Was Mark Twain Serious About Perpetual Copyright?
Mark Twain was a renowned author, remembered for his humorous and insightful writings. However, his views on intellectual property rights, particularly in relation to perpetual copyright, were anything but humorous. This article delves into Twain's stance on perpetual copyright and the implications of his beliefs and actions.
A Skeptical Start
When I first encountered "Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc," I found it intriguing to have Mark Twain's name on the cover of what, upon reading, turned out to be a biographical work by Louis De Conte, translated from French and freely redistributable. Such a twist brings into question his sincerity about his own authorship.
Twain may have put his name on this work to amplify De Conte's contributions, believing it would garner more attention. If he had authored a fictional work about Joan of Arc, the historical significance of her life and the anger it would have raised in the public would have been a significant issue.
Needless to say, a person as significant in history as Joan of Arc would be a target for misrepresentation, and any author attempting to fictionalize parts of her life would need to be clearly explicit, as the abundance of authentic historical sources makes such manipulations unnecessary and unjustifiable.
The work's demeanor and Twain's forwarding of Louis De Conte's historical narrative suggest that Louis De Conte's work deserves its due credit. Twain may have been inspired to lend his name to it to ensure it received the recognition it deserved from unknown authors.
Mark Twain's Beliefs on Intellectual Property Rights
Throughout his career, Mark Twain faced numerous financial struggles due to his battle against predatory publishers and international literary pirates. Clemens, the real name behind Mark Twain, vehemently believed that intellectual property should have the same longevity as real estate rights. His testimony before Britain’s House of Lords exemplifies this viewpoint.
During his appearance before the Copyright Committee, Twain proposed a perpetual copyright, likening it to the residency rights of real estate. He argued that just as real estate values are derived from ideas, so too do books have their value derived from intellectual property.
Excerpt from Twain’s Autobiography
Twain reflected on his testimony with wit and cleverness, using the Bible’s perpetual copyright as an illustrative point. He elaborated on how ideas form the core of all property, whether physical or intellectual. His argument is compelling, as he pointed out that improvements and values are based on ideas and thus should be considered property.
Twain’s view is underpinned by the idea that in a fair world, the rights accorded to authors should be on par with those for other property owners. He believed that perpetual copyright is a practice that should be maintained to protect the interests of not just authors but the broader public.
Conclusion
From "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" to "Innocents Abroad," Twain's battles with publishers and pirates underscored the importance of his views on perpetual copyright. Mark Twain’s passionate advocacy for perpetual copyright reveals a deep-seated belief in the sanctity of intellectual property, mirroring the respect traditionally accorded to physical property rights.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of digital copyright in the modern era, the lessons from Twain’s experiences and arguments remain relevant and compelling. His insistence on perpetual copyright highlights the need for protecting the creative works that shape our world.