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Linguet's memorandum, London (1777)
Source: Bibliothèque universitaire de Poitiers (SCD) : Linguet, Simon-Nicolas-Henri, Annales politiques, civiles, et littéraires du XVIIIe siècle, tome III, Londres, 1777, p. 24.
Citation:
Linguet's memorandum, London (1777), Primary Sources on Copyright (1450-1900), eds L. Bently & M. Kretschmer, www.copyrighthistory.org
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55
Firstly, there are plenty of literary works that were written before the invention
of the printing press, or even after its invention, but whose authors
bequeathed them to posterity, without reservation. These, without question,
belong to the public, by the same principle which makes the suzerain owner of
abandoned property left on his lands; every individual is allowed to consider
himself an heir of Virgil, Ovid and Cicero; whoever publishes new editions of
these works - arousing the envy of the publishers of previous editions, since
the new ones are more carefully compiled and revised, and more modestly
priced - share with these great men the title of benefactors of the human race.
Here is an inexhaustible source to be mined by printers who wish to publish
those literary works which are part of the universal heritage of all active and
industrious men: these productions, having stood the test of time, are subject
neither to the caprices of fashion, nor to revolutions in taste. There is daily
demand for such works, which will never diminish: this area of trade exposes
one to greater competition, but it also guarantees a much larger turnover.
Alternatively, if they want to risk the successes and dangers of modern
literature, who can prevent them from pursuing this interest according to the
paths which probity prescribes, and which are protected by law? Let them
seek out the acquaintance of a man of letters; let them assume his rights; let
them become owners of them, and let them cultivate this soil which is ripe for
yielding a crop, instead of desolating it by theft.
No Transcription available.
Source: Bibliothèque universitaire de Poitiers (SCD) : Linguet, Simon-Nicolas-Henri, Annales politiques, civiles, et littéraires du XVIIIe siècle, tome III, Londres, 1777, p. 24.
Citation:
Linguet's memorandum, London (1777), Primary Sources on Copyright (1450-1900), eds L. Bently & M. Kretschmer, www.copyrighthistory.org
Back | Record | Images | Commentaries: [1]
Translation only | Transcription only | Show all | Bundled images as pdf
55
Firstly, there are plenty of literary works that were written before the invention
of the printing press, or even after its invention, but whose authors
bequeathed them to posterity, without reservation. These, without question,
belong to the public, by the same principle which makes the suzerain owner of
abandoned property left on his lands; every individual is allowed to consider
himself an heir of Virgil, Ovid and Cicero; whoever publishes new editions of
these works - arousing the envy of the publishers of previous editions, since
the new ones are more carefully compiled and revised, and more modestly
priced - share with these great men the title of benefactors of the human race.
Here is an inexhaustible source to be mined by printers who wish to publish
those literary works which are part of the universal heritage of all active and
industrious men: these productions, having stood the test of time, are subject
neither to the caprices of fashion, nor to revolutions in taste. There is daily
demand for such works, which will never diminish: this area of trade exposes
one to greater competition, but it also guarantees a much larger turnover.
Alternatively, if they want to risk the successes and dangers of modern
literature, who can prevent them from pursuing this interest according to the
paths which probity prescribes, and which are protected by law? Let them
seek out the acquaintance of a man of letters; let them assume his rights; let
them become owners of them, and let them cultivate this soil which is ripe for
yielding a crop, instead of desolating it by theft.
No Transcription available.