Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
The TEQYU Public Domain Literature Library aims to make public-domain fiction more accessible by providing editorial notes that offer context and reading guidance. Each note focuses on narrative strategies, structural patterns, and authorial choices, helping readers engage with works from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Scope and selection
The catalogue currently contains 98 works, all drawn from Project Gutenberg editions. Selections emphasize fiction that benefits from contextual reading notes, including lesser-known titles alongside canonical works. No automated selection process is used; each work was considered individually based on its availability and potential interest.
Source attribution
All texts are sourced from Project Gutenberg, a digital library of public-domain works. Each book record explicitly notes the publisher as Project Gutenberg and provides a link to the full text. Editorial content is original to TEQYU and is not derived from external sources.
Bibliographic records
Each record includes the book title, author(s), publisher, keywords (from the Project Gutenberg metadata), target reader, a catalogue note, and a URL. The catalogue note is an editorial observation, not a summary or review. Keywords are reproduced as supplied and may not fully reflect the book's content.
Category assignment
Works are grouped into four categories based on dominant themes and narrative approaches. Categories are descriptive, not prescriptive; a work may contain elements from multiple categories. The assignment is based on editorial judgment and is reviewed periodically.
Editorial reading context
Editorial notes are written after reading the text and focus on observable features: diction, dialogue, structure, imagery, and pacing. They do not claim to represent authorial intent or definitive interpretation. The editor's name, Ernest Lewis, appears on the site for accountability.
Edition facts and text measurements
No detailed edition facts or textual measurements (e.g., word counts or revision histories) are provided, as these are not part of the current scope. The catalogue relies on Project Gutenberg's edition statements.
Recommendations and related works
Each category guide includes three recommended works, chosen to illustrate the category's range. Recommendations are based on the editor's reading and are offered as starting points, not as definitive lists. Related works may be mentioned in notes but not systematically mapped.
Corrections and reader reports
Readers may report errors or suggest improvements via the contact page. The editor reviews reports and makes corrections as appropriate. The catalogue is updated infrequently, and no guarantee of immediate response is made.
Public-domain limitations
All texts are confirmed public domain under U.S. law. Readers outside the U.S. should verify local copyright status. The catalogue does not guarantee copyright status for all jurisdictions.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The site uses simple HTML with semantic structure, clear headings, and minimal styling to support screen readers and text-only browsing. No images or scripts are used.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The catalogue is independently maintained by Ernest Lewis, Fiction Editor. It has no affiliation with universities, libraries, or commercial publishers. Editorial decisions are made solely by the editor.
What the catalogue does not claim
The catalogue does not claim peer review, professional librarianship, legal certification, or guaranteed completeness. It does not assert that every book was read in full by the editor (though notes are based on reading). It does not use AI-generated content or automated summaries.
Ongoing maintenance
The catalogue is updated as new public-domain works are added or existing notes revised. The editor reviews the collection periodically but does not follow a fixed schedule. Readers are encouraged to check the about page for updates.