THE TRADE OF LITERATURE DEMOCRACY not only infuses a taste for
letters among the trading classes, but introduces a trading
spirit into literature. In aristocracies readers are fastidious
and few in number; in democracies they are far more numerous and
far less difficult to please. The consequence is that among
aristocratic nations no one can hope to succeed without great
exertion, and this exertion may earn great fame, but can never
procure much money; while among democratic nations a writer may
flatter himself that he will obtain at a cheap rate a moderate
reputation and a large fortune. For this purpose he need not be
admired; it is enough that he is liked. The ever increasing
crowd of readers and their continual craving for something new
ensure the sale of books that nobody much esteems. In democratic
times the public frequently treat authors as kings do their
courtiers; they enrich and despise them. What more is needed by
the venal souls who are born in courts or are worthy to live
there? Democratic liter