Page:Marie Corelli - the writer and the woman (IA mariecorelliwrit00coat).pdf/11

Contents

CHAPTER I

THE HEROINE OF THE STORY

A Bentley Letter—The Effect of a Publisher's Advice on a
Writer's Career—The Success of "A Romance of Two
Worlds" without help from the Press—The Unfairness of
appointing Novelists to Criticise Novels or act as Publishers'
"Readers"—Marie Corelli's Universality, and the
Reason for it—Her Endeavors to Promote Holy Living—Her
Unequaled Boldness—Which is her Best Book?—"Thelma"
most Popular as a Love-story—Her Short
Works—The Difficulty of awarding her a Definite Place
in Letters 13


CHAPTER II

MARIE CORELLI'S CHILDHOOD, ETC.

Marie Corelli, Adopted as an Infant, by Dr. Charles Mackay—Description
of Mackay's Career—The "Rosebud" and
her Fancies—Absence of Child Playmates—Marie Corelli
at the Convent School—Her Musical Studies—Dr.
Mackay's Illness, and her Return Home for Good—Miss
Bertha Vyver—George Eric Mackay: his Chequered
Career—"Love-Letters of a Violinist": their Publication
and Reception 26


CHAPTER III

"A ROMANCE OF TWO WORLDS"

Its Original Title—The MS. Accepted by Bentleys—Its
Name Suggested by Dr. Mackay—The Press and the