Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 434 A very fruitful ball!
Lionel knew, of course, that "Mark Twain" was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clement, but he hadn't expected to run into him at the ball tonight.

By 1881, Mark Twain had already become a prominent figure in American literature with "The Gilded Age" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer".

Mark Twain spoke English, and he was the first "New York elite" Lionel encountered who communicated with him in English after he arrived in the United States.

You should know that the people who came over to exchange pleasantries, no matter how bad their French was, or even if they could be told they had just learned it, would still speak without any shyness.

Many times, Zola, Lionel, and others had the illusion that they were still in Paris.

Mark Twain gripped Lionel's hand tightly and shook it twice: "Looks like my pen name has already crossed the Atlantic?"

Lionel responded politely, "I have read some of your work."

Mark Twain laughed heartily: “Call me Sam or Mark, it’s fine! Seriously, Mr. Sorel, I’ve read almost all of your works.”

I must say, I really like "The Old Guard," "My Hometown," "Old Man Milon," and "My Uncle Jules."

His eyes revealed genuine appreciation: "The humanitarianism and realism shining in these stories resonated with me deeply."

And I particularly admire the children who frequently appear in your writing. Children's eyes often see through the hypocrisy of this world more clearly than adults'.

Lionel nodded modestly: “You can just call me Lionel, Mark—when it comes to the child’s perspective, I must say that The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is the best children’s adventure novel I’ve ever read.”

Ha, the town of St. Petersburg, and that clever little Tom, they're so lifelike!

Upon hearing this, Mark Twain's face showed a flash of surprise, followed by an unbelievable burst of joy.

"My God! You...you really read Tom Sawyer? That book doesn't sell very well here!"
The critics all said my writing was too frivolous and lacked depth! I never expected it to reach Europe!

Lionel's heart skipped a beat as he realized he had spoken out of turn.

He certainly hadn't read "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in his time, and the novel's popularity in Europe today is probably quite limited.

He quickly came up with an excuse: "I live in England, and I happened to see this novel on a friend's bookshelf. I found it very interesting, so I read it."

This explanation was reasonable, and Mark Twain obviously believed it.

He rubbed his hands together excitedly, his mustache bristling: "Great! This is the best news I've heard all night!"

I never imagined it would actually travel across the ocean and receive your attention and feedback! Thank you, Leon, thank you so much!

Lionel added, "The excellence of a work isn't necessarily recognized by everyone upon its publication. Think of Stendhal's *The Red and the Black*—"

The initial edition of 600 copies didn't sell out for several years, but now everyone has to admit it's a masterpiece!

His intention was to comfort and encourage, but Mark Twain took it far too seriously.

The American writer's eyes widened even more, and he was almost incoherent: "You...you're comparing Tom Sawyer to The Red and the Black?"
Good heavens, Leon, that's such a high compliment! I'm a little overwhelmed!

Lionel: "..."

He immediately changed the subject: "Speaking of which, Mark, I think the other child in the book, 'Huckleberry Finn,' is also very interesting."

I always felt that his story wasn't finished, and I really hoped to see more of his adventures.

Mark Twain's expression turned to one of shock again, and he lowered his voice: "This is incredible! Leon, we're practically telepathic!"
What I'm writing right now is *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn*! God, you're thinking the same thing as me!

Lionel's face remained calm and composed: "Great works and characters have their own vitality and the potential for continuation. This is not surprising!"

Mark Twain nodded repeatedly: "That's right! Absolutely right!" He now considered Lionel a kindred spirit!

He warmly put his arm around Lionel's shoulder: "Leon, to be honest, I'm planning to start my own publishing company!"

If we manage things well, we can definitely break the current monopoly of these big publishing houses!
"When the time comes, I hope you'll submit your manuscript to me, and I guarantee you the most generous payment in all of America!"

Here it comes… Lionel sighed inwardly.

He certainly knew about this publishing company; it was the main reason Mark Twain went bankrupt, to the point that the author had to go on a global speaking tour to pay off his debts.

However, this was not the only investment that led him into financial trouble; he even lost $30 on the "Page Typeset" project!
Keep in mind that this was $30 in the 1890s; if calculated using 2024 prices, it would be almost equivalent to $800 million.

If we were to rank the worst investments made by 19th-century writers, it's hard to say whether he or Balzac would be number one!
Lionel looked troubled: "Mark, I won't consider publishing any works in the United States in the short term. At most, I'll publish some short stories or novellas in the newspapers."

The United States does not protect the copyrights of foreign authors. My works can be freely reproduced and published here, but I don't receive a single cent.

These words left Mark Twain somewhat frustrated: "You're right, we Americans have too few influential writers in Europe."

The government believes that signing copyright agreements with Britain and France would only result in unilateral dumping... but regardless, it would be a disgrace to the United States! Sorry.

Lionel reassured him, "It's not your fault, Mark."

He then revealed a mischievous, mocking smile: "I believe that the United States will definitely be the country that values ​​copyright protection the most in the future!"

Mark Twain sighed heavily: "I hope so... However, I will help you get the best terms for magazine and newspaper articles!"

"I know editors at *The Atlantic* and *Harper's Weekly*!" Lionel thought of the reporters who had surrounded his cabin door the previous night, but still smiled and agreed, "Of course!"

The two chatted for a while longer about literature and travel experiences, until other people gathered around and they parted ways.

The ball didn't end until late at night.

On their way back to their room, Zola, Maupassant, and the others were still in a state of excitement.

Instead of rushing back to their rooms to rest, everyone gathered in the living room of Zola's room.

The group drank the hot milk delivered by the hotel and chatted about their "victories" for the evening.

Maupassant's face flushed, and he stroked his long beard with pride: "A charming widow, a distant relative of the Vanderbilt family, has invited me to visit her private gallery tomorrow afternoon!"
"Do you know what this means?" He winked, eliciting a few snickers from Hussmann and the others.

Henri Céars received a dinner invitation from a steel tycoon who bluntly stated that he had a niece who was about to get married and loved French literature.

Paul Alexy was then approached by a publisher who offered to buy out the U.S. rights to his next novel.

Even the older Daudet and Goncourt received several beautifully printed business cards, as well as invitations to speak from universities and literary clubs.

Alphonse Daudet stroked his beard, quite pleased: "It seems we're quite popular in this new continent."

Maupassant stood up and exclaimed, “It’s not just being popular! It’s like falling into a honey pot! Americans are so warm and direct!”

I like it this way!

Émile Zola looked at Lionel, who hadn't said much, and said, "Lion, you seem rather quiet? Did nothing interesting happen tonight?"

I saw you talking to that Mr. Mark Twain for quite a while.”

Lionel put down his cup and smiled. "We talked for a long time. He's a very interesting person. We talked about our work."

Maupassant leaned closer and asked curiously, "And then? I heard he's the highest-paid author in America right now!"

Lionel candidly stated, "He invited me to join his soon-to-be-established publishing company and also commissioned me to write articles."

Alexi interjected, "Oh? That's a good thing!"

Lionel calmly stated, "I refused. Because of copyright issues in the United States."

Those present have all been working in the literary world for many years, so they naturally understand what this means.

It's common for their works to be pirated in the United States, but since they were treated as honored guests during their visit, they temporarily overlooked this issue.

Zola nodded in understanding: "That is indeed a problem. Have you been thinking about this all night?"

Lionel shook his head and looked at Zola: "Not entirely. Emile, I was just wondering, what is your impression of America?"

Zola pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Passionate, direct, rich, and full of raw energy."

They are certainly not like us French, but they are also not like the British, who have that inexplicable arrogance.

They are more genuine and straightforward. You can sense that they are truly proud of everything they are creating.

Whether it's a bridge, a building, or their own way of life.

Huysman added with a touch of sarcasm: "A pride built on steel, money, and steam."

Zola did not deny it: "Yes—but you cannot deny this power, and no one can ignore it."

Every civilization must first be built on a material foundation, and the United States already possesses all the necessary elements to become a great nation.

One day, this steel, money, and steam will create a magnificent culture, just as the French did in their day.

Lionel didn't speak, but nodded. He knew, of course, that Zola's observation was accurate.

The United States of this era is like a fearless youth, striding forward with boundless confidence built upon wealth and technology.

However, Maupassant and others remained somewhat skeptical, finding it hard to imagine that the crude United States could create any "remarkable culture".

Edmond Goncourt yawned: "Well, gentlemen, there are speeches tomorrow, so get some rest."

We want to spread the charm of French literature to the campuses of this new continent.

Everyone then dispersed and returned to their rooms.

Lionel walked to his room door and found John Morgan Jr. already waiting there.

Upon seeing Lionel return, the young man gave a shy smile: "Mr. Sorel, my father would like to invite you to our family dinner tomorrow evening."

(First update, please vote with monthly tickets!)

(End of this chapter)