Chapter 1693 - 1599: Soft Power

Chapter 1693: Chapter 1599: Soft Power

Jane incredulously said, "Are you serious?"

"Of course," Charpentier nodded proudly, "Queen Anne’s Law does not make any protection for translated publications, lawyers will distinguish translated versions from pirated ones on the grounds that ’translators put in effort and work’.

"And France’s Copyright Law has detailed provisions for the rights and responsibilities of translated works, we can sign an agreement based on this."

Queen Anne’s Law is the copyright law of England. The methods and boundaries of copyright protection in this era are still being explored, and it will take nearly half a century for them to be initially perfected.

Joseph, however, directly used later theories of copyright as a basis, making the related laws of France virtually flawless.

Just this point alone allows the cultural publishing industry’s growth rate in France to far exceed other European countries.

Charpentier paused for a moment, looked at Jane, and tentatively asked, "Do you think setting the translation rights fees for ’First Impressions’ at 2,000 francs is acceptable?"

Jane almost blurted out "Absolutely," but immediately coughed lightly to interrupt her excited mood, maintained a smile and said, "I think it’s a very fair price."

She was already calculating in her mind that such a large sum of money could entirely allow her to bring her beloved sister to live together in Paris.

But then she thought of a problem and was a bit troubled: "Mr. Charpentier, I can translate the Italian version, but I’m powerless with German and Russian.

"If you find someone else to translate these languages, how much authorization fee will be deducted?"

Charpentier was taken aback for a moment; he mentioned 2,000 francs referring to the authorization fee for the French version, other languages’ versions must consider sales situations separately, while this British lady seems to want to package all translation versions for this amount of money.

He hesitated for half a second, then reason overcame greed.

A talented writer like Austin is sure to write many more excellent works in the future, and he couldn’t sacrifice future cooperation opportunities for this petty amount of money.

He hurriedly said, "You may have misunderstood, I was referring to the authorization fee for the French version. We will need to discuss other languages individually. As for translation fees, they will all be paid by our publishing house, and you don’t need to worry."

Jane fiercely jabbed her palm with her fingernail, the piercing pain telling her she wasn’t dreaming.

However, she still maintained necessary calm — since the London gas lamp incident, the vigilance against "windfalls" has been ingrained in every British person’s bones.

"You are truly a generous gentleman," she said to the publisher, "I still need some time to consult with a contract lawyer, so how about we sign the agreement the morning after tomorrow?"

Charpentier was suddenly a bit anxious.

This book was recommended to him by his son attending University of Paris, at present no other publishers have reacted.

If they wait until the day after tomorrow, it’s likely other competitors will emerge.

He decisively took out a bank draft from his pocket and placed it on the table: "I can directly pay you so that you will not face any risks.

"You see, completing the printing a day early means a little more profit, doesn’t it?"

That afternoon, Jane verified the validity of the draft at the nearest Paris Trade Bank, and signed an agreement with Charpentier, authorizing the translation of ’First Impressions’ into 6 major languages for 7,000 francs to him.

...

At 9 p.m., in a refined building on the second floor in the Saint-Germain District, Marie-Henri Bell was frowning and biting the tip of his pen.

The costly brass pen tip was already covered with imprints, but on the paper in front of him, there was only a single signature — ’Stendhal’.

This was a pen name he had just thought of, inspired by the hometown of an art historian he greatly admired, Winckelmann, which is Stendal. Winckelmann was the flagbearer of "noble simplicity and sublime tranquility" in neoclassicism, and even Goethe, Schiller, and others were deeply influenced by him.

However, Mr. Bell, although he also greatly admired neoclassicism, clearly didn’t have the literary level of those predecessors, and currently had no ideas in his head.

He forcefully rubbed his head and let out a painful moan.

A full-length novel good enough to rival that British woman would take at least two or three years to write, he must start writing immediately to catch up.

He glanced towards the bookshelf next to him, muttering: "Perhaps I can ’borrow’ from some book, and change it into mine..."

He immediately shook his head and dismissed the thought, not because he was ashamed to do so, but because the British woman’s literary achievements were so good, nine times out of ten she would notice.

Until late at night, after downing four cups of coffee, Marie-Henri Bell finally chose a theme — writing a masterpiece about young French nobles in search of love and self-realization amid the great waves of the Austrian Revolution!

But a few minutes later he was dispirited again.

Forget about the Austrian Revolution, he didn’t even know what Vienna looked like.

When dawn light shined through the gaps in the window, he made a difficult decision — temporarily put academics aside and go experience life in Vienna.

Only men who have gone through trials and tribulations can possess profound thoughts, and thereby integrate them into his works.

He quickly formulated how to persuade his father, then sighed: "It’s just that it will be a long time before I can see Madam Brune again."

Bruno is a colleague of his father, and he and Madam Brune have mutual affection.

"I’m sure there will be a noble and beautiful Viennese woman waiting for me." A smile quickly returned to Bell’s face.

...

Grand Trianon Palace.

Sunlight streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows onto the exquisite food on the dining table, Joseph put down the ’Paris Commercial News’ in his hand, looked at Alexandra and said, "I remember you were going to attend a charity auction this morning, right?"

The Crown Princess, engrossed in a beautifully printed book, turned her head upon hearing this: "Sorry, what did you just say?"

"About the Duchess of Castelli’s charity auction."

"Oh yes, I was so absorbed in reading that I almost forgot." Alexandra inserted a bookmark into the book, "This book is really interesting, especially Mrs. Bennet, who seems to be making jokes every moment."

"Mrs. Bennet?" Joseph found the name somewhat familiar, "What book is this?"

"A recently popular novel written by a British lady, called ’First Impressions’."

Joseph had no impression of this name: "British? Hmm, that’s a good trend."

Alexandra put the book down and continued: "Elizabeth and Jane sisters are also interesting; they reminded me of Yelena and myself."

"Elizabeth? Jane?" Joseph blinked, "Is the male protagonist named Darcy?"

"Yes, Fitzwilliam Darcy."

Joseph blurted out, "Jane Austin, ’Pride and Prejudice’?"

Alexandra nodded: "The author is Miss Austin, but what about Pride you were talking about?"

Joseph took the book and flipped through it: "It’s this book, the title is wrong. I still prefer ’Pride and Prejudice’ as a title."

The Crown Princess considered and nodded: "Indeed, the title you mentioned has more flavor."

As they were speaking, Eman came over and bowed: "Your Highness, Mr. Le Roy and Mr. Delnav would like to see you. They say it’s about the recruitment of doctoral students."

Joseph removed his napkin, stood up and nodded: "Have them wait for me in the parlor."