. "TAUCHNITZ " . [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—Your correspondent, Mr.- P. W. G. Gunn, implies that the " Tauchnitz " books are pirated copies of English novels, and that authors whose .books are included in this edition do not receive any royalties on sales. This is not true. The
facts are as follows :— . .
" (1) No English or American novel is published in the Tauchnitz edition without the consent of the author or the correct owners of the rights.' (2) 'The rights are bought *Wier for a lump sum or on a royalty basis. The terms vary for each book, but as a very general rule, it may be said that the first novel by an author hitherto unpub- lished inn-Tauclmitz is bought by an outright sum : and subse- quent books on a royalty basis."
VVhatever be the reason why these books " must not be introduced into the British Isles," it has obviously nothing to do with " royalties," and I am still curious to know why they are regarded as contraband. In my case it is not a question of sinuggling a store. of these books into the country, but of bringing back clienly nay bag those which have beguiled the tediuni Of the journey,'arid which I am reluctant to throw away. What harm does' this do to anybody ?
May I add that as a member of the Society of Authors with several books to my name.(though not, unfortnnatelY, included in the. Tauchnitz edition, else they might sell more), I feel no .sense of meanneis"' buYing Tauchnitz novels when abroad for, reasons fully stated' in nay_ article. Personally, I ant convinced that the price of books—and the profits of booksellers—in England will have to be substantially reduced if authors are to exist on their works. (I wonder how few do 't) The vast majority of readers cannot afford to pay 7s. 6d. for every new novel they wish to possess, with the result that the author's returns on an " average " novel are negligible. It is surely grotesque Via an author should only receive 10-14 per cent. per copy on a 7s. 6d. novel, against the bookseller's 331 per cent., Yet 121 per cent. is quite an average royalty.—
"Royalties" sound very attractive, no doubt, but as often as not they are a snare and an illusion—and a good round sum down is a much better investment—except in the case of a rare best-seller.—I am, Sir, &c.,
ALFRED J. BROWN, The Writer of the Article. ll'harfe Gate, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Yorkshire.
Previous page
