The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 933: Revised: Chapter 32 Paris Conspiracy

Being unmasked by others is a kind of failure, but removing the mask yourself is a kind of victory.

——Victor Hugo

When Arthur introduced himself, Hugo, who was merely exchanging pleasantries, immediately gave him a warm embrace.

”You may not know what you have done for French literature,” the publication of ”Red and Black” is of great significance, not only bringing income to Mr. Stendhal to ease his troubles, but also representing that you have preserved a rare masterpiece for France.”

Arthur did not expect that such a casual deed could make Hugo grateful to this extent.

Seeing Arthur’s astonished expression, Hugo laughed and pulled him to a seat, explaining to him.

”You don’t understand the situation in France. Although I love this country, I must say we are far behind Britain in copyright protection. You implemented the ’Anne Law’ over a hundred years ago, establishing the copyrights for publishers and authors. But France is different, even legally published books can’t get full legal protection here.

We authors have always been in a very weak position, with copyright receiving no respect whatsoever. Theater owners and actors often extract the maximum profits from plays, not to mention the pirate booksellers from Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, who are like thieves. In this regard, those fake book peddlers from Belgium are particularly detestable.”

Hearing this, Arthur finally understood why Hugo was so agitated.

To 19th-century writers, Britain was indeed a land they yearned for. As a small island exuding the scent of money, Britain was very attentive to all matters concerning commercial interests.

This doesn’t mean there are no pirated books or illegal publications to be found in Britain, but compared to the rampant pirate book dealers in the street markets of continental countries, illegal publishing in Britain at least has to be conducted in a sneaky manner, not openly displayed.

This is why when Arthur first started working, he would often go to the second-hand bookstores on the corner; their used book prices were usually only a third of new books.

In those grand new bookstores on the streets, just any three-volume quarto novel could be sold at the high price of twelve shillings, which, under Britain’s gold standard system, is equivalent to paying four or five grams of gold.

Arthur could earn only this much by patrolling the East District for a week.

In this era, reading is a luxury consumption. There may be no house of gold in books, but if you fill a house with books, it is tantamount to owning a house of gold.

As a magazine shareholder with a small say in the London publishing world, it was only natural that writers would like to befriend Arthur.

Punctual payment of manuscript fees, rarely being deducted for various reasons, and situated in Britain, where copyright protection is most stringent. Thus, ”the British” absolutely deserve to be the ideal patrons for writers.

Frankly, if given the chance, I would also like to submit to ”the British.”

Having clarified the reason for Hugo’s enthusiasm, Arthur naturally seemed to have found the right way to correct the peculiar habits of this literary giant.

He chuckled softly: ”Mr. Hugo, I’ve actually heard of your great name in London from quite some time ago. I’ve watched your masterpiece ’Cromwell’ many times in London theaters. I dare to bet you that in all of Britain, apart from the late Sir Walter Scott who passed away last year, no one can write a historical drama better than you.”

For Hugo, this was absolutely the highest level of praise.

As the pioneer of historical literature, Walter Scott was not only renowned in Britain but also quite recognized in France.

The most famous fan of Sir Scott in France happened to be Honoré de Balzac, who was commanding the ’cavalry’ charge just two rooms away from Arthur and the others.

Of course, Walter Scott might not have heard Balzac’s name and didn’t consider this Frenchman capable of inheriting his mantle.

In the literary critique article written before Sir Walter’s death, he regarded the author of ”Robin Hood,” ’Lionheart’ Eld Carter, as a rising star in British historical literature.

Hugo humbly said: ”You really overpraise me. Indeed, I have some talent in writing, but I am far from being able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Scott. Even in Paris, I can easily list a few individuals who are on par with me. For instance, our mutual friend, Alexander Dumas, or Mr. Alfred de Vigny, author of ’Stendhal’ and ’Chateaubriand.’

”Mr. Vigny.” Hearing Hugo bring up Vigny, Arthur clapped his hands and laughed: ”I knew you would mention him.”

Hugo was startled for a moment: ”Do you know him?”

”Originally, I didn’t, but recently Mr. Vigny suddenly found me and Mr. Vic, saying he suspected he was being secretly watched and even confidently claimed that he had bumped into an unseen voyeur at the corner of the long-term rented room in the hotel. Mr. Vic and I came here early this morning to stake out the hotel to find out who that bastard was. But I didn’t expect to run into you here, that’s why I specifically came to visit you.”

Hearing this, Hugo’s smile noticeably stiffened.

Arthur observed the change in Hugo’s demeanor, knowing inwardly that the other party should have understood now.