Wealthy Authors.

Manawatu Herald, 12 May 1894, Page 3

Wealthy Authors.

Many of the French authors, as is well known, have earned large incomes from the products of their pens. So numerous, indeed, are the stories of 3uccess that the days when Corneille, received only 500 francs tor his •' Athalie "seems even further back" . than they are. "It is a familiar fact" says "Die Wiener Mode," in an article upon the wealth of writers, " that Alexandre Dumas the elder received immense sums for his theatrical pieces and novels, and that his works still assure a good income to his son. It was the first production of "Henry III," which changed the fortunes of that writer. On the day before the production he was a subordinate official of the Duke of Orleaus, and content with his annual salary of 1200fr. On the following morning, however, he was the lion of the time. He sold his manuscript for 6000fr. Dumas the elder would have died a millionaire a many times over had it not been for his tendency to waste money. Dumas the younger has earned, without doubt, much less money that his father, although he had the advantage of making his debut with a famous name. The first humoured productions of the "Lady with the Camellias " brought him in 20,000fr. But from that time on his income increased rapidly. For instance, the clever writer received 60,000fr. for the right of translating " Francillion " before it was presented to the theatre goers a single time. : " " Victor Hugo," adds " Die Wiener Mode," left 5,000,000fr. not including the value of his works. The works produce an annual income of 50,000fr. for his heirs. Victorian Sardon owns a princely palace in Marly -le-Eoi, and has a princely fortune to support it. The beautiful home of Zola in Medan, as is well known, has cost the owner millions of francs already and requires an immense income to keep it up. But all these large incomes are exceeded by that of Georges Ohnei. This " Forge Master" has been a; gold mine for him. In 1885 it was j estimated that the revenue from the j novel and drama bearing that name was more than 500,000fr. Thus it may be seen that the calling of the | dramatic author in Paris pays well, and that, in general, to speak with Rossini,. • they do not die from hunger.' "