Author Topic: Copying others work - been around a while  (Read 1278 times)

Offline AAAndrew

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Copying others work - been around a while
« on: February 05, 2016, 03:25:07 PM »
So, I'm doing some research into some topics relating to late-19th-century America. I keep running into a Mr. J. M. Stoddard.

First you'll find The American Supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica, then you may run across Stoddard's Encyclopedia Americana. If you compare the two, they are identical. Both published by J.M. Stoddart. And, at least in the sections I'm concerned with,  troubling as to the accuracy of some small but important details.

Well, I just ran into this little tidbit about Stoddard.

American Bookseller, August 1, 1883, page 563, under "Literary Notes"

Quote
The question of international copyright is brought up now and then in a piquant sort of way. The following correspondence is published in a late number of the London Bookseller, under the name of "Modesty."

          From J.M. Stoddard & Co.,
          1018 Chestnut St., Philadelphia
          15th February, 1883

Messrs. W. & A.K. Johnston:
     Gentlemen: As you are probably aware, we are the publishers of The Reprint of the Encyclopedia Britannica. We are not quite satisfied with our reproduction of maps as regards the colors. The trouble with our lithographer lies in the fact of his inability to get a plate of "stipple" sufficiently fine to work out the tints.
    Our object in writing you is to ascertain whether you would supply us with a "pure line stipple" plate, and at what price?
    As a sample of the stipple desired, we refer you to plate 5, vol. 8, of the 9th edition E.B., which were printed by you.
    Hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience,
I remain, yours respectfully,
John Vansant.
Manufacturing Dept.
(copy)

          Edinburgh, 27th February, 1883

     Dear Sirs: We have the favor of the 15th instant, but, as we are the engravers and printers of a great many of the maps in the Encyclopedia Britannica, it is most unlikely that we should assist a rival house to copy these; we think you cannot have fully considered our position before you wrote us.
    Ever since you began to pirate this work, the Messrs. Black have had our deepest sympathy; we are very glad you find the maps difficult to copy, and our aim in the future will be to put as many obstacles in the way of reproduction as possible.
Yours very truly,
(signed) W. & A. K. Johnston.
Messrs J. M. Stoddard & Co.
1018 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, U.S.


I love imagining that reply letter read out in an Edinburgh accent.

Anyone quite get the "Messrs. Black" reference? Is it a reference to piracy?
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Offline Scap

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Re: Copying others work - been around a while
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2016, 03:45:01 PM »
Interesting article.

To answer your question, A&C Black was the publishing house who owned Encyclopedia Britannica at the time. From what I see Adam is the Dad and Charles is his son.

Seventh Edition  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica#A._and_C._Black_editions_.287th.E2.80.939th.2C_1827.E2.80.931901.29

I didn't know this, just Googled it.



Offline AAAndrew

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Re: Copying others work - been around a while
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2016, 03:55:39 PM »
The internet wins again. Thanks!
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Offline SunnyMoni

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Re: Copying others work - been around a while
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2016, 05:18:37 PM »
This is so interesting and somehow amusing!
Monica

Offline Moya

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Re: Copying others work - been around a while
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2016, 05:53:35 PM »
This cracks me up! Imagine the brass required to straight up write to the one you're plagiarising. A modern translation, maybe:

"Dear Mr Weidmann, as you know, I frequently resell your artwork and pretend it's my own. Im having trouble finding a high-res file of your latest piece, can you could send me one? Thx."

 ;D ;D

Offline SunnyMoni

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Re: Copying others work - been around a while
« Reply #5 on: February 05, 2016, 08:56:18 PM »
I'm still laughing about this. I mean...really?
Monica

Offline prasad

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Re: Copying others work - been around a while
« Reply #6 on: February 05, 2016, 11:15:15 PM »


Well, I just ran into this little tidbit about Stoddard.

I love imagining that reply letter read out in an Edinburgh accent.

Anyone quite get the "Messrs. Black" reference? Is it a reference to piracy?


Still laughing after half an hour ;D ;D


This cracks me up! Imagine the brass required to straight up write to the one you're plagiarising. A modern translation, maybe:

"Dear Mr Weidmann, as you know, I frequently resell your artwork and pretend it's my own. Im having trouble finding a high-res file of your latest piece, can you could send me one? Thx."

 ;D ;D
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