The Cream of the Jest · Chapter
XII: Of Publishing: With an Unlikely Appendix explained
Kennaston completes 'The Audit at Storisende' and submits it to publishers, who praise its literary quality but reject it for commercial reasons.
What happens
Kennaston completes 'The Audit at Storisende' and submits it to publishers, who praise its literary quality but reject it for commercial reasons. After many rejections, the Baxon-Muir Company accepts it, renames it 'Men Who Loved Alison,' and publishes it. A controversy over indecency in the novel sparks public interest, leading to commercial success and cultural fads, though the book is eventually forgotten by the general public.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Illusion
Kennaston's struggle to publish his art highlights the tension between artistic integrity and the illusions of commercial success.
Disillusionment and Cynicism
Kennaston becomes disillusioned with the publishing industry, which prioritizes profit over literary quality, and cynically observes the fickle nature of public taste.
The Power of Storytelling
The novel's eventual success through controversy demonstrates how storytelling can captivate the public, even if briefly.
Characters to notice
- Felix Kennaston
Completes his romance 'The Audit at Storisende,' endures multiple rejections, revises the manuscript, and eventually sees it published as 'Men Who Loved Alison.'
- Sir Guiron des Rocques
Mentioned as a character in the novel's controversial chapters about his imprisonment in the Sacred Grove of Caer Idryn.
- Scoteia
Referenced as the sigil of Scoteia, which is part of the worship in the Sacred Grove of Caer Idryn in Kennaston's novel.
- Alison
The renamed heroine of Kennaston's published novel 'Men Who Loved Alison'; the name becomes a cultural phenomenon.
- Mr. Booth Tarkington
Mentioned as a contemporary author whose romance competed with Kennaston's book in sales.
Key passages
“No fool like an old fool”
Kennaston's common sense chides him for his foolishness in preserving the sigil.
Reflects Kennaston's self-awareness and the tension between his rational mind and his fascination with the dream.
“publishers in their business capacity have no especial concern with literature.”
Publishers care more about commercial viability than literary merit.
Highlights the central conflict of the chapter: art versus commerce.
“the book was delivered to the world, which received the gift without excitement.”
The novel was published but initially met with indifference from the public.
Sets up the later controversy that sparks interest.
“it was one of those rare miracles such as sometimes palm off a well-written book upon the vast public that reads for pastime.”
It was a rare instance where a well-written book achieved popular success.
Kennaston's ironic observation on the accidental nature of his book's fame.