their own Association and to contribute. The sum paid down in advance manage their business for themselves. of royalties for each volume of the series is in many cases absurdly small. That it is so small is due mainly to the vanity of the Some of the booksellers are trying to get more authors, who think themselves honoured and net books. This is exactly what I expected. The their reputation advanced by figuring as con. partial surrender of the Englishman's liberty to tributors to a twopenny and an unsuccessful manage his business his own way is leading to series. The sum of £50 down and a farthing more complete subjection. Since the booksellers after 5000 copies have been sold is quite muni have been unable to use their own association for ficent. Of course, when the initial cost has been the regulation of their own trade, they will desire repaid, the cost of the book is very small indeed, more and more to put their necks under the yoke. so that the farthing is a hollow mockery. The Let it be remarked that booksellers seem to be deferred royalty is, in fact, now being used like the only class unable to associate for trade the old “ half-profit” method as the easiest way purposes. to escape paying the author anything and to get Of course, publishers will be very ready to yield his property for nothing. Let it be understood to pressure so long as the proposed restrictions plainly that if the royalty is deferred until the are in their own interest; so long as they think cost of production is paid it should be explained the public will support them; and so long as at the outset what this cost means, and the they are allowed by authors to manage the royalty, when commenced, must be at least half the business for their own profit. The Association trade price of the book for the rest of the edition. of Booksellers, if it would only realise the con- ditions, is in complete command of the situation. A bookseller has been lamenting, to a represen. It may fix the trade price wbich it will consent to tative of the Daily Chronicle, the deplorable run pay publishers : it may fix the discount if it upon fiction. He says that people buy nothing chooses, or, if it prefers, it may leave it to any else. He also savs, in the same breath. that bookseller to charge the public just what he everybody buys the English standard authors. pleases. I rejoice to see that Literature remains Well, but if the latter proposition is true, what sound and firm upon the point: “There certainly about the former? Granted that the public does not seem to be any reason to expect that buy the standard authors, they have on their enduring advantage will result from interference shelves a good corpus of literature: enough to with the competitive tendencies of human nature last them all their lives : they need not go out in the book trade, any more than in the trade in side their own shelves at all. What else should bicycles, in boots, in patent medicines, or any they buy but fiction ? Poetry? The general other commodities.” It is, indeed, obvious that public has never greatly cared for new poetry. the attempted system of slavish subjection cannot Essays? There are a few writers-e.g., Louis long continue. It is as impossible for publishers Stevenson and Augustine Birrell—whose essays to dictate the terms of the retailers' dealings with are bought and read : the greater number of the public as for manufacturers of cottons or of essayists appeal only to scholars. Scientific any other produce. The partial success that has books? They are bought by scientific men. hitherto seemed to attend the attempt is only Sermons and religious books? They also are illusory. Being interpreted, it means nothing bought by religious people, especially Noncon- but the despair, and perhaps also the indebted- formists. Books of travel, history, biography ? ness, of a decaying trade. They are mostly too dear. Of philosophy ? They are above the comprehension of the people. When In Literature of July 28 is a list of thirty-four we consider also that people read, not for study, novels by the most popular novelists of the day ## p. 71 (#101) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 71 which are announced or understood to be forth. The decision of the House of Lords in the case coming this autumn. The names of J. M. Barrie of Walter v. Lane has been received with a good and Conan Doyle are not among them. As deal of difference in opinion. One point cannot regards the latter there is very good reason for be denied : the report of a speech represents the his silence. One or two names have since been special expenditure of money and work by the added to the list. It does not seem, therefore, at proprietors of the paper. It is reasonable at least first as if the prospects of the season were so very that this special expenditure should be recognised bad after all. At the same time it must be and respected. The report of a speech, again, is remembered that in all seasons there is a demand its publication by tacit permission of the author. for the popular novelist. It is the novel that is He grants this permission to any newspaper not so much in demand—the novel by the new wbich will go to the expense of paying a reporter hand, or by the hand which, so far, has shown to take down his words. This understanding is a promise only—that will suffer by the bad season. kind of agreement. The right of the paper is, If war does harm to the bookseller, then we have however, now established. Perhaps, if the new three wars on hand : and the Americans have Copyright Bill is allowed next year to pass, it will two. But there will be, in all probability, a contain clauses for copyright in news, as well as in General Election here : and in America there will reported speeches and reports of all kinds. Once be a Presidential Election. It will surely be the law is established there will be no more diffi- common prudence to keep back doubtful.books, culties of this kind. It is quite as bad that news or books whose subjects are out of harmony with obtained at enormous expense should become the excitement and rush of politics, until the common property as soon as it is published as elections are over-i.e., until the beginning of the that the report of a speech should be considered new year. It needs no prophetic spirit to common property.' _ perceive that from the moment of the dissolution of Parliament to the conclusion of the General I have before me a communication from Miss Election in this country and from the present to Betham Edwards to the editor of “ M. A. P.,” in the Presidential Election of the United States which that lady laments over the good old time there will be nothing heard but the voice of the when there were such cordial relations between candidate, the roaring of the multitude, and the author and publisher, and the latter was so exaggerations and distortions of the party courteous and so generous, and invited the poor speaker. author to dinner sometimes, as one invites the poor relation. The paper proves the strength of A new monthly magazine, the Monthly Review, old traditions. The author formerly was by no is to be commenced this month by the house of means too proud to be the recipient of the pub- Murray. Their last venture into the field of lisher's “generosity," which has now become a monthly magazines was not, apparently, a word of degradation. The relations were cordial success. The editor of this new venture will be because the author placed his property unre- Mr. Henry Newbolt, who will be responsible for servedly and without any nasty conditions, and unsigned" editorials ” which are to form part of without inquiry as to its value, in the hands of each number. The rest of the magazine will be the publisher. “Take my work," he said to like the other reviews. It is quite possible that the publisher, who, noble-hearted creature, was the editor will be able to impress his own person. only too ready to respond in sympathetic vein. ality upon the editorials, in which case the “Take my work. It is very likely a mine of success of the review will be assured. Nothing gold. Take it. Give me whatever you please : belps a paper more than the belief in the power you are always generosity itself. I am very poor. the principle, and the integrity, of one man. It I am glad and thankful for anything. What? was the strong personal element in the Spectator In two figures ? Oh! Large-hearted, generous that created the success of the paper. The patron of literature ! You will ruin yourself in Cornhill flourished while Thackeray held it. your kindness to the poor author! And a dinner Other examples might be quoted, but they would as well, at your own hospitable' table—in the be too personal. As regards the signed articles bosom of your amiable family? With a glass of they will at least enlarge the field for authors. wine, just as if I was your equal, one of your There are plenty of capable writers on every ordinary friends ? Too much! It is too much!” conceivable subject, but on any one subject But Miss Betham Edwards is quite wrong in there are only two or three writers--perhaps considering that golden age as lost beyond only one — capable of presenting the subject recovery. The time of confidence and of depen- attractively. I wish Mr. Newbolt every possible dence is not by any means rendered impossible success.... · by the Authors' Society or by any syndicate. ## p. 72 (#102) ############################################# 72 THE AUTHOR. The author has only to go back to the old con- coupon conferring benefits on young writers, ten ditions. He must not presume to ask what his times more valuable than the price of the book.” property means, or what the man who so gene- What can those benefits be ? rously relieves him of it makes out of it. There If the book contains the whole art of author. are many publishers living who would be willing ship, what remains ? Something ten times more to forget and forgive the cruel suspicions of the valuable than the price of the book. That is to day, and to go back to the old happy conditions. say, ten half-crowns, or £1 58. What is the valu. Let those who lament the past remember that it able article which can be purchased for 258.? It is always in their power to restore it. The past must be something useful to the young author- may come back again, with the courtesy so dear a pair of boots, perhaps, or a silk umbrella. to the feminine heart, and the tact and good Whatever it is, we thank the spirited and feeling which prompt the publisher not to speak reverend donor for this spontaneous gift to the about figures-sordid things !--and fill him with literary profession. We need, it is true, all we ruinous generosity and the author with tearful can get. gratitude. Let everyone who laments the past The third appearance of the Rev. J. Meldrum take these simple steps to recover and to re Dryerre is as an editor. He has already, it store it. WALTER BESANT. seems, conveyed into port a barque containing twenty stories by twenty writers, which can be obic had for the ridiculously small charge of 38. 6d. ANOTHER BENEFACTOR. The method pursued is as follows :- 1. The stories are not to be more than 2000 TT is now some time since an opportunity was words in length. 1 afforded us of bringing to notice any of the 2. Each author, if his story is accepted, benevolent methods by which earnest and becomes responsible for £1 58. Is it a coin- disinterested. vessels offer assistance, wealth, and cidence that this sum is ten times the price of fame to the aspiring author. It would almost the half-crown book already offered? Can the seem as if these persons were weary of well. wall P promised coupon be ten copies of that work? doing; or as if their offers were met with cold 3; 3. The book of collected stories is to be sold at distrust. However, we are now favoured with 38.0 one more enterprising and sporting proposal. 4. All the profits to be divided among the The leader, guide, and friend, the Codlin of the au his authors. Noble, indeed ! whole business. is a gentleman named " Rey J. 5. The editor to be recouped “necessary Meldrum Drverre.” He is a " wellknown" expenses," and to receive commission of 2d. a author-he says so himself, therefore not to volume. know him is to confess ignorance and obscurity. 6. Nobody is to be admitted into this fortunate He appears before us in a four-fold capacity. company who cannot command among his friends First as an advertiser. He there describes himself the sale of at least a dozen copies at 2s. 8d. - as a “successful” author. It is therefore, one Let us see how the plan works out. presumes, out of pure Christian benevolence that There are twenty writers at £1 58.; that makes he undertakes certain duties not generally per- £25, which is two-thirds of the cost of produc- formed by successful writers. He offers lessons tion. This therefore is £37 108. Very mode- in authorship-he is so successful that he is rate, too. It would seem to represent an edition above the restriction of grammar. Why should of 500 copies of an 8vo. volume containing 160 pp. he aim at grammar when he can make himself of 250 words each--that is to say, five sheets. understood without ? Thus, who can fail to It can be done for the money, binding and all. understand the following? “Lessons in Author- If it is done for less who pockets the difference ? ship offered by a successful author. Terms And what about advertising the book ? stamp." His next appearance is as the author of But the book is “ pushed” by the authors. a book on the “ Art of Authorsbip by a well- Beautiful development of the literary life! The known Author.” He thus describes it—again author has to go round begging his friends to scorning the trammels of grammar: “This book, give him 28. 8d. each. Well : such a book as giving the experience of most of our leading “Lorna Doone," or a round score of masterpieces, authors, is intended to aid those desiring to enter can be had for sixpence apiece—why, then, should the literary life. Practical and sympathetic- anyone buy, let us say, not a masterpiece, for characterise it correctly.” 28. 8d.? However, by dint of push and touting But there is more. “Each book”—this is one of the fortunate twenty gets rid, suppose, of very mysterious and attractive—"contains a fifteen copies, which at 28. 8d. means 408. If he ## p. 73 (#103) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 73 is wise he will repay himself that 258., and editors and publishers' readers so often reject forward the rest to the editor. Suppose that the good articles and books is because they are no whole twenty get rid of fifteen copies each. judges of literature until it is printed and bound. That means 300 copies, or £40. How does it Even typewriting does not assist their judgement, work out? and “ galley” proof but little more. Indeed, the The editor takes his “necessary expenses "- Ideal Editor prefers handwriting to typewriting ; say £2 108. The rest goes to the printer, or, if it seems to give him the author's thought more the cost has been less than the estimate, the fresh and hot; it helps to bring out for him the margin will pay something towards that ad, a literary physiognomy of the story or article. copy, which amounts to £2 ios. How much is The Ideal Editor appreciates style, but is no left for the Company of Twenty? But the stylomaniac. If the subject be of sufficient British public may buy the volume eagerly. interest he will accept an article and print it as Perhaps ; on the other hand, perhaps it will not. it stands, even if it be indifferently written. There is, however, a fourth character in which To give style to a man who has it not is to this versatile and reverend gentlemen appears. deprive him of marked individuality. Impotence, He has a “ Literary Bureau ” of which he is inability to express in writing may become an “Hon. Sec.” It is generally understood that interesting and entertaining phenomenon of which an “Hon. Sec.” is unpaid. The Bureau buys it would be wrong to deprive readers, as witness MSS.; sells MSS. at a 10 per cent. commission: many well-known cases. The Ideal Editor does “ considers " MSS. with a view to publication in not regard it as his business to touch up the book form : gives lessons in writing short stories : style of articles until they bear no reseinblance to in writing for the Press generally : and criti. the original. Have we not seen one or two cises MSS. at 28, 6d. each if not more than 4000 magazines in which each article, however diverse words in length. The Bureau has been estab the subject, seemed to be the contribution of the lished for ten years. same pen? This was the handiwork of a stylo. One would like to ask a few questions : maniac. The ideal editor's corrections are con. (1) Have the authors of the volume already fined to slips in grammar, and even here he uses published received any of their money back? his power sparingly. It has happened to the (2) What becomes of the difference when the present writer that a purist editor—the least ideal cost of production is less than the estimate ? type of them all-has altered the expression (3) Who makes up the difference when it is “It's me!” into “It is I!" The Ideal Editor has greater? been known to make changes in spelling and (4) What advertising is done? punctuation, but again only sparingly, for in (5) What were the details and the amount of both he prefers to leave free play to the individu. the “necessary expenses”? ality which both are capable of expressing. He (6) Whether the Rev. J. Meldrum Dryerre is would never, for instance, alter “shew” into the unpaid secretary of the Bureau ? If not, “show” or drop the "e" in judgement, but he why he calls himself “Hon. Sec." ? tries to preserve for us old friends and pleasant (7) To what authors or to what works can memories, and changes “ Kalendar" into “ Calen- he refer as a successful and competent literary dar," and Aachen into Aix-la-Chapelle. agent? It is customary for literary agents to The Ideal Editor has no other profession and is produce these references in proof of competence. very diligent in his own. He keeps a MS. but a short time when it is not his intention to keep it altogether. The Ideal Editor is a gentleman, and therefore polite solicitude is another of his many THE IDEAL EDITOR. excellencies. A tender consideration, even for (From the occasional contributor's point of view.) the obscure and troublesome, animates his whole conduct. If the contributor has sent his MS. F the Ideal Editor's literary qualification this unfolded in a stiff cardboard case, the editor will U paper sayeth nought; its object is rather return it in the same case; if the contributor has to set forth, to the shame of his Philistine folded his MS. the editor will observe the same compeer, the excellencies of his rule of conduct pleats in folding and not brutally roll and crumple and the praiseworthiness of his methods of pro. it as his Philistine compeer does ; if only postage cedure. stamps and no wrapper accompanies the MS., the The first general excellency of the Ideal Editor editor in returning it is careful to use wrappers is that he can judge of the merits of a contribu. that cover the whole width of the MS., so that it tion in its MS. form. This may sound a truism, may in no way become soiled or defaced by post- but it is none the less a fact that the reason why marks or postage stamps. He has a kind heart, ## p. 74 (#104) ############################################# 74 THE AUTHOR. AMERICAN PUBLISHERS' ASSOCIATION. 1. TNDIANAPOLIS, July 20. — The Bowen- | Merrill Company of this city, the largest publishing firm in the State, has received a circular letter from Eastern publishers asking representatives to attend a meeting to be held in New York on Wednesday next to consider a plan of co-operation whereby author's royalties may be decreased. The circular says that “if the publishers and booksellers can arrange matters satisfactorily, the sellers will not handle books of publishers not in the association and the publishers will not sell to outsiders.” Nothing is said in the circular of capitalisation or the number which it is proposed to take into the combine. —New York Sun, July 21, 1900. the Ideal Editor, and knows that one journey through the post will often give a MS. a sadly rejected look. Moreover, he is acquainted with the postal regulations; he can distinguish between home and foreign ; he is aware that the minimum for MSS. abroad is 2 d. and not—as the Philis- tines all think-id. It would grieve him to the soul to be instrumental in inflicting a postal fine on a starving contributor or to add to the exchequer of a rapacious foreign Government Further, he never sends proofs or MSS. abroad in an open gummed envelope, for he knows that certain foreign postal officials, whose patriotism gets the better of their honesty, are quite capable of closing the gummed envelope and no upon the unfortunate. perhaps' stary. ing, contributor a postal fine of the value of a luncheon. When he has made up his mind to accept an article, the Ideal Editor does not selfishly nurse the fact in his bosom for six months or a year ; he is a humane man, and immediately informs the contributor of the good news. It is asking too much, but there does exist a high-souled editor-creature almost of another world—who acknowledges every MS. as he receives it. promis ing “attention in due course.” This of itself softens the blow when the “attention ” eventually does not take the form of retention ; and, when accepted, the contributor has not over long to wait for an appearance. The Ideal Editor accepts with judgement; therefore his pigeon-holes are never unduly cluttered up, not even with “ middles.” The Ideal Editor always sends two proofs-one to be returned and one to be retained. The con tributor corrects both, and is thus able to see for himself that the proof is actually printed as it leaves his hands. For I need scarcely say that if the Ideal Editor makes any changes-suggestions he would prefer me to call them—they are always made in the proof, which is never touched again after it leaves the author's hands. (N.B. The two proofs are invariably accompanied by the MS., without which a writer cannot comfortably correct the proof of a difficult article). The Philistine editor never returns the MS., even if .the substance of the article is composed of intri. cate statistics. Such, then, set forth without hyperbole, are some of the excellencies of the Ideal Editor. All honour to him. When the Philistine who is encamped over against the Sion of his sanctum shall hatte been subdued to a like rightmindedness and gentlemanliness of procedure, then the lite- rary millennium will be nigh, and the contribut. ing lamb may lie down without fear by the side of the once-dreaded editing lion. M, C. II. The American Publishers' Association was formed on last Wednesday, Charles Scribner being elected president. The news of the forma- tion of the association was printed on the follow- ing day, together with many reasons for its being. Nearly every reason given was incorrect and quite at variance with the real purpose of the organisa- tion. The story most widely circulated was sent out from Chicago and was to the effect that the principal book publishers of the United States had decided to band themselves into a trust, and that the formation of an association was the first number on their programme. Another story sent out from Chicago or some more windy Western town, had it that the main object of the new organisation was to reduce the compensation to be paid to authors in the future. So far as the promoters of the organisation have read, not one of the stories printed relative to the reason for organisation and the plans for the future is correct. And right here it may be well to correct one or two of these stories. In the first place, it was never the intention of any of the publishers who had a hand in organising the association to form a trust. Anyone at all familiar with the business of book publishing knows that it would be about as easy to form a trust of book publishers, on account of the very nature of the business, as it has been to com. municate with the legations in Peking. Further- more, the association was not formed for the purpose of buying manuscripts at reduced rates or for the purpose of reducing royalties. In fact, the relations of author and publisher were not even considered in the formation of the new ## p. 75 (#105) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 75 association. It was not even suggested that booksellers as well as the regular retailers, and, these relations were any part of the business or furthermore, the department stores bought many concern of such an association. more new books for which there was a popular So much for the reasons that didn't lead to the demand than most of the regular retailers. The formation of the association and for the plans department stores were good customers, and the which it never had any intention of carrying out. publishers did not feel inclined to interfere with Now, as a matter of fact, this association was their business. The demands and the pleadings formed at the request of retail booksellers all over and the requests of the retailers kept coming in, the country and after repeated and earnest plead. however, and finally, a few months ago, some of the ings on the part of the retailers that the pub publishers decided that they must do something. lishers try to do something to change existing Some of them made individual investigation as to conditions in the trade, and work out some scheme the extent to which the business of the regular by which the retailers could at least make a dealer was impaired by the book shops in the living. They have been requesting for the last department stores. two or three years. More recently they have Their investigation led them to inquire about fairly demanded some assistance from the pub. the sale of some of the popular novels. They found lishers, representing that, if they didn't get it, that the sale of “ David Harum,” for instance, had many retail booksellers would either have to close reached, at the time the investigation was made, out their business or be sold out. It was as a 500,000 copies; of “Richard Carvel,” 438,000 somewhat tardy answer to this cry for help, copies had been sold. “To Have and to Hold,” coming from all parts of the country, that the 200,000; “ Janice Meredith,” 250,000; and “Red association was formed. Rock," 84,000 copies. It has not been deter- Therefore, instead of banding together to do mined just what percentage of the total sale of the public or do the authors, the publishers have the books mentioned must be credited to the really organised themselves for the purpose of department stores, but it is known to be large. helping the men who make it possible for a pub. The investigators then tried to get at the loss to lishing house to exist. It was simply a case of somebody by the cut rates at which these books helping others and thereby helping themselves. were sold in the department stores. They took For the benefit of those not familiar with the “Richard Carvel ” for their purpose because book trade it may be said that during each certain department stores were advertising this succeeding year for the past five or six years and book extensively. The book was put out by the more, the retail bookseller's business has been Appletons to be sold at retail for i dollar 50 cents. growing poorer and poorer. The inventory at the It was found that the price in many department close of each year has shown that the profit from stores was i dollar 14 cents., while at some it was the sale of books alone was less than the sold as low as 81 cents., the publisher's price at year before. The retailers saw that this thing wholesale. The cut from the regular retail price must stop or they would have to do something was therefore 36 cents. a copy in some cases and else to make a living. And yet they could see no 69 cents. in others. way by which they could change the conditions. They saw at once that the volume of business because they knew the chief cause and they were done by many retailers who had to compete with powerless to remove it. these department stores was not such as to make The alleged chief cause of the decline in the it possible for tbem to meet even the higher of trade of the retail booksellers has been the alleged the two cut prices. In the first place, many of cause of decline in other particular lines of trade the retailers could not buy in sufficiently large for many years. The booksellers laid all their quantities to enable them to buy the book at the troubles to the department store, as the shoe lowest wholesale price. From all the information dealer and the butcher and the greengrocer and that could be gathered it seemed to be true that, the þardware dealer had done before them. They in the case of many of the retailers, they could asserted to the publisher that, so long as book's not realise a decent profit and cut under i dollar were sold in department stores at prices with 50 cents. As for selling the book at 81 cents., which the regular bookseller found it utterly the price made by the publishers to jobbers and impossible to compete, the regular men in the others who bought in large quantities, that was trade could not do business at a profit. It was to utterly out of the question. It was then for the save them from the department stores that the publishers to determine whether they could afford retailers appealed to the publishers. to help in some way the regular retailers at the For some time the publishers could not see expense, if necessary, of the department store. their way clear to assist the retailers. They were What determination was reached may be inferred compelled to look upon the department stores as from the forming of the association. ## p. 76 (#106) ############################################# 76 THE AUTHOR. You couldn't get a publisher to admit that the association intends to antagonise a single depart. ment store in a single city in the country. On the contrary, they say they are going to get the department store to help them in the work they have undertaken. Just how they are going to do this they do not say, and it is probably true that they do not yet know. As a matter of fact, the publishers haven't got that far yet. They have really only effected an organisation and elected officers. A committee has been appointed to draft articles of association, and when it is ready to report, another meeting of the association will be held. Although no plan for aiding the retailers is now under consideration by the association as a body, the individual members are considering a scheme proposed by a man who has been in the publish. ing business over forty years in New York. At present the plan is looked upon with much favour, and it looks now as if it, or some slight modifica- tion of it, would be adopted by the association. Under this plan a net retail price for all books published after the adoption of the plan would be fixed by the association. The general scale of the prices fixed would be much lower than the retail prices now suggested by publishers to be charged for books. For instance, a book that would sell at retail, without any requirement from the pub: lisher, at I dollar 50 cents, would then be required to be sold at i dollar 25 cents. From this price the retailer would get a certain trade discount, but before he was permitted to buy a copy of the book he would be required to agree not to sell any copies at retail for less than the price stipulated by the publisher. In fixing the stipulated price it would be put at such a figure as experience has taught should yield a fair profit to the retailer of conservative business methods. This plan, as has been stated, would apply only to the publications issued after the plan is adopted. No attempt under it would be made to regulate the retail price of old publica tions. When this plan was outlined to a Sun reporter yesterday, the reporter asked the man who explained it if he expected such a scheme to be readily accepted by the department stores. His answer was: “I think we can show the department store proprietors that it will not be a bad thing for them. Of course, the publishers will continue to give the largest discount to the purchasers of the largest bill of goods, and the department stores will get the benefit of that discount. The regular retailers can find no fault with that. But it is a question of live and let live. The publishers can't live off the department stores alone, and the regular retailers can't live with the department stores under the present conditions. I think the whole thing can be laid before the department store men in such a way that they will accept it. If they don't, why we shall have to treat them, if this plan be adopted, just as we would have to treat a regular retailer who refused to accept the terms of the plan. We should then be compelled to refuse to sell to them. “But there are others to be considered besides the department stores. It is not well, for instance. to forget altogether the public. The adoption of this plan, or one something like it, would be of great benefit to the buyers of books. In the first place, the majority will be able to get their books cheaper than they would if no such plan were in force, because the majority of the buyers of high- class books, such as the members of this associa- tion publish, do not buy them from department stores. Therefore, if the plan were not in force, the majority would buy their books at the present higher scale of retail prices. “Another class that would be benefited by such a scheme would be the authors. In showing that the scheme would benefit them, I show how silly was the story that the publishers were combining against them. When it can be brought about that a uniform and fair price can be maintained for a product, the producers are always benefited. This applies to authors as well as mill hands, and the adoption of some such scheme would enable us to pay better instead of poorer rates to authors, even had we ever thought of trying to get authors to work for less." ſt was recalled by another publisher that, so far as authors are concerned, they, as a class, are not so dependent on the publishers as the publishers are on them. Of poor authors, it was said, there are plenty, but good ones are rare, and high-class publishers can never afford to work against their interests, and never have since books were pub. lished. As showing the character and standing of the publishing houses represented at the organisation of the association, it may be stated that the following were represented : D. Appleton and Co.; Bowen-Merrill Company, of Indianapolis ; Century Company; Henry T. Coates and Co, of Philadelphia ; Thomas Y. Crowell and Co.; Dodd, Mead, and Co.; Double- day, Page, and Co.; Funk and Wagnalls ; Harper and Brothers; Houghton, Mifflin, and Co.; John Lane; Lee and Shepard, Boston; the J. B. Lippincott Company, of Philadelphia; Little, Brown, and Co., of Boston; Longmans, Green, and Co.; McClure, Phillips, and Co.; the Mac- millan Company; Thomas Nelson and Sons ; G. P. Putnam's Sons; James Pott and Co.; Fleming H. Revell Company; R. H. Russell; Charles Scribner's Sons; Silver, Burdett, and ## p. 77 (#107) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 77 Co.; Mays, Maynard, and Co.; and Frederick A. Stokes and Co.—New York Sun, July 29, 1900. The weakest wills are often hardest to forecast —like the weather. Virtue cannot be defined by code, for it is infinite. FINLAY GLENELG. REFLECTIONS. RT'S chief end is not to teach, but to touch. CORRESPONDENCE. Genuine gospels are not sad. The only irony in Nature lies in our. selves. 1.-GOOD AND BAD ENGLISH. It is often easier to blame Providence than to MAN YOU explain what vexes my old-fashioned learn wisdom. I mind-namely, the use of the adverb once Microbes of misfortune thrive in the malaria of to mark time without its former companion misunderstanding. “when." Taken alone, it means simply that an Disease is due to lower lifeincluding our event happened on only one occasion. own. I have been obliged to look back or forward to Lower life may help the higher—to under see whether“ once" meant“ once on a time " long stand. ago, or whether it was used as showing that when Pessimism is a symptom of disease, sometimes some object was completed the rest followed. I canonised as natural science. have often met with it in books, and passed it as All genius, like all love, is miraculous. slip-slop-perhaps American; but I have just All science is superficial, and so is even religion. found it in a leading article in a contemporary. Genius never produces unhappiness—in the “Once, moreover, the decision has been taken, wisest. very little time is required to send out, &c.” Good artists enjoy life—when free and wise. Surely it would have cost even less time to begin Freedom alone cannot guarantee wisdom. the sentence with “ When once," instead of com. Absolute freedom is only for the perfectly wise mitting a barbarism of which no quotation in —the unknown. Webster's dictionary gives an instance. No one is ever too good, or even too bad, for ONCE AND EVER A LOVER OF GOOD this world. ENGLISH The absolutely impossible is unknown to us. The unwise will blame Nature for their own vain visions. II.-WALTER v. LANE. We do not know the effect of too much wisdom, The decision of the House of Lords in the case for we have never tried it. of “Walter v. Lane” goes far to carry the point Were disease always ugly, its career would be that I first urged at a meeting of the Authors' shorter. Society in the year 1891, as reported in The When Nature seems unjust, or Providence Author for Feb. 1891. What I claimed was a unwise, we only see our own images. copyright in literary style in news description ; The sub-human often mistakes itself for the i.e., I see an event, or railway accident, or fire, or supernatural. a Tsar's coronation, and I describe it in a certain The unique is only the usual. fashion; in fact, putting myself into the descrip- It is often harder to improve ourselves than to tion, and for such work I claim a copyright. Others reprove society. may describe the same event or incident, but if Love cannot fail, even when inexpert lovers they copy or choose my words, my mannerisms, must. my style, then they infringe my copyright. This All art must succeed when wise—however is just what the Times claims for its report invisibly. of Lord Rosebery's speeches. Since 1891 I have All worries are born of our weaknesses. used every opportunity for urging this claim to Facts are poor without reasons, and reasons copyright in literary style in news description, and seem poorer without sympathies. have spoken upon it at the International Press Humour is the offspring of sense and of senti. Congress at Bordeaux, Rome, &c., and at Rome ment. the International Press Bureau accepted the pro- Ideal justice is still beyond human ken. position, and it will be embodied in a bill to Novel truth may become dangerous when be laid before the Berne Convention; so that in wisdom does not pilot us. time the paragraphist, who from his local know- The nether side of unhappiness is unhealthiness. ledge gives true colour or scientific insight into ## p. 78 (#108) ############################################# 78 THE AUTHOR. a descriptive note, will be able to prevent dozens Mr. Mackenzie Bell's poem, “Lord, teach us to of journals immediately seizing upon his well Pray," has just been published by Mr. Charles written “ par.”—for surely England, that suffers Vincent, arranged as an anthem by Herr Georg most from such “commandeering,” will not be Liebling, Court pianist to the Duke of Saxe. bebind the internationalists in journalist legisla- Coburg and Gotha. tion. - JAMES BAKER. Dr. Conan Doyle's history of the South African War is in preparation, and will be published by III.-ENGLISH AUTHORS IN THE UNITED STATES. Messrs. Smith, Elder and Co. Surely the comment upon “ Maxwell Gray's ". After the flood of books on mountaineering experience is quite obvious. There are various which recent seasons have witnessed, there is justifications for the role of literary agent, but evidently to be a cessation now. So far, the only no part of his function can be, for writers of any my book of the kind announced for publication in standing, more important than knowledge of and the autumn is “In the Ice World of the Himalaya,” a hold upon the whole international market. If by Mrs. Fanny Bullock Workman and Mr. “ Maxwell Gray's" affairs had been in the bands William Hunter Workman, who had many of a competent agent-by which is implied an interesting adventures in their travels. agent with, among other things, an American representative-none of these troubles could have “The Slaves of Society” is the title of an arisen. And surely, if the Authors' Society is anonymous satire on modern social life and wise enough not to undertake agent's work in this usages, which Messrs. Harper are to publish. country there can be no call for it to attempt to Mr. J. Ashby-Sterry is issuing through Messrs. do it in New York, where, it being a civilised Sands a new collection of his essays. place, the business of literary agent is perfectly Mrs. Humphry Ward's new novel will be pub. well understood. THE LITERARY AGENCY. lished in the autumn. It has been appearing in 5, Henrietta-street, London, W.C. Harper's, and is called “ Eleanor.” The scene is laid in Italy. The novel upon which John Oliver Hobbes is en- gaged will be called “Love and the Soul Hunters.” BOOK AND PLAY TALK. Mrs. Mary E. Mann has written a novel entitled “ Among the Syringas,” in which a M HE Rev. C. Dudley Lampen's new story, to country clergyman is the chief character. The be published by Messrs. Everett and Co. book will be published by Mr. Fisher Unwin. shortly, is entitled “Barcali, the Mutineer: M. Leroy-Beaulieu, the well-known French a Tale of the Great Pacific.” It deals with the economist and authority on colonial affairs, has discovery of a strange colony and the doings of recently published in Paris a work of great a clever but exceedingly wicked chief engineer. interest at the present time, entitled “La Renova- Messrs. Methuen and Co. are publishing at tion de l'Asie." An English translation of this once Mr. J. Bloundelle-Burton's new romance, book is to be brought out by Mr. Heinemann. It entitled “Servants of Sin,” the action of which will be edited, with a preface, by Mr. Henry takes place during the regency of the Duke of Norman, of whose “Peoples and Politics of the Orleans, and during the time of the downfall of Far East” Mr. Fisher Unwin is now publishing Law's Mississippi scheme and that of the Great a new edition. Plague of Marseilles. The main incidents of this The first number of a new half-a-crown review, story are founded upon fact, and many of the edited by Mr. Henry Newbolt, will be published characters are, under other names, persons who by Mr. Murray on Sept. 19. The founders “wish actually existed at the period; while the actual it to take its place among its old competitors in a facts themselves were unearthed by Mr. Bloun. modest and orderly manner, believing that neither delle-Burton in the libraries of Paris while 'pushfulness' nor loud promises are likely to engaged in writing a history of the “ Three attract the readers they desire." It is to be Louis” (Louis XIII., XIV., and XV.), on which called the Monthly Review. he has for some years been occupied. Mr. Frederick A. Cook, who acted as surgeon, Mr. F. S. Ellis, who was closely associated anthropologist, and photographer to the “Belgica” with William Morris, has since the death of his expedition to the Antarctic region, is writing an friend been engaged upon a translation of “The account of that adventure. It will be published Romance of the Rose." This work will form three by Mr. Heinemann. volumes of the Temple Classics, and the first of A cheap issue of Dr. George Macdonald's novels these is just being published by Messrs. Dent. has been begun by Messrs. Kegan Paul. .._-- --- ----- - - ------ --- - - - ## p. 79 (#109) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 79 A new book by Mr. F. C. Selous, entitled “ English Nell,” the new pla y by Mr. Anthony “ Sport and Travel, East and West,” will be pub- Hope and Mr. Edward Rose-founded on “ Simon lished in the autumn. Dale”—was produced at the Prince of Wales's Mr. Leslie Stephen's work « The English Theatre on Aug. 21. The heroine, as in the Utilitarians,” will be published in a few days. It Haymarket production referred to above, is Nell is in three volumes (Duckworth). Gwynne. In the July number of The Author a reference A play by Mr. T. P. O'Connor, M.P., entitled was made to the American novel “ To Have and “ The Lost Leader,” will be produced shortly at to Hold,” by Miss Mary Johnston. It should be the Crown Theatre, Peckham. It is founded explained, however, that the title this book bears upon incidents in the career of Mr. Parnell. The in England is “ By Order of the Company.” The leading part will be played by Mr. Laurence former title was used in England by Miss Irving. Sarah Stredder, who published a novel entitled In Mr. Cecil Raleigh's new drama, “ The Price “ To Have and to Hold ” sixteen years ago. of Peace,” the opening scene is placed in a ward The first long novel that Mr. Louis Becke has of St. Thomas's Hospital; then the action passes written will be published shortly by Mr. Fisher to the Houses of Parliament, and it is under- Unwin. It will be called “ Edward Barry, South stood that the play has a political interest Sea Pearler.” throughout. Mr. Henry Neville and Miss Lettie A collection of articles on European sport is Fairfax will take the chief parts, and it is hoped being edited by Mr. F. G. Aflalo for publication to produce the play at Drury Lane on Sept. 15. by Messrs. Sands in a volume which will be called Mr. Barrie has written a new play, “ Two “Sport in Europe." Among the contributors are Kinds of Women," with which Mr. Arthur Prince Demidoff, Sir Henry Pottinger, Bart., and Bourchier will reopen the Garrick Theatre. Mr. W. A. Baillie Grohman. Mrs. Alec Tweedie is leaving shortly for Canada The Rev. H. N. Hutchinson's new work on the and the United States to pay several visits, and living races of mankind is to appear in fortnightly she purposes spending next winter in Mexico in parts, beginning immediately. Mr. Hutchinson order to write a new book on that country. Mrs. has been assisted by Mr. Lvdekker, Mr. J. W. Alec Tweedie's book, “Through Finland in Gregory, and other authorities. Carts,” is just ready in a new edition. An up-to- Collectors will be interested to note the prices date political chapter has been added, and a realised by Mr. Swinburne's books in the auction portrait of the author. Finland is of particular rooms. The following copies which were sold by interest at the moment, in consequence of the Messrs. Sotheby were presented by the author to Tsar's strange attempt to rob that interesting the late Dr. Grosart, and bore inscriptions to that country of the political rights which he himself effect :- SONGS OF THE SPRINGTIDES (1880), swore to uphold when he ascended the throne. £5 128. 6d.; MARY STUART (1881), £5 158.; The Russian language is being introduced ; TRISTRAM OF LYONESSE (1882), £5 178. 6d.; Finnish newspapers are suppressed ; the stamps A CENTURY OF ROUNDELS (1883), 26 128. 6d.; and the currency are in jeopardy. Indeed, Russia, MARINO FALIERO (1885), £5 178. 6d. ; LOCRINE in spite of her peace manifesto, is doing her best (1887), 26; A STUDY OF BEN JONSON to exterminate the independence of poor Finland. (1889), £6 29. 60.; A Tale OF BALEN (1896), It is an interesting struggle. £5 178. 6d. Miss Julia Neilson is just producing at the Haymarket (Aug. 30) Mr. Kester's “Sweet Nell of Old Drury." Mr. George Alexander also is BOOKS AND REVIEWS. now (Sept. 1) producing “A Debt of Honour,” (In these columns notes on books are given from reviews- Mr. Sydney Grundy's new play. which carry weight, and are not, so far as can be learned, logrollers.) A special matinée has been organised by Mr. Penley in aid of Mr. Arthur Pearson's Fresh Air DARTMOOR, by S. Baring Gould (Methuen, 68.), for a. Fund for the Poor, and will take place at the holiday tourist of some reading and imagination, will be says the Daily News, “a most delightful book. Soenic Great Queen-street Theatre on Sept. 15. Two description, anecdotes racy of the Devonian soil, antiquities, new plays by Mr. Edward Jones will be produced are here poured forth with a profusion which Mr. Baring on this occasion. Gould's lightness of touch and sense of order prevent Mr. Stephen Phillips's forthcoming play, from being for an instant wearisome." The Daily Chronicle says the book “is in many respects a model of its sort. Mr. “ Herod the King," will follow “ Julius Cæsar" at Baring Gould has lived all his life in the neighbourhood Her Majesty's. which he describes Dartmoor has been to him, as he says, ## p. 80 (#110) ############################################# 80 THE AUTHOR. 'a passion,' and he has indulged that passion in intimacy and sympathy.” ESSAYS OF JOHN DRYDEN, selected and edited by W. P. Ker (Clarendon Press, 108. 6d.), consists, for the most part, of essays which were furnished as prefaces to plays or poems. “Professor Ker's introductions," says the Daily Chronicle," have grip and suggestiveness. The notes are concise and always to the point.” Literature says that “ Professor Ker has earned the gratitude of all who love English literature by collecting and editing these scattered prefaces. His part of the work is conspicuously good.” i There is a bibliography and an index, and in some cases various readings are added from later editions which are most instructive.” “Here at last,” says the Spectator," the work of Dryden is set forth with learning, taste, and restraint." AMERICA'S WORKING PEOPLE, by Charles B. Spahr (Longmans, 5s. net), “is an interesting book," says the Daily Chronicle. “Mr. Spahr draws with a firm hand and a loving touch, broadly, yet not without detail, the varieties of the great Labour class as he has studied them in different parts of his own land. He has a passion, all too rare amongst economists, for knowing about things as they are ; and in his pages we find the old factories and the new, the border community, the iron centre, and above all, the northern farm, sketched from the life, with other studies of contemporary industries and communities, alike vivid and instructive." A SPORTSWOMAN IN INDIA, by Isabel Savory (Hutchin. son, 168.) “No better written book on Indian sport has come our way these ton years," says the Daily Chronicle. “The romance of the gorgeous Eastern cities," says the Spectator, “is told with much picturesqueness, but the author is far more at home in the lonely hill.camp or beating in the jungle. To anyone who wishes to live for some hours in a fascinating world of sport and adventure nothing could be better than this gallant and light-hearted book.” The book, says the Guardian, is "simply a record of a most enjoyable visit to India by a young lady, full of high spirits ... and with plenty of sound common sense and & temperament that enabled her to think as well as to enjoy. The result is this extremely pleasant volume, for the author, as the guest of Sir George Wolseley, had every opportunity of seeing the best and brightest aspects of the country.” Many of the personal adventures she records, says the Daily Telegraph, are “ worthy of a hardened Nimrod.” THE UTTERMOST FARTHING, by P. B. Neuman (Black. wood, 68.), “is a very clever piece of work,” says Literature. ** The story, though trivial and unimportant, is well put together and well told, though the probabilities are not very carefully respected.” The Daily Chronicle calls it “clever and decidedly original.” Medlett and Crofts are two City men, apparently good friends, who become bitter enemies through the issue of a speculation which ruins one of them. The main theme of the story, says the Daily News, " is a family fead, its leading sentiment revenge-revenge, how- ever, not of the Corsican quality, but the plain English middle-class brand.” It is “a good wholesome story, told in a plain onadorned and yet forcible manner.” ON ALIEN SHORES, by Leslie Keith (Hurst and Blackett, 68.), is described by the Daily Chronicle as "altogether a well-studied and interesting story.” “There is something of Datoh fidelity in the author's painting of the Edinburgh home.” “It is a quietly amusing story," says the Spec- tator, " not too short, written with great care, and, above all, with a real power of describing human nature ; and people who like these qualities will find this novel more than merely readable.” “The heroine, brought up in luxury in Portland Place, and then making the best of her stolen marriage with a City clerk, is well-drawn and lifelike.” Mis’ESS Joy, by John Le Breton (Macqueon, 68.), “ is as steeped in irony,” says the Daily Chronicle," as Mr. Hardy's masterpiece Tess,' though hardly of so intense and tragic a cast.” “The story is a remarkable one, and well as Mr. Le Breton has already written, it is by far the best work we have had from his pen." A GIFT FROM THE GRAVE, by Edith Wharton (Murray, 28. 6d. net), is "a work of great interest," says Literature. “The book is a purely introspective study. A man of delicate fibre commits a coarse act. He publishes the letters-practically the love-letters-of a woman who wrote them in utter confidence.” “The book is chiefly concerned with his repentance after his shabby deed has brought him all the good things he wanted, and the study in souls,” says the Spectator, “is well and cleverly done. Readers who like motives, emotions, and soul-searchings will be much interested in the story." THE STRONG ARM, by Robert Barr (Methuen, 6s.), con- sists, says the Daily Chronicle, " of one longish story and several short ones, more or less connected together by a continuous thread of interest.” “There are robber barons and outlaws, and intriguing archbishops, and love, and war and all sorts of exciting things.” A PRINCE OF SWINDLERS, by Guy Boothby (Ward, Lock, and Co., 68.) is a series of stories, linked together by the identity of the hero. “Mr. Gay Boothby gives us," says the Spectator, " the portrait of a magnificent impostor who unites the salient points of Messrs. Lecoq, Sherlock Holmes, and Charles Peace, the whole seen through a powerful magnifying glass.” “The stories are ingenious if not very convincing, and readers who like sensationalism and plenty of it will very likely be amused by the book.” THE CRIMSON WEED, by Christopher St. John (Duck- worth, 68.), is, says the Daily Chronicle, "a study of one of those passions that can ruin a lifetime." Revenge is the "crimson weed,” which takes root in the mind of Luke Grey. The book “gives evidence of considerable literary and dramatic power. The scenes are vividly realised, and the characters live, and the story, such as it is, is told with no little passion and spirit.” THE DESCENT OF THE DUCHESS, by Morley Roberts (Sands, 38. 6d.), is “& thoronghly admirable piece of fooling," in the opinion of the Daily News. “It does not palpitate with actuality," says the Daily Chronicle, “but for the filling up of an hour's leisure in a shady corner of the garden on a hot afternoon it will do extremely well." THE DEAN'S APRON, by C. J. Wills and Godfrey Burchett (Ward, Lock, and Co., 38. 6d.) is described by the Daily Telegraph as “an exceptionally clever story of clerical life in a cathedral town, abounding in graphic and convincing word-pictures of envious persons and scandal. mongers, obviously sketched from life.” THE AUTHOR.' SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. Front Page ** Other Pages .. ... £4 0 0 Hall of & Page ... ... ... ... 300 Quarter of a Page ... ... 1 100 ... Eighth of a Page ... 015 0 Single Column Advertisements. per inch Bills for Insertion 0 6 0 ... per 2000 3 0 0 Reductions made for a Series of Six or Twelve Insertions. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street London, W.O. ## p. 80 (#111) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. THE LITERARY AGENCIA SALE OF MSS. OF EVERY KIND. Literary Advice, Revision, Research, etc. ARRANGEMENTS FOR Printing, Publishing, Illustration, Translation, etc. THE LITERARY AGENCY OF LONDON, 5, HENRIETTA STREET, W.C. G. RADFORD. G. H. PERRIS. DARLINGTON'S HANDBOOKS AUTHOR'S HAIRLESS PAPER-PAD THE (The LEADENHALL PRESS LTD., Publishers & Printers, 50, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C.) Contains hairless paper, over which the pen Blips with perfect freedom. 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References kindly permitted to Sir Walter Besant; also to Messrs. A. P. Watt and Son, Literary Agents, Hastings House. Norfolk-street, Strand, W.0. HTAOW 21 ЗИUTHO3 тазаОМ А ## p. 80 (#112) ############################################# iv ADVERTISEMENTS. T HAS NEVER BEEN SERIOUSLY QUES- TIONED BY ANY HONEST TYPEWRITER INVENTOR, MECHANICAL EXPERT, OR USER THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL LINES UPON WHICH THE SMITH PREMIER IS BUILT ARE FAR IN ADVANCE OF ANY OTHER TYPE- WRITER. THAT ALONE WOULD NOT MERIT SUCCESS, BUT THAT FOUNDATION TOGETHER WITH BEST MATERIAL, BEST WORKMANSHIP, AND EXPERT INSPECTION OF ALL THE PARTS AS WELL AS THE FINISHED PRODUCT, HAVE CAUSED THE SMITH PREMIER TO WIN. THIS IS THE EX. PLANATION OF ITS PHE- NOMENAL RECORD OF SUCCESS. SEND FOR ART CATALOGUE. The Smith Premier Typewriter Co 14, Gracechurch Street, LONDON, E.C. Smith Prema ESTABLISHED] The Athenæum Press, Taunton. (XVII. CENT. BARNICOTT & PEARCE INVITE ENQUIRIES RESPECTING PRINTING. 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Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 04 (September 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 04 (September 1900) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1900-09-01-The-Author-11-4 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/335/1900-10-01-The-Author-11-5.pdf 923cf65a50f9abc0cea7ce32261efb0f PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1900-10-01 Volume 11 Issue 5 Pages Page range in volume 81–96 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19001001 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. XI.—No. 5.] OCTOBER 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. CONTENTS. 81 ... 82 Memoranda ... ... ... ... ... ... Literary Property- 1. An Important Warping ... ... 2. The Sixpenny Book ... ... ... 3. Canadian Copyright 4. The Meaning of Royalties... 5. Resolutions of the Institute of Journalists The Manufacture of a Series PAGE Paris Letter ... Notes and News. By the Editor... ... The Coming Season ... ... ... R3 The Seventh International Press Congress Correspondence-A Query ... Literary Careers Made Easy Book and Play Talk... 86 | Books and Reviews ... 85 86 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. The Annual Report. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. 2. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices : Vol. I., 108. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., III., and IV., 88. 6d. each (Bound); Vols. V. to VIII. (Unbound), 6s. 6d. 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. MORRIS COLLES, Barrister-at-Law. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 4. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE, late Secretary to the Society. 18. 5. The Cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 28. 6d. (Out of print at present.) 6. The Various Methods of Publication. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. Eyre and Spottis- woode. 18. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By Walter BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888-1892). 18. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst ST LUNGE, J.U.D. 28. 6d. 10. The Addenda to the “Methods of Publishing." By G. HERBERT TARING. Being additional facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “Methods." With comments and advice. 28. 11. Forms of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Association ; with Comments. By G. HERBERT TARING, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. 18. ## p. 80 (#114) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Authors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT, GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL, SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. AUSTIN DOBSON. SIR LEWIS MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. M188 E. A. ORMEROD, LL.D. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIRLD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BESANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE RIGHT Hon. The LORD PIR AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, M.P. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE RIGHT Hon. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH. JEROME K. JEROME. E. ROSE. CLERE. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONER. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. Shaw. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMB. P. W. CLAYDEN. THE RIGHT Hon. W. E. H. LECKY, S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. The Hon. John COLLIER. THE REV. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM Moy THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. SIR A. C. MACKENZIE, Mus.Doo. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGR. THE RIGHT Hon. THE LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel – E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A. HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. À BECKETT. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. GILBERT PARKER. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E. ROSE. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN. FRANCIS STORR D. W. FRESHFIELD. 'SUB-COMMITTEES.' ART. Hon. JOHN COLLIER (Chairman). I SIR W. MARTIN Conway. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A. W. À BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLES. GILBERT PARKER. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). F. C. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD ROSE. J: FIELD, ROSCOE, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. G. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. MHE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. MHE ART of CHESS. By JAMES Mason. Price 58. 1 G A. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. 1 net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's- buildings, E.O. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Broam's-buildings, E.O. ## p. 81 (#115) ############################################# The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 5.] OCTOBER 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. M HE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all 1 remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the “Cost of Production.” IV. A COMMISSION AGREEMENT. The main points are :- (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production. (2.) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. GENERAL. All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned. Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. Never sign any agreement without competent advice from the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The main points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are :- (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMAYNIC AUTHORS. TT ERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an il agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property :- I. THAT OF SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. Bat the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of agree In this case the following rules should be attended to: (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs : or by charging exchange advertise. ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for “office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give ap American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! VOL. XI. 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal aathority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 3. There are three forms of dramatic contract for PLAYS IN THREE OR MORE ACTS :- (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING RIGHT. This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters into such a contract should stipulate in the con. tract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES on gross receipts. Percentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An author should obtain & percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts L 2 ## p. 82 (#116) ############################################# 82 THE AUTHOR. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battlos of other writers, even if you are reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. dence of the writer. 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con. fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. THE READING BRANCH. in preference to the American system. Shonld obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., fixed nightly fees). This method should be always avoided except in cases where the fees are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The other safeguards set out under heading (6.) apply also in this case. 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one act plays should be reserved. 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is of great importance. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot print the book of the words. 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in the beginning. 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object is to obtain adequate publication. As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on account of the wide range of the subject of dramatio con. tracts, those authors desirous of further information are referred to the Secretary of the Society. EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this branch of their work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated aa a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. NOTICES. M HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the T Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 68. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should be addressed to the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work whicb it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. LITERARY PROPERTY. T VERY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici. tor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreements do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society. 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past accounts with the loan of the books represented. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro. posed document to the Society for examination. I.-A VERY IMPORTANT WARNING. A S during the past three months many cases have come before the Authors' Society wbere a half-profit or other agreement has been entered into with a publisher and the publisher in the same agreement binds the author for the next two books on the same terms, it is our duty again to repeat that both these clauses are disastrous, the latter especially so. In many cases accounts have been brought in showing a sale of 2000 copies or thereabouts, with a return to the author on “half profits ” of perhaps £5! ## p. 83 (#117) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. .: 83 Two more books on the same terms would be the sale of the sixpenny book is simply ruining quite sufficient to break any person who is striving the trade. to live by writing. It is only hoped that those 6. The author on a royalty of id., which is houses especially given to this kind of contract much larger than is generally offered, may be the first to become bankrupt. cannot expect more than £156 for 50,000 copies. On a 20 per cent. royalty for the same book at the nominal price of 6s. II.—THE SIXPENNY Book. he would have £60 for every thousand I have now been able to ascertain the figures copies, or for 2500, £150. So that unless respecting the production of the sixpenny book. twenty copies are taken at 6d. to one at From estimates before me—those of a printing 68., the author will be a loser. firm of old standing—I learn that the cost of an 7. There are now a great many sixpenny books average sixpenny book of 16opp. may be computed on the market : and they are increasing at 1 d. a copy for an edition of 50,000 copies— rather than diminishing. Publishers, in i.e., about £340. This does not include advertis- fact, seem vying with each other in the ing. These copies are sold to the retail bookseller madness of the sixpenny book. at 3 d. each, and to the wholesale bookseller at 8. The dangers resulting from this misplaced 3d. The latter price, however, is by far the more cheapness are briefly these :- important, and may be taken as the average. (a) So long as books are on the stall or The cbarge to the public is 4 d. at places where counter which can be bought for 6d., discount is allowed, and 6d. at other places. the general public will not look at a book From these figures we get the following priced more highly. facts :- It has been urged that a new public is 1. The publisher, in order to clear his bare approached with the sixpenny book. costs, must get rid of 27,200 copies. This is perhaps true, but it includes and 2. If he has to pay the author a royalty, these swamps the old book-buying public. figures must be materially altered. Thus, The public are induced to believe that if the author gets id.-sometimes he is 6d. is the just and proper price of a offered a simple farthing !—the publisher book of any kind. This evil, which so must get rid of more than 36,000 copies largely contributed to the International in order to clear these bare costs. Copyright Act in the United States, has 3. He is then left with 13,720 copies. On the already begun in this country. It will whole, if he clears off the complete edition, of necessity produce the same effects he makes the sum of £128, out of which here as were complained of there—viz., he has to pay for such advertising as he the impossibility of the author making a thinks necessary, and his office expenses, livelihood by his work. Now, for imagi. travellers, clerks, &c. native work it is most important that 4. Most of the books offered at 6d. belong to the author should be independent and the publisher, and are not loaded with any should be able to live in a certain amount royalty. In that case, the sale of the com. of ease. plete edition would produce about £285, The people cease to prize what they can subject to the above deductions. The get for nothing. They have to pay a question then arises whether, for the sake shilling for a seat in the gallery of a of this profit, it is worth while to lose the theatre: if they can get the finest work sale of the more highly-priced works. of contemporary fiction for 6d., which 5. The bookseller, on the other hand, sells the will they value the more highly, an book at 4 d., and gets a profit of one evening at the play or a novel by — ? penny. They imbibe a contempt for literature A London bookseller of importance computes as a thing which by those who produce that he disposes of the sixpenny book at the rate it is considered of no value. of 500 copies a week. That is to say, he realises The bookseller, already on the verge of a profit of a little over £2 a week, which does not ruin, is driven down still lower. even cover his rent. It is not likely that many 9) The author of the sixpenny book suffers, booksellers get through a greater number every as we have seen, but the author of the week. 6s. book is in imminent danger of Another bookseller reports that no one will look extinction. at any other book so long as the sixpenny book It seems as if the rational method of procedure can be obtained. It is obvious, therefore, that would be to reserve for the sixpenny editions ## p. 84 (#118) ############################################# 84 THE AUTHOR. only those books which have stood the test of of Canada to legislate for itself in such a manner time, and have become popular works. It may as to override the Imperial Act; but fortunately then be presumed that the earlier edition is in the no Canadian legislation upon these lines ever hands of all who can afford to give the higher obtained the Royal Assent. price, while the cheap edition appeals to the wide In 1895, when the discussion was very acute, class of those who cannot afford to give so much. the Society of Authors, whose sense of responsi- It would be still more rational if the lowest bility as to the question had been constant and price of the popular book were to be one shilling. sincere, considered what further steps should be Would it not be possible for the author to taken to put forward clearly the case of Imperial guard against the danger, in his own interests as copyright. Mr. Hall Caine was at that time well as those of other writers, of booksellers, about to leave England on a tour in America, and and the general public, by inserting a clause in the committee of the Society gladly accepted his his agreements forbidding the sixpenny edition services as a delegate of the Society during his except with the consent of the author himself or visit to Canada. Mr. Hall Caine rendered mate- his agent ? W.B. rial help to the cause in which the Society was --- interested, and received the committee's cordial acknowledgment of his zealous and valuable aid. III.-CANADIAN COPYRIGHT. It is not, however, necessary now to enter into (Reprinted by kind permission from the Times of Aug. 31.) the details of his negotiations, since the copyright The question of Canadian copyright, which has question entered on a fresh phase with Sir John been the stumbling-block to copyright legislation Thompson's death. A new Government suc- and to copyright reform for the past thirty ceeded, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier became Premier years, seems now to be within reasonable distance of Canada. of settlement. This desirable situation is largely In the beginning of 1898, Mr. Gilbert Parker, owing to the constant attention and labour of the a member of the committee of the Society of Incorporated Society of Authors. In 1875 the Authors, learnt that the question of copyright Canadian Government brought in a Copyright was again likely to be brought forward; and the Bill for Canada which obtained the Royal Society of Authors at once drew up a statement Assent, but this Act was unsatisfactory to the as to the course which copyright legislation Canadians, as, though it was considered that it should take according to their opinion for the would override the Imperial Act, their courts benefit of all authors of the Empire. In the decided in Smiles v. Belford that this view of summer of that year, when certain Canadian the law could not stand. In 1886 the Imperial Ministers were in England, the secretary of the Parliament removed another colonial difficulty by Society had a long interview with them at Mr. giving copyright to a book wherever published Parker's house. It was then thought well that within the British Empire. the Society should send over a delegate to Canada Still, for various reasons which it is unnecessary to put forward their views. The secretary of the to enumerate here, the Canadians were discon. Society was appointed to fill the post. Copyright tented ; and, in the early nineties, soon after the legislation was, however, postponed in Canada ior passing of the American Act, Sir John Thompson, the moment; but in the autumn of the following thinking, no doubt, that the Canadian trades had year-1899—at the expense of the Society, the been injured by this Act, issued a report which secretary sailed for Canada. Mr. Gilbert Parker, was based on a desire to stimulate the trade of who had taken so inuch interest in the matter, the printers and publishers in Canada to the was in Canada at the same time, and had informed disadvantage of Canadian authors and tbeir the Society of Authors that he would give his property, as well as of British authors and their best assistance to the secretary in order to help property. The Authors' Society did not find it him to carry through this important question. possible to support this report, thinking it The secretary had the honour to interview the antagonistic to the proper evolution of copyright Premier and other members of the Canadian law. The Society based their opinion on the fact Government who were especially concerned with that an author's work is his own property, and the question of copyright legislation; and he was should not be hampered by any trade considera assured not only that the Government was tion the effect of which was to deprive the author sympathetic towards the views put forward by of his legitimate profits. the Society, but also that the question of the During the next few years Sir John Thompson printing clause and the licensing methods which carried on the agitation very keenly. It would had been put forward on previous occasions would appear that he was concerned to raise a Consti- be practically laid aside. After discussing this tutional and Imperial question as to the rights difficult question with all those in Canada who ## p. 85 (#119) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. Let us go on to the book of which 3000 at least are printed. The cost of this edition, including advertising, may be set down at about £150. The average price being 38. 7d., we have the following results if the whole edition is sold out: On a royalty, per cent. ... | 10 15 20 25 30 35 were chiefly concerned, and after obtaining the support of the Canadian Society of Authors, then in its infancy, the secretary returned to London with the promise that, if possible, the Canadians would legislate on the lines suggested. At the beginning of this year a Bill was brought forward by the Minister of Agriculture, within whose department copyright business lies, giving to the Canadian publisher complete secu- rity where he had contracted with the author for the exclusive right of publication in Canada, without burdening the author with any trade restrictions. This Bill received the assent of the Canadian Parliament in July, and practically closes in a satisfactory way to all those concerned this very difficult and troublesome, but important, question. There is only one thing left to be the crowning point of the work of the Society in this direction —that is, the passing of Lord Monkswell's Copy. right Bill in the next Session. The Bill embodies the terms of the Canadian Act just passed, and if it becomes law will practically confirm the Canadian legislation on this question. Author.............................. | 90 135 180 225 270315 Pablisher .... 297 | 252 | 207 162 117 72 But the net system is being introduced. The public will before long find out that this means taking more money out of their pockets; and taking more money, out of their pocke booksellers will find out, sooner or later, that they cannot become slaves and clerks to pub- lishers. Meantime, if the 6s. book is to be sold at 58. net, the trade price is 38. rod. Now, let us see what royalties mean on this scale, taking as before an edition of 3000. On a royalty per cent. 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | The author will receive 75 112 150 187 225 262 300 The publisher 1350 1313 275/238 200 | 163 125 IV.-THE MEANING OF ROYALTIES. * Royalties must not be counted 13 as 12. It is now some three years since the meaning The author must be very careful, therefore, to of Royalties was set forth in these pages. It is understand that under a net system royalties now time to repeat, with some amendments and mean figures very different from those where discount prevails. Part of the eagerness with corrections. We take, as usual, the 68. book—not necessarily which some publishers want to extend the net a novel, system is due to the ignorance of authors as to First, an edition of 1000 copies-10 sheets of the meaning of royalties. 32pp. each, about 30 lines or 280 words to a But, it will be argued, the whole edition of page, small pica type— costs about £60, with such 3000 copies may not be sold out. What would small advertising as an edition of this number happen then? can bear, about $70 at the outset. Let us take two cases—one in which 2000 The price to the trade averages 38. 9 d., to the copies are sold and one in which 2500 copies are distributors about 28. sd. The average is about sold. In both cases a certain amount of binding 38. 7d., in some cases perhaps 38.6d. We 18 saved-say, £10 and 5 respectively. formerly took it at 38. 7d. Then for a sale of 2000 copies we have: Every edition gives, on the estimate stated at the Congress of Publishers, “overs” at the rate of On a royalty per cent. | 10 | 15 | 20 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 2 per cent., i.e., so many copies not used in making up deficiencies. We may deduct forty copies for The author receives ..50 Press, which leaves 980, and we will suppose that Tbe publisher receives 193 168 the book is one of the half successes which sells these 980 copies and no more. The publisher On a sale of 2500 : therefore pays £70 for 980 copies, which are sold at 38 7d., producing say £175. If he gives the On a royalty per cont. 10 15 20 25 author a shilling royalty the latter makes £49 and the publisher £56. If he gives the author The author receives ... 62 91 124 186 £20 down and a royalty of a shilling to begin The publisher receives / 272 243 216|179 179 148 after 600 are sold, he gets a little more and the author a little less. It would hardly be worth while to consider this class of book, but for the fact that there are so many of them. ## p. 86 (#120) ############################################# 86 THE AUTHOR. V.—THE INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISTS. At the annual conference of this Institute, held in London under the presidency of Sir James Henderson, the following were among the resolu. tions adopted : That the Copyright Bill recently before Parliament was ansatisfactory, inasmuch as clause 12, in attempting to institute copyright in news, gives no protection to the individual journalist who supplies news, but only to the nowspaper proprietor or the news agency which publishes it, and fails to show how nows wbich has become common property (as it does on publication) can be made the basis of an action without andae restraint of journalistic enter. prise and freedom; and this conference is of opinion that & clause which more strictly defines the right of a reporter or contributor in the literary form of bis report or com. munication, will be of more value to the working journalist than any attempt to create copyright in nows qua news. That editors be discouraged from inviting oontribations to their journals from persons of wealth and position, thus depriving of valuable space those who are journalists by profession, and who have no means of living except by their profession. M THE MANUFACTURE OF A SERIES. HE following printed letters are taken from the Athenæum of Aug. 4, 1900:- THE MANUFACTURE OF A SERIES. The following correspondence is interesting as throwing an ugly light on the way in which a series may be manu. factured. A well-known author writes to us : "Some time ago I got an offer to write a book for a small sum down (I forget how much-say £50), and then, after the sale of 5000 copies, to receive £1 per 1000 copies as royalty. I scoated the proposal, as one of the many tentative ones I have had, to see how many innocent or vain men of letters could be enticed to work for nothing, and I said so. After some months the following correspondence ensued, which I think bighly instructive, and perbaps worth pub- lishing (1) in order to warn simple people, (2) in order to test whether my inclosed letter, sent back to me as very improper, is indeed so objeotionable a document: “' DEAR SIR, -You may remember that some months ago I wrote inviting you to contribute to & series of - Manuals. Mesers. have been distressed to find what had not been brought to their notice, that, besides the sum offered for the work, a royalty so small as £i per thousand after the sale of 5000 copies was proposed. This was, I can gay, a remnant of the smaller form in which the scheme was started. I feel it only due to them to stato, even at this late date, that upon discovery of the error thoy at once autho- rised me to saggest a royalty much more adequate for a book reaching a sale of 5000 copies.-Regretting the acoi. dental oversight, I am yours faithfully, i «• DEAR SIR,-I am obliged for your further note, and hope that as Messrs. — have recognised the great inadequacy of the offer originally made for them, you have acquainted such authors as were induced to acquiesce therein Otherwise these poor people will be the victims of a serious mistake.--I am, yours sincerely, who declined or were unable to contribute. The sum offered, down, for the work was approved by the publishers. But the royalty to be paid after the sale of 5000 copies bad been overlooked by their literary adviser, and not been brought before their notice until after some of the proposals had been made. The pound per thousand was a remnant of the suheme when it was intended to issue the books at 6d. For similar books at that price (sold at 4£d.) - ased to give that royalty with less money down. When it was decided that the price should be a shilling, this matter was overlooked not through my mistake or the publishers'. They were distressed [!] when they found that a farthing a copy after a book bad proved itself successful bad been offered. I spontaneously proposed to write to all and pravent misapprehension. I have taken trouble to make the whole case plain to you. I have received several replies ; none, like yours, gratuitously anxious about my “poor victims.” That you should have oriticised the terms as to royalty was only proper. But as to the tone and taste of your last letter-dear, dear! I hope you may wish to put it in your own fire! All the same, although I have secured some good writers of note, I could have wished that you had seen your way to contribate, and that the probable returns on a shilling book had justified the offer of a more tempting sum.-I am, yours faithfully, - -' The correspondence is exceedingly interesting to all technical writers, men of science, medicine, theology, &c., and points clearly to the fact that the same methods are still being pursued upon wbich the Society of Authors has from time to time thrown strong light-methods which, entirely satisfactory to the publisher, afford to the author but a small return for what must be the result of a long study. The reason why these methods are still-pursued and are still successful lies chiefly in the fact that the authors entrapped are not in the first instance authors that live by their pen, but those who, giving a constant and laborious study to one of the learned professions or sciences, desire from time to time to proclaim those studies to the public. With the very best intentions, therefore, they are constantly under- selling not only writers in their own profession, but in the profession of letters generally. In a small pamphlet issued by the Society of Authors and circulated largely among educational writers, dealing with the publication of educational works, the subject of the sort of agreements that are offered by publishers has been fully dealt with, and it would be as well to reprint part of that statement here. The agreement, it will be noticed, quoted in the first paragraph, bas some remarkable features in common with the agreement in the correspond- ence. The fact, however, need not necessarily be deduced that both agreements emanated from the same publishing house. DEFERRED ROYALTY. 1. The worst feature that one observes is the deferred royalty. Tbe author is induced by the bribe of a small sum, generally £25, to accept an agreement by which he actually gives tbe publisher many thousand-say, soven to ument: “DEAR SIR,--My recent note needed no acknowledg. ment, but your reply requires a word of notice. Your kind hope that I acquainted contributors with the improved terms is justified. I did so at once before writing to those ## p. 87 (#121) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 87 ten-copies for himself, should the book succeed! After , Or the book might be transferred to some other house this the author is to have 10. or perhaps 15 per cent. Let where it would conflict with another book on the same us, remembering that even with books actually carrying subject. Such transfers are not unknown. great risk the publishers never used to venture on asking Or the publishers might resolve not to re-edit the book in for more than half profits, consider what this means. favour of a new one which might sell better. Most of these works are small books, published at 28. or half-a-crown. It must be a very expensive little book that, Right OF AUTHOR TO RE-EDIT. offered at 28. 6d., would cost more than 6d. to produce in a 13. One additional proviso should be added to the present large edition of 6000, including advertising. This means notes. In a case where the author sells his copyright, a an apparent risk of £75. As for the cost of advertising, system of which the Society gravely doubts the expediency, the sum of £10 spent in advertising means no more than but which perhaps for some reason the author might desire kd. a volume for an edition of 6000. As educational books to adopt, it is absolutely essential that the author should are published, the publisher gets about 18. 3d. a copy, or bind the pablisher, in caso a fresh edition is wanted, to give gd. a copy profit, taking, of course, an average book of the him the option to re-edit upon a fixed notice. The following size and price ander consideration. So that in, say, 6000 clause appears in a publisher's agreement where he has pur- copies he gains £250, less what he advanced the author, chased the copyright: say £25. In fact, this agreement says, practically, to the “ “ The said author, in consideration of the payments and author : “ Yours is the book : it is your property, your royalties reserved to him ander this agreement, undertakes, estate: if I administer it I must have for the first 6000 as occasion may require, to edit new editions of the said copies nine times your share. Afterwards, at a 10 per work, and supply any new matter that may be necessary to cent. royalty, I am to have three times your share." bring the information contained in the work up to date." What is the way to put an end to the acceptance of This is very clumsily expressed. The author, so far as these one-sided terms ? The first thing is to pour a flood the words go, binds himself to re-edit, but the publisher, on of light upon the situation, so that everyone shall clearly the other hand, does not bind himself to ask the author to understand it. Afterwards to refuse the agreement on sach do so. If this be the proper construction of the clause, the terms, and to take the book elsewhere. author might find himself in the position of having his book ro-edited by an incompetent hand with no redress. AMOUNT OF ROYALTIES. 2. Ten per cent. aged to be considered a very fair royalty. [The above paragraphs are irregularly numbered This means, however, that with a large sale the publisher owing to the fact that the least important have generally gets about three times what he gives the author! been cut out owing to pressure of space.] SMALL Sums PAID TO GREAT SCHOLARS. Though these warnings still hold good, and 4. There is a certain series of books, all of which have should be carefully considered by all those to run into many thousands of copies. It will hardly be whom the publishers are making offers, yet it is believed that the publishers have actually offered one of our not these warnings which are especially the greatest living scholars £35 and £40 respectively for the subject of this paper, but the methods publishers preparation and editing of two books in this series ! employ to inveigle an author to write for these BINDING CLAUSES. 'scientific or educational series, and No. 4 of the 7. The author frequently contracts not to write another "paragraphs printed above is the first step the book on the subject. We never find, however, the publisher publisher generally adopts. He offers a price up entering into a similar contract not to publish another book to, say, £50 to the best known authority on one of on the subject. It is essential that either both or neither of the parties to the contraot should be bound by such a the subjects of the special series which he is stipulation. about to produce, for choice selecting an indivi. “ODD COPIES." dual who is known to the world rather as a 9. In one case a publisher so far presumed upon the student than as a writer. The person with whom ignorance of his author as to insert a clause stating that for he corresponds, sometimes forgetful that the book “ odd copies" no royalty should be granted ! In other words, if a bookseller ordered single copies of the work, the he is asked to write is the result of years of aathor was to have nothing. Res ipsa loquitur. research and labour, only for the moment con. scious that he has the knowledge at his finger “ 13 AS 12." ends, and that the only labour to him is the 10. In some agreements the royalties have to be labour of putting it down on paper, at all times paid on the sale of “13 as 12.” This means knocking entirely ignorant of the fair market price of his off 8 per cent. from the author's profits, and as the pub. lisher does not sell thirteen copies as twelve except in work and the profits it will bring, accepts the special cases where a batch is ordered, be must not account proposition without a murmur. The publisher at this rate as if the practice were universal. is generally aware that this will be the case, but SALE OF COPYRIGHT. on occasions the specialist may demur to the 12. Perhaps the most unfair clause of these agreements is terms. He then tries someone else who has an that which assigns the copyrights of the book to the pub. equally large knowledge of one of the other lisher. The dangers behind this clause are unbounded. subjects which goes to compose the series until at Above all things, an educational writer must keep the last a contract is settled. The matter. however. control of now editions. This he cannot do if the copyright is in the hands of his publisher, nor can he prevent addi. is generally settled at the first offer. tions, alterations, and omissions to the book except by To all those who are constantly writing either expensive lawsuits, which may, after all, go against him. on technical subjects or general literary matter VOL. XI. M ## p. 88 (#122) ############################################# 88 THE AUTHOR. there is considerable experience as to the prices biographer who is writing in order that his that should be demanded and are readily paid friend's memory may live. There is the philosopher by publishers, and the gentleman whose name who wishes to embody the thoughts of a lifetime in starts the series would be the last, if the matter one volume. There are others of the same kind was put before him, to crush down or undersell too numerous to mention. his own profession, but this result unfortunately In many cases the publisher goes to these dis- happens owing to his ignorance of the current tinguished people and makes them an offer, and price. the contract is signed before they can take advice, The next step in the publisher's tactics is to or if they take advice, they take the advice of draw up a prospectus and to issue a circular. those who themselves know nothing of the This he sends round to the other well-known matter. students and writers of the different professions, There are some of these distinguished people or the different branches of study with which he who go direct to the publisher. In this case they is concerned. are to a large extent at the mercy of the house Very often these are men who are writers with which they are dealing, but in all cases a rather than students, to the same degree as the man who writes a single book falls an easy prey leader of the series who is already bound was and gets absolutely inadequate terms. Many of student rather than writer. these books of memoirs go into numerous editions, In consequence, he is often met with a remon- and are, even under disadvantageous terms, a pro- strance at the miserable terms offered and the perty to the author; only by some stray chance unsatisfactory agreement proposed. The reply his eyes are opened to the fact that with a reason- of the publisher is ready at once. Mr. --, or able contract he might have obtained at least Lord — , or Professor , has consented to three times as much as the amount he has open the series on an agreement similar to the received one offered, and if these gentlemen can write on It is more difficult for the Society and the these terms, surely the objector cannot think of Society's work to reach the author of the one book asking terms higher than those who with so large than it is to reach the writer in a series, for in a a reputation have already given their consent. series it often happens that inter-correspondence Finally, the publisher succeeds in getting his takes place, whereas in the other case the author's series completed on a set of contracts highly position is isolated. satisfactory to himself, but of poor value to the G. H. Thring. author. T'he publisher is not to blame. He trades on the credulity of writers to the 14- same extent as other traders do in dealing with PARIS LETTER. their customers, but he has one larger factor in his favour-namely, the ignorance of authors. To avoid, if possible, the occurrence of the 4 bis, rue des Beaux Arts. same tactics, the Society of Authors has from INTERNATIONAL congresses are still a time to time printed statements analogous to the favourite feature of the great Exhibition. statements placed here. It is only by spreading They arouse little enthusiasm here, and such statements widely that the difficulty can be appear comparatively barren of result. The avoided, and it is hoped that every writer before Academical Congress-one of the most important whom this paper falls will endeavour to commu- of the series, to which delegates from all the prin- nicate it to those other members of his profession cipal European universities were invited-was who are in ignorance of its substance. not particularly brilliant. The Fourth Inter- As a corollary to this it would be as well to national Psychological Congress awoke more inte. put forward the case of those writers also who rest. It was presided over by M. Ribot, member for some reason are writers of one book only. of the French Institute and author of the famous There are hundreds of writers who come within “Maladies de la Mémoire,” “Psychologie des this category, and nearly all of them fall into Emotions," &c. M. Charles Richet, of the Revue the same trap. Scientifique, was vice-president; while the post There is, for instance, the man who has lived of secretary-general was filled by M. Pierre Janet, an active life, and would like to record his supplementary professor of experimental psycho- memoirs. There is, again, the man who has logy at the Sorbonne, whose able treatises on attempted to reach the North Pole, and would “Automatisme Psychologique,” “L'Etat mental like to give a description of his voyage, or the des Hystériques," &c., have won their author a man who has crossed South Africa, and would European renown. The congress was sub-divided like to describe his adventures. There is the into six sections, respectively dealing with com- ---- ## p. 89 (#123) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 89 parative, introspective, experimental, pathologic, The Grand Prix GOBERT. hypnotic, and social and criminal psychology. The French Academy has bestowed the Grand The subject was evidently popular. Authors, Prix Gobert on M. Pierre de La Gorce for his philosophers, doctors, priests, Jesuits, Dominicans, “Histoire du Second Empire”-an unfinished physiologists, spiritualists, Brahmins, Hindoos, work which already comprises four ponderous criminologists, and a goodly number of the fair tomes and fifteen out of the twenty years' reign sex, attentively followed the somewhat languid of Napoleon III. It is to be hoped that this discussions which only once kindled into warmth premature recompense will not deter M. de La during a debate on hypnotic and suggestive Gorce from finishing his undertaking, as was the psychology case with two of his predecessors. His history Twenty-two nations sent representatives to the embraces a period extending from the coup d'état International Congress of Librarians, presided of 1851 to the morrow of Sadowa. It is written over by M. Léopold Delisle, general administrator in a masterly style — clear, nervous, animated of the Bibliothèque Nationale. Its sittings - and well merits the signal honour it has terminated with the decision that henceforth an received, the Grand Prix Ğobert being one of International Congress of Librarians should be the most coveted distinctions in the gift of the held once in every five years. This appears to French Academy. No Academician being allowed have been its most important motion. Three to compete, Augustin Thierry, the historian, anonymous donors have offered prizes varying formerly preferred obtaining the Gobert prize to from twenty to forty pounds for the best memo- donning the palms of the Immortals. randum on the most efficacious method of destroy. The Goncourt prize has not yet been awarded. ing the insects which infest books. Intending It will become the property of the author who .competitors who desire further information on the shall have produced the best prose work of imagi- subject are asked to communicate with the secre- nation during the course of the present year, the tary-general of the Librarians' Congress, M. ten members comprising the Goncourt Academy Henry Martin, Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal, Paris. being judges on this delicate point. In his latest testament M. de Goncourt further expresses the A Good YEAR FOR DRAMATISTS AND desire that this prize be given “à la jeunesse, à COMPOSERS. l'originalité, au talent, aux tentatives nouvelles et The annual report of the Société des Auteurs et hardies de la pensée et de la forme." A good Compositeurs Dramatiques states that the Parisian chance for the rising author. theatres have paid in royalties the sum of 2,123,847 francs 50 centimes during the year STAGE LITERATURE. 1899-1900, being 4276 francs 15 centimes less The lights of the dramatic fraternity are all than the amount previously registered. The under arms for the approaching Christmas Departmental theatres have disbursed 968,575 season. M. Abel Hermant “ très snob, délicat, francs 60 centimes in royalties, showing an la moustache légère,” is established at the Villa augmentation of 12,372 francs 35 centimes on Bassaraba (Haute-Savoie), engaged on a five-act the sum paid during the preceding year. The play. That prolific writer, M. Gaston Devore, is foreign theatres have expended 300,223 francs at Ballaigues (Switzerland), occupied in putting 70 centimes in royalties, being an advance of the finishing touches to as many as four new 11,967 francs 15 centimes on the amount regis contributions to stage literature--to wit, “Les tered in 1898-99. The sixty Parisian cafés. Complaisances," a five-act play; "La Domes- concerts have done still better, having paid tique,” a domestic drama in five acts, destined for 265,742 francs 70 centimes in royalties, showing the Antoine Theatre; “Le Rêve," a philosophical an increase of 56,443 francs on the sum paid play written for the Vaudeville; and a drama during the preceding year. One hundred and dealing with social problems entitled“L'Individu.” five new associates have been admitted to the M. Marcel Prévost, now at Trondhjem (Norway), society, and five members have received pensions. has just finished a piece in four acts entitled The number of pensioners now on the society's “Unis,” which has been accepted by the manager books is no fewer than in persons. Six hundred of the Vaudeville Theatre, while M. Jules new plays have likewise been catalogued by the Chancel is writing a play drawn from M. society as having been performed either in France Prévost's two latest novels, “Frédérique" and or abroad during the year 1899. In short, the “Léa.” The erudite M. Stanislas Rzewuski is Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques completing two plays commenced long since. The shows a most praiseworthy budget, and is to be first is a study of modern manners, whose title congratulated on the success which has attended has not yet been decided on; the second is a its efforts. sumptuous historical drama entitled “Louise de ## p. 90 (#124) ############################################# 90 THE AUTHOR. San-Felice.” The plot of the latter is laid in accomplished-after twenty years' wrangle there- Italy at the beginning of the eighteenth century. on. Greater laxity will henceforth be shown in It depicts the pretended rivalry existing between all Government examinations, and a host of minor Maria-Carolina of Austria, Queen of Naples, and innovations and simplifications will be admitted- a fictitious heroine created by the author. The or rather tolerated by the State examiners. The chivalric General Championnet, the subtle Cima stringent rules respecting the accord between the rosa, a sphinx-like Horatio Nelson, and the past participle (when construed with the first beautiful Emma, Duchess of Hamilton, are among auxiliary) and its complement are no longer the dramatis persona. M. Henri Lavedan is immutable as the laws of the Medes and likewise engaged on a new play, as are also MM. Persians ; while the ubiquitous hyphen has Maurice Ordonneau, Pierre Valdagne, Eugène ceased to be a primary necessity. M. Georges Berteaux, Pierre Wolff, Arthur Bernède, Leygues, Minister of Public Instruction, has Alexandre Bisson, Henry Kistemaeckers, Antony undoubtedly been lenient ; which leniency has Mars, Pierre Decourcelle, and others. given rise to some lively discussion. In an able- and interesting article on the subject, published MEMORANDUM DE BARBEY D'AUREVILLY. in the Revue des Deux Mondes, M. Brunetière “Le Premier Memorandum de Barbey d'Aure. sensibly remarks : “A language is an historical villy,” now published by Lemerre, is anterior by formation; and in its history the only facts to twenty years to the volume issued in 1883 under be taken into account are the works of the great the same title. The present edition records the writers.” M. Leygues is evidently of the same mode of life and daily impressions of the great opinion. French writer during his early youth. The New PUBLICATIONS. analytic talent which won him fame in later “Blancador l'Avantageux," by M. Maurice years is here clearly apparent, scenes and persons Maindron ; “ Edition définitive de Balzac,” which being portrayed with the minute precision of a edition comprises fifty volumes (chez Ollendorff); Pepys and the psychological intuition of a “ La Vie à Paris (1899),” being a continuation of Bourget. In one of Count Fleury's latest works, the annual collection of daily articles by M. Jules “ Louis XV. intime et les petites maîtresses,” a Claretie (chez Charpentier); “La Charpente,” a list is given of the natural children and descen- social study by M. J. H. Rosny (à la Revue dants of that monarch. Among the latter figures Blanche); “ Les Victimes Grimacent !” by M. the name of Barbey d'Aurevilly. Frédéric Boutet, a novel dealing with the vices of The second volume of the late Francisque the classes and the misery of the masses; a trans- Sarcey's “ Quarante ans de théâtre ” has just been lation from the Polish of the famous “Quo. issued by the library of “Les Annales politiques Vadis ? ” of M. H. Sienkiewicz; “Les Rois du et littéraires." It is devoted to appreciating Ruisseau,” by M. Maurice Astier, being a detailed the works of Molière, and the classic school account of the manners, customs, and habits of represented by Regnard, Marivaux, and Beau. that curious biped, le chiffonnier—the French “rag marchais, also of Le Sage, Piron, Gresset, Favart, and bone” man (Libraire du Livre Moderne); and Sedaine. No man ever had a keener percep and the “ Mémoires de Rossignol,” ex-police tion than Sarcey of the perplexities wbich beset the inspector, a terrible narrative of the crimes, dramatic critic's path. “ The theatrical critic," passions, and weaknesses of the darker side of wrote “the good uncle” on one occasion, “must humanity. DARRACOTTE SCOTT. also have his scale of proportion understood by the public. But what shall it be? This is a grave question, and one more difficult to resolve than is generally imagined. To crush M. d'Ennery under NOTES AND NEWS. the name of Corneille, to measure MM. Marc- Michel and Labiche with Beaumarchais would DROFESSOR DOWDEN suggests in Litera. be an absurdity, if not an injustice. But on the P ture the celebration of the opening of the other hand, are all souvenirs of the past, all the 20th century by an “adequate” history conditions of antique art, to be cast asideas of English literature. If the Professor would has been done with the ell and other ancient elaborate the scheme for such a history it measures ?” would be a practical step. Perhaps no one could be found among the critics of the day ORTHOGRAPHY AND SYNTAX REFORM. who would be more generally accepted as the The reform of French orthography and the editor of such a work. It would be a colossal abolition of the incomprehensible “ chinoiseries " undertaking, but the success of other great of the old French grammar have at last been undertakings—the “Encyclopædia Britannica" ## p. 91 (#125) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 91 and of the antiquary we should have a judicious blend. Let us seriously consider the formation of such a company. for instance, and the “ Dictionary of Biography" -should be an encouragement. I would suggest the formation of a company for the purpose. The capital required would depend upon the scheme itself—the number of volumes necessary; the payment of contributors; the office expenses; the price of the work when complete and in parts. Thus there would be: (1) The preliminary expenses. (2) The expenses of office rent, clerks, &c. (3) The editor's salary. (4) The pay of the contributors. (5) Cost of printing, paper, binding, &c. The volumes would have to be issued regularly at intervals of a quarter. From certain rough calculations I believe that the whole expense would amount to less than £2000 a volume of the size of the “ Dictionary of National Biography." How many volumes would Professor Dowden åsk for? As regards the success, we must remember that the establishment everywhere of the free library greatly helps the production and lessens the risk of embarking in these large enterprises. We might expect a thousand copies at least to be taken up by the free libraries all over the English. speaking world, provided that the work was not only written by scholars, but also by attractive writers. There would be no publisher behind it: the company would be an ordinary trading company. I believe not only that it would be a most useful contribution to the history of litera- ture, but that it would be immensely successful. I beg to invite very serious attention to the warning under the head of Literary Property. It is directed against the practice, common with one or two minor publishers, of inserting a clause in the agreement promising the publisher the author's next two books! Anything more foolish than to accede to the impudent demand it is difficult to imagine. Does a physician make a patient promise to come to him with his next two ailments? Does a solicitor bind down a client for his next two cases ? It comes to this : that although an author may be fleeced and robbed by his publisher, he will go to him twice more! Great as may be the desire to see oneself in print, there should be, one would think, some restrain. ing force in self-respect. WALTER BESANT. THE COMING SEASON. 1 \HE following is a classification of the books announced in the Athenæum between Aug. 18 and Sept. 29 inciusive: The publishers represented are Messrs. George Allen, Burns and Oates, Chambers, Constable, Clark, Chatto and Windus, Cambridge University Press, Cassell, Clarendon Press, Dent, Duckworth, Heinemann, Hutchinson, Methuen, Macmillan, Maclehose, Marshall, Richards, Sampson Low, Sonnenschein, Seeley, Skeffington, Unwin, Whit- aker, Wells Gardner, Black, Rivington, Chapman and Hall, Matthews, and Bemrose. The list is not therefore complete, but there are not many left of the publishers worth considering. The result is interesting. It comes out as follows: . Works announced. Theology ... ......... 98 History and Biography .............. Travel ...... Science .......... Scholarship ............................. Philosophy Law Political Economy Essays ...... Fiction ........ .................. 164 Children's books ......................... 30 Poetry and Plays...... ............ 29 There are a few difficult to classify. There are also translations and new editions which are not entered in the above list. In connection with this list it will be interesting to watch and to classify the books which appear from day to day in the 114 One thing is most important. I am sure that Professor Dowden would agree in my contention that it is a great mistake to suppose that because a man has written poetry or fiction with more or less success, he is therefore a critic. "The critical The critical faculty is not the same as the imaginative; one might even go further and say that the develop- ment of the critical power tends to destroy the imagination. There are at the present moment half-a-dozen critics who stand in the front rank. It would be invidious to mention their names, Not one of these has distinguished himself by any imaginative work. On the other hand, there are as many writers on literature, writers of appreciation, who are most attractive and delight- ful, yet are not critics. There are also anti- quaries who collect facts and figures and write about them, but they are not critics. Of the gentlemen who write “reviews,” log roll and depreciate, set up little cénacles and make a fuss, I do not speak, because the editor of this great work will assuredly have none of them. But of the true critic and of the man who can appreciate ............ ...... ## p. 92 (#126) ############################################# 92 THE AUTHOR. morning papers as “ Publications of the Day." M. Hebrard, of Le Temps ; England, Mr. S. One notes that the publishers of fiction seem to Campion, J.P., of the Northampton Mercury, be decreasing in number. Seven publishers bave Miss G. B. Stuart being the English secretary ; 120 novels between them. Germany, Hans Tournier; America, Mr. Young; There follows next the somewhat delicate ques Sweden, M. Beckman; Hungary, M. Joseph tion: how many of these books will pay ? This Veszi. The abstention of a goodly number of involves the question : how many are paid for by well-known French journalists from being present their authors ? proved that, like the Institute of Journalists in We may rank them in four classes : England, they have their little dissensions amongst * 1. Those which are quite certain to allow of a themselves. M. Jean Bernard again brought large edition or several editions with a good margin. forward his project for making the staff of a 2. Those which will allow of a single edition newspaper participators in the profits; at Rome with a small margin. he argued warmly for this, and he was now 3. Those which are doubtful. requested to draw up a report upon the subject- 4. Those which will not pay expenses, unless an interesting but somewhat impossible proposi. the reader's judgment is wholly incompetent. tion. M. Taunay, the energetic and ever-affable It would, of course, be invidious to name the general secretary, then brought forward his books which belong to any of the four classes. report upon a card of identity for journa- It is, however, noteworthy that, taking only lists, members of the various societies affiliated fiction, no fewer than sixty belong undoubtedly to the International Bureau. Armed with to the first class, while the second class is this card the journalist in any country is represented in fiction alone by about sixty more. to address himself to the representatives of What is wanted by writers of the first and second the committee of direction, or to the local classes is to remember that they have property associations, correspondents of the Bureau, and in their hands as real as, say, horses or cattle, he will have all facilities given him as a local which are, like most books, perishable. The journalist. The question of tariff for the post of whole parade and pretence about risk, office ex. newspapers was next considered, Signor Berger penses, and percentages should be pushed aside. arguing that the cost should never exceed two The only question is on what terms the adminis. centimes, instead of five, for international iration of the property should be granted, or at postage, and a half, or at most one, centime for what price it should be sold. interior postage; and the Bureau was authorised to take up negotiations with the various Govern. , ments to obtain some reductions in the tariffs. The subject of telegraph tariffs was again intro- THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL PRESS duced by Señor de Berazza, the Spanish dele. CONGRESS. gate, and he was able to announce that, in By JAMES BAKER, F.R.G.S. addition to the conventions between France and Spain, Luxembourg, and Portugal, this year INHE meeting this year was arranged for under certain conditions the convention and T Paris, to coincide with the Great Exhibi. restriction had been agreed to between France tion; and at Rome last year great were the and England, but Italy still failed to fall into rumours of what this Congress was to be. How line, while pourparlers were still going on with it was to eclipse all former Congresses in work and Sweden and Norway. in play, in hospitality and in excursions; one Following this a discussion occurred on excursion, it was hinted, would include Algiers. an abbreviated code for telegrams, and a But there is a French proverb of few words, prize is to be offered for the best working L'Homme propose mais Dieu dispose, and not code. The other subjects discussed included only the fates, but the weather, seemed to defeat the constitution of an international tribunal of the generously hospitable aims of the French arbitration for journalistic matters. Upon organisers. this a brisk discussion ensued, and a M. On the first morning of the Congress the news Rouzier claimed attention for a tribunal to arrived of the assassination of King Humbert, settle disputes between directors of journals and and so all official entertainments were cancelled, reporters. Tbe evergreen, but never settled, and the President of the Republic was not subject (either in England or with the inter- present at the opening séance in the Amphi. nationalists) of a school of journalism was brought théâtre of the Sorbonne. At the first business up by M. Bernard under the presidency of meeting on the following morning the presidents M. Beckman, the learned Swedish delegate. for each nation were elected—viz., for France, The Belgian delegate, Heinzman-Savino, declared ## p. 93 (#127) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 93 that the quickest way to vulgarise the teaching right to it and may do what he chooses with it- of journalism, or at least of certain subjects e.g., sell it for publication with or without the necessary to journalism, was to obtain the estab. author's name? This might certainly not be lishment of courses upon the subjects in the agreeable to the author of the matter in question, universities. At Heidelberg already Professor but what is the law ? DusTMAN. Koch has a journalistic course. The final [The case quoted above is sadly wanting in subject discussed was the rights of illustrators, legal exactness, and it is exceedingly difficult to and M. Janzon proposed that the central com. give a definite opinion on it. The finder might mittee make a study of the status of the journalist have a right to sell the paper with the writing in various countries. At the conclusion of the upon it, but certainly not the right of publication. work Mr. P. W. Clayden, the English president, The publication of a MS. is an entirely distinct gave a formal invitation to the Congress from the property, and cannot be thus dealt with.-G. H. city of Glasgow to assemble there in 1901. This THRING.] invitation was referred to the Central Bureau. It would be as well for the Congress to meet in Great Britain, and for once to adopt English LITERARY CAREERS MADE EASY. rules of debate. The Je demande la parole of gentlemen who have already spoken a dozen times In the old-fashioned days when a man wrote a book, delays real progress. That was all there was for him to do ; If they made it worth while for the author he took The English papers prepared for the Congress were: by Mr. F. Dolman, on “The Advantages Up bis pen and reeled off something new. of International Association," an advantage which Bat to-day, when a man writes a book tbat's a hit, Why, that's jast made a sort of a start, is immense, as I have proved in such countries as For he has to write others explaining how it Poland, Galicia, &c.; and a well-written, eloquent Came out of his houd and his heart. paper on “Ideals of Journalism," by Mr. S. He must tell how he thought of the story and when- Campion, in which he pleaded that the Press How many words daily he wrote - should not become a cloaca maxima ; that evils If he set down the lines with a pencil or pen- and festering sores of humanity should be treated These are things he must carefully note. with the surgeon's knife, and not “ with the He must give us the names of the people he took lingering affection of gbouls for fætid corrup- For nis models, and nothing omic ! tion." In these days when a man makes a bit with a book He can write all his life about it! The social functions were, alas, almost oblite- Chicago Times-Herald. rated ; and as if Nature also worked against the French organisers, the great representation in the Théâtre d’Orange in the Dauphiné-to which BOOK AND PLAY TALK. and the Loire district excursions were organised -was terribly marred by an awful mistral that LITERARY concerns are for the moment in in August froze the spectators. Other excursions were to Chantilly and Pierrefonds, to Sèvres and 1 tbe background, like everything else that Versailles, so that the Congressites enjoyed much is not politics. But the General Election has drawn an unusual number of writers before hue refreshment after their polyglottic labours. Death has been terribly busy with the members The electors. Up to the time of writing, we of the bureau during the past two years, and since observe among the candidates for Parliamentary the Rome meeting two excellent confrères- honours Dr. Conan Doyle, Mr. Gilbert Parker, Mr. Henry Norman, Sir George Scott Robertson, Signors Bonfadini and Torelli-Viollier—have Mr. H. J. Mackinder, and Mr. Mullett Ellis. passed onward ; let me end with this word of homage to their memory. Mr. Anthony Hope Hawkins was among the number, but he has been obliged owing to sudden illness to withdraw the candidature he had contemplated. CORRESPONDENCE. Mr. Alexander Michie, the well-known authority on China, has written å life of Sir Rutherford A QUERY. Alcock, in which is narrated the progress made TF a man throws a thing away, to whom does it by Engli to whom does it.. by Englishmen in that country during the past j legally belong? Surely the finder. Following sixty years. The subject of the biography was, this reasoning, am I right in supposing that of course, at one time British Minister in Peking. if an author writes something and then throws it The third volume of Professor S. R. Gardiner's away, any person who happens to find it has a legal history of the Commonwealth and Protectorate ## p. 94 (#128) ############################################# 94 THE AUTHOR. may be looked for early next year. Mr. Morley's biography of Cromwell will be published by Messrs. Macmillan during the present month. Mr. H. J. Mackinder, who last year made the first ascent of Mount Kenya, narrates this remarkable achievement in a volume which Mr. Heinemann will publish shortly. The 23rd inst. is the date fixed for the produc- tion of Mr. Zapgwill's new novel, “ The Mantle of Elijah ” (Heinemann). Mr. Gilbert Parker's tales of Pontiac, entitled “ The Lane that Had no Turning," and Mrs. Steel's new novel, “ The Hosts of the Lord,” will be published about the middle of this month by Mr. Heinemann. A new story by Miss Carey, entitled “Rue with a Difference,” will be published on Oct. 2, and one by Miss Charlotte M. Yonge, entitled “Modern Broods," on Oct. 5, both by Messrs. Macmillan. A volume of stories by the Rev. W. J. Dawson is being published by Mr. Grant Richards under the title “ The Doctor Speaks.” , A new edition of Mr. Whistler's “ The Gentle Art of Making Enemies” will be published shortly. The work has been out of print. A new work by Deas Cromarty, entitled “The Heart of Babylon," will be published shortly by Messrs. Horace Marshall and Son. The first volume of Professor Saintsbury's sbury's “ History of Criticism and Literary Taste from the Earliest Times to the Present Day” will be published shortly by Messrs. Blackwood. Mr Charles G. Harper has added to his series of books on our great highways two volumes on “ The Great North Road.” These will be pub. lished by Messrs. Chapman and Hall, and will contain numerous illustrations. Mr. Frank T. Bullen's work on “The Men of the Merchant Service” will be published on Oct. 10 by Messrs. Smith, Elder, and Co. : “ Webs of Mystery" is the title of Mr. John G. Rowe's first book. It is a volume of detective stories, and is published by Messrs. Walter Scott Limited. The young author has also written a five-act drama, which is likely to be produced shortly by a well-known provincial actor-manager, and is at present busy revising his new novel “A King of Busbrangers," already published serially, for book form. Mr. Albert Lee, who wrote “ The Gentleman Pensioner," which was so successful in this country and in America, has just completed a new historical romance entitled “ The Emperor's Trumpeter,” dealing with the downfall of Robes- pierre and the military career of Bonaparte. It will first appear as a serial in the new volume of Young England. The following are among the forthcoming publications of Mr. John C. Nimmo: “The Amusements of Old London," in two volumes, being a survey of the sports and pastimes, tea gardens and parks, playhouses, and other diver- sions of the people of London from the 17th to the beginning of the 19th century, by W. B. Boulton ; « English Historical Memoirs is (1 volumes). by John Heneage Jesse; “ Reminiscences of a Falconer," by Major Charles Hawkins Fisher; and “A History of Steeplechasing," by William C. A. Blew, M.Ă. Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. will publish Mr. C. H. Malcolm's new novel “Robert Kane" about the second week of this month, at the published price of 38. 6d. Mr. Reynolds-Ball gives an account of his recent cycling experiences among the Piedmontese Alps in a long and admirably illustrated article in the September issue of the Cyclists' Touring Club Gazette. The Oxford University Press, which is exhibit. ing in three different groups at the Paris Exhibi. tion, has gained the unique distinction of being awarded three Grands Prix-one each for higher education, book-binding, and Oxford India paper. Derek Vane's new novel, “ Ye shall be as Gods," will run as a serial in Great Thoughts, beginning in October, before heing published in volume form. It deals with a curious develop- ment of character in a woman who has elected to live apart from the world, and shows how a feeble nature may live on and absorb a strong one. Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to accept a copy of the new musical novel (published by Sands and Co.) entitled “A 439: being the Autobiography of a Piano," written gratuitously by “Twenty-five Musical Scribes.” The profits go entirely to the orphanage of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, which was founded at the time of Her Majesty's first jubilee. A letter, dated the 21st ult., from the private secretary, to the editor, Mr. Algernon Rose, says that “ The Queen desires her thanks to be returned for the book.” Mr. Isaac Henderson, author of the Criterion comedy entitled “The Silent Battle." has written a new play, called “The Mummy and the Humming Top,” for Mr. Wyndham. The first production at Wyndham's Theatre, however, will be the new play in four acts by Mr. Henry Arthur puuro Charles G. Hart highways two will be rhet uitously by "ography of a entitled "A 430 -- -- ## p. 95 (#129) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 95 or especial benefit to conductors, and secretaries of provincial musical societies desiring information concerning suitable orchestral works by British composers, or information regarding British soloists and players generally. BOOKS AND REVIEWS. (In these columns notes on books are given from reviews which carry weight, and are not, 80 far as can be learned, logrollers.) Jones, in which Mr. Wyndham (in the part of an eminent lawyer), Miss Lena Ashwell, and Miss Mary Moore will appear. Mr. Haddon Chambers has written a new play for Mr. Alexander. In Mr. Tree's production at Her Majesty's of “Herod the Great,” Mr. Stephen Phillips's poetic drama, the following will be in the cast : Miss Maud Jeffries, Mrs. Crowe, Miss Calhoun, Mr. C. W. Somerset, and Mr. King Hedley. Mrs. Patrick Campbell will reopen the Royalty Theatre on Oct. 8. Mr. Jobn Farrington and Mr. A. H. Canby will reopen Terry's Theatre in a few days with the play by Charles H. Hoyt, entitled “A Parlour Match." Among the new plays in London during September were “The Scarlet Sin,” by Mr. George R. Sims and Mr. Arthur Shirley, at the Crown, Peckham; “ Self and Lady,” by M. Pierre Decourcelle, at the Vaudeville ; “The Price of Peace," by Mr. Cecil Raleigh, at Drury Lane; and Mr. Barrie's “ The Wedding Guest” at the Garrick. The new play at the Lyceum by Mr. Seymour Hicks and Mr. F. Latham, which is to be pro- duced on Oct. 6, is called “For Auld Lang Syne.” Mr. William Mollison, Miss Lily Hanbury (as a hospital nurse), Miss Fanny Brough, Mr. W. L. Abingdon, and Mr. Leonard Boyne will play the principal parts. Mr. F. R. Benson's company will open its second season in London at the Comedy on Dec. 19. On three nights of each week the stage will be held by the German company, the Benson company occupying the remaining three nights and two matinées. Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, the Westminster Orchestral Society is about to commence its sixteenth season. At the forthcoming orchestral concert, the pro- gramme will, as usual, include several new works of interest by British composers. In response to the wish of many music lovers resident in the country to assist in the patriotic and valuable work the society has so long carried forward, the committee have decided to enrol a limited number of country members at a nominal fee of half a guinea a year, in return for which sub- scription such members are entitled to receive the society's i ublications, and, when visiting London, the privileges of one-guinea members. Applications should be addressed to the hon. secretary, Mr. Algernon Rose, Town Hall, West- minster. Such membership should be found of AN INTRODUCTION TO ENGLISH POLITICS, by John M. Robertson (Richards, 108. 6d.) is, says the Times, “ an ambi. tious, and it is fair to add, a clever book.” The Daily News begins by describing it as "a very eloquent, striking, powerful, but not convincing book," and concludes by saying that“ the English politics to which Mr. Robertson's long, depressing survey is an Introduction are not those of bound. less hope in the future, as all true Liberal politics must be, but are much more like the politics of oynical disbelief in the wisdom which guides mankind.” PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD, by Andrew Lang (Goupil, 638. net), is "an admirable piece of work,” says the Times, and “ a real contribution to historical knowledge.” For the first time the Stuart papers at Windsor Castle have been thoroughly examined, and they form the basis of the volume. Mr. Lang, says the Spectator, “has never been more happily inspired than in this study of the broken life- story of one who will always be a premier figure in romance -the last conspicuous prince of an ill-fated house and the centre of a movement wbich he did not comprehend. He has given as the severe truth, leaving no source unsearched. to find the facts of a difficult career, and at the same time- he has invested the whole narrativa, splendid and sordid, with an unreal fairy-tale atmosphere, which is the true one." The Daily Chronicle refera to the account of the little- known engagement at Falkirk " as “an excellent example of Mr. Lang's descriptive style." THROUGH THE FIRST ANTARCTIC NIGHT, by Frederick. A. Cook, MD. (Heinemann, 208.), gives, says Literature, “a striking and graphic account of the voyage of the Belgica. The book, in fact, strikes us as a work of greater merit than the expedition itself, which seems, if we correctly anderstand Dr. Cook, to have been led in a rather a muddle.. beaded manner.” “His book is interesting as, to use his own words, ' a contribution of new human experience in a. new inhuman world of ice.' ... As a rule there is a certain air of jollity in the stories of those who have wintered in the regions of ice and darkness. It is otherwise with Dr. Cook and his companions. Even Ovid in his exile on the shores of the inhospitable Euxine was not so sorry for himself as they were.” The Times points out that the expedition, which was of Belgian origin, was the first that over wintered in the South Polar area. One fourth of Dr. Cook's narrative relates to South America. HAMPSHIRE, WITH THE ISLE OF WIGHT, by George A. B. Dewar (Dent, 48. 6d. net), is bighly praised by the Daily. Chronicle, which anticipates that the reader's verdict will be: “Never had I believed Hampshire so interesting.” Besides Mr. De war, five other writers, specialists in botany, entomology, geology, &c., take charge of these departments. “The writers' main business," says the Times,“ has been to describe towns, villages, the historic houses, and the roads, and the way in which they have done it should set an example to those who will undertake the other volumes ” of this series of county histories. ## p. 96 (#130) ############################################# 96 THE AUTHOR. THE WHISTLING Maid, by Ernest Rhys (Hutobinson, 68.), “sets forth with real charm of expression and an unfailing sense of the picturesque," says the Spectator, "the adventures on field and flood of a young Welsh damsel of high degree.” The Daily Chronicle characterises it as genuine romance—"a romance written, not from the point of view of the chap-book and the county bistory, but as a the result of a true and sensitive romantic spirit, a work, in a word, of spontaneous and sincere artistry." Similarly the Literary World, which adds: “There is no more charming creation in modern literature than the heroine, Luned, the maid of the silver pipe, who leaves ber bome wben the raid is made upon it, and, attired in boy's clothing, rides through trackless forest country to find ber father, and bring him to the rescue." SENATOR NORTH, by Gertrude Atherton (Lane, 68.), is "essentially an American story," says tbe Daily News. “It deals with the political and social life of Washington.” There is in the story a "terrible tragedy that shows how beavy lies the shadow of the curse apon the blacks in the Southern States. Mrs. Atherton's pages are crowded with portraits of men and women in various grades of society. These portraits are very clean cut.” The Spectator says that “Mrs. Atherton's portrait of the beautiful bat unbappy balf-breed, with her abiding melancholy, her social ambitions, her strange lapses into vulgar barbarism, and her fatal mendacity, is of painfully engrossing interest." “She writes of humanity,” says the Daily Telegraph, “but it is of humanity at its best, and sbe has achieved å very great and noticeable success;" and the Daily Chronicle describes the work as “ full of intellect, of character, and of movement." THE MAN THAT CORRUPTED HADLEYBURG, by Mark Twain (Chatto, 68.), contains, says the Spectator, " a quantity of excellent mixed reading." "Whatever the theme or its treatment, it is good to notice that there is not the slightest trace of fatigue in the mind of the writer.” “The whole," says the Daily News, “forms a welcome addition to the light literature of the day.” For there are all sorts of things in the book, echoes of Austrian Parliamente, of the Dreyfus case, of the author's experiences in the American Civil War, of Christian science, and a score of other subjects. The story that gives the title to the volume (“ only Mark Twain could have conceived the idea," says the Daily Telegraph) is described in the Literary World as *• a satire of the biting kind.” Of the book as a whole, the Daily Chronicle says : “ The old friend is here in the old familiar spirit, excellent company, perennially youthful.” SONS OF THE MORNING, by Eden Phillpotts (Methuen, 68.), is described by the Daily Chronicle as “excellent fiction.” The idea and central thread of the story (which is laid in Devonshire) is "& sweet and strong young farnieress, in love with two good men at once-a situation 80 frequent with women in real life, so rarely handled in books." "The courting of Henery Collins has some excellent humour in it”; and the depths of the book "are concerned with the most fascinating subject, witchcraft.” The work is described by the Spectator as “ earnest in aim and careful in workmanship.” The Fourth GENERATION, by Sir Walter Besant (Chatto, 68.), is a story of the present day, and “touches the old problem of beredity; but it faces that problem," says Literature, “ in the spirit of the practical man of the world.” The conseqaences of the crime of an ancestor of Leonard Campaigne," and the fortunes of his descendants as they touch the life of Leonard, are described and followed with all the skill of a master in the art of story-telling, ap to the moment when the stain is wiped out, and the momentam, as it were, of the crime exhausted, by the marriage of the descendant of the morderer to the descen. dant of his victim.” “The story is finely proportioned,” says the Daily News; " its action never flags." “ Charac- ters are sharply drawn,” says the World, “and treated, too, with a pleasant, whimsical humour.” THE SOFT SIDE, by Henry James (Methaen, 68.), con. tains twelve studies, which, rays Literature, “will probably make new converts to his cult. Each story possesses to a high degree the sensitiveness and detachment which one generally finds in his works.” “How restful,” says the Daily Chronicle," the sense of being in the best circle' all the time." The Spectator allows that “as a virtuoso of transcendental morbidity Mr. James claims anstinted admiration." THE GATELESS BARRIER, by Lucas Malet (Methuen, 68.), is described by tbe Daily News as a “boaatifal and eerie story.” “Lucas Malet has never done as a bit of artistic work anything more refined and delicate." It is the story of the love of a living man for a lovely ghost. It is told, says the Times, "with a sense of style and a dramatic vigoar that make it a pleasure to read.” “The novel carries you along easily, naturally, spontaneously," says the Daily Telegraph, “because of its lightness of touch, its quaint vraisemblance, its original handling of familiar themes.” “Genuine imagination and charm have been at work here,” says the Daily Chronicle. THE Mystic NUMBER 7, by Annabel Gray (Simpkin, Marshall, 38. 6d.), "shows keen psychological interest and ability," in the opinion of the Glasgow Herald. Lilera- ture says “Miss Annabel Gray has a good grip upon ber subject, and writes in a fashion that should be popular with the readers of her many other books." The West- minster Gazette says "the sensational interest of the story is kept ap to the very end," while the Dundee Advertiser pronounces Glen Daile "a splendid creation.” A MASTER OF CRAFT, by W. W. Jacobs (Metbuen, 68.), his first full-length story, “ can be anreservedly recom- mended,” says the Spectator, " to all who have not lost their appetite for wholesome food for laughter.” “The scene is as usual laid on a small coasting schooner, or in the various baunts or houses of call of those engaged in this trade, and the motive is, not for the first time, furnished by the amorous susceptibilities of an amiable but singularly indiscreet skipper.” A PRIEST'S POEMs, by K. D. B. (Catholic Truth Society), is a collection of various verses arranged in different parts. The Athenæum says: “It is in the impassioned prayer to 'God, Creator of the Waters,' in 'Ecce Sto ad Ostium,' in the long and at times beautiful poem Secrets of the Night' that we recogpise now and again a strain of true poetry, while the translations have the rare merit of almost persuading the reader that they are original.” The Westminster Gazette says that “the author shows genuine poetic fancy and devotional spirit.” 66 “THE AUTHOR. SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. 0 Front Page ... ... £4 0 0 Other Pages ... ... 3 00 Hall of a Page ... ... ... 1 10 0 Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Column Advertisements ... 0 16 per inch 0 6 0 Bills for Insertion ... ... ... ... ... per 2000 3 0 0 Reductions made for a Series of six or Twelve Insertions. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, The Author Otice, 4, Portugal-street London, W.O. ## p. 96 (#131) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. SALE OF MSS. OF EVERY KIND. Literary Advice, Revision, Research, etc. C LITERARY ĀGENCY ARRANGEMENTS FOR Printing, Publishing, Illustration, Translation, etc. THE LITERARY AGENCY OF LONDON, B, HENRIETTA STREET, W.C. G. RADFORD. G. H. PERRIS. THE DARLINGTON'S HANDBOOKS | AUTHOR'S HAIRLESS PAPER-PAD (The LEADENHALL PRESS LTD., Publishers & Printers, 50, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C.) Contains hairless paper, over which the pen slips with perfect freedom. Sixpence each. 58. per dozon, ruled or plain. New Pocket Size, 8s. per dozen, ruled or plain. Authors should note that TBB LEADENBALL PRESS LTD. cannot be responsible for the loss of MSS. by fire or otherwise. Duplicate copies should be retained. AUTHORS TYPEWRITING. "Sir Henry Ponsonby is commanded by the Queen to thank Mr. Darlington for a copy of his Handbook." "Nothing better could be wished for."-British Weekly. "Far superior to ordinary guides,"-London Daily Chronicle. Edited by RALPH DARLINGTON, F.R.G.S. ls. each. Illustrated. Maps by John BARTHOLOMEW, F.R.G.S. THE ISLE OF WIGHT. THE CHANNEL ISLANDS. THE VALE OF LLANGOLLEN, THE NORTH WALES COAST. BRECON AND ITS BEACONS. THE SEVERN VALLEY. BOURNEMOUTH AND THE NEW FOREST. THE WYE VALLEY. BRIGHTON, EASTBOURNE, HASTINGS, AND ST. LEONARDS. ABERYSTWITH, TOWYN, BARMOUTH, AND DOLGELLY. MALVERN. HEREFORD, WORCESTER, AND GLOUCESTER. LLANDRINDOD WELLS AND THE SPAS OF MID-WALES. BRISTOL, BATH, CHEPSTOW, AND WESTON-SUPER-MARE. * The best Handbook to London ever issued."-Li erpool Daily Post. 2nd Edition Enlarged, 58. 60 Illustrations, 24 Maps and Plans. Careful work with Yost machine on good paper. Inclusive prices. Novels and Stories, 8d. per 1000 words; in duplicate, Is. Plays, Poems, &c., Is. per 1000 words ; in duplicate, ls. 3d. Also Technical and Scientifi.work; French and Spanish. Specimen of work and Extracts from Testimonials on application. L. A. ST. JOHN, 20, Lucas Avenue, Upton Park, London, E. SECRETARYSHIP. VOUNG LADY (experiencedDESIRES I SEORE CARYSUIP or Literary Post, in or near London, or will teach children; two years Newpham (Olassics); German (Berlin one year); French, Typewriting, Shorthand &c. Reforences : Rev. Canon Dr. Haig-Brown, Miss B. A. Clough, &c., &c. Apply MISS DAVIES, 9, DYNHAM ROAD, WEST HAMPSTEAD, N.W. LONDON AND ENVIRONS. By E. C. Cook and E. T. Cook, M.A. F'cap. 8vo. 18. THE HOTELS OF THE WORLD. A Handbook to the leading Hotels throughout the World. Llangollen: DARLINGTON & Co. London: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & Co. LTD. Railway Bookstalls and all Booksellers. PHOTOGRAPHS.-BIRTHDAY and SEASON CARDs from negatives by RALPH DARLINGTON, F.R.G.S., of Scenery, Ruins, &c., in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Italy, Greece, Asia Minor, and Egypt, ls., 1s. 6d., 23., 28. od. Complete list, post free. DARLINGTON AND CO., LLANGOLLEN. STIKPHAST PASTE STIKS TYPEWRITING BY CLERGYMAN'S DAUGHTER AND ASSISTANTS. MISS E. M. SIKES. The West Kensington Typewriting Agency, 13, Wolverton Gardens, Hammersmith, W. (ESTABLISHED 1898.) Authors' MSS. carefully and promptly copied. Usual Ternis. Legal and General Copying. Typewritten Circulars by Oopying Process. AUTHORS' REFERENCES. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Crown 8vo., limp cloth, 28. 6d. net; postage, 3d. extra. THE PRINCIPLES OF CHESS IN THEORY AND PRACTICE. JAMES MASON. MRS. GILL, TYPE-WRITING OFFICE, 35, LUDGATE HILL, E.C. (ESTABLISHED 1883.) Authors' MSS. carefully copied from 1s. per 1000 words. Duplicato copies third price. Skilled typists sent out by hour, day, or week. French MSS. accurately copied, or typewritten English translations supplied. Beferences kindly perrnitted to Sir Walter Besant; also to Meser 8. A. P. Watt and Son, Literary Agents, Hastings House. Norfolk-street, Strand, W.O. BY CONTENTS. – 1. Elements of Chess. 2. General Principles. 3. Combination. 4. Exposition of Master Play Complete. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, EC. ## p. 96 (#132) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. eneste T HAS NEVER BEEN SERIOUSLY QUES- TIONED BY ANY HONEST TYPEWRITER INVENTOR, MECHANICAL EXPERT, OR USER THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL LINES UPON WHICH THE SMITH PREMIER IS BUILT. ARE PAR IN ADVANCE OF ANY OTHER TYPE- WRITER. THAT ALONE WOULD NOT MERIT SUCCESS, BUT THAT FOUNDATION TOGETHER WITH BEST MATERIAL, BEST WORKMANSHIP, AND EXPERT INSPECTION OF ALL THE PARTS AS WELL AS THE FINISHED PRODUCT, HAVE CAUSED THE SMITH PREMIER TO WIN. THIS IS THE EX. PLANATION OF ITS PHE- NOMENAL RECORD OF SUCCESS. SEND FOR ART CATALOGUE. he Smith Premier Typewriter C 14, Gracechurch Street, LONDON, E.C. N Scaith Prom er ESTABLISHED] The Athenæum Press, Taunton. [XVIII. CENT. BARNICOTT & PEARCE INVITE ENQUIRIES RESPECTING PRINTING. ESTIMATES OF COST, AND OTHER DETAILS, PROMPTLY GIVEN. TYPE WRITING With Accuracy and Despatch. Authors' MSS. 9d. per 1000 words. In duplicate, 1s. per 1000. Plays, Translations, General Copying, Circulars (latest Copying Process). Samples and References on application. MISS JANET WAY, 33, OSSIAN ROAD, STROUD GREEN, N. THE VICTORIA TYPEWRITING COMPANY, 18, BOROUGH HIGH STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, S.E., Have adopted a NEW STYLE, very effective, and attracting attention. Authors' MSS. copied from 10d. to 18. 3d. per 1000 words. Kindly send for specimen. CAREFUL AND ACCURATE WORK GUARANTEED. Second Edition. Crown 4to., cloth, price 38. 6d. ; by post, 88, 9d. 1 Crown 8vo., with illustrations, price 68., to be had of all booksellers, DAIRY TALES. By BASIL FIELD. Beautifully FOR HIS COUNTRY'S SAKE; or, Esca, a British Illustrated by C. E. Fripp. T Prince at the Court of Trajan. By L. M. P. BLACK. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.O. HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C Printed and Published by HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream’s-buildings, London, E.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 05 (October 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 05 (October 1900) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1900-10-01-The-Author-11-5 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/336/1900-11-01-The-Author-11-6.pdf ad607a121b50b70edf6eca6bccab5a44 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1900-11-01 Volume 11 Issue 6 Pages Page range in volume 97–112 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19001101 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. XI.—No. 6.] NOVEMBER 1, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. CONTENTS. Memoranda ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Literary Property 1. An Example of Commission Publishing 2. A Dramatist on the Copyright Bill 3. The Sixpenny Book ... ... ... 4. Canadian Oopyright Act ... , The Pension Fund of the Incorporated Society of Authors... Paris Letter. By Darracotte Scott PAGE Notes and News. By the Editor... ... ... ... ... ... 105 The Four Winds ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 107 Correspondence-1. Live and Let Live," 2. What is a Fair Price? 3. "Young" Fiction Writers and the War Fund. 4. Fact versus Fiction. 5. For Nothing 18 ""* ... ... ... 107 Book and Play Talk... ... ... ... 108 Books and Reviews ... . ... ... ... 111 103 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 95, Nu 1. The Annual Report. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. 2. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices: Vol. I., 108. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., III., and IV., 88. 6d. each (Bound); Vols. V. to VIII. (Unbound), 6s. 6d. Literature and the Pension List. By W. MORRIS COLLES, Barrister-at-Law. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE, late Secretary to the Society. 18. 5. The Cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 28. 6d. (Out of print at present.) 6. The Various Methods of Publication. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. Eyre and Spottis- woode. Is. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By Walter BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888–1892). 18. 9. The C tract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst LUNGE, J.U.D. 28. 6d. 10. The Addenda to the "Methods of Publishing." By G. HERBERT THRING. Being additional facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “ Methods." With comments and advice. 28. 11. Forms of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Association; with Comments. By G Herbert THRING, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. 18. ## p. 96 (#134) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Authors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT. GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL. SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. AUSTIN DOBSON. SIR LEWIS MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN, M.P. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. Miss E. A. ORMEROD, LL D. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER, M.P. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIELD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BESANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE Right Hon. THE LORD PIR- AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, Q.C. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE RIGHT HON. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH. JEROME K. JEROME. E. ROSE. CLERE. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONES. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. Shaw. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMS. P. W. CLAYDEN. THE Right Hon. W. E. H. LECKY, S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. THE HON. JOHN COLLIER. THE REV. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM Moy THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. SIR A. C. MACKENZIE, Mus.Doc. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel – E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A. HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. À BECKETT. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. GILBERT PARKER, M.P. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E, ROSE. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN, M.P. FRANCIS STORR. D. W. FRESHFIELD. 'SUB-COMMITTEES.' ART. Hon. JOHN COLLIER (Chairman). I Sir W. MARTIN CONWAY. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A. W. À BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLES. GILBERT PARKER, M.P. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). F. C. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD Rose. FIELD, Roscoe, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. Solicitors UTM ? G. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND. LONDON, W.C. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. 1 THE ART of CHESS. By JAMES MASON. Price 58. GA. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. L net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. ## p. 96 (#135) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. Now Ready, cloth, 6s.; half calf, 78. Bd.; calf, 8s. Bd. PATERSON'S PRACTICAL STATUTES 1900 (63 & 64 VICTORIA); WITH INTRODUCTIONS, NOTES, TABLES OF STATUTES REPEALED AND SUBJECTS ALTERED, LISTS OF LOCAL AND PERSONAL AND PRIVATE ACTS, AND A COPIOUS INDEX. EDITED BY JAMES SUTHERLAND COTTON, Barrister -at - Law. CON L'ENTS. Table of Principal Enactments repealed. CAP. CAP Table of Principal Subjects altered. 19. Land Registry (New Buildings) Act [title 40. Elementary School Teachers Superannua- only) tion (Jersey) Act [title only] CAP. SESRION 1899–63 VICTORIA, 20. Ecclesiastical Assessments (Scotland) Act 41. Local Government (Ireland) (No. 2) Act 1. Appropriation Act 1899. Session 2 [title only). tille only). [title only). 2. Treasury Bills Act (title only) 1. Mines (Prohibition of Child Labour Under 42. Reserve Forces Act. 3. Second Session (Explodation) Act. ground) Act. 43. Intermediate Education (Ireland) Act 22. Workmen's Compensation Act. [title only). SESSION 1900-63 & 64 VICT. 23. Poor Removal Act. 44. Exportation of Arms Act 1. Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Act ſtille only). 4. Veterinary Surgeons Amendment Act. 45. Poor Relief (Ireland) Act ſtille only]. 2. War Loan Act (title only). 25. Charitablo Loan Societies (Ireland) Act 46. Members of Local Authorities Relief Act. 3. Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Act [title only). [title only 47. County Courts (Investment) Act. 4. Census (Great Britain) Act. 26. Land Oharges Act. 48. Companies Act. 5. Army (Annual) Act. 27. Railway Employment (Prevention of 49. Town Councils (Scotland) Act [title only). 6. Census (Ireland) Act [title only]. Accidents) Act. 50. Agricultural Holdings Act. 7. Finance Act. 28. Inebriates Amendment (Scotland) Act | 51. Money. lenders Act. 8. Electoral Disabilities (Military Service) [title only) 52. Naval Reserve Act. Removals Act. 29. London County Council Electors Qualif 53. Elementary Education Act. 9. Police Reservists (Allowances) Act cation Act 54. Lunacy Board (Scotland) Act [title onlyl. 10. Public Health (Ireland) Act [title only). 30. Beer Retailers' and Spirit Grocers' Retail 55. Executors (Scotland) Act [litle only). 11. Uganda Railway Act [title only). Licences (Ireland) Act [lille only) 56. Military Lands Act. 12. Commonwealth of Australia Constitution 31. Isle of Man (Customs) Act [title only). 57. Appropriation Act (tüle only] Act. 2. Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shi 58. Tithe Rentcharge (Ireland) Act [title only]. 13. County Councils (Elections) Act Amend owners and others) Act. 59. Housing of the Working Classes Act. ment Act. 3. Wild Animals in Captivity Protection Act. 60. Tramways (Ireland) Act (tille only) 14. Colonial Solicitors Act. 34. Ancient Monuments Protection Act. Supplemental War Loen Act [title only]. 15. Burial Act. 85. Oil in Tobacco Act. 62. Colonial Stock Act. 16. District Councillors and Guardians (Term 36. Public Works Loans Act [title only]. 63. Local Government (Ireland) Act (title only). of Ofice) Act. 37. Expiring Laws Continuance Act. 17. Naval Reserve (Mobilisation) Act [lille 38. Elementary School Teachers Superannua List of Local and Personal Acts. only). tion (Isle of Man) Act ſtille only]. 18. County Surveyors (Ireland) Act [title only). 39. Volunteer Act. | Index. LONDON: HORACE COX. -LAW TIMES” OFFICE, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.O. 61. Supplways (Irel Working In demy 8vo., 700 pages, price 7s. 6d., the Fourth Edition of AN ANECDOTAL HISTORY THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, FROM THE EARLIEST PERIODS TO THE PRESENT TIME. WITH NOTICES OF EMINENT PARLIAMENTARY MEN, AND EXAMPLES OF THEIR ORATORY. COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIO SOURCES BY GEORGE HENRY JENNINGS. - - - - CONTENTS : PABT I-Rise and Progress of Parliamentary Institutions. APPENDIX.-(A) Lists of the Parliaments of England and of the PART II.- Personal Anecdotes : Sir Thomas More to John Morley. United Kingdom. PABT III.-Miscellaneons: 1. Elections. 2. Privilege; Exclusion of (B) Speakers of the House of Commons. Strangers; Publication of Debates. 3. Parliamentary (O) Prime Ministers. Lord Chancellors, and Secretaries Usages, &c. 4. Varieties. of State from 1715 to 1892. HORACE Cox, “LAW TIMES” OFFICE, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.C. VOL. XI. N 2 ## p. 96 (#136) ############################################# ADVERTISEMENTS. A Fascinating Novel of Religious Life by a New Writer. THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ALLEN LORNE. By ALEXANDER MACDOUGALL Cloth, 6s. SOME EARLY REVIEWS:_The book is worthy of all who are interested in the progress of religious thought."-Scotsman. "The author knows clearly what he is writing about, and his glimpses of old Glasgow, of Argyleshire of London, and of Sussex are excellently done, and the people have qualities of real interest."-Christian Leader. Å vigorous picture of the most characteristic phase of Scottish life. The writing is distinctly good, and the book will commend itself to those who like a clever mixture of love and theology."- Susset Daily Veros. "A novel of considerable power, and one that thoughtful readers will enjoy.".. Birmingham Daily Gazette. London: T. FISHER UNWIN, Paternoster Square, E.C. THE MOST MAGNIFICENT AND COMPREHENSIVE BOOK OF THE PERIOD. SOCIAL QUESTIONS AND NATIONAL PROBLEMS: EVILS AND REMEDIES. Second Edition, about 500 pages, 8vo., 58. 3d. post free, strongly bound in cloth. Two Books each to the first Twenty Subscribers. Carte-de-visites copied, 28. 6d. hall dozen; 49. 6d. dozen. Enlarged to Cabinet size, 3s. 6d. and 68. 6d., to subscribers only. Lecturers, &c., privileges. Special Terms. Will be ready about New Year. Address- J. W. EMSLEY, Artist and Author, 7, Napier Street, Leeds Road, Bradford, Yorks. T Y PE W RITING (Authors' MSS.) Undertaken by highly educated women of Literary experience (Classical Tripos ; Cambridge Higher Local; thorough acquaintance with modern languages). Authors' References. Terms (cash), 1s. Ed. per 1000 words; over 5000, 1s. S. R., 1, LINGARDS ROAD, LEWISHAM, S.E. T Y P E W R IT IN G DONE PROMPTLY AND CAREFULLY, Foreign MS. a Speciality. Is. 3d. per 1000 words. MISS COXHEAD, 114, Cambridge Street, S.W. Post 8vo., price 6s. net. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND POSITION AS APPEARING FROM STATUTES, ARTICLES, CANONS, RUBRICS, AND JUDICIAL DECISIONS. A Compilation for General Use. By J. M. LELY, M.A., Barrister-at-Law. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER 1.-Pre-Reformation Law. CHAPTER V.-The Benefices Act. II.—Reformation Law, except the first three I VI.—Table of principal Statutes repealed and Acts of Uniformity. unrepealed. III.-The Acts of Uniformity. » VII.—Table of principal Judicial Decisions. IV.—The Prayer Book and Rubrics. APPENDIX.-Ecclesiastical Bills—Comprehension Bill of 1689. Ecclesiastical Appeals Bill 1850. Church Discipline Bill of 1899. Statements by English Church Union and Church Association. Extracts from Decrees and Canons of Council of Trent. The Creed of Pope Pius the Fourth as added to by Pope Pius the Ninth. And a Copious Index. LONDON: HORACE cox WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM’S BUILDINGS, E.C. ## p. 97 (#137) ############################################# The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.-No. 6.] VOL. XL_NO.6.] NOVEMBER I, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. M HE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all I remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the “Cost of Production.” IV. A COMMISSION AGREEMENT. The main points are : (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production. (2.) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. GENERAL. All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned. Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. Never sign any agreement without competent advice from the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The main points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are : (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sab. jocts whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. IT ERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an I agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property : I. THAT OF SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of agreement). In this case the following rules should be attended to : (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro. duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs : or by charging exchange advertise. ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for " office expenses,” unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 3. There are three forms of dramatic contract for PLAYS IN THREE OR MORE ACTS :- (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING RIGHT, This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters into such a contract should stipulate in the con- tract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES on gross receipts. Peroentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An anthor should obtain a percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts in preference to the American system. Should ## p. 98 (#138) ############################################# 98 THE AUTHOR. IL obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing date on or before which the play should be the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. performed. dence of the writer. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof fixed nightly fees). This method should be safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- always avoided except in cases where the fees fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) other safeguards set out under heading (6.) apply To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To also in this case. stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum due according to agreements. paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one act plays should be reserved. 5. Authors shonld remember that performing rights can THE READING BRANCH. be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and time. This is most important. M EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but branch of their work by informing young writers of should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated of great importance. as a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of print the book of the words. competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully NOTICES. drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play M HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of 1 Society that, although the paper is sent to them free delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great the beginning many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market 68. 6d. subscription for the year. is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object Communications for The Author should be addressed to is to obtain adequate publication. the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln’s-inn. As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the account of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con. 21st of each month. tracts, those authors desirous of further information are All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether referred to the Secretary of the Society. members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. VVERY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his LITERARY PROPERTY. business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici. tor. the member has a right to an opinion 'from the 1.-AN EXAMPLE OF COMMISSION PUBLISHING. Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's I beg to place the following facts and figures at your opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him · disposal :- Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. A London publisher offered to produce the inclosed work, 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright “with stiff paper cover," at £15 for 1000 copies, or £13 108. and publisher's agreoments do not generally fall within the for 500 copies. experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple Another London publisher offered to produce 1000 copies, to use the Society also with stiff paper cover, for £12 108. 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past I have had 1000 copies printed, as you see, without the accounts with the loan of the books represented. The stiff cover, for £3 38. by a country printer whose name is on Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new the pamphlet. G. B. or old, for inspection and note. The information thus To the Secretary of the Authors' Society. obtained may prove invaluable. T INVITE very special attention to the above 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro- 1 letter. Observe that the actual cost of the posed document to the Society for examination. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you pamphlet was £3 38. It is a brochure of are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are 20pp. in long primer, a full page of about 600 ## p. 99 (#139) ############################################# THE AUTHOR. 99 words. One publisher offered to produce it, on for advertising as the author or proprietor shall commission, for £15: another for £12 10s., both deem desirable.” offering a “ stiff paper cover.” An important point in this clause has been The author bad it printed, as he says, for £3 38., overlooked in the Society's comments. It is this. but without the stiff paper cover. The name of The publisher claims a percentage on all “dis- the printing firm is given on the inside of the bursements,” and, in the very next clause, declares title page. A note is made of the firm for future that he will disburse nothing! In that case what use. claim has he for any percentage ? Let us put down the paper cover at £1. The Another point. In going to a publisher, the proposals then mean that a pamphlet costing author naturally expects the whole machinery of £3 38. is to be charged at £14 or at £u 108. his office, together with his skill and experience, It may be urged that every tradesman has a to be placed at the service of his book. The most right to put any price he pleases on his own important part, perhaps, is the knowledge when wares. So he has, provided he does not deceive to advertise and to what extent. The publishers his customers. Now, when an author goes to a refuse any help. They say, “ Such a sum as the publisher he accepts his statement about the cost author or proprietor may deem desirable.” Nothing of printing and paper as an honest statement. is more undesirable to a general publisher than It is not enough, as some publishers do, to say the success of a commission book, because if it "our charge” is so and so, because the author, should succeed the bulk of the profit goes to the even if he allows the publisher some profit-which author-a thing by no means in their interests. ought to be plainly and honestly stated-does not This should be thoroughly understood. What imagine that the profit is to be three, four, or five they prefer is a so-called “ half-profit” system, the times the actual cost. very name of which now stinks, or a “ deferred That the publishers in question venture to royalty ” with a large margin before it begins-a make this exorbitant profit is probably due to the method the reek and stench of which is fast be- baleful influence of the “ Publishers' Form of coming a rival even to that of the “ half-profit.” Agreement.” What is the clause regulating this W. B. assumed right of overcharge? “The publisher will supply the author with estimates for the II.-A DRAMATIST ON THE COPYRIGHT BILL. printing and will charge a commission of per “Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill from the cent. on the trade prices for printing, paper, point of view of a playwright?” Well, it is not binding, advertising, and other disbursements, conceived from that point of view; it is con- and reserve to himself the right to take the ceived from the point of view of authors who are usual credit or the equivalent cash discount for not playwrights. To the novelist it affords a cash payments, but no such discount shall exceed protection which he does not at present possess, 7) per cent." and to which he is entitled; and in that respect All that we can say in this case is that the is a righteous and beneficent measure. On the pnblishers, with this clause to guide them, playwright, beyond the extension of the term of interpreted the percentage allowed in a large and his protection, it confers, to the best of my judg- liberal spirit. They merely said, “ We will make ment, no benefit whatever. it 300 or 400 per cent." First, as regards the duration of the “per- It is not often that we find the publishers' forming right,” which playwrights call “stage- agreements “equitable" reduced to so delightful right,” and thereby save two syllables, I think an absurdity as this. Meantime, the Society's that is sufficient. It is sometimes argued that exposure of those firms, with comments, has now stage-right should descend to a playwright's gone into a second edition. Members of the representatives in perpetuity. I quite agree Society will do good service by sending copies to that both copyright and stage-right should be those of their friends who are concerned with perpetual; but in my view, after a certain period, literary property. they should become the property of the State. I would next call attention to the clause which There is no such person as an absolutely original follows the one already quoted. You observe author; the most nearly original author draws that the publisher demands a blank percentage bis inspiration from his experience, his reading, on all “ disbursements.” his observation, his environment. The com- Now read the next clause. munity is part author of everything. By limiting “The author or proprietor shall, before the the period of protection, the community comes work is sent to press, pay the publisher a suffi- into its rights, but not, I submit, in the right cient sum to meet the estimated charges for way. Why should a manager be able to play production and publication, including such a sum Shakespeare for nothing, and so accustom hiuiself ## p. 100 (#140) ############################################ 100 THE AUTHOR. If a man writes and publishes a play, pre- sumably he means it to be acted for the benefit of himself and his assigns; and to say so on the title-page is superfluous. It might even be argued that section 7 is retrospective. The injustice arises through the lumping together of playwrights with librettists, com- posers, and vocalists, whose interests are in some respects diametrically opposite. If the Bill created in every literary work other than a libretto two inherent rights, copyright and stage- right, which not only might but must be assigned separately, everybody would be protected, and nobody would be troubled. As the Bill stands I am compelled to the conclusion that (apart from the duration of protection) it weakens the present position of the playwright and strengthens that of the pirate. SYDNEY GRUNDY. to the nefarious practice of evading author's fees? He ought to pay fees to the State. So far as the author's representatives are concerned, Lord Monkswell's term of thirty complete years after death seems reasonable. I am afraid this is all that can be said in favour of the Bill from a playwright's point of view. Clause 5, section 5, revives the ancient formula that “performing right shall not subsist in any profane, indecent, seditious, or libellous dramatic or musical work.” So that a thief has only to add profanity, indecency, sedition, or libel to his theft to be exempted from the penalty of his dis- honesty. It seems scarcely a benefit to public morals that protection should be extended to unauthorised performances of profane, indecent, seditious, and libellous works. Sections 6 and 7 of the same clause proceed to strew the path of the pirate with roses. (6) Where a dramatic or musical work is published as a book, and it is intended that the performing right should be reserved, the owner of the copyright, whether he has parted with the performing right or not, shall cause notice of such reservation to be printed on the title page or in a con. spicuous part of every copy of such book. (7) Where proceedings are taken for the infringement of the performing right in any dramatic or musical work published as a book, the defendant in such proceedings may be acquitted of such infringement, and may be entitled to the costs of resisting the proceedings, if he proves to the satisfaction of the court that he has in his possession a copy of the book containing such dramatio or musical work, and that such copy was published with the assent of the owner of the copyright, and does not contain the notice required by this Act of the reservation of the performing right; but in any such case the owner of the performing right, if he is not also the owner of the copyright, shall be entitled to recover from the owner of the copyright damages in respect of the injury he may have incurred by the neglect of the owner of the copyright to cause due notice to be given of the reservation of the performing right. I find no such vexatious provisions in the case of a work which is not dramatic in form. The result seems to be this: that the theatrical possibilities of a novel, which is not necessarily intended for the stage, are automatically protected; whilst a work the very form of which shows that it is intended for the stage, if published as a book, must be conspicuously labelled with such intention, or it is at the mercy of any thief who comes along, who is positively indemnified for his “costs” of fighting the rightful owner! Let me put a case. “The Second Mrs. Tanqueray” is published as a book. If, through inadvertence, a single copy were issued without this label, the value of the right of representation might be lost to Mr. Pinero for ever. This negotiable copy would carry the right of representation on its face, and Mr. Pineru's own original MS. might become so much waste paper. III.—THE SIXPENNY Book. The Manchester Guardian has a few remarks on my paper in last month's Author concerning the sixpenny book. The writer does not agree with me. He says: We should be inclined rather to think that a sixpenny edition of a new and successful writer's first book may intro- duce his work to many who would otherwise have ignored it, but who may then think it worth while to bay his next books in a dearer form or to order them from the libraries. He also thinks that the sixpenny novel is bought in the train in the place of a magazine or a journal. Nobody, he says, who has any respectable library is likely to put sixpenny books on his shelves : he buys them to read and throw away. He also says that I speak on the evidence of a single bookseller. It always does gond to hear an opposite opinion. As to the above objections, I admit that the production of a new and unknown writer's book in a sixpenny form might give him the start that he wants. There is, however, an objection in limine. No publisher will venture to bring out a book by a new writer at sixpence. The risk is too great: the public can hardly be expected to buy, even at sixpence, the work of a new and unknown writer to the number of some 40,000, which must be taken up in order to pay expenses. That a sixpenny book may be bought in a train instead of a magazine or a paper is certainly possi. ble: nay, it bappens every day and all day long. Nobody who has a respectable library, will put sixpenny books on their shelves. That is also true. But should we offer good books in such garb as to be unfit for decent shelves ? It is not one bookseller, but persons in the book trade, publishers as well as booksellers, who ## p. 101 (#141) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 101 have spoken to me to this effect concerning the fatal sixpenny book. My objections remain : 1. People very soon get accustomed to pay six- pence for a book and will not, if they can help it, give more. 2. The low price encourages a low view of literature. Who will value a thing that costs six- pence, amuses for an hour, and then is thrown away? How much does one value a sixpenny toy ? 3. The American example is still fresh in one's mind, where the market was flooded with sixpenny books—the best and most valued productions of the best authors. The public bought them; read them for amusement; read them uncritically and carelessly; threw them away, and thought no more about book or author. 4. I do not say that the sale of a sixpenny book always prevents the sale of a dearer book. I do say, however, that in many, very many, cases it does, and that it takes a great many sixpenny books to make up, either for publisher or author, one six-shilling book. 5. Also I do say that the instance I recorded where, at an important railway stall, I found actually no new books at all except the sixpenny book, is not a solitary case. 6. And I do say, also, that the experience of the manager of that railway bookstall, to the effect that no one would look at a book priced higher than sixpence, is not a solitary experience. I would also say this. I have received many letters on this subject. I find that there is a large class of people with very small incomes who are delighted at the chance of getting good books at so cheap a price. One cannot but feel the greatest sympathy with these people. Their case might surely be met by a simple limitation of the sixpenny issue to books which have stood the test of time--say, for ten or fifteen years. Books in demand after that time are pretty sure to be good books, while their sale at so low a price would not probably affect the sale of the new and higher priced candidates for success. W. B. lawfully published in any part of Her Majesty's dominions other than Canada, and if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Minister of Agriculture that the owner of the copyright so subsisting and of the copyright acquired by such publi. cation has lawfully granted a license to reproduce in Canada, from movable or other types, or from stereotype plates, or from electro-plates, or from lithograph stones, or by any process for facsimile reproduction, an edition or editions of such book designed for sale only in Canada, the Minister may, notwithstanding anything in the Copyright Act, by order under his hand, prohibit the importation, except with the written consent of the licensee, into Canada of any copies of such book printed elsewhere ; provided that two such copies may be specially imported for the bona fide use of any public free library or any university or college library, or for the library of any duly incorporated instita. tion or society for the use of the members of such institu- tion or society. 2. Suspension or revocation of prohibition.-The Minister of Agriculture may at any time in like manner, by order under his hand, suspend or revoke such prohibition upon importation if it is proved to his satisfaction that, (a) the license to reproduce in Canada has torminated or expired; or (6) the reasonable demand for the book in Canada is not sufficiently met without importation; or (c) the book is not, having regard to the demand therefor in Canada, being suitably printed or published; or (d) any other state of things exists on account of which it is not in the public interest to further prohibit importation. 3. Failure of licensee to supply book. -At any time after the importation of a book has been prohibited under section 1 of this Act, any person resident or being in Canada may apply, either directly or through a bookseller or other agent, to the person so licensed to reproduce such book, for a copy of any edition of such book then on sale and reasonably obtainable in the United Kingdom or some other part of Her Majesty's dominions, and it shall then be the duty of the person so licensed, as soon as reasonably may be, to import and sell such copy to the person so applying therefor, at the ordinary selling price of such copy in the United Kingdom or such other part of Her Majesty's dominions, with the duty and reasonable forwarding charges added ; and the failure or neglect, without lawful excuse, of the person so licensed to supply such copy within a reason. able time, shall be a reason for which the Minister may, if he sees fit, suspend or revoke the prohibition upon impor- tation. 4. Customs Department to be notified.-The Minister sball forth with inform the Department of Customs of any order made by him ander this Act. 5. Penalty for unlawful importation.-All books im- ported in contravention of this Act may be seized by any officer of Customs, and shall be forfeited to the Crown and destroyed; and any person importing, or causing or per- mitting the importation, of any book in contravention of this Act shall, for each offence, be liable, upon summary conviction, to a penalty not exceeding one hundred dollars. It is almost impossible to overrate the import- ance of the Act from the point of view of Imperial copyright. Articles have been from time to time printed in The Author dealing exhaustively with the history of Canadian copyright and the Canadian book trade. In these the practical ruin of the Canadian book trade by the Foreign Reprints Act, and the subsequent struggle by the Canadian printer and the Canadian trades under IV.-CANADIAN COPYRIGHT Act. The following is the text of the Canadian Copyright Act passed on July 18, 1900 : 63 & 64 VICTORIA, CHAP. 25. An Act to amend the Copyright Act.- Assented to 18th July, 1900.] Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: 1. In case of license to reprint book copyrighted in United Kingdom or British possession, Minister may prohibit im. portation of other reprints. If a book as to which there is subsisting copyright under the Copyright Act has been first VOL. XI. ## p. 102 (#142) ############################################ 102 THE AUTHOR. the leadership of Sir John Thompson, have also THE PENSION FUND OF THE INCORPO- been reviewed. It has been demonstrated that RATED SOCIETY OF AUTHORS. the passing of the American Copyright Law, falsely supposed to injure the Canadians, in M HE scheme of the Pension Fund as finally reality was the turning point in favour of the settled was printed in the July number of book trade, and that the refusal of the Canadian - The Author. Government to collect royalties under the Foreign The Committee now desire to inform the Reprints Act gave that trade an additional members of the Society that the fund is legally impetus. Those who care to study the reasons constituted, and hasten to acknowledge the for these deductions are referred to the past valuable suggestions that were received prior to numbers of The Author. One point, however, its final settlement. was wanting to secure a completely satisfactory Mr. J. M. Lely, Mr. E. Clodd, and Mr. Douglas settlement, namely, legislation by the Canadian W. Freshfield have kindly consented to act as Government along the right lines. Sir John trustees of the Fund, and have signed all the Thompson had fought the cause of the printer deeds necessary to confirm their appointment. and the tradesman against the author whose The Pension Fund Committee will be appointed, property was being much dealt with. as provided by the scheme, at the next annual Did Sir Wilfrid Laurier and his Cabinet desire general meeting. Notice will be given in The to adopt a similar point of view ? Author as to the method of nominating candi- There were two aspects to this question : (1) dates, and it is hoped that a large number of the The Imperial and International; (2) the Cana members of the Society will show their interest dian. If Sir John Thompson's methods were in the scheme by voting on that occasion. followed it appeared clear that the present The following details as to the present position Imperial and International legislation would of the Fund will be of interest to the members : become chaotic, and that any future beneficial The sum total of donations promised and paid legislation would be indefinitely postponed. To amounts to £1169 48. 6d. Of this total nearly counteract this the supposed benefit to the £1000 has been received, and by far the greater Canadian would be in reality but a fresh disaster. portion is already invested in the names of the Four or five years ago, before the present Govern trustees. ment in Canada came into power, the Committee The sum total of annual subscriptions amounts of the Society of Authors saw clearly that the to £94 138. settlement of the Canadian question involved the It is calculated that the investment of the larger issue, and accordingly struggled to get donations will produce about £30 a year; this sum, the matter satisfactorily settled. In 1895 Mr. together with the proportion of subscriptions Hall Caine consented at the request of the available for pensions under the scheme, will make Committee to act as the Society's delegate in the total amount available about £60. Canada. The position that Mr. Caine combated In this calculation, however, no margin is was, however, subsequently altered owing to the allowed for working expenses, and it cannot be sudden death of Sir John Thompson. expected that services in connection with the Fund Early in 1898 the Committee prepared an hitherto given gratuitously should not in the exhaustive report on the question, and appointed future involve a charge on the Fund. Mr. G. H. Thring, the Secretary of their Society, In any event it is hoped that the Pension Com- to represent them on a mission to Canada. mittee, when elected, will be in a position at once A report of this mission and its object has been to allot a substantial pension. It is most desir- printed in the October number of The Author, able that they should be able to grant at least one and the above print of the Bill is all that is neces. other adequate pension immediately, besides sary to complete the matter. meeting all working expenses. It may be confidently asserted that, owing to The establishment of the Fund has been re- the steps which have been taken by Sir Wilfrid ceived with general approvement by Laurier and his able colleague, Mr. Sydney but at present actual pecuniary support has Fisher, in whose hands lies the copyright matter been given by a comparatively small number of in Canada, the Imperial Government will be persons. free to take up Lord Monkswell's Bill, which has The Committee would impress upon the Society the support in its main features of the authors the desirability of widening the field of support, and publishers of Great Britain, and, it it hoped, not merely from the point of view of increasing of the Colonial Governments also. If this result the Fund, but of identifying the Society at large is obtained a great advance will have been made with this effort to provide for deserving, but com- in the history of copyright legislation. mercially unsuccessful, authors. ## p. 103 (#143) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 103 Annual subscriptions from 58. and upwards are cordially invited, and should be notified to the Secretary without delay. They may be paid together with the annual subscriptions either by banker's order (which is preferred) or direct to the Secretary. The scheme, reprinted from The Author, may be had on application to the Secretary. PARIS LETTER. 4 bis, rue des Beaux Arts. THE Great Exhibition is slowly drawing towards its apogee-and its end. Inter- national congresses are still its favourite diversion. The memorandum of the five days' International Peace Congress included the pass. ing of a vote of censure on Great Britain for her action in South Africa. Among other speakers. the well-known French writer Mme. Séverine delivered an address with her usual eloquent volubility. She declared herself struck by the despondent tone which prevailed among the orators present. “What matter if the present escape us?” cried she. “An invisible harvest is sprouting. The words of Peace and Justice have penetrated the deepest strata of humanity. Let us continue our labour, as did those generations of slaves who constructed the Pyramids without knowing what form they would one day have. We shall not house the harvest, certes. What does that matter? If only a single ear of corn one day sprouts on our tombs, we shall be sufficiently paid for having believed and willed !” Apropos of the other international assemblages -the Congress of Spiritualists, patronised by MM. Anatole France and Victorien Sardou, aroused much interest among the initiated. The pro- ceedings of the Women's Congress were generally remarkable for their sobriety of speech and logical perception of the end in view, while the papers read at the Sociology Congress were highly interesting from a technical point of view. The next Sociology Congress will be held at Glasgow; and the memoranda forwarded by foreigners unable to attend during the sittings of the present congress will shortly be published by M. René Worms, secretary-general, in the Annales de l'Institut International de Sociologie. DRAMATIC NOTES. M. Coquelin, senior, is registering a golden harvest for the Association des Artistes Drama tiques by the personal sale of tickets for a grand lottery on behalf of the superannuated female members of the association of which he is pre- sident. The Sociéte des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques has also obtained an unexpected stroke of good luck. In renewing his contract with the committee of the latter society, M. Antoine (director of the theatre of the same name) spontaneously offered to raise the author's royalty from 10 to 12 per cent. Needless to add that this generous proposition was gratefully accepted by M. Sardou, president of the society. The “ Patrie ” of the above celebrated drama- tist will be one of the first plays performed in the new Comédie Française, which is expected to open about Dec. 29. The building will be lit by 2500 electric lamps, which are reported to give a light 25 per cent. stronger than that which formerly illuminated the scene of this historic building. POPULAR PLAYS. Meantime the “ Aiglon” of M. Edmond Rostand (Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt) is enjoying the phenomenal success which usually attends that famous author's productions. Its receipts have already surpassed two million francs, show- ing an average of 10,373 francs 15 cents per performance. M. Rostand has recently quitted Paris in accordance with his physician's advice, in order to recuperate his health by a temporary residence at Cambo-les-Bains. The respective revival of “ Le Rêve" of M. Louis Gallet (Opéra Comique), adapted from M. Zola's celebrated novel of the same name, and of the “Demi Vierges ” of M. Marcel Prévost (Athénée Theatre), have likewise been drawing crowded houses. M. Bruneau, the “innovator and iconoclast who has proscribed the cavatina and arioso," is responsible for the superb music which accompanies the former play. He is also the ardent friend and disciple of M. Zola, for whom he avows “an unbounded admiration and a filial affection.” “It is by reading Zola's works that I have understood my vocation," he remarked on one occasion. “It is Zola who made me com- prehend that it was possible to attempt in music what he has himself realised in literature.” The first performance of the “ Assommoir” of the latter author is announced for November i at the Porte-Saint-Martin theatre. M. Marcel Prévost, the author of the “Demi Vierges," is one of the most popular writers in Paris. None have better understood, or more finely portrayed, the mysteries of the complex heart and mind of the Parisienne fin de siècle. As a psychological vivisectionist of the feminine mind he occupies a unique position in French literature. M. Bourget analyses the past and present, while M. Prévost develops the types of the future. ## p. 104 (#144) ############################################ 104 THE AUTHOR. A MORTUARY PARAGRAPH. writer over the minds of his readers. Under Three deaths have been deplored in literary these circumstances it is not surprising that the circles during the past month :- latest volume of the “ Oeuvres complètes (1.) That of M. Adolphe Hatzfield, “ docteur d’Alphonse Daudet ” (issued by M. A. Houssiaux) ès lettres ” and professor of rhetoric at the Louis should be reported as having a brisk sale. It is le-Grand College, who had the happiness to survive cleverly illustrated by M. Dawant. Alphonse until the publication of his monumental achieve Daudet particularly insisted on the necessity of ment, “ Le Dictionnaire de la langue Française,” absolute exactitude in the reproduction of a which has recently been awarded a Grand Prix personage in print, “jusqu à la couleur des by the Exhibition commissioners. At the date cheveux, à la forme du nez, à un tic, à une when he commenced this work (in collaboration grimace qui semblent nécessaires, indispensables with MM. Thomas and Darmesteter), M. Hatz. à la silhouette !” Nature—that marvellous artist field counted on finishing it in three years. The -in accentuating a character (so he asserted) com- undertaking, however, proved more arduous than pleted the physical by the moral in such a manner be anticipated. Nearly thirty years have expired that the least modification appeared a trickery. between the commencement and conclusion of this The individual type carries with him son mobilier, Herculean labour, begun in 1870. M. Hatzfield, ses vêtements, sa manière, tout son cadre! who was of Hebrew origin, had attained the It is this absolute fidelity to nature, this mature age of seventy-five years. masterly reproduction of outline and colouring (2.) Likewise of Hebrew origin was the gentle united to a poetical imagination, which have won poet Louis Ratisbonne, who died at the ancient Alphonse Daudet the high place he occupies Palais de Luxembourg (Palais du Senat), where among modern French writers. he filled the post of librarian. Colleague and Two new busts have, likewise, been voted by friend of Leconte de Lisle, Charles Edmond. the Société des Gens de Lettres. The first to Anatole France, Albert Sorel, Jules Janin, and a M. E. Hamel, whose efforts have greatly benefited host of other celebrities; author of “ La Comédie the society; the second to M. Emile Richebourg, Enfantine.” “ Les Petites Femmes." ~ Les Petits the popular novelist. The statue of Balzac Hommes," “ Les Figures Jeunes," “ Les Six (modelled by Falquière) will shortly be erected in Alsaciennes," and other poems of merit, he still the Place du Palais Royal, in front of the counted among his proudest distinctions that of Ministère des Finances. being the friend and testamentary executor of Alfred de Vigny, and the editor of the latter's BULLETINS DE SANTÉ. two posthumous works respectively entitled Mme. Juliette Adam has recovered her usual Les Destinées” and “ Le Journal d'un Poète.” health, and is now intent on launching a new fort- In his own last testament (dated Feb. 15, 1900) nightly publication entitled Parole Française à Louis Ratisbonne directed that his mortal l'étranger, in which she proposes dealing with remains should be incinerated and placed in an foreign politics and other interesting topics. urn surmounted by a stela. He further added Previous to her temporary retirement, Mme. that if this urn were taken to the Montmartre Adam occupied the post of editress of the cemetery and placed as near as possible to the Nouvelle Revue during a period of twenty years. tomb of his friend and benefactor, the great poet M. Henri de Regnier, who has been suffering Alfred de Vigny, his shade would rest content from congestion of the lungs, is reported con- (3.) His unfortunate brother-poet, Gabriel valescent. His illness is attributed to overwork, Vicaire, generally known as the author of and the fatigues incurred during his American “ Émaux Bressans," died in a maison de santé in trip. According to the New York papers, M. Montsouris Park, aged fifty-two years. Highly Gaston Deschamps will be the next French appreciated by his literary comrades, his best pro lecturer at the Harvard University, under whose ductions remained comparatively unknown to the auspices he will deliver eight lectures on “Le multitude. He was also the author of several Théâtre Contemporain.” M. Deschamps proposes successful plays and of a satirical work entitled leaving Paris in the beginning of February and “Les Déliquescences d'Adoré Floupette," which returning about the middle of May, employing enjoyed great popularity. the intervening time in lecturing in the principal American universities. M. ALPHONSE DAUDET. The large number of subscriptions already New Books. received by the Société des Gens de Lettres for Among interesting publications of the month the erection of an Alphonse Daudet monument will be found :-“ Études sur l'Esthétique Musi- shows the influence still wielded by the defunct cale,” by M. Ch. Grandmougin, a volume com- ## p. 105 (#145) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. · 105 mencing with the Ancient Greeks and ending with the great French and German composers of our own day; a volume of soliloquies entitled “Doléances,” by Jehan Rictus, a work suitable for those readers who do not disdain “ le spec- tacle des plus hideux bas-fonds sociaux”; “Corridas de Toros," by M. D. Cialdine, a book whose title sufficiently explains its subject (Société libre d'édition des Gens de Lettres); “ Sérénissime," by M. Ernest La Jeunesse, a highly improbable narrative reputed to be a roman à clef (chez Charpentier); “ Croquis d'outre-Manche," being the outcome of the obser- vations and investigations nade for that purpose by M. Hector France during his stay in England; and “ La Trilogie d'Amour,” a posthumous poem edited by the family of a deceased young poet and painter of great promise, M. Marin Follet. DARRACOTTE SCOTT. that the writer would try again. He wrote soon after reporting renewed failure, and proposed to publish the volume himself if the author would take £15 worth of orders for the book at 3s. 6d. and guarantee another £15 in the event of the sales to the public not amounting to so much. He obtained a third sum of money out of the author for alterations and additious. The book came out. Nobody bought a copy, and Mr. Morgan is now threatening Mr. N. with legal proceedings for the recovery of £15. Iu other words, he wants to get altogether £35 for the book. The editor of Truth says that he has seen the book, and taken estimates of the cost of production, and that £25 would fully pay the cost of an edition of 500 copies. But has he printed and bound 500 copies ? Probably he has printed and bound about 100 - the unfortunate author taking £15 worth, or eighty-six copies. Truth proceeds to point out that the whole trans- action is a swindle. The author has been induced NOTES AND NEWS. to believe that there will be no profits until £30 worth has been sold. But there will then already IT is now eight years since the exposure by be a profit in the publisher's hands. Next, the book 1 Truth of a gang who preyed on the credulous never had a chance of making a profitable sale, a by means of a bogus “Literary Association” thing which Morgan must have i nown very well. led to the trial and conviction of the principals. The idea that a collection of trifles by an unknown The leader, one Morgan, was sentenced to eight author will sell at all is ridiculous. years penal servitude, the severity of the sentence marking the heinousness of the offence. Morgan is now reported to be out again, and to have I quite agree with every word. I would, how- returned without any delay to his old courses. ever, point out that another form of the trick, He is said to have started another “ Literary' which we have exposed over and over again, is society. Membership means a guinea a year: quite as dishonest. The way of it is this (for in return the “ proprietor” kindly offers to the hundredth time): A writer sends his MS. to place the MSS. of authors before publishers one of the worthy merchants who live by this “who pay from £50 to £200 for reliable and similar methods. He receives back a reply- three - volume novels.” Observe that since almost always in these words : his seclusion the three-volume novel has become “ Our reader reports so favourably of your extinct; as they do not supply the daily and MS. that we are induced to offer you the follow- weekly papers in the mansion where Morgan ing favourable terms. You to pay us £75 (or spent his eight years he may be excused for not any other fancy figure)-half on signing the agree- knowing the fact. However, the “proprietor” ment, and the other half on receiving the first saves himself by offering to place other and proofs (or some other time). This will constitute shorter stories, music, paintings, &c. He also your sole liability. We will undertake all future proposes to found a magazine for the contri- editions to meet the demand, and we will divide butions of his members. This is all in the old the profits, giving you two-thirds and taking one- style co inuch admired by the judge in the year third to ourselves.” 1892. Truth has begun a new exposure of this Sometimes they offer the author apparently worthy. It gives the particulars of one case, much better terms, and they generally end with which is as follows. these words : “We shall be glad to have your acceptance of this offer, and to put the work in A member of this precious society named N. hand at once. We have proved that the month of confided a MS. to the proprietor. After a short is the best time of the year for publishing." delay, he received a note speaking in high praise of the work, lamenting the “blindness ” of pub- lishers, and stating that it had so far failed, but ## p. 106 (#146) ############################################ 106 THE AUTHOR. Observe that there are two or three houses literature may bring about the manufacture of books like which do hardly any other kind of publishing, and the manufacture of bicycles, and their distribution by commercial travellers like the other products of the mana- several which try the same game. The swindle is facturers. In that case the publisher will have just the the same as Morgan's. They lead the author to same standing in the business world as any other manu- believe that there will be further editions, and facturer, and will not impose upon the public any longer as that there will be profits. Now they know per. a necessity in the literary field.” fectly well that the MS. is in almost every case One remarks that the writer considers 10 per pure rubbish, and absolutely certain not to sell any cent. the general royalty paid to authors. But copies to speak of ; that there will be no future the English author in America does a great deal editions ; and that there can be no profits. How better than that, while with us a 10 per cent. can we bring these creatures to justice ? royalty could only be offered either to unknown writers or under some exceptional conditions. What is said about a time limit is well worth There is at the office of the Society a collection consideration. The method has been adopted of letters of this kind in which every month, by some authors already. But there is a danger except one, is in turn alleged to be the best time which must be guarded against. The publisher, of the whole year for publishing. even under a time agreement, claims the right of selling off what remains. He may even, unless prevented, issue a new edition immediately before Another merry trickster's game is this. The the termination of his time, and go on selling publisher makes the author guarantee a sale of this edition until it has run out. so many hundred copies in so many months-say 400 in six months—or the difference between the number sold and that number. Sometimes he Literature (Oct. 27) reports that in Belgium, offers a small royalty on a second edition. But under the title “Ligue pour le Livre Belge," a he never says anything about the first edition. society is being founded which, by means of sub- There is nothing to prevent him, if the book scriptions, will assure a regular reading public should have a circulation, from making his first in their own country to Belgian authors. The edition any number he pleases : the author will new league will supplement the lending library, have nothing out of it. And suppose he chooses and enable the public to buy new works more to begin advertising six months after the work is frequently. It has secured the patronage and nominally produced. What then? Who is to co-operation of “ nearly all the foremost men of stop him ? Morgan! Hapless Morgan! It is literature and art.” an unequal world. Thy fate was hard. Skilly and a narrow cell and an unæsthetic prison Two members of the Committee of Management chapel, while thy brother in tricks and traps goes of the Society of Authors have been elected to attired in broadcloth to a lovely church and, the new Parliament. Mr. Gilbert Parker won after the service, home to roast beef and pudding! Gravesend for the Conservative party by a majority of 738 over the Liberal candidate; and Mr. Henry Norman captured for the Liberals The following is an extract from a letter by a the constituency of Wolverhampton (South), distinguished American author:- gaining a majority of 169 votes over his Liberal "I certainly do not think our own publishers, the best of Unionist opponent. Both gentlemen enter them, have been as grasping and greedy as yours, but they Parliament for the first time. Let us wish them bave fallen into the habit of considering the author as their own private property, to be exploited for the pecuniary all the success that they can desire in this new benefit of the publisher. As you know, our pretty uniform field. practice in this country is for the author to receive 10 per WALTER BESANT. cent. on the retail price of all books sold. Some of the publishers reckon this to be equal to half profits, and I fancy that in rendering the half-profit account they would make it come to about 10 percent. I think our main difficulty here would be met largely if we could return to the old practice of letting the publisher print a certain number of books or for a certain period of time, and let the author resume control at the end of it. Doubtless the publisher is a necessary factor in a country the size of oars, and I see at present no way of eliminating him, especially as the bookseller himself has practically disappeared as an intel. ligent agent and become a mere dealer in Yankee notions and periodicals; but the present commercial tendency in ## p. 107 (#147) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 107 THE FOUR WINDS. work. “ Cheap and Nasty " is the burden of the song. Wind of the North, Now, sir, although all may be “fair in love and Wind of the Norland onows, war,” the commonest of “ Cheap Jacks” would Wind of the winnowed skies, and sbarp, clear stars, -- scorn the idea of comparing his wares with those Blow cold and keen across the naked bills, of his pal over the way. Is it not enough that And crisp the lowland pools with crystal films, And blar the casement squares with glittering ice, his own are dirt cheap at double the price? And But go not near my love. yet, from some singular oversight, you permit a Wind of the West, regular advertiser, as aforesaid, not only to vaunt Wind of the few, far clouds, the superiority of his typing over that of a Wiod of the gold and crimson sunset lands, brother struggler for a livelihood, but to vilify Blow fresh and pare across the peaks and plaine, the latter's unseen fruit of toil as necessarily And broaden the blae spaces of the beavens, inaccurate and illiterate. Why? Because the And sway the grasses and the mountain pines, But let my dear one rest. price of 8d. per 1000 is ruinous to his market, Wind of the East, forsooth! Perhaps this Academical typer is not Wind of the sunrise Beas, aware that even our self-willed Kaiser of yore, Wind of the clinging inists and gray, harsh rains,-- Harry VIII., egregiously failed in an attempt to Blow moist and chill across the wastes of brine, regulate the price of labour. Who, then, is And shut the sun out, and tbe moon and stars, this rival to the most thorough-going ruler And lash the boughs against the dripping eaves, Yet keep thou from my love. England ever had ? Now it so happens that a corresponding crime But thou, sweet wind ! Wind of the fragrant South, --that of poverty-has brought me into contact Wind from the bowers of jasmine and of rose, - and fellowship with this daring interloper in the Over magnolia blooms and lilied lakes public market with the following result :- And flowering forests come with dewy wings, (1) Being an invalid and addicted to pencil And stir the petals at her feet, and kiss scribbling on any available scrap of paper, often The low mound where she lies. in a style of kakography that would make the CHARLES HENRY LUDERS. cleverest compositor's hair stand on end-the The above poem appears in Mr. E. C. Stedman's typist's copy has been promptly returned without “ American Anthology,” a long-expected work a flaw, quite a picture of delight. This pencilled which has just been published in the United scrawl with the typed copy is a too favourable States. We take it from the Evening Post of case in point. New York, which refers to the poem as “an (2) I have further treated my poor, disabled instance of the fine forgotten things” that this brother tu transcribing work from books, involv. Anthology brings to light again. ing hieroglyphic references here, there, and every- where; and it has been returned executed with intelligent skill. (3) I have sent him undecipherable letters from CORRESPONDENCE. learned scholars, and received them accurately and sensibly rendered into legible English, and all without a grumble. 1.-“ LIVE AND LET LIVE.” Every atom of this I can prove in detail, and I IT NOWING how well you merit the famous am willing, on my friend's behalf, to challenge a n motto, sans peur et sans reproche, I have competition by way of earnest of good faith as full confidence in submitting a point of well as faith in a gentleman personally unknown business etiquette to your notice. I refer to the to me. I have, however, heard that he is one of newly appointed order of gens d'industrie that, those heroes of industry early struck down in the for the sake of shortness and accuracy, may be battle of life by rheumatic fever, and yet toiling called Typists or Typers-poetically authors' along, cheerfully and peacefully, to keep the wolf blessings. from the door-suffering under but one jarring Naturally vour journal is a favourite organ for discord arising from the croaking of a jealous and “ bold advertisement,” and equally so every probably prosperous rival. J. S. LAURIE. vendor of bis wares is entitled to vaunt their un- paralleled excellence and price to his or her heart's content. But it seems to me the bounds of fair II.—WHAT IS A Fair Price ? competition are transgressed when pains are “A Typist " sends me, as a proof that 8d. per taken by one of your clients, actually without 1000 words is a common charge for copying ordi- verification, to depreciate the character of a rival's nary MS., six advertisements, cut from London ## p. 108 (#148) ############################################ 108 THE AUTHOR. daily papers, all offering work at that price. -turned a fact into fiction in the following Another correspondent asks that The Author extract :- would name a fair price. This is impossible, “There is in London what is called a Society manifestly. In all kinds of work, competition, of Authors, which is supposed to resemble the supply, and demand regulate prices. I should Société des Gens de Lettres in Paris, but the think that handwriting would have something to English society appears to be chiefly an associa- do with the “fair price” of typing. For instance, tion for the multiplication and publication of the handwriting of Dean Stanley was almost inferior works, and its authority on literature is illegible. His friend, the late Sir George Grove, nil.” put a great deal of his work through the Press. It is a pity that Ouida's explorations in the and was, I believe, the only man who was able, land of facts could only induce her to indite this and that with difficulty, to read the MS. His monstrous fiction. Comment is unnecessary. writing resembled the movements of a fly rescued ISIDORE G. ASCHER. from the ink. Surely, with such writing special terms would be required. I can only advise the obvious course that typewriters should continue V.–For Nothing. to charge a price that affords them a fair return Does it not seem unfair that the rejected work for their work as long as competition allows them of amateur authors is yet so frequently used by to get it, and that writers who have every reason the editors of journals who set literary competi- to be satisfied with the work done for them tions ? should not strive to get it done. at starvation Woman, a paper which had a reputation con. prices. Above and beyond all others, writing siderably higher than that of any other feminine persons ought to study the needs and necessities weekly, now offers a competition for a “storyette.” of those who work for them. W. B. The final rule asserts that the editor “reserves the right to use any story sent in for competition that does not win a prize, as well as the prize- III.-—“ Young" FICTION WRITERS AND THE winner's." WAR FUND. Surely the least that can be done with rejected Would you allow me through your columns to MSS. is to destroy them, and that any decent thank those ladies and gentlemen who replied to editor should regard them as serviceable free my letter (re the above heading) in the May “copy” is as unscrupulous a mode of business number? A large number of contributions to as any other method of obtaining goods without the proposed volume have now come in-many payment, I venture to think. from well-known writers. Miss W. M. Willis- Swan is kindly assisting me in the compilation of the volume, and together we hope to bring it to a successful issue. I should like all the BOOK AND PLAY TALK. contributors to understand that if the scheme eventually falls through, their MS. will be duly T ORD ROSEBERY has been engaged for returned to them; but the difficulties in our way some time on a study of Napoleon during may necessitate the retention of the contributions the closing years of his life at St. Helena. for some length of time. The result is a volume to be published shortly, Oct. 5, 1900. James BAGNALL-STUBBS. entitled “ Napoleon : The Last Phase." In one of the sixteen chapters Lord Rosebery reviews all the important books on the history of Bona- IV.-Fact versus Fiction. parte. The fiction of Ouida has in its time held me Among the new books about to be issued from spell-bound, and though the popularity of hosts the Oxford University Press are “ The Oxford of modern novels have thrust her particular merits Book of English Verse, 1250-1900," poems chosen aside. the author of “Held in Bondage " can and edited by A. T. Quiller-Couch, in two sizes, still arrest and compel attention. Her romantic one edition being on Oxford India paper; “ An Aights, her byways of adventure in the fields of English Miscellany," presented to Dr. Furnivall the novelist, her compact plots, her ideal heroes, in honour of his seventy-fifth birthday, and con- the charm of her descriptions, and, above all, her tributed to by some fifty authorities in this musical and rich rhetoric--all can still delight country and abroad on philology and early and entertain the present generation. Unfortu. English literature; and “Studies in Foreign nately, however, this authoress, in a passage in Literature,” being the Taylorian lectures, 1889- her “Critical Studies,” has—inadvertently, I hope 1899, delivered by S. Mallarmé, W. Pater, W. P. ## p. 109 (#149) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. [09 Ker, H. Brown, A. Morel Fatio, E. Dowden, F. W. Rolleston, W. M. Rossetti, P. Bourget, C. H. Herford, and H. Butler Clarke. The same publishers have issued a charming pocket edition of the early poems of Alfred Tennyson, set in very clear type which is easy to read. All lovers of Tennyson will be attracted by the beautiful manner in which it is got up. In consequence of the success of Miss Nora Vynne's book, “The Priest's Marriage,” Mr. Burleigh is trying a new experiment — that of bringing out a cheap edition at 1s., concurrently with a further edition of the six-shilling volume. The cheap edition will be on thin paper, with a ith a pa per cover. From New York comes the intelligence that Mr. W. D. Howells will take charge of the “ Easy Chair Department” (an old feature revived) of Harper's Magazine, to whose publishers, Harper and Brothers, he will become literary adviser. Mr. Howells will also contribute a monthly article on contemporary literary affairs to the North American Review. Mr. Brimley Johnson is just publishing an illustrated volume of verses for schoolroom and nursery by Miss Annie Matheson called “ Snow. flakes and Snowdrops.” The verses of this collection run through a cycle of “ The Seasons,” and are illustrated with three sketches by Mr. F. Carruthers Gould and numerous drawings by Miss Winifred Hartley. Sir Theodore Martin's biography of the late Lady Martin (Miss Helen Faucit) will be pub- lished shortly by Messrs. Blackwood, and is likely to be of singular interest to the theatrical pro- fession. Miss Mary F. S. Hervey has completed an illustrated volume on Holbein's “ Ambassadors," me on Holbein's " Ambassadors.” which will be published soon by Messrs. Bell. Two works which need not be expected for a year or two are in progress. First, Professor Dill is engaged on an historical work dealing with the Flavian and Antonine periods. It will be published by Messrs. Macmillan. Second, Mrs. Paget Toynbee is preparing a new edition of the “ Letters of Horace Walpole,” which will include a great deal of new correspondence. She appeals to the possessors of letters to send them, or copies, to her at Dorney Wood, Buro ham, Bucks. This edition will be published by the Clarendon Press. Mr. Spencer Wilkinson has written, and Mr. Caton Woodville and Mr. Melton Prior have illustrated, a popular history of the South African War, which the Illustrated London News Com. pany is about to issue Mrs. Meynell has contributed an introductory chapter to “The Confessions of St. Augustine," which will be published by Mr. Grant Richards in a few days as the first volume of a new “Religious Life" series. A new volume of verse by Mr. Charles Whit- worth Wynne, entitled “ Songs and Lyrics," will be published shortly by Mr. Grant Richards. Mr. Samuel Gordon has finished his new novel, which he calls “ Sons of the Covenant.” It is a study of the main characteristics which have helped the Jew to his position as a factor in European society. Messrs. Sands will publish it in a few days. Mr. Richard Whiteing's articles on “ Paris of To-Day," which have been appearing in the Century Magazine, will be published shortly in volume form by Mr. Murray. Mr. Henry Spencer Ashbee bequeathed his valuable collection of books to the British Museum. The rarest things in it are the French books printed in small editions for the members of several short-lived “bibliopbile” clubs. Mr. Ashbee, who died at Hawkhurst, Kent, three months ago, was a wealthy City man for whom book-collecting was a hobby. Many of the beautiful French books had been specially illustrated for him by eminent French book artists. An account of Abyssinia by Mr. A. B. Wylde, who knows the country at first hand, will be pub- lished by Messrs. Methuen. lished by Messrs Mr. Joseph Conrad and Mr. Ford Madox Hueffer are joint authors of a novel entitled “The Inheritors,” which Mr. Heinemann is to publish. Mr. J. Ashby Sterry is publishing through Messrs. Sands à volume containing thirty of his papers on all kinds of topics. It will be called “The Bystander ; or, Leaves for the Lazy, Miss L. E. Tiddeman is about to publish “Celia's Conquest” (Chambers, 28. 6d.); “The Apple of His Eye” (Jarrold, 18. 6d.); and “Seeing is Believing” (Nister, 9d.) Naunton Davies, author of “ Chester Cress- well ” and otber novels, has written a comedy entitled “ Foiled,” which has already been pro- duced at Llandilo with success. “Foiled” will be acted in Cardiff in December, and will, it is hoped, later be produced in London. An interesting series of articles is at present appearing in the Genealogical Magazine, on the Royal Descents, and in the recent numbers an attempt has been made to trace out the whole of the living descendants of Mary, Queen Consort of ## p. 110 (#150) ############################################ 110 THE AUTHOR. France, and Duchess of Suffolk, the younger daughter of King Henry VII. Royal Descents in this country are not uncommon, but nearly all well-known ones are traced from the Plantagenet kings, and a descent from the Princess Mary is seldom put forward. Patience and care, however, demonstrate that the descendants of this princess must be numbered by hundreds. Already No. 300 has been passed, although little more than one- twentieth part of the various lines of descent have been followed up. Amongst those whose names have been included up to the present are: Baroness Kinloss, the heir of line and first in seniority, Earl Temple, the Duke of Buccleuch, Lord Dalkeith, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, the Marchioness of Lothian, Lord Jedburgh, Lady Cameron of Lochiel, Lady Mary Trefusis, the Earl of Courtown, Lord Stopford, Lady Mary Shelley, Lady Grace Bridges, Lady Lily Conyng- ham Greene, Col. J. F. Cust, Lady Hampson, the Earl of Romney, Lady Florence Hare, and many other well-known people. The Spectator in a recent number discusses the fitness of authors to be politicians, and sums up the question as follows :- The modern novelist, in short, is ex hypothesi omniscient; baving largely usurped the function of the dramatist, the preacher, tbe pamphleteer, and the historian, he is bound to krow a good deal about everything, from metaphysics and the higher criticism to the manufacture of tin-tacks or the method of pilchard fishing. Take the question of the bousing of the poor, and where could you find a better expert than Mr. Artbur Morrison ? Or if agricultural de pression were the theme of discussion, who would be better fitted to serve on a committee than Mr. Rider Haggard ? Outside the ranks of trained engineers, wbo would be better equipped to assist the inquiry into the efficiency of machinery-say, water-tube boilers—than Mr. Kipling? Lastly, for sane, stimulating, and businesslike criticism of our military system, where can we look, even among Service membere, for a better and sounder critic tban Dr. Conan Doyle? We are very far from contending that the ability to produce a popular novel is a guarantee of Parlia mentary capacity. But we assert without fear of con. tradiction tbat the preparation involved in the writing of a seriods novel dealing with tbe social problems of the bour constitutes a far better claim to the confidence of the electorate than the equipment of the company promoter or the professional politician. Mr. George Grossmith, jun., and Mr. Yorke Stephens have written a comic opera, “ The Gay Pretenders,” which will be produced at the Globe Theatre on Nov. 10. The music is by Mr. Claude Nugent. When the run of “For Auld Lang Syne" is terminated, Mr. Henry Hamilton's version of “The Three Musketeers” will be produced at the Lyceum by Mr. Mollison, with Mr. Lewis Waller in his old part of D'Artagnan. Mr. Waller will subsequently appear in a revival of “King Henry V.” at the same theatre. During Mr. F. R. Benson's Shakespearian season at the Comedy eight plays will be produced (including “Coriolanus "), a fortnight being given to each. The season lasts from Dec. 19 to April 8. Sir Henry Irving, in opening the new Grand Tneatre and Opera House at Woolwich on Oct. 18, remarked that a well-conducted theatre was a necessary adjunct to true civic life. Public opinion in regard to the stage was governed on the whole, he believed, by a robust common sense which rejected the notion that the theatre, if allowed to exist at all, should be a place where human nature must not be exhibited. “Patience” is to be revived at the Savoy on Nor. 7, and will be played until the new comic opera by Sir Arthur Sullivan and Mr. Basil Hood is ready. Mr. Hermann Vezin was entertained at dinner by the Pen and Pencil Club of Glasgow on the occasion of his jubilee as an actor. Lord Provost Chisholm presided. Mr. Savile Clarke's adaptation of " Alice in Wonderland,” with music by Mr. Walter Slaughter, will be revived at the Vaudeville Theatre about the beginning of December. Mrs. W. K. Clifford's play, “The Likeness of the Night,” was successfully produced at the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool, on Oct. 18 by Mr. and Mrs. Kendal. Mr. R. C. Carton, in an interview which appears in Cassell's Saturday Journal for Oct. 10, niakes the following statement in reply to the question “Is the aspiring author boycotted by managers ?? I strongly resent the folly that is talked about the diffi- culties a young writer experiences in securing a hearing. It has always been a struggle to succeed at first, and it always will be ; but in these days it is so obviously to the advan- tage of the managers to break up the limited area of dramatic writing that they are very keenly on the lookout for anything that is worth having. The trouble is that there is so much competition that managers have to make their arrangements ahead, and, as you can perceive for yourself, they can't very well trust entirely to untried authors. They go to the tried man because tbey feel more safe in so doing. If an individaal's leg is to be taken off, be engages, if he can afford to do so, the best and most expensive surgeon, even though others might perform the operation equally well, and certainly at a cheaper price. What he wants is to minimise risk. Therefore he tries to pat the handcuffs on Fate. ## p. 111 (#151) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. III BOOKS AND REVIEWS. (In these columns notes on books are given from reviews which carry weight, and are not, so far as can be learned, logrollers.) Among the books issued in October were: LIFE AND LETTERS OF THOMAS HENRY HUXLEY, by his son Leonard Huxley (Macmillan, 308. net); MEMOIRS AND CORRE. SPONDENCE OF COVENTRY PATMORE, by Basil Champneys (Bell, 328. net); and OLIVER CROMWELL, by John Morley (Macmillan, 108. net). THE GREAT BOER WAR, by A. Conan Doyle (Smith, Elder, 78. 6d.), reviews the whole course of the war. The Daily Chronicle says that “Dr. Conan Doyle has written about as satisfactory and sound a book as one could imagine on a subject so recent, so vital, and so distracted with controversy." The narrative is told " always in vigorous, often in stirring, language," says the Times; while the Daily News pronounces the book " a masterly performance." “He tells his story," says the Daily Telegraph, “ in vivid chapters which make the pulse of the reader beat faster as he reads.' IAN HAMILTON'S MARCH, by Winston Churchill (Long. mans, 68.), is a narrative of the marching and fighting done by General Ian Hamilton's column after it moved out of Bloemfontein on April 22. “Mr. Churchill's writing is highly inspiriting,” says the Spectator, which also speaks of “the great picture which he unrolls before us” in this book. - This is Mr. Churchill's strength,” says the Daily Chronicle, “ that he recognises the interest of his subject to be sufficient, and is content simply and clearly to set it in array before yon.” “Of the complicated operations he gives an excellent description,” says the Daily Telegraph, "and supplements his tactical explanations by some very good sketch maps.” THE SIEGE OF MAFEKING, by Angus Hamilton (Methuen, 68.), “is another in Messrs. Methuen's excellent series of books dealing with special events and periods of the war, and it is likely," says the Daily Chronicle, “to be as popular as the rest." For the most part the story Mr. Hamilton tells is a record of what he himself saw and endured. “The hard prosaic features of the fight, the endless tedium of waiting for relief, and the monotony of semi-starvation, with a hundred minor points of life in a besieged town which are apt to be forgotten in the glamour of ultimate success, are presented forcibly to us,” says the Daily Telegraph, " in this picturesque and truthful record.” How WE ESCAPED FROM PRETORIA, by Captain Aylmer Haldane (Blackwood, 18.), tells of a feat which, says the Spectator, " is among the most brilliant exploits of the war.” “And after the unfailing courage of the three determined to escape, that which is pleasantest in this amazing narrative is the unselfish and never failing loyalty of those who helped their companions on the road to liberty." TOMMY AND GRIZEL, by J. M. Barrie (Cassell, 68.), “ is a delightful book," says the Daily News, " full of its author's nameless charm-his elusive and ethereal humour.” “It is a book of extraordinary power and even of extraordinary beauty," says the Daily Chronicle," the work of a poet and a psychologist born and bred.” Grizel, says the Times, is “as true and lovable a woman as novelist ever created." QUISANTÉ, by Anthony Hope (Methuen, 68.) " is a study," says the Daily News, “worthy of one of the most brilliant of our living novelists.” “The story does not, in Mr. Hope's earlier manner, flit pleasantly along the surface of things, but planges rather into the depths, into complex feelings and emotions." The principal figure in the book is a successful politician. The Daily Chronicle pronounces it “ Anthony Hope's best.” The Spectator describes the story as “the apotheosis of the brilliant oad.” “Mr. Hope is never dull,” says the Times ; "his electioneering is the very thing, and his minor people... are quite de- lightful.” THE LANE THAT HAD NO TURNING, by Gilbert Parker (Heinemann, 68 ) " deals mainly,” says the Daily News, “with his favourite and happy hunting-ground of French Canada, Pontiac, the idyllic Pontiac, the well-beloved Seigneury, with an accompaniment of those charming rustics and village characters so well-known already to this author's readers. The first story in the volume is a really masterly piece of work, a dramatic plot excellently well imagined and carried out.” “Not even in "The Seats of the Mighty,'” says the Times, “ does Mr. Parker suggest such an impression of his strength as in the most important of these stories ... the other stories are slighter and less ambitious, but scarcely less impressive.” OLD FIRES AND PROFITABLE GHosts, by A. T. Qailler- Couch (Cassell, 68.) is praised by the Daily Chronicle for its purpose and workmanship. "A careless estimate might call it & volume of ghost stories, but as that phrase is popularly accepted, it falls quite short of a description.” "Mr. Couch's method is largely his own, and his toach is so simple and direct as to divest the other side of death of almost everything that is terrible, and to present it in a relation to life amenable, humane and helpful.” “Without exactly making one's flesh creep,” says the Daily News, “these stories produce a delightful yet ancanny effect of magic and of the incomprehensible." JOSEPH GLANVILL: A Study in English Thought and Letters of the Seventeenth Century, by Ferris Greenslet (Macmillan, 6s.) tells us, says the spectator, “all of Glan- vill which it is possible to know, and that is not very much. Of few English writers of equal power do we know so little. But Dr. Greenslet has done something more asefal than gossip about a dead author; he has related him to the general intellectual movement of the time, and has there. fore written a valuable chapter in the history of English philosophic thought.” The Daily Chronicle calls it “a creditable and interesting book, which is specially deserving of readers to-day, when the Cambridge Platonists are in greater vogue than they have ever been since the publica- tion of 'John Inglesant.'”. THE STORY OF FLORENCE, by Edmund G. Gardner (Dent, 48. 6d. net.), “is not only a history," says the Spectator, “but a guide which every tourist should take with him to Florence ... for it will bring succinctly under his survey the crowded and glorious history of Florence, and will show the conditions under which her literature and art were evolved.” “Mr. Gardner has done wisely,” says the Daily Chronicle, " in confining himself to an account of the most salient events and the most striking personalities.” . THE MEN OF THE MERCHANT SERVICE, by Frank T. Ballon (Smith, Elder, 78. 6d.), is described in the sub-title as “ being the polity of the Mercantile Marine for Long. shore Readers." Mr. Arnold White, reviewing it in the Daily Chronicle, declares that “ Mr. Bullen has done good national service in writing this book," and that “ he whose experience has burnt into his soul the realities of sea life on a British merchant ship.” The Globe remarks that “it is not often that a work so thoroughly practical is put before the public." JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, the Man and the Statesman, by N. Murrell Marris (Hutchinson, 108. net), is a “fairly interesting ” compilation, says Literature. “It is not, and does not claim to be, critical.” Miss Marris acknowledges man ## p. 112 (#152) ############################################ I 12 THE AUTHOR. in her preface the aid which she bas received from the Chamberlain family, and, says the Daily Chronicle, “this elaborate study of the present Secretary of State for the Colonies has all the accuracy and personal interest which might be expected in the circumstances. “The book will serve a useful purpose, although," says the Daily News, “it cannot fail to be treated as controversial by those who cannot accept the exaltation of Mr. Chamberlain's colonial policy.” THIRTEEN STORIES, by R. B. Cunninghame Graham (Heinemann, 6s.), are described by the author as “sketches, stories, studies, or what you call them,” and the Daily Chronicle, after giving a few quotations to show the spirit of the book, says tbat“ po patoby quotations can do justice to its proud and fastidious rebellion against the common- place." Literature describes" Rothenberger's Wedding ” as an amusing satiric sketch, “ La Clemenza de Tito" a well. observed study," but among the lesser stories of the thirteen we like best the account of how Amarabat, the runner, failed to take 'The Gold Fish' from Rabat to the Sultan at Tafileh. This has the true fatalistio note of the East and is told with exquisite skill.” CUNNING MURRELL, by Arthur Morrison (Methuen, 68.) -Literature says of this book : “Hadleigh and its neigh- boarhood had at the time of the story overlooked the passage of time and still held to the ideas of an earlier period. Thas Cunding Murrell could exercise those queer arts of his which awed the simple country folk. He himself believed in his occult powers. . . . He puts apon Dorrily Thorn's aunt, Mrs. Martin, the stigma of witchcraft. In discovering how this tragedy works out the reader will have perused & very successful and interesting example of the modern novel.” THE BRASS BOTTLE, by F. Anstey (Smith, Elder, 68.).— “In his logical conduct of an absurd proposition, in his fantastic handling of the supernatural, in his brisk dialogue and effective characterisation, Mr. Anstey,” says the Spec. tator, “ has once more shown himself to be an artist and a hamourist of uncommon and enviable merit." Blackwood's Magazine says " Mr. Anstey ban not written anything in better heart or in higher spirits since he presented a delighted public with Mr. Baltitude.” MOTHER-SISTER, by Edwin Pugh (Hurst and Blackett, 68.).—“Mr. Pugh studies poor-life as Mr. Morrison and Mr. Pett Ridge study it,” says the Daily Chronicle," and he distinctly deserves to be in the same olass with them. This is a somewbat new thing, this humorous study of poverty ; it has great uses ; it presents pathos without mawkishness, and makes us feel none the less the need for pity.” THE NEW ORDER, by Oswald Crawfurd (Richards, 68.). _“The argument,” says the Times, “is that although there may be wealth in free trade, it would be cheaper in the end to revive agricultural prosperity as a guarantee against an international blockade. There is a great deal of good argu- ment and sound sense in the book.” “Mr. Crawfurd's heroes are no effeminate dreamers, they are all athletes and emphatically men of action.” THE INFIDEL, by M. E. Braddon (Simpkin, 68.), is a tale of George II.'s day, the heroine of which " is the daaghter by an Italian mother of an anfrocked priest, a hireling Grub Street scribe, who has imbued her with his own Voltairean scepticism, but failed to impair the inherent nobility of her character.” The story is admirably "staged," says the Spectator, and wiss Braddon's style "leaves nothing to be desired in terseness and lucidity.” “The old ability," says the Daily Chronicle, " to set forth, with a richness of cursory information surpassed by no writer of fiction, apparently any story in any period, is still in evidence.” WINEFRED, by S. Baring-Gould (Methaen, 68.), “is a capital story," says the Times, “ full as usual of violent sensations, admirable in its vivid descriptions of the cliff scenery, and with more humour than most of its pre- decessors." SERVANTS OF Sin, by J. Bloundelle-Burton (Methuen, 68.), “ amply justifies its title," observes the Times. The date of the story is the Regency during the minority of Louis XV. “We are introduced to the most villainous society imaginable. Mr. Bloondelle-Barton takes a less lenient view of the Regent Orleans than Dumas, and he has depicted the reign of the roués in the most larid colours. It is a capital story nevertheless.” The Spectator says that “ by readers who like the costume-romance' it will be pro- nounced a very good specimen of this class of novel.” THE COURTESY DAME, by R. Marray Gilchrist (Heine- mann, 68.), is “decidedly good reading,” says the Daily Telegraph. Mr. Gilchrist, says the Daily Chronicle, “ still keeps as in and about the Peakland district of Derbyshire, with which and with whose inhabitants he bas already made us so familiar.” “This time we are introduced to a rather loftier level than usual. “The Coartesy Dame' is a well- written and interesting novel.” LIFE OF SIR JOHN FOWLER, by Thomas Mackay (Murray, 168.).--"Of a life so full of interesting and im portant action,” says the Daily Chronicle, “this memoir, excellent as it is, is only too short.” “The life of a great engineer,” says the Daily News, “ cannot be expected to be rich in romantic and picturesque incident, but Mr. Mackay has at least furnished in a sober and business-like style abundance of interesting details." FIRST FRENCH BOOK FOR CHILDREN, by Professor Victor Spiers (Simpkin, 28. 6d. or 38.), “has the ad. vantage,” says the Educational Times, “ of being written directly for English children, and not adapted from the German.” “Professor Spiers," says the Journal of Education, “who has long been known as one of the most successful teachers of higher French, bas here attempted the humbler, but harder, part of nursery governess. Nursery rhymes for repetition, music, simple conversations, and pictures galore --all these combine to make a most attractive book.” The Daily Chronicle observes that “if modern teaching is to be effective, the reform must begin with the very foundations," and adds that the book "may prove a golden bridge from the old grammar drill and construing book to the new rational method.” The Guardian approves of the book with its “ minimum of grammar and tedious rules," and its abundance of “wise advice to teachers.” “ It is,” it adds, “a most interesting experiment in text-book construction, and we trust it may be tried.” E AUTHOR." SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. • • • • • • Front Page ... ... £4 0 0 Other Pages ... ... 3 0 0 Hall of a Page ... ... ... 1 10 0 Quarter of a Page ... 015 0 Eighth of a Page ... 0 7 6 Single Column Advertisements per inch 0 6 0 Bills for Insertion ... ... ... per 2000 3 00 Reductions made for a Series of six or Twelve Insertions. 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London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings E.C. BY Capt. ALFRED E. HAYNES (ROYAL ENGINEERS). WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY WALTER BESANT. * The story of the vigorous efforts made, against terrible odds, to find the missing Professor and his companions is clearly and ably set forth. Then comes the finding of the ghastly remains and the patiently relentless following up of clues in tracing out the various Arabs implicated in the murder. The adventurous part of the book is as interesting as a tale by Stevenson; nor is what might be termed the personal part less absorbing."-Publishers' Circular. Demy 8vo., cloth boards, price 109. 6d. IN NEW SOUTH AFRICA. Travels in the Transvaal and Rhodesia. With Map and Twenty-six Illustrations. By H. LINCOLN TANGYE. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. Crown 8vo., Cloth Boards, Silver Lettering, Price 6s. A LADY OF WALES. CONTENTS. Introductory. PART I. CHAPTER I.-The Land of Gold and the Way there. II.-Across Desert and Veldt. III.-- Johannesburg the Golden. IV.-A Transvaal Coach Journey. V.-Natal: the South African Garden. 1.-Ostracised in Africa. Home with the Swallows. "A Story of the Siege of Chester, 1645." Rev. VINCENT J. LEATHERDALE, M.A. BY THE PART II.-RAMBLES IN RHODESIA, CHAPTER I.-Eendragt Maakt Magt. II.-Into the Country of Lobengula. III.-The Trail of War. IV.-Goldmining, Ancient and Modern, , V.-Sic Transit Gloria Mundi. VI.-To Northern Mashonaland. VII.-Primitive Art. The Misadventures of a Wagon. Index. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. In demy 8vo., price 12s. net, by post 12s. Bd. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. Six Months in a Syrian Monastery. Crown 8vo., limp cloth, price 2s. 6d. A HANDBOOK OF Being the Record of a Visit to the Headquarters of the Syrian Church in Mesopotamia, with some account of the Yazidis, or Devil Worshippers of Mosul, and El Jilwah, their Sacred Book. By OSWALD H. PARRY, B.A. (Of Magdalen College, Oxford.) Illustrated by the Author. With a Prefatory Note by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Durham. PROCEDURE OF THE HOUSE of COMMONS, WITH SUGGESTIONS AND PRECEDENTS FOR THE USE OF PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETIES, rds the East.ini nis work is well worth revith the old Syria The author of this handsome volume presents a detailed study of a relic of history pursued off the track of general research; he has sought to give, and has succeeded in giving, a picture of quiet life in a country much abused, and among a people that command less than their share of ordinary interest.' . Westward the tide of Enpire takes its way,' sang & prophetic divine of the olden days, and no less certainly, as Mr. Parry points out, does the ebb of travel return towards the East. .. As & volume descriptive of life and travel among a distant people, his work is well worth reading, but for those persons who are more particularly concerned with the old Syrian Church, or in the solution of the problem indicated above, it is one of quite unique attraction. A pathetic interest attaches to the account of the Yazidis included in this volume, for it contains part of their sacred writings, the original manuscript of which was in the hands of Professor Robertson Smith for translation at the time of his death.' -Publishers' Circular. BY GEO. G. GRAY, Esq., LL.D. (Lond.), J.P., Barrister-at-Law, &c., Author of "A Manual of Bankruptcy," & Treatise on "The Right to Support from Land and Buildings," &c., Speaker of the Hastings Local House of Commons. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O ## p. 112 (#155) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. vii In demy 8vo., with PORTRAITS, price 7s, 6d. T HE BUILDERS OF OUR LAW DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN VICTORIA. By EDWARD MANSON. Late Scholar of Brasenose College, and of the Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law; Author of the Law of Trading Companies," " Debentures and Debenture Stock," " Dog Law," &c. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Lord Cottenbam. Lord St. Leonards. Baron Martin (uith Portrait). Ohief Justice Tindal. Chief Baron Pollock. Sir George Jessel (with Portrait). Lord Justice Knight Bruce (with Portrait). Sir Cresswell Cresswell. Sir Robert Phillimore (with Portrait). Baron Parke-Lord Wensleydale. Lord Campbell. Lord Justice Mellish (with Portrait). Right Honourable Stephen Lushington, the Mr. Justice Patteson (with Portrait). Lord Justice Lush. Ohief Justice Jervis. Lord Westbury (with Portrait). Lord Blackburn. Lord Cranworth. Chief Justice Cockburn (urith Portrait). Lord Justice James (with Portrait). Mr. Justice Maule. Mr. Justice Wightman. Chief Justice Erle (with Portrait). Lord Abinger. Lord Hatherley. Sir Edward Vaughan Williams. Lord Truro. Mr. Justice Willes. Mr. Justice Crompton. Baron Alderson. Lord Bramwell. Chief Baron Kelly. Lord Denman (with Portrait). Lord Cairns (with Portrait). * Mr. Manson bas à facile pen and a pleasant style; and it would indeed have been a pity had the ephemeral purpose with which the matter contained in this book was originally published caused these interesting sketches to be forgotten. The aim of the author has been to give an outline of the career of the greatest of our judges, and to state the effect of their work upon the law, and in so doing he has started at the point at which Lord Campbell left off. Several old prints are reproduced, and help to make up a handsome, interesting, and even brilliant addition to the history of the Legal Profession."-Law Journal. " We received the several biographies with much pleasure, and gladly published them in these columns. We know for a fact that more than one family has been surprised at the information gleaned about its judicial member by Mr. Manson. We predict for it a permanent place in legal biography."-Law Times. "The book has a serious interest for laymen as well as for lawyers, for, although there is much of case law, there is no more of it than the general reader may digest. It is the anecdotes and the personal details which give piquancy to the book."- Morning. | SPORTING DAYS SOUTHERN INDIA: London: HORACE COX, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.Ç. Demy 8vo., with Map and Illustrations, price 10s. 6d. Royal 8vo., price 16s. net. AN AUSTRALIAN IN IN CHINA: Being the Narrative of a Quiet Journey. Across China to British Burma. BEING By G. E. MORRISON, REMINISCENCES OF TWENTY TRIPS IN PURSUIT M.B.C.M. Edin., F.R.G.S. OF BIG GAME, "Mr. Morrison is an Australian doctor who has achieved probably CHIEFLY IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY. the most remarkable journey through the Flowery Land ever attempted by a Christian. .. He was entirely unarmed and BY unaccompanied, save for the coolies who carried his baggage. Such a journey-three thousand miles in length-could not fail to present Lieut.-Col. A. J. 0. POLLOCK, many curious customs and as many curious people. But it is owing entirely to Dr. Morrison's graphic manner of description, and his Royal Scots Fusiliers. scutely keen observation, that his travels are such a reality to the reader. This portly volume is one of the most interesting books of · WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS BY WHYMPER travel of the many published this year. It is frank, original, and AND OTHERS. quite ungarnished by adventitious colouring."-St. James's Budget. "One of the most interesting books of travel we remember to have read."-European Mail. CONTENTS. "A very lively book of travel. ... His account of the walk Chapters I., II., and III.-The Bear. of 1500 miles from Chungking to Burma, over the remotest districts IV. and V.-The Panther. of Western China, is full of interest."- The Times. VI., VII., and VIII.-The Tiger. * Dr. Morrison writes crisply, sensibly, humorously, and with an engaging frankness. ... There is not a page he has written that IX. and X.-The Indian Bison. is not worth the perusal of the student of China and the Chinese."- XI. and XII.-The Elephant. The Scotsman. XIII.-Deer (Cervidae) and Antelopes. * By far the most interesting and entertaining narrative of travel XIV.-The Ibex. in the Flowery Land that has appeared for several years."- The World. XV. and XVI.-Miscellaneous. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. I London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. ## p. 112 (#156) ############################################ viii ADVERTISEMENTS. 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MISS JANET WAY, 33, OSSIAN ROAD, STROUD GREEN, N. THE VICTORIA TYPEWRITING COMPANY, 18, BOROUGH HIGH STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, S.E., Have adopted a NEW STYLE, very effective, and attracting attention. Authors' MSS. copied from 10d. to Is. 3d. per 1000 words. Kindly send for specimen. CAREFUL AND ACCURATE WORK GUARANTEED. Second Edition. Crown 4to., cloth, price 38. 6d. ; by post, 38. 9d. Crown 8vo., with illustrations, price 68., to be had of all booksellers. DAIRY TALES. By BASIL FIELD. Beautifully FOR HIS COUNTRY'S SAKE; or, Esca, a British HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.O. T HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C. Printed and Published by HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream’s-buildings, London, E.C. Illustrated by C. E. Fripp. I Prince at the Court of Traian By L. M. P. BLACK Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 06 (November 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 06 (November 1900) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1900-11-01-The-Author-11-6 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/337/1900-12-01-The-Author-11-7.pdf 28d714029e9b9aaca619da35cef09064 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1900-12-01 Volume 11 Issue 7 Pages Page range in volume 113–132 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19001201 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin Tbea Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. Vol. XI.—No. 7.] DECEMBER 1, 1900. (PRICE SIXPENCE. - CONTENTS. PAGE ... 113 PAGE ... 125 ... ... ... ... 126 Memoranda ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Literary Property- 1. The Publisher and the Agent 2. Dramatic Copyright-Lord Monkswell's Bill ... 3. Publishers as Agents Legalised Artistic Robbery... ... Paris Letter. By Darracotte Scott Notes and News. By the Editor... ... 114 ... 117 ... 117 118 Revivals and Reprints ... ... Use of the Society's Name... Certain Literary Speeches... ... ... ... Of Editors ... ... ... ... Authors' Club Dinners Book and Play Talk... ray TUIR... ... ... Correspondence-1, Wanted, a Reference. 2. A 3. Mr. Sydney Grundy on the New Bill ... 120 122 Just Protest. ... ... ... 131 PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. The Annual Report. That for the past year can be had on application to the Secretary. 2. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members, 6s. 6d. per annum. Back numbers are offered at the following prices : Vol. I., 108. 6d. (Bound); Vols. II., III., and IV., 88. 6d. each (Bound); Vols. V. to VIII. (Unbound), 6s. 6d. 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. MORRIS COLLES, Barrister-at-Law. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 4. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE, late Secretary to the Society. Is. 5. The cost of Production. In this work specimens are given of the most important forms of type, size of page, &c., with estimates showing what it costs to produce the more common kinds of books. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 28. 6d. (Out of print at present.) 6. The Various Methods of Publication. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. Henry Glaisher, 95, Strand, W.C. 38. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell's Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, and an Appendix containing the Berne Convention and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. Eyre and Spottis- woode. Is. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By WALTER BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888–1892). 1S. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst LUNGE, J.U.D. 28. 6d. 10. The Addenda to the “Methods of Publishing." By G. HERBERT THRIng. Being additional facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “Methods." With comments and advice. 28. 11. Forms of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Association ; with Comments. By G. HERBERT TARING, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. 18. ## p. 112 (#158) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Nuthors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT. GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. | AUSTIN Dobson. SIR LEWIS MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN, M.P. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. Miss E. A. ORMEROD, LL.D. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER, M.P. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIELD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BESANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD PIR- AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, Q.C. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. Sir FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE RIGHT Hon. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD BURGH. JEROME K. JEROME. E. ROSE. CLERE. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONES. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss FLORA L. SHAW. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMS. P. W. CLAYDEN. THE Right Hon. W. E. H. LECKY, S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. THE HON. JOHN COLLIER. THE REV. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM Moy THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. Sir A. C. MACKENZIE, Mas.Doc. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGH. The Right Hon. THE LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel - E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A. HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. À BECKETT. D. W. FRESHFIELD. GILBERT PARKER, M.P. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E. ROSE. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN, M.P. FRANCIS STORR. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. 'SUB-COMMITTEES.' ART. Hon. John COLLIER (Chairman). I SIR W. MARTIN Conway. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A, W. À BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLES. . GILBERT PARKER, M.P. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). I F. C. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD ROSE. Solicitors, FIELD, Roscoe, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. G. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, LINCOLN's INN FIELDS, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. | THE ART of CHESS. By JAMES Mason. Price 58. 1 GA. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream'g-buildings, E.C. ## p. 112 (#159) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. Now Ready, cloth, bs.; half calf, 7s. Bd.; calf, 8s. Ed. PATERSON'S PRACTICAL STATUTES 1900 CAP. (63'& 64 VICTORIA); WITH INTRODUCTIONS, NOTES, TABLES OF STATUTES REPEALED AND SUBJECTS ALTERED, LISTS OF LOCAL AND PERSONAL AND PRIVATE ACTS, AND A COPIOUS INDEX. EDITED BY JAMES SUTHERLAND COTTON, Barrister-at-Law. CONTENTS. Table of Principal Enactments repealed. | CAP. Table of Principal Subjects altered. 19. Land Registry (New Buildings) Act [title 40. Elementary School Teachers Superannua- only). tion (Jersey) Act ſtille only). TAP. SESSION 1899—63 VICTORIA. 20. Ecclesiastical Assessments (Scotland) Act 41. Local Government (Ireland) (No. 2) Act 1. Appropriation Act 1899. Session 2 [title only]. [title only]. [title only]. 2. Treasury Bills Act (tille only). 21. Mines (Prohibition of Child Labour Under 42. Reserve Forces Act. 3. Second Session (Explanation) Act. ground) Act. 43. Intermediate Education (Ireland) Act 22. Workmen's Compensation Act. [title only). SESSION 1900—63 & 64 Vict. 3. Poor Removal Act. . Exportation of Arms Act. 1. Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Act [title only]. 24. Veterinary Surgeons Amendment Act. 45. Poor Relief (Ireland) Act [lille only]. 2. War Loan Act (tille only). 25. Charitable Loan Societies (Ireland) Act 46. Members of Local Authorities Relief Act 3. Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Act [title only] [title only). 17. County Courts (Investment) Act. 4. Census (Great Britain) Act. 26. Land Charges Act. 48. Oompanies Act. 5. Army (Annual) Act. 27. Railway Employment (Prevention of 49. Town Councils (Scotland) Act (tille only). 6. Census (Ireland) Act [title only). Accidents) Act. 1. Agricultural Holdings Act. 7. Finance Act. 28. Inebriates Amendment (Scotland) Act 51. Money. lenders Act. 8. Electoral Disabilities (Military Service) [title only). 52. Naval Reserve Act. Removals Act. 29. London County Council Electors Qualifi 53. Elementary Education Act. 9. Police Reservists (Allowances) Act cation Act. 54. Lunacy Board (Scotland) Act [title only]. 10. Public Health (Ireland) Act [title only). 30. Beer Retailers' and Spirit Grocers' Retail 55. Executors (Scotland) Act (title only). 11. Uganda Railway Act (title only). 56. Military Lands Act. 12. Commonwealth of Australia Donstitution | 31. Isle of Man (Customs) Act (title only). 57, Appropriation Act [litle only). Act. 32. Merchant Shipping (Liability of Ship 58. Tithe Rentcharge (Ireland) Act [title only). 13. County Councils (Elections) Act Amend owners and others) Act. 59. Housing of the Working Classes Act. ment Act. 33. Wild Animals in Captivity Protection Act. 60. Tramways (Ireland) Act (tille only]. 14. Colonial Solicitors Act. 34. Ancient Monuments Protection Act, 61, Supplemental War Loen Act ſtille only). 15, Burial Act. 35. Oil in Tobacco Act. 62. Colonial Stock Act. 16. District Councillors and Guardians (Term 36. Public Works Loans Act [title only]. 63. Local Government (Ireland) Act [title only). of Ofice) Act, 37. Expiring Lawg Continuance Act. 17. Naval Réserve (Mobilisation) Act [title 38. Elementary School Teachers Superannua List of Local and Personal Acts. only). tion (Isle of Man) Act [title only) 18. County Surveyors (Ireland) Act ſtille only]. 39. Volunteer Act. Index. LONDON : HORACE Cox, LAW TIMES” OFFICE, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.C. Licences (Ireland) Actric rocers' Retail astralia Constitution 31 In demy 8vo., 700 pages, price 7s. 6d., the Fourth Edition of AN ANECDOTAL HISTORY THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, FROM THE EARLIEST PERIODS TO THE PRESENT TIME. WITH NOTICES OF EMINENT PARLIAMENTARY MEN, AND EXAMPLES OF THEIR ORATORY. COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES BY GEORGE HENRY JENNINGS. CONTENTS : PART 1.-Rise and Progress of Parliamentary Institutions. APPENDIX.-(A) Lists of the Parliaments of England and of the PART 11.- Personal Anecdotes : Sir Thomas More to John Morley. United Kingdom. PART III.-Miscellaneous : 1. Elections. 2. Privilege; Exclusion of (B) Speakers of the House of Commong. Strangers; Publication of Debates. 3. Parliamentary (C) Prime Ministers, Lord Chancellors, and Secretaries Usages, &c. 4. Varieties. of State from 1715 to 1892. HORACE Cox, “LAW TIMES” OFFICE, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.C. VOL. XI. P 2 ## p. 112 (#160) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. SALE OF MSS. OF EVERY KIND. Literary Advice, Revision, Research, etc. Printing, Publishing, Illustration, Translation, etc. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LITERARY AGENCY OF LONDON, 3, HENRIETTA STREET, W.C. G. RADFORD. G. H. PERRIS. THE MOST MAGNIFICENT AND COMPREHENSIVE BOOK OF THE PERIOD. SOCIAL QUESTIONS AND NATIONAL PROBLEMS: EVILS AND REMEDIES. 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CAREFULLY & EXPEDITIOUSLY TYPEWRITTEN. 10d. per 1000 words. Duplicate copies half price. MISS E. D. 000K, 21, Windsor-road, Holloway, London, N. THE Transmits papers by post or otherwise, without rolling, creasing, or folding. Fasteng as easily as an envelope, and can be used many times by the addition of a fresh label. Three Sizes-Prices 5d., 6d., and 7d. each. Sold by MESSRS. PARTRIDGE & COOPER, 191 & 192, Fleet Street, and 1 & 2, Chancery Lane. AUTHOR'S HAIRLESS PAPER-PAD TRANSLATIONS (Accurate), Literary, Plays, &c., from 6d. per folio Typewritten. All work personally superintended. WILLIAMS, 85, Finsbury Pavement, E.C. (Barlock Typewriter for Sale, £8 108. Bargain.) (The LEADENHALL PRESS LTD., Publishers & Printers, 50, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C.) Contains hairless paper, over which the pen slips with perfect freedom. Sixpence each. 58. per dozen, ruled or plain. New Pocket Size, 88. per dozen, ruled or plain. Authors should note that THE LEADENHALL PRESS LTD. cannot be responsible for the loss of MSS. by Are or otherwise. Duplicate copies should be retained. ## p. 113 (#161) ############################################ The Author, (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 7.] DECEMBER I, 1900. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. M HE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all 1 remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the “ Cost of Production.” IV. A COMMISSION AGREEMENT. The main points are :- (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production. (2.) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. GENERAL All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned. Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. Never sign any agreement without competent advice from the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The main points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are :- (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub- jects whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are returned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. UT ERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property : I. THAT OF SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of agreement). In this case the following rules should be attended to : . (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro. duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. . (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs: or by charging exchange advertise- ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for “office expenses," anless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. í (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher. As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or doctor! 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 3. There are three forms of dramatic contract for PLAYS IN THREE OR MORE ACTS :- (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING RIGHT. This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters into such a contract should stipulate in the con- tract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES on gross receipts. Peroentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An anthor should obtain a percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts in preference to the American system. Should ## p. 114 (#162) ############################################ 114 THE AUTHOR. reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen. dence of the writer. 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) To read and advise apon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments due according to agreements. THE READING BRANCH. obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., fixed nightly fees). This method should be always avoided except in cases where the fees are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The other safeguards set out under heading (6.) apply also in this case. 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one act plays should be reserved. 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is of great importance. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot print the book of the words. 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in the beginning. 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object is to obtain adequate pablication. As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on account of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con- tracts, those authors desirous of further information are referred to the Secretary of the Society. M EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this 1 branch of their work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated as a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. NOTICES. M HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the I Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 68. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should be addressed to the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- ball court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. LITERARY PROPERTY. 1. LA VERY. member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici. tor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreoments do not generally fall within the experienoe of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society. 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past accounts with the loan of the books represented. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, now or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro. posed document to the Society for examination. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battles of other writers, even if you are I.-THE PUBLISHER AND THE AGENT. THE business of the literary agent is not run on philanthropic lines any more than the - business of the publisher. In each case the first aim is entirely a selfish one—to obtain a living wage, the amount of the living wage-varying according to the ambition of the worker; the next is to benefit the author whose work is being undertaken. In an article which appeared in The Author for July, 1900, evidence was given of a series of con- tracts which might be worked beneficially for the publisher and disastrously for the author, although the agreements on the face of them ## p. 115 (#163) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 115 appeared to be reasonable and just, the fault lying in the action of the publisher rather than in the form of agreement. It is possible also that under certain circumstances an agent while appearing to work for the author's benefit may really be playing into the publisher's hands, and it is necessary therefore from time to time to call the attention of authors to the difficulties that may beset their path when under the guidance of an agent. It should, however, in all justice be remarked that in many cases an agent's assistance is essential to the author, and that there are agents who work unreservedly for the author's interest, to whom the following remarks do not apply To begin with, literary agents are not as a rule lawyers, and, therefore, are hardly competent to draw up a legal document or to advise the author on signing the same. This point has become apparent on reviewing a series of contracts which have been, during the last few months, brought to the Society's offices, unfortunately after signature and after accepting the agent's advice. An agent has allowed an author to enter into half-profit agreements and royalty agreements with exceedingly low royalties, and to bind him. self to the publisher for the next two books on the same terms. That the agent should pass an agreement for half profits and for low royalties might perhaps be excusable under exceptional circumstances, but that an agent should pass the two-book clause is absolutely and entirely inexcusable. Such action shows either a complete disregard of the author's business or an absolute ignorance of his (the agent's) own, unless, absit omen, there are other and deeper reasons for the step. This rule must be laid down as absolute: No author should, under any circumstances, bind himself to a publisher for more than one book. It is better for the author that the book should not be published at all than published on these terms. But what does the publisher say in his defence ? He states—the Society has letters to show it, that, unless he has the control of the next two books, he will not take the same interest in the author's work, and will not push it to the same extent. A candid confession, indeed, for an honourable publisher! But what is the real result? The publisher, having secured the handling of the next two books on ridiculously low terms, runs the first book until it has covered its expenses and put the usual 15 to 20 per cent. in his pocket, and then neglects to push it any further. Not all the lamentations of the author will move him. The publisher is anxious to push other books forward. He has taken the cream off the milk. For the reason of this action by the publisher, reference is again made to the article, entitled “Trade Methods," that appeared in The Author of July, 1900. Do not sign agreements containing the above condition, not even though the agent may stand over you pen in hand and demand your signature, stating that he can do no more for you if you refuse to sign. The conclusion, then, to be arrived at is that the publisher, as he has the refusal of two more books at cheap terms, gives really less attention to the author's success and takes less pains than if he had one work only. For in the latter case, if the publisher believes in his author, he is anxious to do his best for him that the author may come to him again-a course the author gladly takes when he has been well treated. Again, agreements that have passed through an agent's hands are frequently brought forward, which assign translation rights, Continental rights, American rights, and even dramatic rights to the publisher, and the author has to allow the publisher 50 per cent. if he succeeds in selling or getting rid of them. Now, it is not the publisher's business to sell these rights, as will be further explained below. In any case, the publisher is not entitled to 50 per cent of the returns. Another form of agreement sanctioned by an agent, equally disastrous to the author, is the following :- An author published a book at his own expense and the edition was limited. The agreement allowed to the publisher 15 per cent. on the cost of production including advertisements, and 15 per cent. on the produce of the sales, and the number of the edition was such that if all sold at the full price the author was bound to lose. Now 15 per cent. both ways is a percentage far too heavy, and 15 per cent. on the cost of pro- duction does not naturally induce the publisher to keep it as low as possible. In this particular case the author had to pay the publishers according to the accounts a sum of over £60. The agent if he had known his business should certainly have pointed out that the edition limited to the number proposed in the agreement and selling at the price proposed could not possibly cover the cost. The book is still selling, but as the type has been distributed it is impossible now to print any more in order to secure the author. ## p. 116 (#164) ############################################ 116 THE AUTHOR. From these examples it is evident that agents publisher may put a great deal of other business are not only in many cases incompetent to act as through an agent's hands. The agent naturally legal advisers, but that often they are wanting in desires to keep such a good source of income, and, knowledge of their business as the confidential in return, when a promising young author comes assistants of authors. forward he takes the book to his friend the pub- If authors have any doubt about the document lisher, and if the terms offered consist, in addition laid before them they should certainly consult to other clauses, of an assignment to the publisher the Society, even though the agent may see objec. of minor rights and two more books under similar tions, as he surely will, to their adopting this conditions, the author is told that it is all- course. important that his book should be produced on There are agents, well known to the Society, any terms. who have a very strong objection that these It is possible that the author may demur, but matters should be placed before the Secretary his scruples are easily overcome, as he is working The deduction is obvious. in the dark. There may be another reason, however, besides An agent should advise that a book should incompetence which may induce an agent to act never be published, rather than published on such on lines disadvantageous to the author, namely, conditions. He should have tried every reputable the fact that he may be directly or indirectly publisher in England rather than sanction such under the control of a publisher. It has been an agreement. pointed out in this article that sometimes an This is no place to discuss the moral aspect of agent allows an author to sell his minor rights to the question, we are dealing merely with the a publisher, in other places it bas been shown business view as to how the author's interests are that publishers have with increasing effort been effected. endeavouring to obtain these rights when nego. Again, it is possible that such a case as the tiating directly. (See “ Publishers' Agreements, following might occur: with Comments," issued by the Society.) An agent is exceedingly busy with the works It is not the business of the publisher to act as of many authors. It is important that he should authors' agent, and very often with these rights get some of them settled and off his hands at the in their hands they do not know how to market earliest opportunity. them or do not care about taking the trouble. Therefore, in a moment of carelessness he They put them into the hands of an agent and advises an author to accept such terms as would are willing to take any price for them they can not be on the whole satisfactory in their result to get, without thinking of the author's reputation the author. or the market value of his writing, merely hoping This case, like the former, points to the fact that they may make £50 or £60 extra to increase that the author cannot be too careful about what the already assured profit from the production of agreement he enters into, whether such agree- the book. ment is put before him directly by the publisher It may therefore occur that an agent is at one or by the publisher through his (the author's) and the same time selling the same author's work own agent. for the author and for the publisher. He may T'he mere question of the financial terms of an wish for some special reason (this is no impossible agreement is by no means the only one which supposition) to keep in with the publisher, and should be looked into. In some cases the control accordingly undersells the author in his own of the property is even of more importance to the market. author than the financial question. This is a very dangerous position, and the In conclusion, therefore, before signing any author should be exceedingly careful never under agreement, read carefully and study “Publishers' any circumstances to sell these rights to the pub- Agreements, with Comments," issued by the lisher, not even on the agent's advice. Society. It is the publisher's duty to publish in book Never sign any agreement that gives the pub- form, subject to whatever limitations the author lisher the control of future work. Rather refrain may think fit to impose upon him. from publishing altogether. It is not the duty of the publisher to obtain Never give the publisher the control of minor the minor rights of the author and sell them for rights, which are usually handled by an agent. his own benefit. Never allow an agent to persuade you to any It is possible, again—this example would not of these acts, even though he assures you that he have been brought forward if the extraordinary will not act further for you if you refuse. agreements which had been passed by agents had And be sure to refer any points about which you not come to the notice of the Society-that a may be doubtful to the Secretary of the Society. ## p. 117 (#165) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 117 Lastly, remember that agents are but human, states: “If through inadvertence a single copy they may have other axes to grind besides the were issued without this label”-i.e., the notice author's, and that they, in some cases, have a required by the Act that the performing rights pronounced objection to having any agreement or are reserved—“the value of the right of represen- arrangement which may be in dispute placed tation might be lost.” before the Society for its Secretary to criticise. The section, however, runs : G. H. T. The defendant in such proceedings may be acquitted of such infringement, and may be entitled to the costs of II.-DRAMATIC COPYRIGHT.—LORD MONKS- resisting the proceedings, if he proves to the satisfaction of WELL'S BILL.* the court that he has in his possession a copy of the book As one who has made a careful study of the containing such dramatic or musioal work, and that such Copyright Law and the new Bill I should like to copy was published with the assent of the owner of the say a few words on Mr. Grundy's interesting copyright and does not contain the notice, &c. article in your November number. He opens the From this it is clear that (1) the onus probandi article by stating that the Bill is not drafted from lies with the defendant; (2) “ that the book con- the point of view of a playwright. Here I beg to taining, &c.," must be published with the assent differ from him. A careful jerusal of the Bill of the owner of the copyright. will tend to show that this point of view bas N ow I take it that after the passing of this Act been considered equally with that of the writer no dramatic work will be published without the of books (the novelist is not the only literary notice “ with the assent of the author.” It person considered), and perhaps over-considered. appears that if a book is published without the Over-consideration has a tendency to produce an notice the question will be: Did the author assent unsatisfactory result. to the book being published in the particular The next point in Mr. Grundy's letter is the form and without this notice ? —and the question duration of copvright. Here I am entirely in must be dealt with from the point of view of the accord with him. Copyright ought to be per- activity, not the passivity, of the author; commis- petual, and no doubt will be some day. But life sion, not omission. In this case there would be and thirty years is better than the present no “ inadvertence.” arrangement, although I think a struggle should Mr. Grundy's remark, “It might then be be made to bring it up to life and fifty, with a argued that section 7 is retrospective," appears to view of bringing our new legislation into line be quite untenable. with that of other nations, an important point Clause 5, sections 6 and 7, though unsatis- which is being too much overlooked. factory to the dramatist, appears to be the result Here the dramatic author is dealt with on an rather of over-consideration of his point of view equal basis with the writer of books. than non-consideration. The point of view of both is equally considered. That the Bill as a whole weakens the power of His view of clause 5, section 5, is interesting. the dramatic author cannot be admitted; that it First, however, let it be said that again as to this is not absolutely satisfactory (what human clause the dramatic author is dealt with on an measure is ?) is no doubt true. equal basis with the writer of books, and that a It is not absolutely satisfactory to any body of similar clause (clause 4) applies to books also. authors, literary, musical, or dramatic, but the The clause refers to indecent profane, &c., dramatic receive quite as many plums as the dramatic or musical work in which no copyright others. is given. Mr. Grundy says: “so that a thief has Finally, Mr. Grundy's article is entirely destruc- only to add profanity, indecency, sedition, or libel tive. It would have been more satisfactory if, to his theft to be exempted from the penalty of after he bad pulled the edifice to the ground, he his dishonesty.” Now, this deduction is distinctly had pointed out how it might be re-constructed amusing. on happier lines. A LAWYER. There is another form of lawmask the Public Prosecutor--that deals with indecent, &c., works, III.-PUBLISHERS AS AGENTS. and the author that indulges in infringement of The following paragraph appeared in the copyright works by adding indecency, &c., falls Publishers' Circular of Oct. 27, 1900: out of the frying-pan into the fire. Notwithstanding the high prices paid to authors who In clause 5, sections 6 and 7 (quoted in full in have made a name and manage to keep it, the position of Mr. Grundy's letter) he makes an absolutely sound the less fortunate ones seems to become increasingly difficult. and satisfactory suggestion, but here again his We have before us a case in which a new story by a writer who some years ago had a decided vogue has been offered example is not satisfactory, for this reason. He for exclusive publication in a paper reserving three counties * See page 132. as its area, one of the counties being the most populous in VOL. XI. ## p. 118 (#166) ############################################ 118 THE AUTHOR. England outside of London, at-wbat figures do our readers Statute Law designed to protect it from common suppose? They are not likely to guess, so we will name it; robbers who were something more than plagiarists. it was £5. The story, it may be mentioned, runs to nearly The dramatic pickpockets who stole literary hand- 100,000 words, and is offered at the figure we have named not by a syndicate, but by a firm of publishers. Is it kerchiefs, picking the initials of the owners out prudent to cat prices in this way? The story that is worth of the corners and substituting their own, were only £5 for serial rights in three counties is worth nothing overlooked with contempt, as the property they at all, for the story that is worth anything is worth more stole was considered to have no literary value; than £5 for such an area. We confess we were a good and the stage, supplied and satisfied with this deal surprised when particulars of the case under con. sideration were placed before us, and we cannot believe reruse, was never thought likely to burgle the that business done on a principle of unreasonable or indis. strongholds of literature-properly so called. The criminate catting is to the advantage of either author or chartered felony of Shakespeare in one age and publisher. one language, and the equally chartered and more Attention is drawn to the paragraph for this impudent felony of Molière in another age and very important reason, that over and over again in another language, did not disturb this complacent the publications of the Society, the Secretary has theory, and the statutory definition of copyright warned authors against assigning to publishers never coutemplated such a thing as stage-right, what may be called “outside rights,” and the or the power of selecting plot, story, characters, danger of such an assignment. Those members names, titles, dialogue, &c., at will from any work of the Authors' Society who care to refer to the of fiction, re-arranging them in any form that articles must look at “the Publishers' Agreements, might please the selecter, and using them for with Comments,” published by the Society, and an fame and profit, not only without the consent, article entitled “The Publisher and the Agent,” but often in defiance of the active opposition of in The Author of July 1, 1899. The main points, the original creator and owner. This was not however, to notice are these: (1) The publisher, justice, but it was law—a legalised form of as an almost universal rule, claims 50 per cent. robbery, and those who objected to it had the for the sale of serial rights and translation rights. stone wall of costs to knock their heads against. He even claims the same on dramatic rights. The first and greatest victim of recent times (2) The publisher's business is not the sale of was Mrs. Henry Wood, the novelist, whose these rights but the publication in book form. popular story of “ East Lynne” was pounced The publisher has not the facilities that either an upon by some nameless hack who used the licence author or an author's agent has for obtaining given him by a highly-paid legislature and drama- a market. And lastly (3) the new danger which tised the work without the slightest communica- is shown to arise from the paragraph printed tion with the author. The result of this robbery above-namely, that an author by placing these by Act of Parliament has been that Mrs. Henry rights in the hands of a publisher, may not only Wood, with her heirs, executors, and assigns, be underselling his own work, but may also at have been despoiled during the allotted span of the same time be seriously underselling the work copyright of a sum that at the lowest computa- of other authors, as the publisher's one desire is tion may be taken at a quarter of a million not so much to get the highest price possible for sterling, supposing her equitable stage-right had the author's benefit, but to get a quick market been enforced with the business ability which for his wares. G. H. T. directs the operations of a Pinero or a Barrie. - This unblushing encouragement of a “ Thieves' Kitchen ” by the legislature—an encouragement that has been stigmatised by public writers for LEGALISED ARTISTIC ROBBERY. more than a quarter of a century-naturally Republished from Literature, Oct. 20, 1900, by kind stimulated authors with a legal training to take permission of the proprietors and of the author. steps for their own protection. One of the earliest Go, little book, from this, my solitude, and most successful of these authors who could I cast thee on the waters, -wend thy ways, take care of themselves was the late Mr. Charles And if, as I believe, thy plot be good, Reade—a writer who possessed the unusual double The stage will grab thee before many days. gift of novelist and dramatist. I say unusual, THEN it first entered the minds of our because neither Thackeray nor Dickens possessed appointed legislators that literary pro it. To be a dramatist was one of Thackeray's duce, like more vulgar and material unsatisfied ambitions, and Dickens positively produce, had a claim (far more shadowy, of smelt of the footlights. Charles Reade produced course) to be considered as property, it occurred a drama at Drury Lane Theatre, which I should to them that it would be advisable to supplement almost be justified in describing as a theatrical the rough equity of the Common Law with a “man-trap and spring-gun.” It was called ## p. 119 (#167) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 119 “ Gold,” and it contained in solution the seeds The late Watts Phillips, a dramatist by profes- of another drama and a powerful novel. “Gold” sion, as well as a novelist, the late Charles Mackay, ran its allotted time, and in due course the novel Tom Taylor, Westland Marston, William Gilbert, of “It's Never Too Late to Mend” appeared, to Sir Charles Young, Florence Marryat, and Pal. be followed by a carefully-prepared drama bear grave Simpson all write in the same strain, with ing the same title. Some time before Charles W. S. Gilbert, F. W. Robinson, and other writers Reade's version of his novel found its way to the still living. An Authors' Protection Society was stage, the hot and eager "adapters," as they were the outcome of this agitation (for it assumed the politely called, tumbled over each other in their form of an agitation), and a Royal Commission haste to utilise the novelist's invention. Ile was was appointed, consisting of Lord John Manners, waiting for them. He selected one “ adaptation” the Earl of Devon, Sir Charles Young, Sir Henry (they used stronger terms in “Old Fagin's” Holland, Sir John Rose, Sir Louis Mallet, Sir H. days) as a test-case, and easily proved that in Drummond Wolff, Sir Julius Benedict, Mr. Daldy, “Gold” he had anticipated the pirates and had Mr. Froude, Mr. Herschell, Dr. W. Smith, Mr. secured his stage-right in “It's Never Too Late FitzJames Stephen, Mr. Edward Jenkins, M.P., and to Mend” by priority of production. Mr. Anthony Trollope. Our committee comprised This signal victory obtained over legalised fraud Mr. Tom Taylor, Mr. Charles Dickens, jun., Mr. by an author who combined in his single person B. L. Farjeon, Mr. Charles Gibbon, Mr.J. Glaisher, novelist, dramatist, and sharp attorney roused F.R.S., Mr. Joseph Hatton, Mr. Edward Jenkins, novelists to a sense of the value of stage-right. M.P., Mr. Blanchard Jerrold, Mr. Charles Reade, but few of them had the energy or were in the and Mr. Moy Thomas, who consented to act as position to take action. Their stories, such as honorary secretary. The Commission sat and they were, were printed and published (some of took long, exhaustive, and varied evidence, and them, perhaps, with a weak and valueless noti. its report was published in 1878. It advocated fication that the “right of dramatisation ” had the protection of the novelist. Twenty-two years been reserved), and as such, according to the late have passed, and the Blue-book still paves the Chief Justice Cockburn, were “ dedicated to the vaults of Westminster. public,” giving any would-be adapter the right to To make a workable play out of a novel, not use names, titles, incidents, plot, and anything he written with an eye to the stage, requires much could find within the four corners of the binding labour and ingenuity, and a special talent not for the purpose of stage-representation, but not always possessed by the ordinary writer of fiction. for printed publication. Naturally writers of In the novel the descriptive writer is perfectly fiction fretted under this deprivation of a valuable unfettered. He describes his scenery and sur- right. As far back as 1873, the late “ George roundings, and in many cases his characters Eliot" wrote to me : impress themselves upon the reader with the I thoroughly concar in the opinion that the law of copy. smallest possible amount of dramatic dialogue right in relation to the dramatisation of novels ought to be and the largest possible amount of descripe changed, and I gball willingly give my adhesion to any tive writino In the drama this process is energetic effort towards attaining that end. reversed. The scenery is handed over to the The late Lord Lytton :- scene-painter, and the dress and appearance of I heartily sympathise with your efforts, and shall be very the characters are the work of the costume and willing to co-operate to obtain such an amendment of the copyright law as may prevent the unauthorised dramatisation wig maker, plus the interpretation of the actor of novels. and actress. The words of the dialogue have to The late Wilkie Collins :- be subordinated to the action, and if they throw My “ Poor Miss Finch” has been dramatised, without no light on the inner character of the puppets asking my permission, by some idiot in the country. I they are worse than useless, and become what the have been asked to dramatige it, and I have refused, because stage-manager irreverently calls « cackle” This my experience tells me that the book is eminently unfit for shows that the man who possesses the true optique stage purposes. What I refuse to do with my own work du théâtre may be a valuable collaborateur as a another man (unknown in literatare) is perfectly free to do against my will and (if he can get his rubbish played) to reformed thief in the hands of a writer of no the prejudice of my novel and my reputation. dramatic talent who is willing to condone a felony. Miss M. E. Braddon :- The copyright law entirely overlooks the possi. I have written twenty-four novels, many of these have bilities of such beneficial partnerships, where been dramatised, and a fow of the dramatic versions still one man supplies just as much literature, or hold the stage. I have never received the smallest pecu. “ cackle,” as may be wanted, and the other the maplele" as mo niary advantage from any of these adaptations, nor does the law of copyright in any way assist me to protect wbat stage-carpentry-and this law gives the same appears to be a valuable portion of my copyright-namely, legal protection, neither more nor less, to the thief the exclusive right to dramatise my own creation. who finds his play practically ready made as it does ## p. 120 (#168) ############################################ I 20 THE AUTHOR. to the thief who merely steals rough materials, and wise reflections: “It is," said M. Hébrard, “by has to shape them together. A case of this kind drawing closer together; by maintaining a taste is in the Law Reports-Toole v. Young-in the for fraternal intercourse, for amicable conversa- seventies. A short story was written in Good tion; by learning to know better, and to esteem Words in such a form (nearly all dialogue) that frankly, the estimable men who do not think as it could be transferred to the stage without the we do, that we shall, little by little, introduce into addition of a dozen words. It was so transferred the Press the habit of courteous polemics, a habit by an unauthorised so-called adapter, and pro- which excludes neither love for the cause defended duced in defiance of the writer (myself) and the nor ardent sincerity in the opinions expressed.” owner by purchase, Mr. J. L. Toole. The action “Nos associations," he concluded, “sont sorties before the late Chief Justice Cockburn brought de la presse d'hier ; la presse de demain sortira out the “ dedication to the public" theory and des associations ! ” the judgment that the “original source” (the book D espite the popularity enioved by the minor or the magazine) was open for the whole world songsters of the café concerts and Montmartre, to go to and pick out what it fancied. This judg- the Congrès de la Chanson was not particularly ment was upheld on appeal, in spite of the able successful. From fifty to sixty persons made the opposition of the late Sir John Karslake. vastness of the huge salle more apparent during the Within the last few years a new and almost three days that the session lasted. The Immortals comic interpretation of a bad statute law has held assiduously aloof from this assemblage of been acted upon by Mrs. Hodgson Burnett in their humbler brethren, the rythmic exponents of protecting her “stage rights” in “Little Lord the transient sentiment of the boulevards. A Fauntleroy.” The Copyright Act, the Printing group of the most eminent literary members of and Publishing Act—was dragged in to fire a the French Institute were confidently and joyfully broadside at the pirates, and it was contended expected; one and all sent excuses at the last that the “ copying of parts” for use at rehearsals, moment. The classics of the people are its song- and the actors to study, was a “multiplication of writers." wrote M. Jules Claretie some years ago; copies” within the meaning of the Copyright yet the director of the Comédie Française was Act. Mr. Justice Stirling, a sound judge on among the celebrities conspicuous by their these questions, before whom the case was tried, absence at the Congrès de la Chanson. In 1892 upheld this view, and, for the present, this the French Academy formally refused the honour decision holds the field. It is difficult to speak of bestowing an annual donation of 10,000 francs about such a decision, on such pettifogging on the author of the best song which had appeared grounds, with becoming respect, and it would be during the year. Hence the present attitude of foolish to prophesy the result if the case is ever its members. carried to the Court of Appeal. The weighty and valuable property of "stage right" ought THE LIFE OF PASTEUR. not to be left trembling on such a foundation. This voluminous work (published chez Hachette) John HOLLINGSHEAD. is one of the most intensely interesting of recent publications. “La Vie de Pasteur,'' writes a French critic, “is like a chapter added to Plutarch's biographies. It is a page of morality in action. PARIS LETTER. Everything there is pure; a subtle perfume of virtue envelops it. This man loved truth above 4 bis, Rue des Beaux Arts. everything in the world.” The noble spirit in MONG the memorable speeches which pre which he carried out his great work is amply luded the close of the Great Exhibition exemplified in his biography. Written in a not the least impressive was that delivered masterly style by M. René Vallery - Radot, by M. Adrien Hébrard at the breakfast given by Pasteur's son-in-law, it relates succinctly every the Superior Press Committee of the Exhibition step achieved in the colossal experimenter's to the members of the Departmental and Parisian career until its peaceful close in the quiet chamber Press Associations. Five hundred members overlooking the fair woods of Marnes. The accepted the invitation. M. Hébrard presided, and friendship existing between Pasteur and Alex- at the end of the repast delivered a pithy allocution, andre Dumas fils is well known. In describing a prefacing his remarks with a toast in honour of visit paid by the latter to Pasteur's sick-room, M. Jean Dupuy (Minister of Agriculture), presi. M. Radot writes : “ Dumas, who had observed dent of the Paris Press Syndicate and of the men well, loved and admired Pasteur, who was a General Syndicate of Press Associations, who genius without pride and full of benevolence. occupied a seat at his right hand. Among other On this New Year's afternoon he commenced to ## p. 121 (#169) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 121 talk to the invalid with a cordiality somewhat resembling the exuberant gaiety of his father. In this chamber close to the laboratories, how far was he removed from all the spheres that he had scrutinised in which whirled the personages he had depicted 'poor vibrios in human form,' as he called them-ridiculous, dangerous, or vile! . . . For there was in this dramatist a man eager for moral action; there was in this realist, a symbolist; in this satirist, a mystic.. And the glance of his blue eyes, usually cold and keen, penetrating the most secret thoughts; that ironical glance, always on its guard, softened into an expression of venerating friendship for him whom he called ' notre cher et grand Pasteur.'” M. SARDOU's Decision. The Exhibition has decidedly not been favour. able to an overflowing literary barvest. A well. known critic recently fell back on past publica- tions, because, so he asserted, there were so few new ones sufficiently interesting to arouse public curiosity. Meantime, the drama is more in favour than ever. All rising young authors flock to the footlights as the swiftest and most effec. tive method of reaching the public at large. And speaking of the stage reminds me of an error in my last notes. It was not M. Antoine who grate- fully profferred his homage to the drama, in the shape of an additional 2 per cent. added to the e established 10 per cent. royalty received by the dramatist. Here is what M. Deval (manager of the Athénée Theatre) says on the subject in an open letter addressed to the Figaro's theatrical correspondent : “ Certes non! I have not asked for an augmen- tation of the dramatists' royalty at the Athénée. On the contrary, it has been summarily imposed on me. “I have been called before the inexorable com- mittee. "You make the maximum every evening with the “ Demi-Vierges”?' said the terrible President. “* But- “Chut! Do you make the maximum ?'. “Yes, but my expenses are enormous with Hading, Mayer, Čarlix, Hirch - .-' “ Chut! Do you make the maximum ? ' " · Yes— but " “Twelve per cent. The Athénée is a classified theatre. Be quiet, and go “ And I was obliged to go, much vexed, I confess, at being obliged to pay 12 per cent. despite myself. “May the joyous maximum console me long!” sighs M. Deval in conclusion. The Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques will undoubtedly re-echo the wish. VOL. XI. AN OLD JOURNALIST. By the death of M. Pierre Véron, the French Press loses a journalist of nearly fifty years' standing. * His name may be cited among the rare examples of journalists who have made a fortune solely by journalism. He edited the Charivari for more than thirty years, and was an assiduous contributor to Le Monde Illustré. None knew better than he how to depict the varying phases of the boulevards. He also wrote a number of airy, piquant volumes dealing with the picturesque physiognomies, fashions, and frolics of Paris boulvardier. Among these works may be mentioned “ Paris s'amuse," “ Les Pantins du Boulevard,” “Les Grimaces Parisi. ennes,” “Les Propos d'un Boulevardier,” “ Les Marionnettes," &c. Pierre Véron had the misfortune to outlive the larger number of his contemporaries. Of the “sacred phalanx” which formerly frequented Tortini, only Aurélien Scholl, Philibert Aude- brand, and 'Henri Rochefort are still, I believe. in existence. Everything had changed since the far-off days when the handsome young journalist was one of the ornaments of the Variétés' fouer. He alone had not changed, save in appearance. Thus a slow misunderstanding rose between the old man, still standing erect, and the rising generation. And since he no longer understood --or was understood-he became a prey to pessimism and bitterness of spirit. His hospitality continued unabated to the end. His conversation was occasionally biting, yet he had few enemies; and more than one writer of to-day will remember his name with gratitude. “He never wished to be anything outside his profession, and he never used his influence except for good,” wrote a colleague on the morrow of Pierre Véron's death. A truer or more concise epitome of the man would be hard to find. A Famous ENCOUNTER. A recent Press dispute which ended in the clashing of cold steel recalls to mind the famous encounter of the late Francisque Sarcey and Aurélien Scholl re an extremely offensive critique published by the latter in the Figaro. Its object was to force the pacific Uncle into fighting his adversary; since Villemessant, founder of the Figaro, had wagered Scholl twenty pounds that Sarcey could not be induced to fight. The * Since our correspondent wrote his letter, the death of another eminent French journalist bas been announced. This is M. Valfrey, the foreign leader-writer (“ Whist ") of the Figaro. The Westminster Gazette rightly says that “M. Valfrey's articles had become almost a European institution, and with his death a distinct political force disappears. ## p. 122 (#170) ############################################ 122 THE AUTHOR. ruse succeeded, and the good Uncle sent his and publishers might shoot at one another, under- seconds to M. Scholl, demanding immediate neath was human sympathy and the desire to help satisfaction. one another in time of trouble. “I hope you will not hurt me badly," said This assurance is very gratifying. Now there Sarcey to his antagonist, when the pair met on the happens to be at the present moment a case of ground. real and deep trouble. It is a document entitled “Rest easy-I will be on my guard,” replied “ Form of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Scholl, good-humouredly. Association.” Mr. John Murray himself was a “And if I am short of breath you will give member of the Committee. me time to rest ? ” pursued the corpulent, peace This document makes the following claims, loving Sarcey. among others, upon authors: Scholl agreed to this also. But no sooner 1. All the rights of a book, including those of were the combatants in position than the appear. translation and even dramatic rights! ance of three gendarmes on horseback forced 2. The reckoning of royalties at thirteen as them to retire to their carriages, and retreat at twelve, whether the book is so sold or not. full gallop. 3. The interest on money due to the author for Arrived at Maubeuge: “We cannot return a period not defined. This means, of course, to Paris without having fought,” said Scholl, inflicting a fine upon him, large or small, accord- ominously. “The injury was bloody ; its dénoue ing to the sum due. Thus, if £500 is due, and ment must be so also.” the money is kept back for six months, the A hasty consultation, and Baden-Baden is author at 4 per cent. is mulcted of £10. decided on. Twelve hours' railway travelling, 4. The right to charge a percentage for his and the party arrive at the place chosen, a spot office expenses—a right which is not conceded to not far from the hunting lodge of the King of booksellers or to authors. Nor is it claimed by Prussia. It is Scholl who tells the story. solicitors, barristers, and professional men, nor by “Sarcey put on an enormous pair of spectacles, any trade. I adjusted my eye-glass. 5. The right in commission books to charge “* Allez, messieurs !' a percentage on every item of the cost, and “Clic! clac ! several thrusts—and I tear the to take for hinıself discount on all payments. sleeve of my adversary's shirt. A slight pin. In other words, the document claims the prick, a mere leech-bite. But I was aided by right of the publisher—the "equitable" right, Dr. Thévenet, a personage well known among so called—to get the book printed at as high duellists. This excellent man had brought, in a cost as he can, in order to increase his own his surgical case, a small phial of blood, a por profit. tion of which served to colour the wound more 6. There is no clause recognising the author's vividly. The remainder was poured on Sarcey's legal right to an audit. Perhaps none is shirt." wanted. Nor is there any safeguard against Thus ended this famous encounter; and none dishonesty. laughed more heartily over its recital than the 7. There is complete silence as to charging for good Uncle himself, the third volume of whose advertisements in a publisher's own papers or “Quarante Ans de Théâtre ” will appear in a few magazines. days. Since so much has been said and written on DARRACOTTE SCOTT. this subject, the silence must be regarded as intentional. That is to say, there is nothing to prevent the publisher from sweeping the whole returns of the book into his own pocket NOTES AND NEWS. by charging for advertisements in his own papers, and by exchanges. There is no possible T the dinner given to Mr. John Murray protection for the author if he chooses to do by the Authors' Club, which is not the so. It is no answer to say that he would not Authors' Society as some of the papers do so. By this suppression, he seems to purpose seem to think, pleasant things were said both by charging what he pleases under this head. If the the chairman of the guest, and by the guest silence was unintentional perhaps Mr. Murray will himself. Among others the guest is reported to make haste to explain it. have said that he had discovered among the These claims, with others of less impor- papers of his house the causes of all the troubles tance, form the present trouble. After Mr. that were apt to spring up between authors and Murray's public assurance that authors and pub- publishers. He also said that though authors lishers“ deal with one another as brethren with ## p. 123 (#171) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 123 friendly feelings, and without difficulty, or hostility, or friction," we may look forward with perfect confidence to Mr. Murray's immediate withdrawal, so far as he is concerned, from this document. per cent., which gives him £17 58. more. So that, in this simple and guileless way, he “bags,” say, £77 58., all at the author's expense and out of the author's pocket before the sales begin. What, to repeat, is that elementary law quoted above from the daily paper ? A man who undertakes work, whether pablic or private, as a trustee for others, ought not to place himself in such a position that his personal gain must conflict with his duty to those who have trusted him. Here is an axiom cut out of a daily paper :- A man who undertakes work, whether public or private, as a trustee for others, ought not to place himself in such a position that his personal gain must conflict with his duty to those who have trusted him. I suppose that everybody will agree with this elementary law : everybody, that is, except the committee of the Publishers' Association. They say, practically, “ we are not bound by the ordi- nary laws which govern ordinary folk in fiduciary relations. We claim to make our personal gain dependent on the amount we can charge for cost of production. We demand a percentage on that that charge: in other words, the higher the charge the worse it will be for the author but the better for us." We have only to read the Forms of Agreement to understand this remarkable atti. tude. A case in point has been shown me by Mr. Thring. The agreement claimed 15 per cent. on the printing, paper, and binding, 15 per cent. on the advertisements, and 15 per cent. on the sales. The interests of the author, for whom the publisher is acting as a fiduciary relation, are thus distinctly at variance with those of the publisher himself. The larger he can make the cost of pro- duction, the better it will be for him and the worse for the author. Everybody knows the wide differences in printers' estimates. The publisher has only to take the highest. This will probably be 50 per cent higher than the lowest. To the publisher this means 22} per cent. instead of 15 per cent. Then there is an ugly claim in the “Forms” about discount, in which the author's interest and the publisher's are again at variance. In the agreement before me the edition was so limited that the author, on the most favourable conditions, was bound to lose £20, while the publisher for his part actually made £60 without counting the discount. . Take a simple case. Suppose the cost of pro- duction should not exceed £100. The publisher, allowing a charge of £150, pockets £22 108. With the advertisements, which in such a limited edition should not be more than £15 or so, he may first advertise more than is necessary in the daily and weekly journals-say, £50-and may then charge another £30 for advertisements in his own organs and by exchange. He therefore makes £37 108. Next, he gets discount at 7 The Manchester Guardian returns to the ques- tion of the sixpenny book. The writer says that one of my reasons is “rather distressing." He quotes my words. “The low price encourages a low view of literature. Who will value a thing that costs sixpence, amuses for an hour, and then is thrown away? How much does one valae a sixpenny toy ?" The Society of Authors, led by Sir Walter Besant, has done such excellent work for the good of all writers that one regrets that it will make sport for the Philistines by putting forth remarks of this kind, which lend great colour to the hostile assertion that the members of the Society see nothing in literature bat the material of commerce, and value an author parely by his price per thoasand words. I suppose that I expressed my meaning badly, yet I fail to see in it the least indication of con- sidering literature as nothing but material of commerce. What I meant was simply what I said : that and nothing more. We want litera- ture to be valued, books to be cherished, authors to be considered as separate and distinct, criti. cism to be encouraged, standards and canons of art to be created in the minds of readers. What was the experience of America at the time when all English books of any interest were brought out at sixpence in wretched print and on wretched paper ? They were bought for a railway journey: they were read in the train : when they were finished they were thrown out of window or left on the seat. That is not the way to make litera. ture respected. If they had had to pay a dollar and a half for that book they would have taken it home, put it upon their shelves, and read it again and again. I should like to understand what sport the Philistines can make out of this state. ment, or how it can possibly touch on the price of an author per thousand words. And, further, I would far rather hear that a book of mine had circulated a few hundreds only at a price which would ensure the respect always paid to things that have cost money, than many thousands at a price which would allow it to be thrown away as not worth preserving. What has the Philistine to say to that? I have on several occasions asked the meaning of the reproach hurled at the unfortunate author ## p. 124 (#172) ############################################ I 24 THE AUTHOR. about the thousand words. A MS. intended for a book, a magazine, or a daily paper must pay some regard to length. Its length may be estimated by the sheet of sixteen pages, or by the page, or by the column; but then it can only be expressed by the number of words. Why not the number of words? If, again, MSS. are to be paid for according to length, that length must depend on the number of words. As for the author's price, the Society has nothing whatever to do with it, except, in general terms, to expose sweating, which is a form of robbery ; to insist on the safeguard of an agreement drawn up with the advice of experts : and to let the other side know that the agreement has got to be kept. To suppose that the Society is interested in increas ing the “ price of an author per thousand words” is to be wholly ignorant of its principles and its methods. reading of the working classes, which should do something to introduce a little common sense into the ignorant talk that we constantly hear. The working class we are told reads nothing but "slush ” — well — their favourite authors are Dickens, Scott, and Marryat. They read nothing but novels—ask the librarian to name offhand a few of the books they take out. That popular novelist, on whom all the critics delight to jump, sells by the hundred thousand. This, it is said, shows what the working class read. Yes, but the working classes do not buy books at all, not even by this popular novelist. Now, Mr. Phillips claims for the reading of fiction that it is not a disease but “a symptom of interest in things that are brighter and more alluring than that everyday dull greyness which surrounds the lives of so many people in this land of ours. And again : In view of their squalid daily environment the revelations of a different world as depicted by the novelist, the fair scenes of mountain, valley, and river, uncontaminated by the ugly factories and workshops of industrial progress, the vivid descriptions of works of art and beauty, the account of rich dresses and splendid mansions, the clash of swords and noise of battle, or the armoured panoply of chivalric times, have an amount of attraction that cannot be very well understood by those whose lives have been cast in more favourable circumstances. I cannot see or feel that this is in any way to be deplored. Before you can raise the class level of intelligence you must first show the indi- vidual members something better, and the way to attain. thereto, so that they may make their endeavour accordingly. If reading is to be cultivated at all it must be from the point of interest, and I maintain that the novelist, and he alone ap to the present, has bad any portion in providing the material wherewith to establish the love of reading in the masses on a firm and fruitful basis. Here is an American view of American poetry (the Dial, Chicago) :- Good and sound and of excellent workmanship is the great mass of recent American literature; but as the idealist gazes on it be seems to see the vision of a great strand whereon some tempest has driven a fleet of deeply. laden ships. Everything for human needs is strewn about ---food and raiment, and toole, and precious objects. And many of the ships are seaworthy; but no flood comes and no wind rises to waft them off the sand. The agitating power of poetry, the tempestuous stir of great ideas, are wanting to make the fleet march again in triumph over the deep. And here is an appreciation, from the same paper, of the late Charles Dudley Warner, whose death is deplored on this side of the Atlantic as much as on his own side :- : Charming as are these many volumes of essays and impressions de voyage, we are inclined to believe that Mr. Warner made his most enduring contribution to literature when he wrote, during the last ten years of his life, the series of tbree novels which provide so suggestive a por- trayal of what American life has become in its older centres of civilisation, and in these latter days of frenzied com- mercialism and pitiful social ideals. "A Little Journey in the World,” “The Golden House,” and “That Fortune” make up a sort of novel-trilogy which will always have deep interest as a set of social documents, and which comes near to the high-water mark of American fiction. There is in these books a riper thought and a deeper humanity than were wont to characterise the author's earlier writings; if they are lacking in the quality that goes to the making of the best class of novels, it is because they are essentially the product of the critical rather than of the creative intellect. But their mellow optimism, and their persistent exaltation of ideals of conduct that have gone too much out of fashion of late years, give these three novels a place all but the highest in our fiction, and set a wortby crown upon the activities of a long and helpful life. One might also point out that in the evening when the working man goes to the free library, he has had a hard day's work and is tired. Very few of his class are so strong as to desire study over any intellectual pursuit after a hard day's work. Why should we expect of him what we never look for in our own young men ? The lad who has sat at a desk, or attended classes, or worked at his profession from nine o'clock till six does not devote his evening as a rule to the pursuit of science or to study of any kind. We do not expect or look for such a thing. Why. then, cast it in the teeth of the craftsman that, when he knocks off the work that is his livelihood, he does not take up another and a harder kind of work? All that we can do is to exhort librarians to admit only the best current fiction, and to exert a steady pressure in the choice of books, and to encourage, in addition to fiction, the reading of biographies and essays and history. In course of time there may arise a few who will even read Literature has published a letter from a Mr. Cliffe Phillips, of Cardiff, on the subject of the ## p. 125 (#173) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 125 philosophy; but whatever happens, fiction will always be the staple--the most delightful form of reading, the most favourite form of recreation. We fain would let thy memory dwell Where rush the tideways of the sea, Where storms will moan or calms will tell To all the world our love for thee Whom all men loved in this old land, And all men loved across the sea- We well may clasp our brethren's hand, And light the beacon light for thee! The above lines, by Lord Archibald Campbell, will be inscribed on the beacon tower which is now being erected at Duart Point, Mull, in memory of the late Mr. William Black. WALTER BESANT. came out in a handsome volume, very well illus- trated, and had all the external appearance of a classic. Alas! no one wanted to read any longer about Titus and his friend ’Arry. One hears con- tinually of similar revivals. Mostly they depend upon illustrations : in some cases they become school prizes and gift books. As a rule they are not successful. Again, of very popular authors-poets and novelists especially—the world makes a selection and refuses to look at any more. “ The Cloister and the Hearth” represents Charles Reade; “ The Woman in White” and “The Moonstone” represent Wilkie Collins ; his shorter poems repre- sent Browning ; his earlier poems, Tennyson. As regards, however, the revival of writers who were in some vogue fifty years ago, the question is whether with them the human interest is so great as to overcome the bygone fashion of setting, language, ideas, and dress. It will be interesting to find out whether this can be said of Smedley's work. W. B. REVIVALS AND REPRINTS. USE OF THE SOCIETY'S NAME. TT may interest some of the readers of The Author to have once more put before them - a point which has been raised not only in these columns, but also in some of the reports of the Society, namely, that it is not an uncominon thing for those who are not members to use the Suciety's name and the Society's prestige for bringing recalcitrant editors and publishers to book. TT is announced that new editions are to be | published of the late Mr. Smedley's three novels—were there only three ? -“ Frank Fairlegh”; “Lewis Arundel”; and “Harry Coverdale's Courtship.” How long is it since those novels appeared ? Between forty and fifty years, I believe. They were not popular in the sense that Marryat and Dickens were popular, but they enjoyed a very considerable amount of popularity. Partly this was due to the cheerful. ness of their atmosphere: partly to the well-worn, but at the time still acceptable nature of the inci. dents—runaway ponies : long-lost heirs : rescue of an old gentleman (who proves grateful) from the footpad : and so forth. Perhaps there is also a bull in a field : or a rock and a rising tide: or a sprained ankle: if I remember right there is a villain in every one. I am curious to watch this revival. In all popular fiction there must be something that belongs to the time: something that, after fifty years, no longer belongs to the time. It is wonderful to note in Dickens how much the strong human element which belongs to all time overcomes the situations and the characters which could not exist at a later time. Yet even in Dickens the younger generation finds a good deal that has passed away and is no longer inter- esting. In other writers this is very remark- able. The “Scenes from Clerical Life," for instance, have an antiquated air already : and, for my own part, I dread to look at “Jane Eyre ” for fear of finding already a note of the things passed away. Some years ago the late Mr. George Bentley attempted to revive Albert Smith's “ Adventures of Titus Ledbury.” It The following case has recently occurred :-A certain gentleman, who shall be nameless, has confessed that on two occasions he wrote to an editor who had not returned his MSS., and stated that he should apprise the Editor of The Author if he did not get an answer to his repeated com- munications. In both cases this had the effect of bringing back the MSS. The gentleman is not a member of the Society, and, on the Secretary writing to remonstrate with him on the unwarrantable use he had made of the name of the Society and that of the Editor of The Author, he replies as follows :- I simply told the editor I had written to The Author anent his conduct, with the result of frightening him. He continues with the amazing statement : Whe for writers like myself, then I may aspire to join it. Why, he has just confessed that the mere unwarranted use of the Society's name has been of use to him! ## p. 126 (#174) ############################################ 126 THE AUTHOR. In answer to this letter, the Secretary of the Society wrote as follows :- DEAR SIR,-I beg to thank you for your letter, and would like to draw your attention to the following points :- Firstly, that yoаr letter to Sir Walter Besant would lead one to suppose you bad mentioned his name. Secondly, that the Society of Autbors, through its organ The Author, has on two occasions already benefited you, according to your own statement. Thirdly, that there is the larger point of view that the work of the Society does, not only by looking after copyright law, but in keeping publisbers to their agreements and editors to their contracts, benefit indirectly all authors. In the case quoted above the demand for the return of the MSS. was no doubt reasonable and justifiable. That has nothing to do with the question. It is absolutely monstrous that an individual who is not a member of the Society should put forward the Society's name in making a demand whether it was either reasonable or the contrary. This danger to the Society, as its power increases, is a very real one, if only because it would tend to spread, among those whose action the Society opposes, a belief that the Committee of the Society of Authors affords its countenance to the support of cases and actions which cannot be justified by any proper thinking person. G. H. T. progress of time; hut while in the future they might not be able to say that“ the pen is mightier than the sword,” they would go on saying that the printing press was mightier than the sword. This invention of multiplying words by a mechanical process was probably the most impor- tant, the most far-reaching, and the most revolu- tionary invention which the world had ever known. And now printing was going on to fresh triumphs. Having conquered the art of repro- ducing words, and so multiplying thoughts, it was approaching and essaying the art of repro- ducing pictures. Thus, it not only multiplied thought, but beauty too, and the process of print- ing pictures opened a new and magnificent future to the art of printing. . The speaker having suggested in his remarks on Samuel Richardson that they could not do better than instal a bust to that writer in the St. Bride Foundation Institute, Mr. PASSMORE EDWARDS subsequently offered to present a marble bust as a memorial to the novelist and an ornament to the building. -oo MR. BIRRELL ON EDUCATION. The prizes gained by students at the Borough- road Polytechnic, Southwark, were presented on Nov. 21 by Mr. AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, Q.C., who remarked that that institute, though only founded in 1892, had a membership of 3602—more than the number of students at one time at any of our Universities; and that its whole work was an answer to the grumblers who were very full of what was being done in Germany or America, but who would not take the trouble to learn of what was going on at their very doors. In the matter of education, however, the British were a most close-fisted nation. As a lawyer he had often been privately consulted by wealthy men with money to dispose of, and he had noticed how averse they always were to anything like educa- tion. In America, millionaires, who made their money out of, say, boots and shoes and pork, often felt it their duty to found a university. But he did not despair of English millionaires, poor and distressed as they often were, and his advice to them was that they would be doing a minimum of harm if they would but visit these institutions in their lifetime, and at the end of it assign to them a fraction of their large estates. THI m CERTAIN LITERARY SPEECHES. MR. A. H. HAWKINS IN FLEET-STREET. D HE St. Bride Foundation Institute, which is | primarily a technical printers' institute, - situated in a narrow lane behind Fleet- street, celebrated its sixth anniversary on the evening of Nov. 20, when Mr. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS "inaugurated” the Talbot Baines Reed collection (about 2000 volumes) in the Pass- ds Library. That library, said Mr. Hawkins, constituted one more of a long roll of munificent and wise donations which had been given by Mr. Passmore Edwards. The volumes which had been gathered together in the Insti- tute were examples of works from the best presses of Europe, from the beginning of the art down to and including specimens of the Kelmscott Press, to which the late William Morris bad contributed so much. Mr. Morris was a great example of the association between literature and printing : a great author and a great printer. There was another connected with the history of the locality, Samuel Richardson, often called the father of the English novel ; he was not only a novelist, but he had the wisdom to ally that precarious occupation with a good printing business, which he carried on first in Fleet-street, and after- wards in Salisbury Court. There were many arts which would become obsolete with the THE POET LAUREATE ON THE PRACTICAL TEMPERAMENT. The Chaucer Memorial window in St. Saviour's Church, Southwark, was unveiled on Oct. 25 by the Poet Laureate, Mr. ALFRED AUSTIN, who, in ## p. 127 (#175) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 127 an address, referred to Chaucer as a type of what some fellow-creature not so well endowed with they all felt to be the English temperament and stability and sense ? In that singular situation I character. In his love of Nature he anticipated fancy the world would put up its shutters, many by centuries the life of Wordsworth. This note, pulpits would be vacant, and the business of con- the love of Nature, was also the note of Burns tinuing the human race would suffer a disastrous and Scott. But Chaucer was not wholly or exclu- check. I am inclined to think that these mis- sively insular. From Italy he brought back the fortunes will be averted, and that even the theatres self-same kind of inspiration which influenced will not close their doors.” Milton, affected Shakespeare, and laid such hold on Byron. Then Chaucer had the practical temperament, the business-like capacity. In his (Mr. Austin's) opinion no man could be a great OF EDITORS. poet who might not equally have been a successful man of affairs, a model administrator, a sagacious statesman, a victorious general, or a circumspect COW may these beings be most successfully and impressive archbishop. Whether it was and safely approached ? This is a because of its limited possession of this practical question that the journalistic world asks temperament that the Celtic race, which had itself very often, and to which there has never produced so many beautiful and exquisite poets, been a satisfactory reply yet. Journalists talk had not yet produced a really great poet, he would casually of “my editor” as if the term signified not presume to determine, but he thought it some tame creature who is exclusively the speaker's was more or less certain that because of the property, and is kept in the back garden." fundamentally practical, weighty, massive element It would be an immense boon to outsiders if in the English character, England had given the weeklies would try and induce their editors to birth to the greatest poets, and to the greatest set apart a day once a fortnight in which out- number of them. siders, beginners, and the rank and file of journalism could obtain access to the August AN ESTIMATE OF MACAULAY. Presence. Five minutes would be sufficient, Sir Richard Webb, M.P., delivered a lecture on you can say a lot in five minutes if you know “Macaulay" at the London Institution on Nov. what you want to say, and I venture to think that 19, and referred to the charge of partisanship. editors, male and female, would discover many Every writer, said the lecturer, was entitled to new ideas among these people, ideas which under his own inferences: what Burke said was true, the present system must inevitably perish and that historians owed to the public not only their disappear. knowledge, but their judgment. It was no longer This personally conducted MS. need not be contended that Macaulay was shallow or super- read then and there, but each author would be ficial. In the power of telling a story dramati. able to say what induced him or her to think the cally no writer of fiction had excelled Macaulay, subject treated of was interesting. Then again, and beyond this power he had another gift more time, stamps, and language would be economised distinctively his own, that of managing a complex if only editors would be a little more human in narrative, in which a number of streams were their treatment of MSS. Do not, oh, gentle editor, tributary to the main current of events. His allow your digesters to keep MSS. until all value “Essays" were the best of their kind in Europe, has evaporated from them. You would not keep and no doubt would live ; but when they were tradesmen's goods sent on approval for fourteen used for purposes of education, students should days. MSS. are equally goods submitted for be warned against the errors which many of them approval, and deteriorate by detention ; be kind, contained. Readers will find a full summary of therefore, in your methods of despatch. the lecture in the Daily News of Nov. 20. Digestors know almost at a glance what is or is not suitable. A well-trained one, in perfect condition, should be able to assimilate from Sir HENRY IRVING TO CRITICS OF THE STAGE. twenty-five to thirty-five MSS. between the hours “ What would become of the world,” said Sir of 9.30 to 6. Henry Irving to his hosts of the Glasgow Pen Do not ask it to work longer, for a digestor and Pencil Club on Nov. 22, "if a man were to “off colour” is a most dangerous thing; it sees undertake no business or pleasure until he had merit where there is none, and flaws in good first assured himself that under no condition work. could the same enterprise, perfectly wise and Women, as a rule, make better digestors than prudent for himself, upset the moral balance of men. They are more patient, and take more ## p. 128 (#176) ############################################ i 28 THE AUTHOR. trouble to find the really best, in their opinion; days; for a magazine it will, I am sorry to say, but, as a rule, they are by no means the best be as many weeks. At the end of the considera- judges of what is universally interesting. They iion one will be accepted, and orders given for the are apt to be influenced by pleasant descriptions, other to be returned. So far good. Four days and what may be described for want of a better is not a long time to wait, and even a newspaper word as "atmosphere.” In my opinion, a woman article has not lost much of its freshness. But editor should have a man as digestor—the other does the rejected one return ? Generally not, way about. In this manner they would counteract unless the discipline in the office is very strict. each other. The editor supposes that it has gone, and is much I have had the editors of the great weeklies in astonished on receiving a letter from the author my mind when writing this. My perscnal experi. asking its fate. Inquiries are made and the MS. ence goes to show that when you have obtained is found, but, of course, valueless. Who is to an interview with the particular editor you are blame? This leads me to think that the question hunting, he is usually a quiet, pleasant of notice to contributors is largely a question of mannered person, willing to listen to what you office discipline. have to say, and quite ready to put your name There is a pleasing feeling rife among writers down for future use. It does not mean anything, that all MSS. coming to the offices of magazines though if you happen to be a new hand, you and newspapers are actually read by the editor. fancy yourself already on the highway to fame This idea is awful to contemplate calmly, and is and fortune ; at least, it has never meant any. of course a phantom of the author's brain. No thing in my case ; but it costs nothing and gives editor of a paper of any size could possibly do a pleasant, friendly tone to things. it (and it was a mistake on their part ever to let There is another person attached to the staff of the idea take root); hence readers, and it is to a big paper, and that is the manager. I have them that writers should appeal in the first place, never had the functions of this individual clearly for they are largely to blame. There appears to explained to me ; at the back of my mind there me to be no rule anywhere as to how long MSS. dwells a hazy notion that he is a kind of literary are kept before being read. If every newspaper “ Bill, the Lizard,” and can fill the editorial chair and magazine had a fixed rule as to time it would or a book of paste cuttings with equal facility. make contributors' lives much easier. Over and above these things he is probably art · B. How can we draw the attention of editors to editor (if the paper is pictorial), has to look up this question? This is the real difficulty-editors the advertisements, to quarrel with the book are hard to approach as individuals, as a body they stalls and shipping agents, and to be all things to have no being. Someone with pretty manners all men at the office and out of it. I may be and leisure might be deputed to go round and wrong in some of my surmises, but I fear the gently draw their attention to this subject, but it estimate is pretty correct. would take time and probably lead nowhere. There is no new light shed by my investigations Some of our chiefs in the Society of Women on this subject, and unless editors will condescend Journalists are members of this powerful band; to entertain the one day per fortnight idea, I fear let us, then, approach them with honeyed words and there will be no amelioration in our lot. The ask them to take the matter up. Let us ask :- plan can do them no harm and may do us a lot of 1. That accepted MSS. be acknowledged by F. L. L. post-card at once. 2. That no MS. be kept longer than seven days unless reserved for second consideration, when a At the last meeting of the Society of Women card notifying the fact be sent. Journalists the subject under discussion was that 3. That accepted MSS. should appear within of notice to contributors from editors, and the two months of acceptation; if kept longer due following reflections have presented themselves to notice of probable date to be sent. me on the subject. 4. All payments to be made on acceptation, not A. Are editors personally responsible for due on appearance. notice? Theoretically they are; legally, all things 5. That the stamps enclosed with MSS. be done in a newspaper office are supposed to come returned to authors on acceptation. from the editor's initiative. These five requests involve no hardship to any. Two papers arrive at the office simultaneously; one. The accepted post-card would be printed, both treat of the same subject, and the editor and only need signature and address. likes both, but has only space for one. He or No. 2 presents no greater difficulty than that she will require time to consider. For a news- somebody should see that seven-day-old MSS. are paper this will be probably from four to five duly read and returned or accepted. good. II. ## p. 129 (#177) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 129 N.B.—For the instruction of this department, I Moore, one of his co-directors of the club, took recommend Rudyard Kipling's advice vide first the chair. verse in italics of “The 'Ethen” in “ Barrack The reception given to Dr. Conan Doyle was of Room Ballads." a most enthusiastic character, and he made a No. 3 would check editors in a growing habit characteristic and remarkable speech. of accepting a great deal more than they are ever Mr. Frankfort Moore proposed his health, likely to use. The mere fact of a fixed date dwelling under the circumstances naturally upon appearing against the name of a MS. would be a the part he had taken in the South African help. campaign, and Dr. Conan Doyle in response, No. 4 would remove a heavy strain from the touching on many points of the war, made the shoulders of the weaker brethren. following statements : No. 5 would only affect the office boys, who, it That, in the first instance, not only the War is my firm belief, annex the stamps and retail Office, but the whole of England, had under- them. I have only twice had stamps sent back estimated the number of men it would be neces- to me. sary to send out — the largest estimate given Let our editresses approach the editors, pointing by anyone prior to the war was 100,000 men. He out that, for the honour of the Fourth Estate, these knew that someone would have to prove the scape- grievances should be looked into. goat, though the whole nation was really respon- The Society of Journalists in its might would sible. easily find means of imposing its will, and life He then touched upon the question of the would go more smoothly for everyone. hospitals, and stated that it was geographically But, above all things, let us do something; impossible for the requisite hospitals to be at the do not let us be content to say “ Kismet.” That front, when you had to take into consideration is how abuses grow up. that an army of 200,000 men had to be supplied FLORA LANCASTER LUCAS (S.W.J.). with provisions, and that by a single line of rail 38, Cathcart-road, Redcliffe-gardens, which was liable to be cut at any moment, while in many places the trucks had to be taken singly S.W., Oct. 30. across drifts or rivers. He assured his hearers that the Army Medical Department had worked nobly throughout the campaign. No doubt Mr. Burdett Coutts's AUTHORS' CLUB DINNERS. figures and statements were correct, but there was one weak point in his case on which he had N Monday, Oct. 29, the Authors' Club gave never been able to give any explanation—that a dinner to Mr. A. W. à Beckett to con- with all these grievous complaints against the gratulate him on his appointment as Pre- Army Medical arrangements, he had never referred sident of the Institute of Journalists for the any one of them to the head of the Medical Depart- current year. ment, General Wilson. This was not playing the Owing to the fact that the home-coming of the game fairly. Dr. Doyle went on to state that City Imperial Volunteers had been postponed when he had a serious complaint to make he 10 Monday there were not quite so many members had gone straight to the General, and found that assembled at the dinner as would otherwise have Lothervise have the complaint was at once attended to and set been present. Journalistic duties make impera- right. tive calls. He proceeded to give some slight account of However, between thirty to forty members of the different actions he had himself witnessed, the club sat down, under the chairmanship of Mr. and the incidents of the patience and endurance Anthony Hope Hawkins. of the British troops. Both Mr. Anthony Hope Hawkins's speech and On sitting down he was greeted with loud and Mr. à Beckett's reply were clever and amusing, prolonged cheers. dealing as they did with the ethics of journalism. On Nov. 26 the club gave a dinner to Mr. John Among the members present were Mr. P. W. Murray. This dinner gives occasion to a few Clayden, a former president of the Institute, Mr. remarks on p. 122. H. R. Tedder, Mr. Bloundelle-Burton, Mr. Poultney Bigelow, and others. On Monday, Nov, 12, the club gave a dinner to their chairman, Dr. Conan Doyle, as a welcome on his return from South Africa, Mr. Frankfort ## p. 130 (#178) ############################################ 130 THE AUTHOR. BOOK AND PLAY TALK. Mr E. F. Benson has completed a new story entitled “The Luck of the Vails.” AJOR A. W. A. POLLOCK, who was a Professor Hans Meyer, of Leipzig, has just correspondent of the Times in the South acquired, says the Morning Post, a large number African war, is writing an account of his of hitherto unutilised Heine manuscripts and personal experiences, which began with Stormberg letters. The gem of this very valuable collection and ended with the relief of Mafeking and consists of the earliest manuscript “ Atta Troll,” Hunter's march from Maribogo to Krugersdorp embracing 200 sheets containing many correc- and Johannesburg. The book will be entitled tions. There are also about 100 sheets of poems, “ With Seven Generals in the Boer War,” and considerable fragments of the “Rabbi von will be published by Messrs. Skeffington. Bacharach,” of the “Geständnisse," of the Mr. Churton Collins, we learn from the “ Harzreise," “ Faust,” “Romantischen Schule.” Academy,“ will in his next book tell some plain “Lutetia," &c., in all some 1500 sheets of Heine's truths about current literature.” The volume handwriting and 1000 sheets written by an will be called “Ephemera Critica,” and Mr. amanuensis, but bearing Heine's corrections. Collins has this to say in his preface :-- Valuable light on phases of Heine's life may be These essays are parti, a protest and partly an experi gathered from the letters, numbering about 1000, ment. As a protest they explain, and, I hope, justify addressed to the poet by Laube, Dingelstedt, themselves ; as an experiment they are an attempt to illus- Barnhagen, Rahel, Robert Schumann, Meyer- trate what we should be fortunate if we could see more beer. Hiller. Lewald. Count Auersperg, A. Weill, frequently illustrated by abler hands. They are a series of studies in serious, patient, and absolutely impartial criti. and Heine's mother, sister, and brothers. ciems, having for its object a comprehensive survey of the Mr. Walter Walsh has completed a new book vices and defects, as well as of the merits, characteristic of on what he regards as the Romeward tendencies current Belles Lettres. of the Church of England, from the year 1833. Our readers will be interested to know that the It will be published immediately by Messrs. literature sent out to the South African hospitals Nisbet. in response to the appeal of Miss Edith Rhodes, Miss Sarah Tytler's new story, “ Jean Keir of which was published in the April number of Craigneil,” has just been published by Mr. John The Author, has been very acceptable, and that the hospital gardens, planted with seeds sent by English contributors, have been of great use and The same publisher has bought the copyrights in a source of pleasure. the following novels by Florence Warden, and in future they will be published from his office :- Mr. MacColl, who has been chief editor of the “The Bohemian Girls,” “Kitty's Engagement," Athenæum since 1869, retires from that position “Our Widow,” and “The Mystery of Dudley on Jan. 1, and will be succeeded by his assistant Horne.” He has also acquired the copyright in editor. Lord Frederic Hamilton is succeeded in “ The Wooing of Monica,” by Mrs. L. T. Meade, the editorship of the Pall Mall Magazine by the and in future this novel will be issued by him. art editor, Mr. George R. Halkett. Mr. Douglas Story is taking over the editorship of the New A seventh edition of “A Handbook for Steam Century Review. Users,” by M. Powis Bale, will shortly be issued A new series of prose fancies by Mr. Richard by Messrs. Longmans, Green, and Co. Le Gallienne is on the eve of publication by Mr. of publication by Mr. Mr. Ferrar Fenton is issuing, through Messrs. Lane. Horace Marshall and Son, “ The Bible in “The Rulers of the South " is the title of Mr. Modern English, direct from the original Marion Crawford's latest work, which Messrs. Hebrew, Chaldee, and Greek.” The first volume Macmillan are publishing. It consists of historical of this work will consist of the “ Five Books of studies of Sicily, Calabria, and Malta. Moses," with critical notes of a philological nature. The following is an extract from a letter Messrs. Hutchinson and Co. have just pub- inclosed with review copies of a book sent out lished a new book by Mark Ashton, the author of by an American firm in London the other “She Stands Alone.” The book is entitled day :- “Haggith Shy, Quakeress”; it is now to be The accompanying “ literary notice" is inclosed after the American fashion, simply to aid those reviewers who may be obtained at Mudie's and all circulating libraries. pressed for time. We prefer your thought of the book in The Oxford University Press has issued a new your own form. edition of Miss Matheson's “ Selected Poems, Could anything be kinder, more thoughtful, Old and New.” The volume is prettily bound in than this a specially designed cover in white and gold. Long. ## p. 131 (#179) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 131 Professor C. H. Herford has written the preface, Mr. Charles Brookfield and Colonel Nugent, and he directs special attention to Miss Mathe. of the Irish Guards, are collaborating on a new son's Christmas Carol, which is absent from the play of a semi-military character. former edition, and is here enclosed in a border Mr. Benson's Shakespearean season opens at designed by Mr. Herbert George, the Paris the Comedy on Dec. 1o. On or about Dec. 22 medallist for the year. Mr. Mollison will produce his revival of “King Miss Montgomery Campbell's book, entitled Henry V.” at the Lyceum, the cast including “ Not Wise but Fair” (Messrs. Jarrold), is very Mr. Lewis Waller. Mr. Tree's next Shake- well spoken of. One review says that “it should spearean production at Her Majesty's will be go into every village in the Kingdom, and would "Twelfth Night,” in which he will appear in the do more good than tons of tracts and cartloads of character of Malvolio. Sunday sermons.” Miss Julia Neilson and Mr. Fred Terry will Mrs. Isabel Smith's story of “The Minister's revive “Sweet Nell of Old Drury” at the Guest” has received excellent reviews from the Globe Theatre about the middle of January. leading literary columns, and promises to meet Lady Colin Campbell and Miss Clo Graves with a highly satisfactory success. have together written a comedy which Mr. and “A Path of Thorns” is a story by Mr. Ernest Mrs. Kendal will produce. Vizetelly, the translator of Zola, which is about to The Actors' Association matinée will take be published by Messrs. Chatto and Windus. place at the Haymarket on Dec. 18. In this month's (December) Chambers' Journal Mr. Reynolds-Ball deals with the present-day Mr. Bernard Shaw's “ Three Puritan Plays” condition of travel in China in an article entitled will be published shortly. “ China of the Globe-trotter.” Mr. F. T. Bullen's new work, “ With Christ at The editor of the “Literary Year Book” will be Sea,” is being published by Messrs. Hodder and glad to receive notice from members of the Stoughton. Society of Authors of omissions from the direc- tory of authors, now being corrected for the new issue, which will be published by Mr. George CORRESPONDENCE. Allen on Jan. 15 next. The editor will be glad also to receive corrections and suggestions from I.-WANTED, A REFERENCE. anyone engaged in literary work. All com MYOULD any of your readers be so kind as to munications should be addressed to the Editor U state to whom, and when, and under what of the “Literary Year Book," 156, Charing u circumstances, Dr. Johnson said “I have Cross-road, London, W.C. found you a reason, sir, but I am not bound to A poetic drama by Mr. John Davidson, entitled find you an understanding,” and whereabouts in “ Self's the Man: a Tragic Comedy," will be “ Boswell's Life of Johnson,” if anywhere, the published shortly. observation is to be found chronicled ? Mrs. W. K. Clifford's play, “The Likeness of Goa J. M. LELY. the Night,” has been published by Messrs. A. and C. Black. II.-A JUST PROTEST. Mr. Barrie's latest play, “The Wedding May I beg space to expose a mistake which is Guest,” is published in the December number often made by the public and by reviewers—a of the Fortnightly Review. mistake that can be set right only by aid of the Mr. Max Beerbohm has dramatised his short Press? I refer to the erroneous association of my story, “ The Happy Hypocrite,” into a one-act name with the numerous “ statistical ” articles play, at the request of Mrs. Patrick Campbell, that have been published in magazines and who will shortly produce it at the Royalty as newspapers during the last two years. a curtain-raiser. I desire strongly to protest against this associa- tion of my name with writings that have no A new farcical comedy by Mr. Robert similarity to my own work other than the mere Ganthony, entitled “The Ring Mistress," will surface likeness these articles are made to show. be produced at the Lyric just before Christmas, To speak plainly, the numerous articles to which by Miss Kate Phillips. It will inaugurate a I refer are too often silly as regards subject, con- season of matinées, five representations weekly. fusing in treatment, based on artificial “ facts," The Court Theatre has been acquired by Mr. and lacking qualities that are valued by every H. T. Brickwell. sincere literary craftsman. ## p. 132 (#180) ############################################ 132 THE AUTHOR. II. Some years ago the idea occurred to me that who steals a clean play is a thief, and Lord many subjects of social interest and of national Monkswell protects the author against him; a importance could be satisfactorily handled by pirate who steals an unclean play is not only a means of diagrams, &c. I realised my idea, thief, but an unclean thief, and Lord Monkswell bringing to the work professional actuarial know. does not protect the unclean author against him, ledge of many years, and I was pleased to read So that the pirate has only to add uncleanliness the unanimous opinions of the Press which told to dishonesty by stealing a work originally me that I had succeeded in a task that was not unclean (not by adding immoral passages), to be too easy. exempted from the penalty of his dishonesty. I I find that during 1899 and 1900-a period do not regard the matter as of importance, because when these imitative articles have been specially he is not exempted from the penalty of his numerous—I have published thirty or forty mis- uncleanliness, and the unauthorised performances cellaneous articles, and of these only five have could be stopped ; but it seems illogical to con- been statistical diagrammatic articles. All these done theft because another offence has been added five articles were written upon important subjects, to it. I am, Sir, &c. SYDNEY GRUNDY. and they were well reviewed by the Press. But I Nov. 21, 1900. read lately in an important London newspaper a statement made by a reviewer to the effect that I Sir,-Mr. Sydney Grundy's explanation in the am constantly publishing statistical diagrammatic Daily News of to-day of the meaning of his articles. This quite erroneous statement was remarks in the current number of The Author, obviously based upon the false impression con. upon the subject of Lord Monkswell's Copyright veyed by the innumerable statistical articles Bill, is apparently founded upon a misconception, written by other persons, and the specific instances for Mr. Grundv places himself in a more unten. mentioned by the reviewer had no connection able position than that in which he conceives with any of my writings. The foregoing example himself to be placed by your critic's “ misunder- of the mistake I desire to correct is only one of standing” of the dramatist's attitude towards several similar instances of my work being con the “ pirates” and “thieves,” whose fortune and fused with that of others. reputation are derived from plays taken without All my published work is invariably signed by so much as " by your leave” from other authors. me, and I may justly ask to be released from this As Mr. Grundy says, with not exactly “virtuous” burden of erroneously-ascribed authorship of indignation, “the pirate who steals an unclean articles not written by me, and of an erroneously play is not only a thief, but an unclean thief, and ascribed sympathy with such articles—a burden Lord Monkswell does not protect the unclean that has been put ou me by persons who have author against him.” I have no pity for the been misled by the imitative articles in question. unclean author. Surely Mr. Grundy cannot I regret to see the useful and worthy tool- seriously be asking for “ protection” for writers diagrammatic illustration-mishandled to such of indecency. “ Protection " from what? It is poor purpose, but I do not ascribe the frequent enough for the law to “protect” the public from mistake connected with my name to any cause the “unclean” thing !-Yours truly, other than sheer error produced by the circum- E. A. M. stances I have stated. 31. James-street-mansions, Bucking. JOHN HOLT SCHOOLING. ham-gate, S.W., Nov. 22, 1900. ("J. HOLT SCHOOLING.") Nov. 6, 1900. "THE AUTHOR." SCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. III.-MR. SYDNEY GRUNDY ON THE New Bill. (To the Editor of the Daily News.) 1. Sir,—In your issue of Nov. 19, there is a mis- understanding of my remark in The Author, that, under Lord Monkswell's Bill, “a thief has only to add profanity, indecency, sedition, or libel to his theft to be exempted from the penalty of his dishonesty." Upon this you comment: “We need hardly say that no thief could, by adding immoral passages to a play not in itself immoral, affect the author's copyright in any way." That is not my contention. My point is this: A pirate 30 *. ... ... ... ... .. 1 10 0 0 Front Page ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 0 Other Pages ... Hall of a Page ... Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page ... 015 ... 0 7 6 Single Column Advertisements per inch 0 6 0 Bills for Insertion per 2000 3 0 0 Reductions made for a Series of Sit or Twelve Insertions. All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to the ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, The Author Otice, 4, Portugal-street, London, w.c. ## p. 132 (#181) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. CHATTO and WINDUS'S NEW BOOKS. THE INIMITABLE MRS. MASSING. | THE “PRETTY POLLY”: a Voyage of HAM: A Romance of Botany Bay. By HERBERT Incident. By W. 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Crown 8vo., cloth, LA HISTORY of OUR OWN TIMES, from gilt top, 6s. 1880 to the Diamond Jubilee. By Justin McCARTHY. * All highly sensational, and all excellently told."-Scotsman. A NEW EDITION. Crown 8vo., cloth, 6s. The reader is in good bands."Academy. * Highly sensational, without passing the bounds of probability, LONDON MEMORIES: Social, Historical, and and written in & verv hreezy style. The Bag of Diamonds' is an exceptionally good story "-Lloyd's Neus. Topographical. By C. W. HECKETHORN, Author of “London Souvenirs," &c. Crown 8vo., cloth, gilt IN a CATHEDRAL CITY, By BERTAA top, 68. THOMAS, Author of "The Son of the House.” A New "Quaintness and pleasantry Agure largely in Mr. Heckethorn's Edition. Crown 8vo., cloth, gilt top, 6s. ken."- Morning Leader. * A pretty story. . . There is some very charming work in Miss Thomas's volumes."-Athenaeum. LIFE in LONDON. By PIERCE Egan. With an This excellent story will be welcomed in a new edition. It is good Introduction by JOHN CAMDEN HOTTEN, and a throughout, but the character and career of Leonard the musician deserves special praise. Seldom has the artist nature been more Coloured Frontispiece. A NEW EDITION. Small shrewdly analysed." --Bookman. demy 8vo., cloth, 3s. 60. London : CHATTO & WINDUS, 111, St. Martin's-lane, W.C. ## p. 132 (#182) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. ONLY 500 COPIES PRINTED. Royal 8vo., with Maps and Plates, price ONE GUINEA. Now ready, price 2s. Ed., cloth. A FLYING VISIT TO THE Man-Hunting in the Desert, BEING A NARRATIVE OF THE PALMER SEARCH EXPEDITION, 1882, 1883, Conducted by Sir Charles Warren. | AMERICAN CONTINENT. WITH NOTES BY THE WAY. By F. DALE PAWLE. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings E.C. BY Capt. ALFRED E. HAYNES (ROYAL ENGINEERS). WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY WALTER BESANT. “The story of the vigorous efforts made, against terrible odds, to find the missing Professor and his companions is clearly and ably set forth. Then comes the finding of the ghastly remains and the patiently relentless following up of clues in tracing out the various Arabs implicated in the murder. The adventurous part of the book is as interesting as a tale by Stevenson; nor is what might be termed the personal part less absorbing."-Publishers' Circular. Demy 8vo., cloth boards, price 10s. 6d. IN NEW SOUTH AFRICA. Travels in the Transvaal and Rhodesia. With Map and Twenty-six Illustrations. By H. LINCOLN TANGYE. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. Crown 8vo., Cloth Boards, Silver Lettering, Price 6s. A LADY OF WALES. CONTENTS. Introductory. PART I. CHAPTER I.—The Land of Gold and the way there. II.-Across Desert and Veldt. III.-Johannesburg the Golden. IV.-A Transvaal Coach Journey. V.-Natal: the South African Garden. 1.-Ostracised in Africa. Home with the Swallows. "A Story of the Siege of Chester, 1645." Rev. VINCENT J. LEATHERDALE, M.A. BY THE PART II.-RAMBLES IN RHODESIA. CHAPTER 1.-Eendragt Maakt Magt. II.-Into the Country of Lobengula. III.—The Trail of War. IV.-Goldmining, Ancient and Modern. V.-Sic Transit Gloria Mundi. VI.-To Northern Mashonaland. VII. - Primitive Art. The Misadventures of a Wagon. Index. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Broam's-buildings, E.O. In demy 8vo., price 128. net, by post 12s. bd. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. Six Months in a Syrian Monastery. Crown 8vo., limp cloth, price 28. 6d. A HANDBOOK OF Being the Record of a Visit to the Headquarters of the Syrian Church in Mesopotamia, with some account of the Yazidis, or Devil Worshippers of Mosul, and El Jilwah, their Sacred Book. By OSWALD H. PARRY, B.A. (of Magdalen College, Oxford.) Illustrated by the Author. With a Prefatory Note by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Durham. PROCEDURE OF THE HOUSE of COMMONS, WITH SUGGESTIONS AND PRECEDENTS FOR THE USE OF PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETIES, The author of this handsome volume presents a detailed study of & relic of history pursued off the track of general research :' he has sought to give, and has succeeded in giving, a picture of quiet life in a country much abused, and among a people that command less than their share of ordinary interest.' Westward the tide of Enipire takes its way,' sang & propbetic divine of the olden days, and no less certainly, as Mr. Parry points out, does the ebb of travel return towards the East. ... As a volume descriptive of life and travel among a distant people, his work is well worth reading, but for those persons who are more particularly concerned with the old Syrian Church, or in the solution of the problem indicated above, it is one of quite unique attraction. A pathetic interest attaches to the account of the Yazidis included in this volume, for it contains part of their sacred writings, the original manuscript of which was in the hands of Professor Robertson Smith for translation at the time of his death."- Publishers' Circular. BY GEO. G. GRAY, Esq., LL.D. (Lond.), J.P., Barrister-at-Law, &c., Author of " A Manual of Bankruptcy," & Treatise on “ The Right to Support from Land and Buildings," &c., Speaker of the Hastings Local House of Commons. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Broam's-buildings, E.O. London : HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C ## p. 132 (#183) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. vij Post Svo., price 6s. net. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND POSITION AS APPEARING FROM STATUTES, ARTICLES, CANONS, RUBRICS, AND JUDICIAL DECISIONS. A Compilation for General Use. By J. M. LELY,. M.A., Barrister-at-Law. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER 1.-Pre-Reformativn Law. | CHAPTER 7,-'he Benefuos Act. ,, II.-Reformation Law, except the first three , VI.-Table of principal Statutes repealed and Acts of Uniformity. anrepealed. III.- The Acts of Uniformity. , VII.—Table of principal Judicial Decisions. , IV.—The Prayer Book and Rubrics. APPENDIX.-Ecclesiastical Bills—Comprehension Bill of 1689. Ecclesiastical Appeals Bill 1850. Church Discipline Bill of 1899. Statements by English Church Union and Church Association. Extracts from Decrees and Canons of Council of Trent. The Creed of Pope Pius the Fourth as added to by Pope Pius the Ninth. And a Copious Index. LONDON : HORACE cox, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.C. In demy 8vo., with PORTRAITS, price 7s. Bd. THE BUILDERS OF OUR LAW DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN VICTORIA. By EDWARD MANSON. Late Scholar of Brasenose College, and of the Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law: Author of the Law of Trading Companies," Debentures and Debenture Stock," " Dog Law," &c. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Lord Cottenham. Lord St. Leonards. Baron Martin (rith Portrait). Chief Justice Tindal. Chief Baron Pollock. Sir George Jessel (toith Portrait). Lord Justice Knight Bruce (with Portrait). Sir Cresswell Oress well. Sir Robert Phillimore (with Portrai), Baron Parke-Lord Wensleydale. Lord Campbell. Lord Justice Mellish (with Portrait). Right Honourable Stephen Lashington, the Mr. Justice Patteson (with Portrait). Lord Justice Lush. Chief Justice Jervis. Lord Westbury (with Portrait). Lord Blackburn. Lord Cranworth. Chief Justice Cockburn (with Portrait). Lord Justice James (roith Portrait). Mr. Justice Maule. Mr. Justice Wightman. Chief Justice Erle (with Portrait). Lord Abinger. Lord Hatherley. Sir Edward Vaughan Williams. Lord Truro. Mr. Justice Willes. Mr. Justice Crompton. Baron Alderson. Lord Bram well. Chief Baron Kelly. Lord Denman (with Portrait). Lord Cairns (with Portrait). Mr. Manson hag a facile pen and a pleasant style; and it would indeed have been a pity had the ephemeral purpose with which the matter contained in this book was originally published caused these interesting sketches to be forgotten. The aim of the author has been to give an outline of the career of the greatest of our judges, and to state the effect of their work upon the law, and in so doing he has started at the point at which Lord Campbell left off. Several old prints are reproduced, and help to make up a handsome, interesting, and even brilliant addition to the history of the Legal Profession."- Law Journal * We received the several biographies with much pleasure, and gladly published them in these columns. We know for a fact that more than one family has been surprised at the information gleaned about its judicial member by Mr. Manson, We predict for it & permanent plena in legal biography."-Law Times. "The book has a serious interest for laymen as well as for lawyers, for, although there is much of case law, there is no more of it than the general reader may digest. It is the anecdotes and the personal details which give piquancy to the book."- Morning. London: HORACE COX, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.C ## p. 132 (#184) ############################################ viii ADVERTISEMENTS. Just published, price 7s. 6d. DARLINGTON'S HANDBOOKS Statutes of Practical Utility PASSED IN 1900 AND IN THE SEVENTH AND LAST SESSION OF THE LATE PARLIAMENT. With NOTES and a SUMMARY of the 37 Statutes selected. By J. M. LELY. " ... Ideov ñucov Ilavtòs."-Hesiod. Mr. Prin... till company come, did discourse with me a good while about the laws of England, telling me the main faults in them; and among others, tbeir obscurity through multitude of long statutes, which he is about to abstract out of all of a sort ; and as he lives, and Parliaments come. get them put into laws, and the other statutes repealed, and then it will be a short work to know the law." -Pepys. "Sir Henry Ponsonby is commanded by the Queen to thank Mr. Darlington for a copy of his Handbook." "Nothing better conld be wi-hed for."-British Weekly. “Far superior to ordinary guides."-London Daily Chronicle. Edited by RALPH DARLINGTON, F.R.G.S. ls. each. Illustrated. Map by Joax BARTHOLOMEW, F.R.G.S. THE ISLE OF WIGHT THE CHANNEL ISLANDS. THE VALE OF LLANGOLLEN. THE NORTH WALES COAST, BRECON AND ITS BEACONS. THE SEVERN VALLEY. BOURNEMOUTH AND THE NEW FOREST. THE WYE VALLEY. BRIGHTON, EASTBOURNE, HASTINGS, AND ST. LEONARDS. ABERYSTWITH, TOWYŃ, BARMOUTH, AND DOLGELLY. MALVERN. HEREFORD, WORCESTER, AND GLOUCESTER. LLANDRINDOD WELLS AND THE SPAS OF MID-WALES. BRISTOL, BATH, CHEPSTOW, AND WESTON-SUPER-MARE. THE VALE OF hs BEACONSEW FOREST: AND ST. LEONAT. Extract from Preface. The Money Lenders Act has rendered separate - Additional Notes" desirable, and in these occasion has been taken to give a few extracts from the report of the Bouse of Commons Committee on which the Act is founded. The Housing of the Working Classes Act depends so much on other enactments, that those enactments are printed at length, and the same thing has been done, though to a less extent, in the case of the Workmen's Compensation Act and other Acts. "The best Handbook to London ever issued."- Liverpool Daily Post. 2nd Edition Enlarged, 58. 60 Illustrations, 24 Maps and Plans. LONDON AND ENVIRONS. By E. C. Cook and E. T. Cook, M.A. BY THE SAME EDITOR. F'cap. 8vo. 1s. CHITTY'S STATUTES OF PRACTICAL UTILITY. THE HOTELS OF THE WORLD. 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Printed and Published by HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 07 (December 1900) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 07 (December 1900) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1900-12-01-The-Author-11-7 publications The Author https://historysoa.com/files/original/5/338/1901-01-01-The-Author-11-8.pdf 9a32632eb2168e38b44ddc9a30d98b3d PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author Subject The topic of the resource The Author Description An account of the resource A digitised run of the Society of Authors' monthly periodical, The Author, 1890–1914, made available together for the first time. Currently users can browse issues and <a href="https://historysoa.com/items/browse?search=&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bjoiner%5D=and&advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=51&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Index&collection=&type=&tags=&exhibit=&date_search_term=&submit_search=Search+For+Items&sort_field=Dublin+Core%2CTitle">indices</a> (not available for all volumes). Full text search for all issues, and other additional search functionality, will be added in 2022. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1890–1914 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context The-Author-Issues Publication Date The date of an event (in YYYY, YYYY-MM or YYYY-MM-DD format) 1901-01-01 Volume 11 Issue 8 Pages Page range in volume 133–152 Ngram Date Version of the date in YYYYMMDD format for use by the Ngram plugin 19010101 Ngram Text Version of the text with no HTML formatting for use by the Ngram plugin The El u tbor. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 8.] JANUARY 1, 1901. [PRICE SIXPENCE. Memoranda ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Pension Fund... ... ... ... ... ... ... Literary Property- 1. Canadian Artistic Copyright: Graves v. Gorrie 2. The New Copyright Bill ... ... 3. The American Society American Letter ... Paris Letter. By Darracotte Scott ... ... ... CONTENTS. PAGE PAGE .. ... 133 Notes and News. By the Editor... ... 144 ... ... 134 | On Books and Review ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 145 Poe's Last Days ... ... 147 Correspondence-1. Use of the Society's Name. 2. Do Authors Read Reviews ? 3. Legalised Artistic Robbery. 4. The 140 End of the Century ... ... 149 ... ... 142 Book and Play Talk... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 150 138 ... ... 1391 American Letters Darracotie seci PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY. 1. The Annual Report for the current year. 18. 2. The Author. A Monthly Journal devoted especially to the protection and maintenance of Literary Property. Issued to all Members gratis. Price to non-members, 6d., or 6s. 6d. per annum, post free. Back numbers from 1892, at ios. 6d. per vol. 3. Literature and the Pension List. By W. MORRIS Colles, Barrister-at-Law. 38. 4. The History of the Société des Gens de Lettres. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. 18. 6. The Cost of Production. (Out of print.) 6. The Various Methods of Publication. By S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. In this work, compiled from the papers in the Society's offices, the various forms of agreements proposed by Publishers to Authors are examined, and their meaning carefully explained, with an account of the various kinds of fraud which have been made possible by the different clauses in their agreements. 38. Addenda to the Above. By G. HERBERT Thring. Being additional facts collected at the office of the Society since the publication of the “Methods." With comments and advice. 28. 7. Copyright Law Reform. An Exposition of Lord Monkswell’s Copyright Bill of 1890. With Extracts from the Report of the Commission of 1878, the Berne Convention, and the American Copyright Bill. By J. M. LELY. 15. 6d. 8. The Society of Authors. A Record of its Action from its Foundation. By WALTER BESANT (Chairman of Committee, 1888–1892). IS. 9. The Contract of Publication in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. By Ernst LUNGE, J.U.D. 2s. 6d. 10. Forms of Agreement issued by the Publishers' Association ; with Comments. By G. HERBERT THring, and Illustrative Examples by Sir WALTER BESANT. 2nd Edition. 18. [All prices net. Apply to the SECRETARY, +, Portugal Street, London, W.C.] ## p. 132 (#186) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. The Society of Authors (Incorporated). PRESIDENT. GEORGE MEREDITH. COUNCIL SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, K.C.I.E., C.S.I. | AUSTIN DOBson. SIR LEWIS MORRIS. J. M. BARRIE. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. HENRY NORMAN, M P. A. W. À BECKETT. A. W. DUBOURG. Miss E. A. ORMEROD, LL D. ROBERT BATEMAN. SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S. GILBERT PARKER, M.P. F. E. BEDDARD, F.R.S. D. W. FRESHFIELD. J. C. PARKINSON. SIR HENRY BERGNE, K.C.M.G. RICHARD GARNETT, C.B., LL.D. A. W. PINERO. SIR WALTER BESANT. EDMUND GOSSE. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD PIR- AUGUSTINE BIRRELL, Q.C. H. RIDER HAGGARD. BRIGHT, F.R.S. THE REV. PROF. BONNEY, F.R.S. THOMAS HARDY. SIR FREDERICK POLLOCK, Bart., LL.D. THE Right Hon. JAMES BRYCE, M.P. ANTHONY HOPE HAWKINS. WALTER HERRIES POLLOCK. THE RIGHT Hon. THE LORD BURGH. JEROME K. JEROME. E. ROSE. CLERE. J. SCOTT KELTIE, LL.D. W. BAPTISTE SCOONES. HALL CAINE. RUDYARD KIPLING. Miss Flora L. SHAW. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. PROF. E. RAY LANKESTER, F.R.S. G. R. SIMS. P. W. CLAYDEN. The Right Hon. W. E. H. LECKY, S. SQUIRE SPRIGGE. EDWARD CLODD. M.P. J. J. STEVENSON. W. MORRIS COLLES. J. M. LELY. FRANCIS STORR. THE HON. JOHN COLLIER. The Rev. W. J. LOFTIE, F.S.A. WILLIAM Moy THOMAS. SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. SIR A. C. MACKENZIE, Mus.Doc. MRS. HUMPHRY WARD. F. MARION CRAWFORD. PROF. J. M. D. MEIKLEJOHN. Miss CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD CURZON THE REV. C. H. MIDDLETON-WAKE. OF KEDLESTON. Hon. Counsel – E. M. UNDERDOWN, Q.C. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT. Chairman-A. HOPE HAWKINS. A. W. À BECKETT. D. W. FRESHFIELD. GILBERT PARKER, M.P. SIR WALTER BESANT. J. M. LELY. E. ROSE. EGERTON CASTLE, F.S.A. HENRY NORMAN, M.P. FRANCIS STORR. A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. 'SUB-COMMITTEES.' ART. Hon. Joun COLLIER (Chairman). I SIR W. MARTIN CONWAY. M. H. SPIELMANN COPYRIGHT. A. W. À BECKETT. A. HOPE HAWKINS. J. M. LELY. W. M. COLLES. GILBERT PARKER, M.P. DRAMA. HENRY ARTHUR JONES (Chairman). I F. C. BURNAND. A. W. PINERO. A. W. À BECKETT. SYDNEY GRUNDY. EDWARD ROSE. Solicitors, SFIELD, ROSCOE, and Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. G. HERBERT THRING, 4, Portugal-street. Secretary-G. HERBERT THRING. OFFICES : 4, PORTUGAL STREET, Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C. A. P. WATT & SON, LITERARY AGENTS, Formerly of 2, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, Have now removed to HASTINGS HOUSE, NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. THE KNIGHTS and KINGS of CHESS. By the Rev. GA. MACDONNELL, B.A. Price 28. 6d. net. London HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. THE ART of CHESS. By JAMES MASON. Price 58. net, by post 58. 4d London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.O. ## p. 133 (#187) ############################################ The Author. (The Organ of the Incorporated Society of Authors. Monthly.) CONDUCTED BY WALTER BESANT. VOL. XI.—No. 8.] JANUARY 1, 1901. [PRICE SIXPENCE. For the Opinions expressed in papers that are signed or initialled the Authors alone are responsible. None of the papers or para- graphs must be taken as expressing the collective opinions of the Committee unless they are officially signed by G. Herbert Thring, Sec. THE Secretary of the Society begs to give notice that all T remittances are acknowledged by return of post, and requests that all members not receiving an answer to important communications within two days will write to him without delay. All remittances should be crossed Union Bank of London, Chancery-lane, or be sent by registered letter only. III. THE ROYALTY SYSTEM. It is above all things necessary to know what the proposed royalty means to both sides. It is now possible for an author to ascertain approximately and very nearly the truth. From time to time the very important figures connected with royalties are published in The Author. Readers can also work out the figures themselves from the “Cost of Production.” IV. A COMMISSION AGREEMENT. The main points are :- (1.) Be careful to obtain a fair cost of production. (2.) Keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Keep control of the sale price of the book. GENERAL. All other forms of agreement are combinations of the four above mentioned. Such combinations are generally disastrous to the author. Never sign any agreement without competent advice from the Secretary of the Society. Stamp all agreements with the Inland Revenue stamp. Avoid agreements by letter if possible. The main points which the Society has always demanded from the outset are :- (1.) That both sides shall know what an agreement means. (2.) The inspection of those account books which belong to the author. We are advised that this is a right, in the nature of a common law right, which cannot be denied or withheld. Communications and letters are invited by the Editor on all subjects connected with literature, but on no other sub. joots whatever. Articles which cannot be accepted are setarned if stamps for the purpose accompany the MSS. GENERAL MEMORANDA. WARNINGS TO DRAMATIC AUTHORS. TITERE are a few standing rules to be observed in an agreement. There are four methods of dealing with literary property :- I. SELLING IT OUTRIGHT. This is in some respects the most satisfactory, if a proper price can be obtained. But the transaction should be managed by a competent agent, or with the advice of the Secretary of the Society. II. A PROFIT-SHARING AGREEMENT (a bad form of agreement). In this case the following rules should be attended to : (1.) Not to sign any agreement in which the cost of pro. duction forms a part without the strictest investigation. (2.) Not to give the publisher the power of putting the profits into his own pocket by charging for advertisements in his own organs : or by charging exchange advertise. ments. Therefore keep control of the advertisements. (3.) Not to allow a special charge for "office expenses," unless the same allowance is made to the author. (4.) Not to give up American, Colonial, or Continental rights. (5.) Not to give up serial or translation rights. (6.) Not to bind yourself for future work to any publisher, As well bind yourself for the future to any one solicitor or .doctor! VOL. XI. 1. N EVER sign an agreement without submitting it to the Secretary of the Society of Authors or some competent legal authority. 2. It is well to be extremely careful in negotiating for the production of a play with anyone except an established manager. 3. There are three forms of dramatio contract for PLAYS IN THREE OR MORE ACTS :- (a.) SALE OUTRIGHT OF THE PERFORMING RIGHT. This is unsatisfactory. An author who enters into such a contract should stipulate in the con- tract for production of the piece by a certain date and for proper publication of his name on the play-bills. (6.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF PERCENTAGES on gross receipts. Percentages vary between 5 and 15 per cent. An anthor should obtain a percentage on the sliding scale of gross receipts in preference to the American system. Should s 2 ## p. 134 (#188) ############################################ 134 THE AUTHOR. reaping no benefit to yourself, and that you are advancing the best interests of literature in promoting the indepen- dence of the writer. 6. The Committee have now arranged for the reception of members' agreements and their preservation in a fireproof safe. The agreements will, of course, be regarded as con- fidential documents to be read only by the Secretary, who will keep the key of the safe. The Society now offers :-(1) To read and advise upon agreements and publishers. (2) To stamp agreements in readiness for a possible action upon them. (3) To keep agreements. (4) To enforce payments d ue according to agreements. THE READING BRANCH. obtain a sum in advance of percentages. A fixed date on or before which the play should be performed. (c.) SALE OF PERFORMING RIGHT OR OF A LICENCE TO PERFORM ON THE BASIS OF ROYALTIES (i.e., fixed nightly fees). This method should be always avoided except in cases where the fees are likely to be small or difficult to collect. The other safeguards set out under heading (6.) apply also in this case. 4. PLAYS IN ONE ACT are often sold outright, but it is better to obtain a small nightly fee if possible, and a sum paid in advance of such fees in any event. It is extremely important that the amateur rights of one act plays should be reserved. 5. Authors should remember that performing rights can be limited, and are usually limited by town, country, and time. This is most important. 6. Authors should not assign performing rights, but should grant a licence to perform. The legal distinction is of great importance. 7. Authors should remember that performing rights in a play are distinct from literary copyright. A manager holding the performing right or licence to perform cannot print the book of the words. 8. Never forget that American rights may be exceedingly valuable. They should never be included in English agreements without the author obtaining a substantial consideration. 9. Agreements for collaboration should be carefully drawn and executed before collaboration is commenced. 10. An author should remember that production of a play is highly speculative: that he runs a very great risk of delay and a breakdown in the fulfilment of his contract. He should therefore guard himself all the more carefully in the beginning. 11. An author must remember that the dramatic market is exceedingly limited, and that for a novice the first object is to obtain adequate publication. As these warnings must necessarily be incomplete on account of the wide range of the subject of dramatic con- tracts, those authors desirous of further information are referred to the Secretary of the Society. EMBERS will greatly assist the Society in this branch of their work by informing young writers of its existence. Their MSS. can be read and treated as a composition is treated by a coach. The term MSS. includes not only works of fiction but poetry and dramatic works, and when it is possible, under special arrangement, technical and scientific works. The Readers are writers of competence and experience. The fee is one guinea. NOTICES. M HE Editor of The Author begs to remind members of the 1 Society that, although the paper is sent to them free of charge, the cost of producing it would be a very heavy charge on the resources of the Society if a great many members did not forward to the Secretary the modest 68. 6d. subscription for the year. Communications for The Author should be addressed to the Offices of the Society, 4, Portugal-street, Lincoln's-inn Fields, W.C., and should reach the Editor not later than the 21st of each month. All persons engaged in literary work of any kind, whether members of the Society or not, are invited to communicate to the Editor any points connected with their work which it would be advisable in the general interest to publish. The present location of the Authors' Club is at 3, White- hall-court, Charing Cross. Address the Secretary for information, rules of admission, &c. HOW TO USE THE SOCIETY. PENSION FUND. 1. DVERY member has a right to ask for and to receive advice upon his agreements, his choice of a pub. lisher, or any dispute arising in the conduct of his business or the administration of his property. If the advice sought is such as can be given best by a solici- tor, the member has a right to an opinion from the Society's solicitors. If the case is such that Counsel's opinion is desirable, the Committee will obtain for him Counsel's opinion. All this without any cost to the member. 2. Remember that questions connected with copyright and publisher's agreoments do not generally fall within the experience of ordinary solicitors. Therefore, do not scruple to use the Society. 3. Send to the Office copies of past agreements and past accounts with the loan of the books represented. The Secretary will always be glad to have any agreements, new or old, for inspection and note. The information thus obtained may prove invaluable. 4. Before signing any agreement whatever, send the pro. posed document to the Society for examination. 5. Remember always that in belonging to the Society you are fighting the battlos of other writers, even if you are ELECTION TO THE COMMITTEE. T\HE attention of members is called to Clause 9 of the Pension Fund Scheme :- Any candidate for election to the Pension Fund Committee by the members of the Society (not being a retiring member of such Committee) shall be nominated in writing to the secretary at least three weeks prior to the general meeting at which such candidate is to be proposed, and the nomination of ## p. 135 (#189) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 135 er o ourerereren omeno on enenereren oo - do oooooooooeren oo oooo ! OOOOOOOOOOOOOO 000000000 each such candidate shall be subscribed by at least SUBSCRIPTIONS. three members of the Society. Alexander, A. ........... Aidë, Hamilton (for a period of five years)...... A list of the names of the candidates 80 nomi- Avory, Harold .......... ......... nated shall be sent to the members of the Society Beckett, A. W. à .................................... with the annual report of the Managing Committee, Boevey, Miss Crawley .. and those candidates obtaining the most votes at the Besant, Sir Walter........... general meeting shall be elected to serve on the Bonney, Rev. Prof. T. G. ............ 5 0 0 Clodd, Edward Pension Fund Committee. Crockett, S. R Members of the Society are required, in accord Dobson, Austin (annual amount anstated—for ance wita this rule, to send in the names of 1900) ........... Ellis, Miss M. A.............. those members whom they desire to nominate to Gilbert, W. S............................................ the Secretary of the Society of Authors, 4, Guthrie, Anstey. Portugal-street, London, W.C., ON OR BEFORE Gwynne, S. ............................................ FEBRUARY ist. Home, Francis........ A nomination paper will be found enclosed in Jerome, Jerome K. .............. Marchmont, A. W.. this number of The Author. Pemberton, Max The Committee beg to inform the members of Pinero, A. W.... the Society that at the meeting of the Committee, Rose, Edward ........... held on the 3rd Dec., they elected the following Stanley, Mrs. .... Ward, Mrs. Humphry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. as their nominees to the said Committee : X. Y. ...... SIR MICHAEL FOSTER, K.C.B., F.R.S.; A. W. à BECKETT; - sic MRS. CRAIGIE (JOHN OLIVER HOBBES). Any member desiring a copy of the Pension Fund Scheme can obtain the same at the offices LITERARY PROPERTY. of the Society. The following is the list of donations and I.-CANADIAN ARTISTIC COPYRIGHT. subscriptions at present promised or received :- Graves v. Gorrie. DONATIONS. £ 8. d. (Argued Sept. 19, 1900.) A.S. ...... 100 0 0 Alcott, E... TOV. 6, 1900.-Rose, J.-The question to 50 0 0 Barrie, J. M. .......... be determined here is whether the copy- ............ Benecke, Miss Ida ..................... 3 0 0 ' right conferred by 25 & 26 Vict. cap. 68 Begant, Sir Walter.................. was confined to Great Britain or whether it Chambers, Miss Beatrice 0 3 6 extended throughout the dominions of the Crown. Cordeaux, Miss ..... Craigie, Mrs. As said by Lord Cranworth in Routledge v. Doyle, A. Conan. 100 0 0 Low (L. R. 3 H. L. at p. 113): “ The British Esler, Miss Rentoul ......... Parliament in the time of Queen Anne must be Fowler, Miss E. T.............. taken prima facie to have legislated only for Freshfield, D. W................. Great Britain just as the present Parliament Gibbs, Miss ............................. Hawkins, A. Hope ............. must be taken to legislate only for the United Hutchinson, Rev. H. ........... Kingdom.” And in Penley v. Beacon Assurance Jones, Henry Arthur... 0 0 Company (10 G. R. at p. 428), Vankoughnot, G. Keltie, J. Scott. said: “While I admit the power of the Imperial Kipling, Rudyard Legislature to apply by express words their Loftie, Rev. W. J. Macfarlane, H. .... enactments to this country, I will never admit Meredith, George that without express words they do apply or are Moncrieff, R. Hope..... intended to so apply.” Norris, W. E...... 0 0 It is necessary, therefore, carefully to examine Oliphant, Kingston the language and effect of the statute to see Parker, Gilbert ...... 100 0 0 Pollock, Sir Frederick whether, either by express words or at least by Roe, Mrs. Harcourt necessary implication, it extended to the dominions Rogsetti, W. M. ....................... of the Crown. 8. B. In the most carefully prepared and able argu- Sanderson, Sir J. B. ............. 2 0 0 ments that were addressed to me by the counsel Spielmann, M. H. 10 0 0 Stanton, Miss H. M. E... engaged in this case, much was said with reference Tweedie, Mrs. Alec. 5oo to the effect of the language of the first section of oo 5 10 100 O o 0 0 OOOOO 000000 ooooen o ön 000 7 0 --0000000 Ö OOOOW OOOOO 100 5 I ..... ## p. 136 (#190) ############################################ 136 THE AUTHOR. the Act, Mr. Small relying upon that as showing the In that Act, sect. 15, it is provided “ that if intention to legislate so as to extend the benefits any person shall in any part of the British of the Act not only to Great Britain but also to dominions after the passing of this Act print or the Colonies. cause to be printed ... such offender shall There had been some discussion as to the be liable to a special action on the case. .. persons to whom the benefits of prior legislation to be brought in any Court of Record in that respecting copyright had been extended : (see part of the British dominions in which the offence Jeffery v. Boosey, 4 H. L. C. 215), and possibly shall be committed.” Sect. 17 prohibits the the language of sect. I was made expressly to importation“ into any part of the United King- prevent any doubt as to the persons who should dom or into any other part of the British have the benefit of the Act. The words are: dominions." “The author, being a British subject or resi- But it is said that the language of sect. 10, dent within the dominions of the Crown, every cap. 68, shows that no “ repetition, copies, or original painting, drawing, and photograph which imitations of paintings, drawings, or photographs" shall be or shall have been made either in the should be made in any foreign State or in any British dominions or elsewhere.shall part of the British dominions without the consent have the sole and exclusive right of copying, of the proprietor of the copyright thereof. No engraving, reproducing, and multiplying such doubt for anyone to make a repetition or copy or painting or drawing. . . .” These words imitation of a painting, drawing, or photograph clearly confer copyright upon all British subjects, without the consent of the proprietor would be a and upon all persons, whether British subjects wrong done to such proprietor, but it is apparent or not, resident within the dominions of the that the only protection that that section gives Crown, in respect to every original painting against such wrong is the prohibition against drawing, or photograph, whether made in the importation of any such unlawful repetition, &c., British dominions or in a foreign country; but into the United Kingdom. it is quite consistent with that language that the Looking at the Act itself and comparing it with copyright thus conferred should be confined to 5 & 6 Vict. cap. 45, I have to come to the conclu- Great Britain. By sect. 4 no proprietor of any sion that there is nothing on its face to indicate such copyright is entitled to the benefit of the that the copyright thereby conferred extended Act until registration at Stationers' Hall. As beyond the United Kingdom. has been pointed out in the cases, the copyright I find that Lindley, L.J., in Tuck and Sons v. is conferred by sect. I, but the benefit of the Act Priester (19 Q. B. D. at p. 643) was apparently is withheld until registration. By sect. 6 penal- of that opinion. His language was: “It appears ties are enacted for importation into any part of to me, therefore, that there was vested in the the United Kingdom of paintings, &c., which are present plaintiffs a copyright in this picture, but an infringement of the copyright. By sect. 8 it that that copyright was conferred by the Act and is provided that pecuniary penalties may be was confined to this country. They had no copy- recovered before certain courts in England, right abroad. There was no piracy ; there was Ireland, and Scotland, and sect. 9 gives power to nothing 'unlawful' in copying in Germany or Her Majesty's Superior Courts of Record at West elsewhere abroad that picture in which the plain- minster and in Dublin to give protection and tiffs had acquired a copyright under this Act. If relief in cases of infringement. By sect. 10 by virtue of the international treaties the plaintiffs. importation into the United Kingdom is pro- have a copyright in Germany we have not been hibited. informed of it, and I assume they have not. They So far, apart from the prohibition on importa. are not at liberty, therefore, to complain under tion, there is nothing to indicate any intention this Act of any infringement of their copyright to deal with any act done outside of the United which took place abroad, for they had no copy- Kingdom. right abroad.” These actions to which I have referred, when Although the learned judge was not dealing contrasted with the provisions of 5 & 6 Vict. with an infringement within the dominions of the cap. 45, which is made expressly to extend to Crown, it is, I think, clear that he would have every part of the British dominions, give great used similar language if he had been dealing with strength to the argument that it is manifest that such a case, and his language is a complete answer Parliament in passing 25 & 26 Vict. cap. 68, to the argument which was based upon the lan- was legislating only for copyright in the United guage of sect. 10 of cap. 68—namely, " which con- Kingdom, and was not dealing with a copyright trary to the provisions of this Act shall have been conferred for the whole of the dominions of the made in any foreign State or in any part of the Crown. British dominions.” It was urged that that ## p. 137 (#191) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 137 language showed that an infringement made in Mollwo 1. Court of Wards (1872) (L. R. 4, at p. any part of the British dominions was contrary 173); Earl of Shrewsbury v. Scott (1859) (6 to the provisions of that Act, but if so equally C. B. N. S., at p. 141); Metcalfe v. Hanson would be an infringement outside of the British (1866) (L. R., at 250); Labrador Company r. The dominions. Queen (1893) (A. C. 104). But it was further urged that the effect of As I read cap 33 of 49 & 50 Vict. I do not 49 & 50 Vict. cap. 33, the International Copy- find any declaration of the meaning of cap. 68 of right Act 1886 was to extend the provisions of 25 & 26 Vict. cap. 68 to all parts of the British dominions, and The concluding words of sect. 9 were much if not, that the language, especially of sects. 8 pressed upon me by Mr. Small : “ But save as and 9, amounted to a declaration by the Imperial provided by such declaration the said Acts and Parliament that the provisions of 25 & 26 Vict. this Act shall apply to every British possession cap. 68 did so extend. as if it were a part of the United Kingdom.” It must be remembered that 49 & 50 Vict. When we come to see what the words “the cap. 33 was passed to extend to authors of literary said Acts and this Act” embraced, we find by and artistic works first published in a foreign looking at the first schedule that only sect. 12 country copyright in Great Britain in return for of cap. 68 is included. But Mr. Small urged copyright extended to British authors in such that as sect. 12 of cap. 68 introduced into that foreign country, and was not intended to extend Act the provisions of Imp. 7 & 8 Vict. cap. 12, it the copyright conferred by any previous Act. showed manifestly that cap. 68 extended the We should not, therefore, expect to find a copyright to the whole of the dominions of the clause declaring that the copyright conferred by Crown, cap. 68 was extended beyond the territorial limits When we look at the provisions of Imp. 7 & 8 named in that Act, unless, indeed, it were neces Vict. c. 12, we find that its effect is stated in the sary for the working out of the provisions of that last recital as follows : “And whereas the powers Act. vested in Her Majesty by the said International Sect. 8 provides: “The Copyright Acts”. Copyright Act are insufficient to enable Her (which include 25 & 26 Vict. cap. 68) “shall, Majesty to confer upon authors of books first subject to the provisions of this Act, apply to a published in foreign countries copyright of like literary or artistic work first produced in a duration, and with the like remedies for the British possession in like manner that they apply infringement thereof which are conferred and to a work first produced in the United Kingdom.” provided by the said Copyright Amendment Act This did not extend the language of sect. I of with respect to authors of books first published 25 & 26 Vict. cap. 68, which conferred copy. in the British dominions ..and it is right upon the persons within the class named expedient to vest increased powers in Her Majesty with respect to every painting, &c., whether made in this respect. . . .” in British dominions or elsewhere, unless the There is nothing here to show that by its word "production” includes more than the word introduction into cap. 68 it was intended to “made," which I do not understand to be the extend the limits of the copyright conferred by case, and in any event the section only enlarges that Act. The confining of the declaration in the rights and privileges of the proprietors of such sect. 9 of 45 & 50 Vict. cap. 33 to sect. 12 of works, and does not purport to extend the rights cap. 68 is significant. Either sect. I of cap. 68 is of copyright conferred by the copy. did confer copyright extending throughout right Acts. the dominions of the Crown, or it did not. If it It must be remembered that in drafting did, then sect. 12 would be as wide in its applica- sect. 8 the draftsman had in mind that he was tion as sect. i for the purpose for which it was preparing a section wbich must cover not only enacted, and there was no necessity for declaring 25 & 26 Vict. cap. 68, but cap. 45 of 5 & 6 Vict. that either section extended beyond the United I see nothing in sect. 8 which indicates any inten- Kingdom; and, if it did not, the confining of the tion to extend the copyright conferred by that declaration to sect. 12, and thus excluding sect. I, Act beyond the limits of the United Kingdom. shows that Parliament carefully avoided extend- Some of the language of sect. 8 is more pecu- ing the effect of sect. I as originally passed. I liarly applicable to the provisions of cap. 45. find noihing iu sect. 12 of cap. 68, or in 7 & 8 Even if that section was passed in forgetíulness Vict. cap. 12, or in 49 & 50 Vict. cap. 33, or in the of the fact, if it be a fact that the copyright con- reason for passing such Act, to lead me to the ferred by 25 & 26 Vict. cap. 68 did not extend conclusion tbat it was intended to extend the beyond the United Kingdom, such forgetfulness copyright conferred by sect. I of cap. 68 beyond or mistake would not enlarge scope of such Act: the limits of the United Kingdom. ## p. 138 (#192) ############################################ 138 THE AUTHOR. The result is that I must hold that the copy- play they apply of necessity, in almost all cases, to right conferred by 25 & 26 Vict. cap. 68, sect. 1, Messrs. French, who have what is, in effect, a was confined to the United Kingdom and did not monopoly of such performances (for it is obviously extend to Canada, and that the plaintiff is not only the amateurs who could need any safeguard. entitled to the injunction asked for. His motion, ing in this matter). And Mr. French's manager therefore, must be dismissed with costs in the has told me many times that virtually every cause to the defendant in any event. application to act a copyright play in public, is In addition to the cases to which I have accompanied by a request that the author will referred, the following further authorities may consent to forego his fee,“ since the performance is be referred to :—Smiles v. Belford (1877) (1 for a charity”—as all amateur performances are. A. R. 436); “ Copinger on Copyright,” 3rd Thus the public knows perfectly well that if it edit.; “Scrutton on Copyright," 3rd edit.; wants to perform a play it must pay the author. “Winslow on Artistic Copyright”; and “Lefroy Moreover, the author is in a totally different posi- on Legislative Power in Canada." tion from that of the musician. It is as much a necessity for the composer of ballads to publish his work, as it is for the novelist; so that he, by II.-THE NEW COPYRIGHT BILL. mere custom, knows what publication means and involves—and if he does not his publisher, as a May I write to confirm Mr. Sydney Grundy's matter of course, can tell him. But it is not the statement that the Copyright Bill is “ not drafted custom of English dramatists to publish copies of from the point of view of a playwright" ? their plays - indeed, they cannot do so without The framers of the Bill have assumed that the certain troublesome precautions, if they desire to positions of the dramatist and the musical com retain their American rights; and all but a very poser are the same. They are, as a fact, diametri. few publishers are, in consequence, quite as cally opposite. ignorant of the laws affecting play-publication as In practically every case the composer of a song the authors. makes his profit out of the sale of printed copies Suppose, then, that a dramatist publishes his of that song. Far from charging the performer play out of a laudable ambition to prove that it anything, he sometimes pays him a commission is literature—or, if he is a beginner, with a on the sale of these copies. desperate hope that some stray manager, seeing In practically every case the dramatist makes it reviewed, may buy a copy; and suppose, in his profit out of the fees paid to him by managers this latter case, that he has it printed and pub- who perform his plays. When he prints and lished by some local printer who has never been publishes copies, it is generally for the sake of inside a theatre-a thing I have done a dozen getting them acted, or for convenience in acting; times myself, and Mr. Louis Parker, and other occasionally from a lingering desire to prove that dramatists I could name. Here is then a trap the drama may still be literature; hardly ever to set for such a dramatist—who, if he omits to put make money by their sale. on his title-page a statement which the custom It has been proved by the notorious “Harry of the profession has made quite unnecessary, Wall” cases that the public needs to be pro. forfeits-according to this new Bill—every penny tected in the matter of songs whose “perform- of author's fees which that play might have ing right” is reserved. Singers know so well brought him in. that, in nearly all cases, a musician is only “Ă Lawyer," in your last issue, asked for some too glad to have his song performed without practical suggestion, not mere destructive criti- charge, that they are apt to take a song and sing cism. I would suggest that the omission of the it as a matter of course, without asking questions: words “ or dramatic” in clause 5, section 7, of thus falling into the trap set for them by any Lord Monkswell's Bill would remedy a defect owner of a copyright who desires, in effect, to which, as it stands, must set every dramatist blackmail them. And the custom of the pro- against the Bill. And I may add that the fession is so universal that a composer who did Dramatic Sub-committee of the Authors' Society not wish his songs to be performed gratis would were unanimous on this point. know that he must specially announce the fact; EDWARD Rose. so that there is no hardship in his being legally 30, Lynd obliged to do this. Dec. 8, 1900. But the plea of public advantage cannot be 11. put forward in the case of dramatic works; at “A Lawyer” raises very courteously and clearly least it cannot be put forward with truth. When certain points which I anticipated would be raised, members of the public desire to perform a modern and which I respectfully submit are unsound. In ## p. 139 (#193) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 139 reference to clause 5, section 7, he writes : “It rights, copyright and stage-right, for the author's appears that if a book” of a play is published life and for thirty or fifty years after his death- without the notice” reserving the performing rights which must be separately assigned even if to right, “the question will be: Did the author the same person, so that the assignment of the assent to the book being published in the par- one did not convey the other unless it were ticular form and without this notice ?” To me specifically mentioned — what more would any it appears that under that section the question author want. The writer of books would be will be: Did the owner of the copyright assent to protected, the writer of plays would be protected, the publication of the copy of the book, and there would be no vexatious formalities, and the as a matter of fact does it or does it not pirate would be checkmated. Rather than throw contain this notice? The owner might very well the whole subject into confusion, for the sake assent to the publication and forget all about the of protecting vocalists who innocently sing copy. notice, or even be unaware that any red tape was right songs--and this is where all the trouble necessary in so simple a matter. To justify “ A comes in---let them be dealt with hy a special Lawyer's" contention, the section should run: provision. " And that from such copy the notice was omitted I am sure we are all deeply grateful to Lord with the express assent of the owner of the copy. Monkswell for endeavouring to improve our right.” But it runs quite differently : “And that positions ; but apart from the period of pro- such copy was published with the assent of the tection, playwrights are perfectly satisfied with owner of the copyright, and does not contain the the law as it stands, and I cannt agree with “A notice.” Lawyer” that in other respects, so far as play- “A Lawyer" dismisses as “ quite untenable” wrights are concerned, the Bill does anything but my view that “it inight even be argued that the make crooked what is already perfectly straight. section is retrospective”; but he does not point SYDNEY GRUNDY. out where the section provides that “such copy” must have been published after the Act has come into force. The section says simply, “a copy." III.--THE AMERICAN SOCIETY. I submit, it might be an old copy. If I were the The following paragraph has been takeu from judge, I should probably decide against this the bulletin of the Society of Am-rican Authors: view; but why leave the wording ambiguous ? REDUCTION OF POSTAGE ON AUTHORS' MSS. I quite agree with “A Lawyer" that my unclean The (American) Society proposes to resume actively its thief“ falls out of the frying-pan into the fire”; work for the reduction of postage on authors' MSS. upon but that is no answer to the argument. However the opening of Congress in December. Every author is much he may be punished elsewhere for his interested in this matter, and shoald give the Society his or immorality, his theft is condoned. “A Lawyer". À L . her earnest support and assistance A personal interview or a letter to a member of Congress will be of material does not controvert the fact that Lord Monkswell, benefit. in his anxiety to boycott the immoral author, has In the same magazine there is an article on taken the immoral thief to his bosom. It 18 a Authors v. Publishers, by an American publisher. quaint vindication of virtue. who states as follows: On reflection, does not clause 5, section 5, mise One reason why the agent is less in evidence in this the whole question of morality in art ? Just as country than in Eogland is the greater loyalty of American the defaulting speculator may plead gaming as a authors to their publishers. Over there you will find a defence, might not the pirate say of any play : successful writer often represented in the lists of many * What you accuse me of stealing is immoral, different publishers. Here there is a much greater tendency therefore there is no copyright? ” Even if the among authors to stay by the houses that have made a success of their works and that have become identified with pirate be estopped from raising this defence, might them, and this tendency is not encouraging to the activity the point not be raised by the judge on a question of the literary agent, among the more successful of them at of non-suit, and a profound problem in ethics be any rate. substituted for a simple question of copyright ? We should like to point out, however, that What is the use of this section ? There is already there is no question of loyalty between an author a law to deal with immorality, sedition, &c. ; why and a publisher, it is merely a matter of business. mix them up with copyright? One reason why the successful writer in Eng- “A Lawyer” says my remarks are “entirely land has taken lately to changing his publisher destructive." Maj I call his attention to the has been fully explained in last month's Author. penultimate passage of my article, and ask him The publisher binds the author to him for two to consider how much ground is covered by the and sometimes three successive books, with the suggestion it contains ? If there were vested in disastrous result, as shown exhaustively in the every literary work two separate and distinct article referred to, that he practically neglects the VOL. II. ## p. 140 (#194) ############################################ 140 THE AUTHOR. pushing of the author's book beyond a certain Is this matter one which, like royalty and limit, as he feels quite safe in securing the next advertising accounts, must be necessarily confided two. This treatment at the hands of a publisher to the virtue of the publisher ? Or, would the naturally makes the author turn to someone who publisher's contention be that in the event of such will treat him better. an infringement an author's action would lie, if The English author is as willing as the anywhere, against the reader personally ? American author to keep his books in the hands of one publisher if that publisher will give him A RISKY JOB. a fair contract and will take an interest in pusbing The inquiry is not without interest because of the work he produces. the likelihood of unconscious appropriation. I Another reason why sometimes the publisher know an aspiring playwright who wished to have is changed does not spring from the author, but his efforts examined by Mr. Bronson Howard, springs froin the competition in the publishing the dean of our dramatists. Mr. Howard cour- trade. teously refused. He said that once he had The following paragraph comes from the same innocently embodied in one of his own pieces an paper : pisode contained in a friend's manuscript play D. APPLETON AND COMPANY INCORPORATED. which had been submitted to him for his advice. The D. Appleton Company, of New York City, with a The play had been forgotten, but the incident capital of 3,000,000 dollars, has been incorporated. The stuck in a corner of his mind, and when he found purposes for which the company is to be formed are to it there, many years afterwards, it had all the ear- purchase, acquire, and carry on the book-printing and pub- lishing and other business of D. Appleton and Company, marks of an original idea. His angry friend the Appleton Manufacturing Company, and the A. J. accused him of treachery and theft, and he then Johnson Company, and to continue and carry on the publi. and there solemnly vowed never again to read an cations heretofore owned and carried on by said corpora- unproduced or unprinted dramatic composition. tions. Mr. Howard's experience is common enough, I daresay. From the author's standpoint, the ideal manuscript reader is a person to whom the career AMERICAN LETTER. of writer is an accursed and forbidden thing, but where such a rarity can be found the publisher New York City, Dec. 11, 1900. neither knows nor cares. He relies pleasantly upon the average honesty of mankind. Moreover, I UST a publishing house insure an author ' lax treatment of manuscripts occasionally pre- V against the possible dishonesty of its vails here which might disturb our authors were manuscript readers The other day a there not counter-irritants. One editor, for young and unknown writer submitted a manu- example, is in the habit of reading unpublished script novel for the consideration of a New York and unaccepted manuscripts to his family and to publisher. At the conclusion of the introductory the guests fortunate enough to be within his interview the author asked for a guarantee that hospitable gates. In theory, at least, this prac. in case the book was declined, none of her ideas tice has its risks. would be stolen, consciously or unconsciously, by the editorial examiners in the publisher's employ. MARK TWAIN AT HOME. The publisher was amused, surprised, and ulti. The public welcome of Mark Twain to his mately puzzled. He had some difficulty in con. native land came somewhat tardily, but for the vincing himself that the request was unreasonable. past month Mr. Clemens has been dined, supped, The author argued that the publisher was in the and breakfasted to the content of his heart and legal position of a voluntary bailee of literary the probable damage of his digestion. His friends property, for the integrity of which he was tempo. and fellow-craftsmen were curious to learn in rarily responsible. He would be clearly liable what way Mr. Clemens's residence in England if the manuscript itself were stolen by a clerk. had affected his Americanism. Their curiosity But the extraordinary nature of the property has now been appeased. Before Mr. Clemens's exposes it to extraordinary danger, which must sea legs had adjusted themselves, he procured the be considered by one dealing in it. What arrest and punishment of a rapacious New York if the conception of the story were stolen by the cabman who overcharged his cook. Sad to relate, publisher's reader, afflicted with the perilous it is unusual here thus to sacrifice time and combination of dishonesty and cacoethes scribendi? take trouble to improve the public service, This particular publisher speedily discovered the and Mr. Clemens's course awakened inuch favour. solution of the problem. He declined the manu- able comment, in which it was pointed out that script without further delay. this was the “ London way of doing things." ## p. 141 (#195) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 141 Moreover, the episode gave Mr. Clemens a chance Edward Bok, director of the Ladies' Home to coin one of his characteristically neat phrases, Journal. Mr. Bok is going forth a-lecturing this wbich ran : “Every good citizen is an unclassified winter upon the general subject of editorial policeman.” It has been announced that, under methods and the way to meet them. His pro- a special agreement, Mr. Clemens will write exclu. spectus promises a complete disclosure of the sively for the house of Harper and Brothers. secrets of the prison house. He will explain, he You doubtless know that Mr. W. D. Howells is says, why bad manuscripts are accepted and why bound by a similar agreement to the same firm; good manuscripts are declined; he will set forth furthermore, he serves the house regularly as the advantages and the disadvantages of a per- literary adviser-in-chief, and writes a department sonal acquaintanceship with the editor, and the in its monthly magazine. With both Mr. Clemens truth about cliques in magazine offices; and he and Mr. Howells under their banner, the re- will tell the aspirants how to behave when they organised Harpers are resuming their march with interview a publisher, and coach them in the most a more hopeful and a firmer stride. approved systems of compelling the acceptance of their manuscripts. Mr. Bok is a clever young REDUCING EXPENSES. man. Popular interest in the subject of his Mr. John Wanamaker, the proprietor of Every lecture is ready-made in advance, and success may body's Magazine, has latterly accomplished an be predicted for his venture, both in the sale of interesting divorce between the purely commercial tickets and in advertising the Ladies' Home and the purely literary sides of magazine making. Journal. The hint is worth cultivating, perhaps, Mr. Wanamaker is of a thrifty turn of mind, and in other fields. it occurred to him that the editorial expenses of Everybody's were making a hole in his profits. THE PUBLISHERS' ASSOCIATION. Query : Why support a separate editorial office In one direction there was significance in our for his monthly? Why not farm out the editing book trade, too often a meaningless mass of to some publishers whose plant is already volumes thrown helter skelter upon the market. equipped for such work, and who might be This year, however, there seemed to be a marked willing to job the editorial labour for a lump and commendable increase in sound, dignified sum, less than the amount which Mr. Wanamaker editions of the classics, designed primarily for the was compelled to pay for a private editorial season, but minus the conventionally flashy establishment ? No sooner said than done; it is adornments which are supposed to embellish the now reported, on what seems to be good autho usual Christmas publications. The Scribners rity, that the firm of Doubleday, Page and Co. offer a Dickens; the Harpers, a Scott; Crowell will hereafter edit Everybody's Magazine, select and Company advertise Balzac and Tolstoi ; the material, and layout its policy. Mr. Thomas Nelson has a new Thackeray; Brentano a Wanamaker prints it, sells it, and takes the “Pilgrim's Progress," and so on. The promised financial consequences. A scheme of this kind effect of the uew“ Publishers' Association " was allows a publishing concern to edit any number not in evidence, nor does it yet appear. Our of magazines at wholesale rates. In fact, Messrs. retail bookseller is having as hard a time as ever Doubleday and Page already have a periodical in his apparently hopeless competition with the of their own, called The World's Work. A vast large jobber, who can buy so many books from editorial clearing house is suggested by Mr. the publisher that he obtains an exceptional Wanamaker's enterprise. discount. Indeed, I am not aware that the heralded association has accomplished anything Mr. Bok Aş COACH. at all except the election of officers. The recent phenomenal success in this country of previously untried writers of fiction has had MR. KIPLING'S LAWSUIT. the effect of enormously increasing the output of Mr. Kipling's litigations in our courts always amateurs' manuscripts. It is a constant marvel attract attention. À deposition made by him how so many people find time to write so much. before a London notary was received the other Stimulated by the fact that two or three novelists day. It is one of the papers in the suit brought have become capitalists in a few years, the recruit by Mr. Kipling for alleged infringement of copy. ing lists of the army of would-be authors are right against various American publishers. It assuming proportions which are alarming. In will be remembered that he declares the “Out- this state of things one would think that the ward Bound ” edition, published by the Scribners, editors would only find despair and vexation of to be the only one authorised by him. The docu- spirit, but one editor, at least, proposes to turn ment recently received is voluminous, and said to the situation to profitable account. This is Mr. contain startling statements concerning American ## p. 142 (#196) ############################################ 142 THE AUTHOR. publishers, and facts relating to the editing and rearrangement of the Kipling stories. Upon the objection of the author's attorney, however, the reporters were not allowed to copy any of it. The trial is set for February, when the mysterious affidavit will be made public. John RUSSELL Davidson. -(1) That of the elder of the two sons of the vivacious “Gyp” (Comtesse de Martel); (2) that of the unfortunate Mr. Oscar Wilde ; (3) that of M. Armand Fresnau, the blind senator, who died leaving in a half-finished condition his interesting “Mémoires Parlementaires," a voluminous autobiography, which he was dictat- ing to his younger daughter ; (4) that of Mme. Edgar Quinet, whose • Cinquante ans d'amitié” appeared a few months ago; and (5) that of M. Edmond Tarbé, an esteemed Parisian journalist, dramatist, and novelist. PARIS LETTER. 4 bis, rue des Beaux-Arts. M. ZOLA ON THE MODERN NOVEL. T HE death of M. J. Valfrey, who (under the MM. Théodore Cahu and Forest are the authors I pseudonym of “Whist ") had for years of a recent novel entitled “Vers la Paix,” which, contributed to the Figaro a series of among other dedicatory notices to crowned heads brilliant articles on foreign politics, occurred and illustrious personages, contains one addressed immediately after the despatch of my last letter to M. Emile Zola, who " shook the world without A man of high moral value, remarkable insight, a sword and conquered it without an army.” The and lofty ideal, he, nevertheless, can scarcely be “ Travail ” of the latter author is now appearing regarded as a typical Parisian writer, since, in serial form in the Aurore, while his “ Assom- despite his superior abilities, he never occupied moir” has just scored a big success at the Porte- the prominent position in the public eye and Saint-Martin Theatre. The great novelist lately sympathy to which Francisque Sarcey, Pierre expressed himself in the following terms when Véron, and other lesser journalists attained. asked his opinion re the tendency of the modern Characteristic anecdotes of the man himself are novel :- strangely lacking, considering the importance “Nothing is more difficult than to determine attached to his political articles by European the evolutions of literature. .. You cannot diplomatists. Of bourgeois origin, he quitted follow a straight line; ... the novel is a his native Besançon, and established himself at social and human manifestation. It goes from an early age in Paris, where having attracted , one Pole to the other, from realism to idealism attention by several historical appreciations whose (réve) in obeying multiple evolutions. It under merit was at once recognised-he entered the goes continual fluctuations. In addition, the diplomatic corps under the patronage of Count geniuses, yet unborn, who will displace and Chaudordy. In 1878 the Conservatives went out change everything, have to be taken into of power. At that moment Valfrey, who filled account. ... the posts of Minister-Plenipotentiary and member “Does the novel show a greater bias towards of the Superior Commission of the Quai d'Orsay perversity and obscenity than towards honest and Archives, was about to become Ambassador. He healthy passions ? Qui en sait-on ? There are steadfastly refused to continue in office under the filthy minds everywhere.... Certain works new Ministry, preferring to share the downfall of are necessary to certain people. . . . his friends. He, however, consented to remain a “I believe in a humanity which advances—as member of the Quai d'Orsay Commission. Shortly much from a literary as a social point of view. after he became a contributor to the Moniteur Humanity is, advancing some-whither. Slowly it Universel, and it paramount authority on all directs itself towards its goal-three steps for- questions connected with foreign politics. He ward, two backward. But the ground gained quitted the Moniteur to enter the Figaro staff, remains. The truths acquired can never more where he remained until his death. become errors.... “Upright in all his actions, a sure and faithful “Since, in the domain of science, ideas have friend, benevolent, tolerant, ironical without enlarged, it would be singular if writers did not gall, witty without bitterness, never blindly con- advance also-not towards more genius, but demning his adversaries, but professing for the towards more truth. And if there be a dénoue- convictions of others the respect he demanded ment, it will be that of the art of reality. The for his own”-such is the testimony borne him oscillations of the pendulum of literature are by his comrades of the Figaro. more and more lengthened towards truth, more and Five other deaths connected with literature more shortened towards error. For myself, I am have likewise occurred during the past month : inclined to believe that--if there be a return to ## p. 143 (#197) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 143 idealism-it will be only temporary. ... The future belongs to the novel of observation.” FOREIGN INFLUENCES. One of the most important results of the great Exhibition from a literary point of view has, perhaps, been the stimulus given to public curiosity regarding the national literature of the late foreign guests of France. The immense success of Count Wodzinoki's translations of the "Quo Vadis” and “Par le Feu et par le Feu" of the celebrated Polish novelist, M. Henry Sienkiewicz, has paved the way for a crowd of foreign authors. Judging from appearances, the translation of “La Mort des Dieux”—a romance of the life of the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, by M. Dmitry de Merejkowsky, one of the most talented chiefs of the younger school of Russian novelists-is also likely to boast more than a hundred editions. Meantime Mme. Judith Gautier is engaged in dramatising the famous Japanese legend of the Cavalier and the Geisha, M. Emile Moreau having just concluded the same friendly office for "Quo Vadis” - which play is now being rehearsed at the Purte-Saint-Martin Theatre. Nor have representative Spanish and German artistes had any reason to do otherwise than applaud the welcome received, as both Senor Diaz de Mendoza and Fraülein Marie Barkany can respectively testify. Japan is further represented by an interesting account of the Japanese novel published in the Revue des Revues by M. Hitomi, delegate of the Formosa Government; while extracts from Lord Rosebery's impartial and masterly work on Napoleon have. appeared in several journals and met with general appreciation and approval. M. Augustin Filon's French translation of the latter volume will shortly be issued by Hachette. MESSIEURS LES ÉTUDIANTS. The newly-founded Society of the “ Restaurant Co-operatif des Étudiants du Quartier Latin "- due to the praiseworthy initiative of M. Henri Hayem, a young legal student of that quarter- cannot be too highly commended. Its object is to provide a good and healthy repast to the needy student—the chrysalis author and embryo genius -at a minimum fee. It inculcates habits of temperance by strictly prohibiting the sale of alcohol on its premises. A capital of 30,000 francs is secured by means of 1200 shares at 25 francs each. A first deposit of 2 francs 50 centimes is required, the remainder of the 25 francs being accumulated by the payment of a halfpenny per meal. With two meals per day, in less than eight months the student becomes the owner of a share which brings him in 4 per cent. interest. On the administrative council of the society we find the names of M. Charles Gide, Professor we find the names of of Social Economy at the Ecole de Droit, and M. Tannery, sub-director of the Superior Normal School. The association entitled “Solidarité universi- taire” is also of recent origin and merits encouragement. It endeavours to draw together poor students of all nationalities, in order to aid them in gaining a livelihood by procuring them suitable employment, —-viz., summaries of impor- tant works, bibliographical referenda, transla- tions of foreign books and memoranda, copies of extracts, or architectural designs, &c. A com- petent committee superintends the careful execu- tion of any work entrusted to the association. During the six months the “Solidarité univer- sitaire” has been in existence it has received, and satisfactorily carried out, orders amounting to a total of 7000 francs. MODERN Æsthetics. “ The people have a right to beauty. .. The education of the people is achieved little by little. The first step is to give it a taste for the theatre... It is the imperious duty of a democracy to invite all its children to spectacles of artistic beauty. Art, like science, is a universal property.” The above phrases form part of the creed of M. Gustave Charpentier, the young and talented composer of Louise. He has endeavoured to realise his generous theories by asking the dramatic authors of the French stage to relin- quish their “ billets d'auteur" every Monday, so that “a spectacle of artistic beauty" may rejoice, once a year, the unaccustomed eyes of the thirty thousand little workwomen of Paris. The boon he asks means only a small sacrifice to the wealthy and popular dramatist. But what about the young and needy play-writer who dares not avow his poverty-whom the proposed innovation must necessarily rob of the few luxuries which he has so dearly earned, and so rarely enjoys ? Space forbids more than a passing mention of the foundation of the College of Modern Æsthetics, “ société d'art et de solidarité," directed by M. Saint-Georges de Bouhélier, the young chief of the naturalistic school. Its aim is to inculcate the cult of beauty, to group the new artists, and to form a kind of common meeting place where poets, authors, painters, musicians, sculptors, can meet and fraternize together. M. Emile Zola has accepted the post of honorary president to the new college. RECENT PUBLICATIONS. “L'Aiglon," of M. Edmond Rostand, in book form, whose sale--through some publishing ruse ## p. 144 (#198) ############################################ 1:44 THE AUTHOR. -was reported to have reached its fifty-first that the annual subscriptions will be partly- edition in a single day; “L'Auteur Mondain,' a namely, two-thirds-transferred to the principal most interesting roman à clef, dealing with the account. Thus out of every $100 subscribed literary and Academical side of Parisian life, annually, £66 will go to swell the capital and £33 written by M. Edmond Deschaumes, the friend odd will be available for pension purposes. In of Alexandre Dumas fils, and the bermit of a this way, every £100 of subscriptions will in little “ Trappe” at Marly-le-Roi; “Au pays ten years' time become £660 of additional capital, Natal,” by M. Henry Bordeaux, being the first wbile £330 will have been used for pension pur- novel of the young and brilliant critic of the poses. We begin in February next with a Revue Hebdomadaire ; “ Newman, sa vie et ses modest income, therefore, available for pensions Euvres,” by Mlle. Lucie Faure, daughter of of about £54. This is not much, but it is a good the late French President; and the thirteenth beginning, and the constitution of the Fund with edition, augmented and revised, of M. Dieula. the names of the trustees and of the committen foy's celebrated "Manuel de Pathologie Interne," of management will certainly inspire confidence. whose sale has long since broken the literary - record of French pathological works. “ La Demi République," by M. Léouzon Le Duc, a volume Meantime, the members of the Society must of notes and reflections on the political condition realise that in creating this Fund we are doing of France, which has given rise to much discus. for Literature what has never been done before : that sion in certain circles; “Les Deux Étreintes," a the success of the Fund concerns every member, sensational novel, by M. Léon Daudet; “Un rich or poor, because it is the interest of the Homme d'Affaires," a volume of short tales by richer members that Literature shall support M. Paul Bourget; and “ Amour, amour ------ " by those who are broken down in their work, and M. Pierre Veber, a journalist, novelist, critic, and because there is no member who may not look dramatist, well acquainted with the humours of forward to possible help from this source? It the Parisian public. becomes, therefore, the plain duty of every DARRACOTTE SCOTT. member to help on the Fund. The Committee want the scheme to be supported by all alike : but they do not expect from everybody large sub- NOTES AND NEWS. scriptions. Those who cannot afford to give largely may send up annual subscriptions of quite small IT had been intended to present, especially for sums. They need not be in the least ashamed of this small amount. The great thing is that, | the information of those publishers who go about saying that the Society of Authors among the 1500 members of the Society, we has done “no harm," meaning that it has should get a recognition of the principle that the effected for the authors no good, a short account time for begging of the public has gone by, and of what the Society has actually accomplished in that Literature should be well able, like any spite of the enormous difficulties which at the other profession, to keep those of its members outset stood in its way. It bad also been intended who are old, or sick, or broken down. to present some of the possibilities of the Society and the aims which the members ought to keep Consider in how prosperous a condition the before themselves. It has been found impossible Pension Fund would be if 1200 of the members for various reasons to carry out this intention for could give it each ios. a year! That would mean the January number. It is, however, hoped that we £600 a year, or £400 transferred to capital and shall be able to do so for the following number £200 given in pensions every year. In ten years there would be from this source alone £4000, or £100 a year, which with the third of the subscrip- It has been suggested that a very useful con. tions would give us £300 a year for Pensions : tribution to these pages would be a few plain and ten at £30 a year, or six at £50 a year. simple directions as to the publication of books at the cost of the authors. For many reasons this The Society has been created and has so information is very much wanted. The Author in an early number will supply it. far been successfully run on the principle of united action for the defence of literary pro. perty. We ask now for an extension of the The Pension List (see p. 134) has made a very principle, viz., for united action in the main- fair start. The principal starts with an investment tenance of the few who want lifelong assistance. of over £1250 and with a promised subscription, to Surely in such a cause we shall not ask in vain! begin with, of £100 odd. It must be remembered WALTER BESANT, ## p. 145 (#199) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. -145 ON BOOKS AND REVIEWS. the n+ith edition. But, when they have time to read, they do buy the works of those novelists TN another columu will be found a letter from who can write; to whom they can look with con- 1 a correspondent who advances two proposi. fidence for a few hours' magnetic absorption ; tions: first, that authors do not buy books, whom they have learned to respect and to trust. and next, that reviews are intended for the guidance And I find that the libraries of these novelists of readers. With regard to the first proposition, continually grow : on their shelves you will find one would object that those authors who write many of the best novels of the day-not all the on special subjects, whether of history, politics, best, not the most popular, perhaps, but some literature, or social science in any branch : of the best, with a catholic taste for all kinds theology in any of its branches : educational books among the best. That these shelves also contain in any branch: political economy : science of the other new books on other subjects is an indication past and present: trade and commerce : mechanics and a measure of their general culture, in which it and engineering : travel and geography: anthro. will not be pretended that novelists are behind the pology: surgery and medicine : physiology, or, rest of the educated world. indeed, any other subject on which there exists a literature, must have a library and must buy the new books on their own subjects. This disposes The second proposition is that reviewing, or of a very large number of authors--by far the criticism, is intended as it guide to readers. The vreater number--who must be excepted from this statement assumes a very limited function for the proposition. We may take next essayists; critic. That the reader should turn to the critics; those who, without being critics, write columns of criticism for guidance is natural, but appreciative, and in some cases delightful, papers these columns are by no means necessarily and books on literary subjects and on writers; meant for him. They are-or should be, which and those who devote themselves to one author is not quite the same thing-designed, first of all, to whose life, letters, friends, and circumstances to mark and to illustrate the present condition they devote the best of their own lives; such an of literature: to maintain a standard, and to one for instance as the late Dykes Campbell, keep before the world the canons of criticism. whose labours on Coleridge will be remembered They are designed, in the next place, to consider long after most of the present generation of the work of an author by means of these canons : writers are clean forgotten. All these writers to examine into the original intention of his must have a library : must keep up with their work, and to show how that intention has been own subjects: must find new material continually, carried out, with special reference to other condi- and must buy new books. Then follow the tions in the work. In poetry and fiction the poets. My own experience is that poets are the artistic treatment of the subject must be con. most “ literary ” of all men : that they delight, sidered ; in didactic work, lucidity of expression above all others, in a library: and that they buy and clearness of ideas; in history and biography all the new books which attract them. As regards the building up of character, the following of the dramatists, my experience is smaller. So far, effect on cause; and in every case, style. The it amounts to this, that every thing which belongs critic therefore is--or should be, which, again, is to a theatre, to the history of the drama, to the not the same thing--the watchdog of literature. lives of players, interests them, and that they buy refusing an entrance to the aspirant except on books on these subjects, and delight in improving conditions : he should also be the judge. the and increasing their libraries. Lastly, there re. corrector, the admonisher, the distributor of mains the Noble Company of Novelists. Perhaps praise or condemnation to the writer under con. my correspondent, in speaking of “authors,” was sideration. If he is a bad critic he may be thinking of novelists. Even if that was the case, easily known and recognised by his refraining can his proposition be allowed? Some novelists, we from praise--because, which is evident if you must remember, are not rich : they cannot afford think of it, praise commits him to something the luxury of buying books. Some, again, are definite, a thing from which his incompetence absorbed in their own work, and pay little atten. naturally shrinks. Fault-finding of a petty kind tion to other writers, except in the intervals of is, however, easy for anyone : it requires no their own work. My own proposition would be kind of critical power, and no kind of critical this. Those novelists who can afford to buy books cultivation. Even the bad critic, however, does do not go to the stall and take the first that not write professedly to guide the reader; he offers : nor do they follow the opinions of the still keeps up the ancient tradition that he is reviewers—for there is no consent among them; called upon to pronounce a judgment on the nor do they buy a book because it is labelled as in author. ## p. 146 (#200) ############################################ 146 THE AUTHOR. Of course, there is a kind of “reviewing” which “Noticing," not reviewing or criticising, is meant may be frankly intended as a guide to the reader. by the “Jumping” of books. Merely in order to In this kind must be classed the “reviews” of “notice,” it is certainly not necessary to read: one books which are all lumped together, a dozen in may skim-even then it must be weary, dreary, a batch, with a few lines—say a dozen or twenty dreadful work-half a dozen books a day. The -devoted to each. The question is whether reduction to an absurdity is when half a dozen these paragraphs, mostly vague and uncertain, columns or so are every year devoted to Christmas can or do guide any conceivable reader. For my books. I suppose that no one would pretend that own part I very much doubt it. The ordinary any reader could possibly be influenced by the line reader passes them over: why should he read or two devoted to one book among so many. The them? Why should he pay the least attention reason for these columns is, presumably, to please to them? Among a dozen weak and flabby publishers, whose advertisements are certainly an sentences or clauses—they are certainly not judg. important consideration. Now publishers seem ments-concerning as many new books, unread, quite satisfied--I do not understand why-with what is there to arrest his mind, or to remain in a single vague line that they can quote. his memory? It must be borne in mind that the writer of notices " in the lump” cannot possibly, as a rule, read the books about which he prattles. The reviews of books in a lump: the columns Let us take the Spectator for an illustration of of small type under various names : the “ literary what I mean. If the columns called “Novels of the supplement”: are all survivals of eighty or a Week” are written by one person-they certainly hundred years ago. The reading public was then have a show of internal evidence which points to small; it was also scholarly and critical; the their proceeding from one pen—then that most production of books was limited. There was, unfortunate person-presumably, still from in. it is true, a certain amount of rubbish produced ternal evidence, a woman-is actually obliged to by aspirants, who were received with a savage read eight novels, each, say, of 320 pages, or onslaught and a merciless belabouring which are 2560 pages in all, every week: that is to say, one very rightly regarded at the present day as simply novel and a third every day; she has then to dish blackguard. There are still one or two organs up some kind of paragraph on each from ten to where the old blackguard slating is allowed, but five-and-twenty lines in length-even sometimes as they are few, happily. Apart from the feeble much as forty or fifty lines. Now let anyone ask bleatings in verse and fiction, such as are now himself what sense of art, of literary style, of courteously allowed to die unnoticed, every book instruction, of characterisation, of dramatic power was received as a literary event which demanded would be left to a helpless reviewer week by week of a serious critical judgment. The monthly maga- one novel and a third every day, together with the zine first, and the literary journals next, supplied spinning of the paragraph proffered as—what ?- this judgment. What followed was this: a a criticism? It cannot be a criticism. A judg- rapid increase in the production of books; an ment? Of eight books in a week ? A review? enormous, increase of readers; a consequent With no time to think over the various essentials increase in the demand for new books; the which are required in a novel, and no time even natural springing up of a supply to meet the to look for them in the pages of the book? A popular taste for what can hardly be called litera- “notice”? Yes : it may be a“ notice," because a ture; the continually increasing demand for new "notice" may mean anything. What is generally reading; and, with all this, the survival of the proffered is a brief and bald sketch of the plot. old tradition that every book is a literary event, Now, for a reviewer of a novel to reveal the plot is and that every book must necessarily pass through by mauy considered as a breach of confidence. the critical mill. In this way we arrive naturally As for intelligent criticism : for the application at the “review” of books in a lump: at the of any canons of criticism : for the presenta small type columns of “brief notices": at the tion of an artistic point of view: for a com- "literary supplement”: at the transformation of parison of the author's conception and inten. “criticism” into “notices”: and with all this, tion with his execution-you may look in at the decay, which might have been expected, those columns yourselves, and form your own in the respect due even to books which with. judgment. I have named the Spectator : of out doubt do belong to literature. A most course, there are many other papers which do the amazing and instructive example of this decay "lumping” business If the columns referred to in the mere power of recognising genius, or even are done by more than one hand, the remarks importance in literature, was furnished some few about the time bestowed on reviewing each book years ago, when, in a certain important literary must be taken as referring to some other paper, journal, a novel by George Meredith-by George ## p. 147 (#201) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 147 Meredith, if you please, no less !-was actually him see that I noticed it, and shaking him received and “reviewed” in a vague little para cordially by the hand, invited him to be seated, graph between two novels by a couple of school when he began :- girls or their equivalent! “Mr. Sartain, I have come to you for a refuge and protection ; will you let me stay with you ? It is necessary to my safety that I lie concealed The old tradition must be abandoned if for a time.” criticism is to return to its former authority and I assured him that he was welcome, that in my position. The review of a book must become house he would be perfectly safe, and he could a distinction and a recognition. One does not stay as long as he liked, but I asked him what demand that there should be nothing but praise. was the matter. He said it would be difficult for We call for criticism which shall be an intelligent me to believe what he had to tell, or that such judgment by an educated and competent critic, things were possible in this nineteenth century. I able to administer praise, to point out failings, to made him as comfortable as I could, and then consider, in fact, a work from the literary point of proceeded with my work, which was pressing. view. There are, indeed, very few such critics in After he had had time to calm down a little he told this country : but there are some : and there are me that he had been on his way to New York, quite enough for the few papers which are likely but he had overheard some men who sat a few to make a bid for the lost position of literary seats back of him plotting how they should kill authority which has been held from time to time him and then throw him off from the platform of by certain papers, and may be again achieved by the car. · He said they spoke so low that it would those papers whose editors care for such a position. have been impossible for him to hear and under- It should be a most desirable position for a journal: stand the meaning of their words had it not been it is one which would command the attention and that his sense of hearing was so wonderfully the respect of scholars and all who love literature: acute. They could not guess that he heard them, it would attract readers : and, in the long run, as he sat so quiet and apparently indifferent to it would com pel advertisements. It requires, in what was going on, but when the train arrived at the first place, a literary editor competent by Bordentown station he gave them the slip and natural gifts and by education : entirely free remained concealed until the cars moved on from the little coteries and schools ” of the club again. He had returned to Philadelphia by the smoking-room : and able to make his selections first train back and hurried to me for refuge. without respect to persons and without the rolling I told him that it was my belief the whole of logs. As regards the books to be selected, there scare was the creation of his own fancy, for what are certainly not more books published every year interest could those people have in taking his than would give a selection important enough life, and at such risk to themselves ? He said, one does not say good enough, but important “It was for revenge.” “ Revenge for what?” enough — to fill all the columns of a literary said I. He answered, “ Well, a woman trouble.” paper. In the matter of novels alone, two might Now and then some fragmentary conversation be selected every week—this was forinerly the passed between us as I engraved, and shortly I wholesome and intelligent practice of the began to perceive a singular change in the current Saturday Review. Can anyone pretend that there of his thoughts. From such fear of assassination are more than one hundred novels every year which his mind gradually veered round to an idea of are worthy of the distinction and the recognition self-destruction, and his words clearly indicated --evea for condemnation-bestowed by a com this tendency. After a long silence he said, sud- petent and serious criticism in the columns of a denly : “ If this moustache of mine were removed literary paper of authority ? W. B. I should not be so readily recognised; will you lend me a razor, that I may shave it off ? ” I told him that as I never shaved I had no razor, but if he wanted it removed I could readily do it POE'S LAST DAYS. for him with scissors. Accordingly I took him to the bath room and performed the operation suc- M HE last time I saw Poe was late in 1849, cessfully. and then under such peculiar and almost After tea, it being now dark, I saw him prepar- fearful conditions that the experience can ing to go out; and on my asking him where he never fade from my memory. Early one Monday was going, he said, “To the Schuylkill.” I told afternoon he suddenly entered my engraving room him I would go too; it would be pleasant in the looking pale and haggard, with a wild and moonlight later, and he offered no objection. He frightened expression in his eyes. I did not let complained that his feet hurt him, being chafed ## p. 148 (#202) ############################################ 148 THE AUTHOR. by his shoes, which were worn down on the outer boiling spirits. He asked me if I would not like side of the heel. So for ease and comfort he wore to take a drink. I declined, but had I said yesy my slippers, which he preferred to my shoes as what do you suppose would have happened ?' less ill-fitting. When we had reached the corner I said I could not guess. of 9th and Chesnut streets we waited for an “Why, I should have been lifted over the brim omnibus some minutes, which were passed in con- and dipped into the hot liquid up to the lip, like versation, and among the many things he said Tantalus.” was that he wished I would see to it after his “Yes,” said I, “but that would have killed death that the portrait Osgood had painted for him you.” should go to his mother (meaning Mrs. Clemm). “Of course it would,” said he, “that's what I promised that as far as I could control it that they wanted ; but, you see, again I escaped the should be done. After getting the omnibus we spare. So, at last, as a means to torture me and rode to its stopping place, a little short of Fair. wring my heart, they brought out my mother, mount, opposite a tavern on the north side of Mrs. Clemm, to blast my sight by seeing them Callowhill-street, at the bend it makes to the first saw off her feet at the ankles, then her legs north-west to reach the bridge over the river. At to the knees, her thighs at the hips, and so on." the spot a bright light shone out through the The horror of the imagined scene threw him open door of the tavern, but beyond all was pitchy into a sort of convulsion. This is but a very dark. However, forward into the darkness we faint sample of the talk I listened to up there in walked. I kept on his left side, and on approach the darkness. I had been all along expecting the ing the foot of the bridge guided him off to the moon to rise, forgetting how much it retarded right by a gentle pressure, until we reached the every evening, and the clouds hid the light of lofty flight of steep wooden steps which ascended the stars. It came into my mind that Poe might almost to the top of the reservoir. There was a possibly in a sudden fit of frenzy leap freely landing with seats, and we sat down to rest. At forth with me in his arms into the black depth this time I had contrived to hold him in conversa below, so I was watchful and kept on my guard. tion, except while we were labouring breathless I asked him how he came to be in Moyamensing up that long, breakneck flight of stairs. prison. He answered that he had been suspected There he told me his late experiences, or what of tryirg to pass a fifty-dollar counterfeit note. he believed to be such, and the succession of The truth is, he was there for what takes so many images that his imagination created he expressed there for a few hours only—the drop too much. in a calm, deliberate, measured utterance as facts. I learned later that, when his turn came in the These were as weird and fantastic as anything to motley group before Mayor Gilpin, someone said, be met with in his published writings. Of course, “Why, this is Poe, the poet," and he was dis- it is altogether beyond me to convey even a faint missed without the customary fine. idea of his wild descriptions. When he alluded to his mother, which was. “I was confined in a cell in Moyamensing always with feelings of affectionate devotion, it prison,” said he, "and through my grated window was not his own natural mother, who died when was visible the battlemented granite tower. On he was in his infancy, but Mrs. Clemm, his. the topmost stone of the parapet, between the mother-in-law. embrasures, stood perched against the dark sky a I suggested at last that as it appeared we were young female, brightly radiant, like silver dipped not to have the moon we might as well go down in light, either in herself or in her environment, again. He agreed, and we descended the steep so that the cross-bar shadows thrown from my stairway slowly and cautiously, holding well to window were distinct on the opposite wall. From the hand rails. Being down, I kept this time, on this position, remote as it was, she addressed to our return walk, on his right side, and did not me a series of questions in words not loud but suffer the conversation to flag. On arriving at distinct, and I dared not fail to hear and make the omnibus waiting for passengers at the tavern apt response. Had I failed once either to hear door I pressed gently against him and he raised or make pertinent answer, the consequences to me his foot to the step, but instantly recollecting would have been something fearful : but my himself drew back. I urged him in, and, being sense of hearing is wonderfully acute, so that I seated beside him, said: “You were saying ?” passed safely through this ordeal, which was a The conversation was resumed, I got him safe snare to catch me. But another was in store. home and gave him a bed on the sofa in the An attendant asked me if I would like to take a dining room, while I slept alongside him on three stroll about the place, I might see something · chairs without undressing. interesting, and I agreed. In the course of our On the second morning he appeared to have rounds on the ramparts we came to a cauldron of become so much like his old self that I trusted ## p. 149 (#203) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 149 him to go out alone. Rest and regular meals had had a good effect, although his mind was not yet entirely free from the nightmare. After an hour or two he returned, and then told me he had come to the conclusion that what I said was true; that the whole thing had been a delusion and a scare created by his own excited imagination. He said his mind began to clear as he lay on the grass, his face buried in it and his nostrils inhaling the sweet fragrance mingled with the odour of the earth. While he lay thus the words he had heard kept running in his thoughts, but he tried in vain to connect them with the speaker, and so the light gradually broke in upon his dazed mind and he saw that he had come out of a dream. Being now all right again, he was ready to depart from New York. He borrowed what was needful, and I never saw him again.-From “Recollections of a Very Old Man,” by John Sartain ; published in the United States. with my subject are handed to me, and I have to choose those which are suitable, and see that those which I reject are returned. Some of them are of course quite unsuitable, but others are of such a kin as can be held over for several months in favour of another class consisting of current matter. Authors of the class of article which can be held over have sometimes written to me as often as once a week, and the letters have not always been courteous, and occasionally imperti- nent, notwithstanding the fact that I have written to the author saying that I must hold the article over. I have also frequently received abusive letters from authors who have either not sent me an article at all, or have forgotten to write their name and address on their MSS., and do not mention the title of the article in the abusive letter. I offer this as an explanation of part, at any rate, of the complaints against editors. CHARLES WALKER. CORRESPONDENCE. I._USE OF THE SOCIETY'S NAME. M HE article describing a case of the unwarranted use of the Society's name, - published under the above heading in the December number of The Author, must suggest to many of the members of the Society that a very simple way of checking this abuse would be to publish the names of the offenders when, as was apparently the case in the instance in question, the name of the person is known to one of the officials or members of the Society. It is obvious, as stated in the article, that as the influence of the Society increases, so will this abuse, indeed it is very probable that the abuse will grow much more in proportion than does the influence of the Society. It is quite possible that at first such a course would involve the Society in some legal expenses, but the money would certainly not have been wasted. If the abuse grows, as it will unless some such drastic measure is adopted, it is very likely to become generally known among writers that the advantages of the Society may be enjoyed, to some extent at any rate, by those who are not members. Unfortunately, just those persons who are not a credit to the profession are those who will act upon such knowledge and are most likely to possess it. Besides this, the abuse must tend to prevent desirable people from joining the Society, and is an injustice to the members. For several years I have edited a department of a sporting weekly, and a large number of MSS. pass through my hands. The MSS. dealing II.-Do AUTHORS READ REVIEWS ? Authors, at any rate the majority, do not read reviews; consequently it has always struck me that the pages headed “ Books and Reviews," which frequently appear in The Author, are some- what out of place. Reviews are intended to guide readers, showing them what to read and what to let alone; thus a review appearing in a paper largely circulated amongst the reading public is always valuable ; but The Author is not intended for the reading public, it is for the writers of books who seldom care to read reviews of either their own or other writers' works. Then again, do authors buy books ? Putting aside the rich members of the profession, who, of course, subscribe to the circulating libraries, I do not suppose one author in a hundred ever thinks of buying a novel. I never bought one in my life, and would not do so on principle. A great number of authors are also reviewers; thus they obtain more general literature than they ever attempt to read. There is a pile (gradually increasing) of books in beautiful bindings and bearing nice titles, awaiting my attention now; by the time I have “reviewed” these books 1 shall be sick of reviews generally, even though they may appear in The Author. I venture to say that many writers feel like myself, so would it not be better to insert in place of “ Books and Reviews” some article of a technical nature interesting to the writers for whom The Author is intended ? J. BAGNALL-STUBBS. ## p. 150 (#204) ############################################ 150 THE AUTHOR. III.—LEGALISED Artistic ROBBERY. have often wondered why. No doubt a book The man who, without an author's consent, or which was“ most interesting” on the 15th of even knowledge, dramatises his work must have April may have entirely ceased to be so by the the instincts of a Houndsditch huckster, and Port. Ist of May. We live in fast times, and the minor land is too good for him. But I can conceive no author must not complain. But if the non- better advertisement for a young author than to appearance of the review had anything to do have his stories dramatised, even though he may with my refusal of my photograph and details of not receive a farthing on the dramatic profits, my “ career," there, I think, is a just cause of but it ougbt to be made compulsory, at any rate, complaint. It is surely a grievance if an author for the thief to state where he got his plot. just is to lose useful recognition of good poiots in his as goods are marked “Made in Germany," &c. work because he desires to remain anonymous. Commercial people are protected, so ought C. S. authors to be. To protect myself I have hit on a novel plan, which I believe would hold good. Having studied music, I wrote a dance, and BOOK AND PLAY TALK. having had a very laudatory letter about it from my kind friend, Herr Meyer Lutz, one of the NR. OSMUND AIRY has written a Memoir finest judges of theatrical dances in London, I of Charles the Second, which will be the had the music copyrighted and inserted in the next volume in Messrs. Goupil's splendid book. The story of the French Revolution lends illustrated series. It will contain reproductions itself for a dramatic piece, and anyone may turn from Van Dyck, Kneller, Cooper, Lely, and other it into a play. I care for nothing so long as I artists of the period. The book is expected to be am told of it, but if I were not informed of ready in April or May. it, I would quickly come down on them for infringing my musical copyright. This is one Professor Carnpbell Fraser has been preparing way of catching dramatic pickpockets, and I for some time a new issue of his edition of Bishop wonder others have not thought of it. Berkeley's complete works, which was published A YOUNG AUTHOR. by the Clarendon Press thirty years ago. This will be ready shortly in four large volumes, and contains new notes and introductions, with a short IV.—THE END OF THE CENTURY. memoir of Berkeley. The following curiosity in the ethics of modern Professor Joseph Wright. editor of the reviewing may be of interest to you or your « English Dialect Dictionary,” is engaged upon readers. In the spring of this year I published a an English dialect grammar. He is now collect- book-practically my first. About a fortnight after its appearance, I received through the publisher a very flattering letter from the editor as an aid in preparing the grammar, and partly in order to preserve for posterity a speaking record of a certain literary paper. It ran as follows: of the dialects of to-day. “ In the forthcoming issue of the there will appear a very favourable review of your A new and cheaper edition of Stevenson's most interesting new book, and I should very Letters which is being brought out will contain much like to reproduce your portrait in our several letters to Mr. Meredith and Mr. Kipling columns ... and should esteem it a great which have not been published before. favour if you would be good enough to send me Dr. William Bright, Regius Professor at some particulars of your work-how you came to Oxford, has finished a new work of ecclesiastical choose your present subject, and some details of history, “The Age of the Fathers.” your career.” I replied to this letter, as I felt, The Manchester Guardian of Dec. 10 contains most gratefully. There happened to be reasons why a review in this particular paper, and the an article on “ Some De Quincey Documents” opportunity of saying a few words about the which will be interesting to students of that writer. The documents which are quoted were disputed topic of my book, would be extremely useful to me. I, however, in the politest possible formerly in the possession of Mr. John Ludlow, a terms, declined to send my photograph for publi- Manchester correspondent of De Quincey. cation, or to say anything about my " career " Court life and the manners of Society during (which didn't happen to exist!). Never, from the reigns of the first two Georges is the subject that day to this—and I have patiently waited six of an historical work by Mr. W. H. Wilkins, months-have I heard a word more about the entitled “ Caroline of Anspach.” It will be pub- “very favourable review," nor has it appeared. I lished in two volumes by Messrs. Longmans. ## p. 151 (#205) ############################################ THE AUTHOR. 151 “ Fifty Years of Catholic Life and Progress in Mr. C. E. Clark has written a sequel to his England ” is the title of a new work which Mr. series of articles contributed to Pearson's Weekly. Percy Fitzgerald is writing. The record begins in It is entitled “More Mistakes We Make," and the time of Cardinal Wiseman, and will be in will be published by Messrs. Horace Marshall and two volumes, to be published by Mr. Fisher Son this month. Unwin. Lieut.-Col. E. Gunter has published (W.Clowes Mr. William Archer is editing a new edition of and Sons) a fifth edition of his well-known Henrik Ibsen's prose dramas, which Mr. Walter “Officer's Field Note and Sketch Book,” and a Scott is about to publish. Ten years have passed third edition of his “Outlines of Modern since the publi'ation of the collected edition in Tactics.” five volumes. “The translations," says Mr. Her Majesty the Queen has been pleased to Archer, “have served their purpose well enough, accept a copy of Major A. W. Pollock's new yet there was in all of them ample room for book " With Seven Generals in the Boer War" improvement. While they have in no case they have in no case (Skeffington and Sons, Piccadilly). seriously misrepresented the poet's meaning they have done some injustice to his manner, especially Miss Stella Düring, the author of “ Between the by laying too great stress on the colloquialism of Devil and the Deep Sea," “ In the Toils," &c., is bis dialogue. In the present edition innumerable bringing out a new novel entitled “ Outrageous small changes have been made, producing, it is Fortune," which will be run serially in the Argosy. hoped, a pervasive modification for the better. beginning this month. Many changes of greater individual importance A new romance by John Bloundelle-Burton bave also been made, with a view to reproducing entitled “ The Year One," a page of the French more accurately the finer shades of the poet's Revolution, will, by an appropriate coincidence, meaning." begin to appear serially in London and Australia Mr. Coulson Kernahan gave “Confessions of a in the first week of the new century. In the former Literary Adviser” at the London Institution on it will run in the Navy and Army Illustrated. Dec. 3. and incidentally told the following and will be illustrated by Mr. John Jellicoe: and. anecdote of the late Gustave Doré. When in the latter, in the pages of the Australasian Tennyson was nearing sixty years of age, and his the weekly edition of the Melbourne Argus. It fame might fairly be assumed to be world-wide, will be published later in the year by Methuen Mr. Edward Moxon, the publisher, decided to and Co., London. approach Doré and ask him to illustrate “Idylls Mr. W. B. Lappin, an author of the Emerald of the King.” After Doré had considered the Isle, has just returned to his home in the north proposal, he asked “ Who, then, is this Mr. Tenny. of Ireland after a visit to Rome, in which city he son?” intends to place the principal scenes of a new A collection of papers dealing with Mr. Henley's novel to be commenced early this year. essay on Burns, edited by Mr. John D. Ross, Miss M. A. Ellis has written a book on “The LL.D., is about to be published by Mr. Eneas Human Ear: Its Identification and Physi. Mackay, Stirling. The volume is to be called ognomy," chiefly in reference to the “non- “ Henley and Burns; or, The Critic Censured.” criminal” classes. It has just been published The two series of lectures delivered by Professor by Messrs. A. and C. Black. Courthope at Oxford on “Life in Poetry” and Mr. R. Brimlev Johnson, of 8, York-buildings, “ Law in Taste” will be published shortly by Adelphi, announces that from the beginning of Messrs. Macmillan. this year the Westminster Review will be issued Lady Gregory is editing a volume on “Ideals from his house. in Ireland,” which will contain contributions from A new periodical, entitled The Thrush, is to be Mr. W. B. Yeats, Mr. George Moore, Dr. Douglas published immediately. It is a novel and interest- Hyde, and others. One of the articles will be ing departure from ordinary ventures in modern printed in the Irish language and character. The journalism, being composed entirely of hitherto volume will be published by the Unicorn Press. unpublished poetry. The opening sonnet is from Under the title of “ England's Neglect of the pen of Dr. Richard Garnett, C.B., editor of Education" Professor John Perry, President of the the Standard Library of Famous Literature. It Institution of Electrical Engineers, has written a will endeavour to reach the masses and to foster plea for reforms in the educational system of and encourage the cult of poetry amongst the the country. The book will be published shortly people. The Thrush is to be published every by Mr. Fisher Unwin. month at 4d. ## p. 152 (#206) ############################################ 152 THE AUTHOR. “ The Flick of Fortune" is the title of a novel At a lecture delivered by Mr. Harry Furniss which Messrs. F. V. White and Co. announce. before the 0. P. Club in the Criterion Restaurant The author is Mr. Thomas Parkes, and the price on Dec. 9, several letters were read from authors of the book is 6s. on the subject of the conduct of theatre audiences Mr Poultney Bigelow's forthcoming book will on “first nights." Mr. Henry Arthur Jones said deal with the various colonial systems in existence, that "booing” was chiefly a matter of good or mainly from personal observation in various parts bad manners, and he did not think it had any of the world. The title will be: “ Colonisation very great influence one way or the other. and its Problems.". American audiences never “ boo'd” a piece ; they The daily papers are unanimous in speaking of simply walked out. Mr. George Grossmith said the Report on Technical Education by Mr. James “the audience has a perfect right to express its Baker, F.R.G.S., as a highly important and opinion in any way short of actual assault” ; and valuable work. The Times on Christmas Day he also referred to the American method as “less devoted a leader to it, and a large number of disconcerting to the players.” Mr. Wilson journals, including the Morning Post, Daily Barrett said he had “absolute proof that in five News, Standard, Daily Graphic, and most of instances disturbances were arranged before the the leading papers in Birmingham, Leeds, Man- performance began.” Mr. Bernard Shaw declared chester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Belfast, have that an opinion which could be conveyed by the .also given leaders upon the report. word “boo" was not worth expressing. “The first-night verdict, whether bellowed or written, An executive committee of representative Phila- is not worth a rap on the box-office.” Mr. Jerome delphians has undertaken to appoint committees K. Jerome said, “I think an audience has a in all the large cities in the United States with a perfect right to express its opinion, and I think view to celebrating the thousandth anniversary an author has a perfect right to avoid hearing it." of the death of King Alfred the Great, which Mr. Cecil Raleigh, who presided at the meeting, occurs on Oct. 27 next. was of opinion that all authors should be com- It has been arranged that in Mr. Tree's next pelled to respond to first-night calls ; while Mr. production at Her Majesty's—“Twelfth Night” Zangwill maintained that “authors should never -Mr. Robert Taber will play Orsino, Mr. Lionel take a call, but a cab. Their appearance is Brough the part of Sir Toby Welch, Mr. Norman irrelevant.” He held, however, that “the Forbes that of Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and Mr. audience has every right to express its opinion, Courtice Pounds the clown. Mr. Tree himself except in such a way as would interfere with the will be Malvolio. Mr. Tree's theatre will be actual performance. Demonstrations of dis- occupied for six weeks in June and July by Mme. approval should therefore be reserved to the Sarah Bernhardt. end." Miss Marie Corelli was of opinion that: It is suggested that some of the managers of “Assuredly, an audience has every right to London theatres are favourable to the idea of express its opinion, inasmuch as it pays for its beginuing the evening performances at an earlier fun”; and Mr. R. Ganthony that “iſ an author bour than is the custom at present. wears armour which is both egg and brick proof, A musical extravaganza, entitled “Mariana," I see no reason why he should not take a call.” by Mr. W. H. Risque and Mr. Edward Jones, is being produced at Terry's Theatre on Jan. 1. London theatres will be added to next month by Mr. Lowenfeld's new one in Shaftesbury Avenue, which, it is hoped, will be ready for opening then. It is to be called the Apollo. Mrs. Langtry has secured the English rights inSCALE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS. the dramatisation of Mr. Egerton Castle's novel, “ The Bath Comedy," which has been adapted by the author and Mr. David Belasco. It will be *** *** ... ... £4 0 0 produced during Mrs. Langtry's early tenure of the Imperial. The Stage Society produced Mr. Bernard per inch 0 6 0 per 2000 300 Shaw's play " Captain Brass bound's Conversion," Reduction of 20 per cent, made for a Series of Sir and of 25 per cent. for the scene of which is Morocco, at the Strand Twelve Insertions. Theatre on Dec. 16, with Mr. Lawrence Irving and Miss Janet Achurch in the chief parts. “THE AUTHOR.” TALLOWANCE TO MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY 20 PER CENT.) ... ... Front Page Other Pages Hall of a Page ... Quarter of a Page Eighth of a Page Single Column Advertisements Bills for Insertion ... ... *** ... ... 3 0 0 ... 1 10 0 ... 015 0 0 7 All letters respecting Advertisements should be addressed to tbe ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, The Author Office, 4, Portugal-street, London, W.C. ## p. 152 (#207) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. ve SALE OF MSS. OF EVERY KIND. Literary Advice, Revision, Research, etc. The LITERARY AGENUA ARRANGEMENTS FOR Printing, Publishing, Illustration, Translation, etc. THE LITERARY AGENCY OF LONDON, B, HENRIETTA STREET, W.C. G. RADFORD. G. H. PERRIS. DARLINGTON'S HANDBOOKS STICKPHAST PASTE STIKS THE GLEVUM MSS. CARRIER Transmits pa pers by post or otherwise, without rolling, creasing, or folding. Fastens as easily as an envelope, and can be used many times by the addition of a fresh label. Three Sizes-Prices 5d., 6d., and 7d. each. Sold by MESSRS. PARTRIDGE & COOPER, 191 & 192, Fleet Street, and 1 & 2, Chancery Lane. TYPEWRITING. 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IN THEORY AND PRACTICE. BY JAMES MASON. CONTENTS. – 1. Elements of Chess. 2. General Principias, 3. Combination. 4. Exposition of Master Play Complete. London: HORACE Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, E.C. ## p. 152 (#208) ############################################ ADVERTISEMENTS. ESTABLISHED] The Athenaum Press, Taunton. [XVIII. CENT. BARNICOTT & PEARCE INVITE ENQUIRIES RESPECTING PRINTING. ESTIMATES OF COST. AND OTHER DETAILS, PROMPTLY GIVEN. TYPEWRITING COMPANY, _ OSWALD HOUSE, QUEEN VICTORIA ROAD, COVENTRY. Every description of Typewriting, including Novels, Plays, Medicul, Legal and General Copying, from Ninepence per 1000 words. Specimens and Extracts from Testimonials on Appli- cation. Manager's long experience as Reader in a Book-Work House enables him to undertake Revision of Manuscripts—when required-at a nominal charge. None but "REMINGTON" Instruments employed. THE MOST MAGNIFICENT AND COMPREHENSIVE BOOK OF THE PERIOD. 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TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1.-Pre-Reformativn Law. CHAPTER V.-l'he Benefuos Act. , II.-Reformation Law, except the first three . VI.-Table of principal Statutes repealed and Acts of Uniformity. onrepealed. , III.--The Acts of Uniformity. , VII.—Table of principal Judicial Decisions. IV.-The Prayer Book and Rubrics. APPENDIX.- Ecclesiastical Bills--Comprebension Bill of 1689. Ecclesiastical Appeals Bill 1850. Church Discipline Bill of 1899. Statements by English Church Union and Church Association. Extracts from Decrees and Canons of Council of Trent. The Creed of Pope Pius the Fourth as added to by Pope Pius the Ninth. And a Copious Index. LONDON: HORACE COX, WINDSOR HOUSE, BREAM'S BUILDINGS, E.C. Printed and Published by Horace Cox, Windsor House, Bream's-buildings, London, E.C. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 08 (January 1901) Subject The topic of the resource The Author, Vol. 11 Issue 08 (January 1901) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015006979390</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Publication Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1901-01-01-The-Author-11-8 publications The Author