Have you ever wondered how the iconic stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde first graced the pages of a magazine? Let’s take a journey back in time to uncover the captivating connection between these literary giants and Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine.
A Transatlantic Pursuit of Literary Gems
In the summer of 1889, Joseph Marshall Stoddart, the driving force behind Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine, embarked on a daring mission to the heart of England. His ambition? To secure captivating stories from renowned English authors, ready to enthrall American readers. The English edition of the magazine was set to launch in January 1890, with simultaneous publication in both countries. Lippincott would print and ship the bulk of the issues to Ward Lock & Co. for binding and distribution in England. Stoddart believed that captivating English tales were the key to unlocking success in the English market.
A Golden Evening at the Langham
While in London, Stoddart orchestrated a dinner at the esteemed Langham Hotel, bringing together Doyle, Wilde, and Thomas Gill, an Irish Member of Parliament. In his autobiography, Doyle affectionately described the evening as “golden,” highlighting Wilde’s charm and engaging personality. By the end of the evening, both Doyle and Wilde had pledged their literary talents to Stoddart, promising stories for the magazine.
Upon returning to Philadelphia, Stoddart enthusiastically wrote to Doyle, expressing his delight with the proposed story, “The Sign of the Six.” He even predicted a bright future for Sherlock Holmes, stating, “If you succeed in keeping up the interest in Sherlock Holmes, you are sure to have a good book.”
A Twist of Fate: A Story Too Weak?
While the Langham Hotel dinner seemed like a triumph, the outcome wasn’t quite what Stoddart and his company had envisioned. Doyle’s story arrived in late October, but the editors deemed it too weak to be the centerpiece of the inaugural English edition. With Doyle’s agreement, the story was retitled “The Sign of the Four” and published in the February issue. Despite their initial reservations, the story resonated with readers, prompting Lippincott to reprint “A Study in Scarlet.”
Oscar Wilde’s Troublesome Tale: Delays and Disappointment
Oscar Wilde’s story, however, proved to be a source of considerable frustration. Stoddart’s anxiety grew with each passing delay, and he repeatedly urged Wilde to submit his work. He even instructed his London agent to find another English author, just in case Wilde’s submission was too late.
Despite promising to deliver the story by early November, Wilde’s health and dissatisfaction with the story ultimately led to a series of setbacks. A partial manuscript finally arrived in Philadelphia in April 1890, but concerns about its content arose. Stoddart expressed his desire to make the story acceptable to even the most discerning readers, suggesting revisions to make it suitable for a broader audience.
A Triumphant Publication… But Not a Commercial Success
The full manuscript arrived in early June, and the story was finally published in the July issue. Despite initial optimism, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” met with critical reception, and was even pirated and reprinted within days of publication. Copyright law at the time did not extend to works by foreign authors, leaving Lippincott with no legal recourse.
The publisher’s disappointment was further compounded by the lack of commercial success, leading Stoddart to admit that publishing Wilde’s story was “a mistake.”
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the challenges encountered with Wilde’s story, the collaboration between Lippincott’s and these literary giants left an enduring mark on the world of literature. Both stories are now considered classics, solidifying the magazine’s legacy. The authors’ enduring popularity is evident in the plaque installed at the Langham Hotel, commemorating the historic dinner that sparked their association with Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine.
This journey back in time highlights the complexities of publishing in the late 19th century, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of navigating a changing literary landscape. The stories of Conan Doyle and Wilde, forever linked to Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine, remind us of the enduring power of literature and the enduring impact of these extraordinary authors.
