Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
The ETUAR Public Domain Literature Library aims to provide readers with a thoughtful selection of public-domain texts accompanied by editorial notes that illuminate narrative structures, thematic patterns, and historical contexts. The catalogue is designed for readers who wish to explore works beyond basic metadata, with guidance that respects the texts' original form.
Scope and selection
The library currently contains 90 books, all drawn from the holdings of Project Gutenberg. Selection prioritizes works with distinctive narrative voices, strong sense of place, or thematic richness that reward close reading. The collection does not aim for comprehensive coverage of any author or period; it reflects the editor's interest in revealing how these texts work as literature.
Source attribution
Every book entry clearly states that the text is sourced from Project Gutenberg. No modifications are made to the underlying text. The catalogue notes, commentary, and recommendations are written by the collection editor, George Shelley, and reflect his reading perspective.
Bibliographic records
Each record includes the author's name with dates, the title as given by Project Gutenberg, the publisher (always Project Gutenberg), a set of Library of Congress subject keywords, a target-reader field, and a catalogue note summarizing the work's content and themes. The keywords and target-reader fields are reproduced as supplied by the source.
Category assignment
Books are grouped into four categories based on shared themes, settings, or narrative modes. These categories are not exhaustive or mutually exclusive; they serve as navigational aids. Some books could reasonably fit in multiple categories, and the editor has chosen the most representative grouping for each.
Editorial reading context
The catalogue notes are written from the perspective of a close reader attentive to diction, dialogue, structure, and imagery. They do not claim to represent a scholarly consensus or exhaustive analysis. The notes aim to enrich the reading experience by pointing out patterns that may not be immediately obvious.
Edition facts and text measurements
No edition facts beyond what is provided by Project Gutenberg (publisher, year of digital release) are given. Text measurements such as word counts or page numbers are not provided because these vary by format and display.
Recommendations and related works
Each category guide includes three recommended books selected to represent the category's range and depth. Recommendations are based on the editor's reading and are intended as starting points, not definitive lists. Related works are not systematically suggested across categories.
Corrections and reader reports
If readers notice errors in the catalogue notes or have suggestions for improvement, they may contact the editor at [email protected]. The editor will review reports and make corrections as needed.
Public-domain limitations
All texts in this library are believed to be in the public domain in the United States. Users outside the United States should verify the copyright status of individual works in their jurisdiction. The library does not assert any new copyright on the underlying texts.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The catalogue is presented as simple HTML with semantic markup, ensuring readability across devices and screen readers. No visual styling is imposed that would hinder access.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The collection editor, George Shelley, operates independently and receives no compensation from authors, publishers, or third parties. The selection and commentary are his own, based solely on his reading of the texts.
What the catalogue does not claim
The catalogue does not claim peer review, legal certification, university affiliation, or professional librarian credentials. It does not assert that every book was read in full by anyone other than the editor, nor does it guarantee the copyright status of works in all jurisdictions. It does not use AI or automated tools for selection or commentary.
Ongoing maintenance
The catalogue is updated periodically as new titles are added or existing records are revised. The editor welcomes feedback to improve the accuracy and usefulness of the notes.