Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
The IMDEI Public Domain Literature Library aims to make historical public-domain texts accessible to modern readers by providing structured editorial context. Each work is accompanied by a reading companion that explains its content, narrative style, and historical background without replacing the original text.
Scope and selection
The catalogue contains 98 works, all sourced from Project Gutenberg, focusing on World War I and American Civil War narratives. Selection prioritizes first-hand accounts, regimental histories, and critical analyses that offer authentic voices from the past. No contemporary fiction or poetry is included.
Source attribution
Every book is explicitly attributed to Project Gutenberg, the original publisher or transcriber, and the author where known. Links to the full text are provided. The catalogue does not verify copyright status beyond the public-domain claim of the source.
Bibliographic records
Each record includes title, author, publisher, keywords, target-reader description, and a catalogue note. Keywords are taken from the original Project Gutenberg metadata. The target-reader field is standardized as 'Readers of public-domain and historical texts' for consistency.
Category assignment
Works are grouped into two categories: 'Battles and Military History' and 'A Guide to Maritime Adventures'. Assignment is based on thematic and formal similarities rather than strict genre classification. Some works may fit multiple categories; the editor chooses the most representative.
Editorial reading context
Each catalogue note is written after a close reading of the work, focusing on narrative structure, authorial choices, and key themes. Notes avoid summary and instead highlight elements that may interest readers, such as diction, imagery, or historical context.
Edition facts and text measurements
The catalogue notes the publication date of the original edition (where available from Project Gutenberg) and the source format. Text measurements such as length or word count are not provided, as they vary by edition and are not essential for browsing.
Recommendations and related works
Each category page recommends three works with concrete reasons. These recommendations are based on the editorial reading and aim to guide new readers to representative or distinctive texts. No algorithmic or statistical methods are used.
Corrections and reader reports
Readers may report errors or suggest improvements via the contact page. The editor reviews submissions and updates records as needed. The catalogue does not have a formal peer-review process.
Public-domain limitations
All works are believed to be in the public domain in the United States. The catalogue does not guarantee copyright status in other jurisdictions. Users are responsible for verifying local laws.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The catalogue uses simple HTML with semantic elements and CSS classes for styling. No images, scripts, or complex layouts are employed. The design prioritizes legibility and fast loading.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The catalogue is edited by James Atwood, who is solely responsible for the selection and content of the notes. No external funding or institutional affiliation is claimed. The editor's opinions do not represent any other entity.
What the catalogue does not claim
The catalogue does not claim that every book has been read in full, that the notes constitute peer review, that the editor holds professional librarian credentials, or that the catalogue is legally certified. No AI or automated tools are used for content generation.
Ongoing maintenance
The editor periodically reviews the catalogue for accuracy and may add new works. Updates are noted on the website. The catalogue is not updated in real time.