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



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