Editorial Standards
Purpose of the Catalogue
The MAUIH Public Domain Literature Library aims to provide readers with access to works in the public domain, accompanied by editorial notes that support informed reading. The catalogue does not seek to replace scholarly editions but to offer a starting point for exploration.
Scope and Selection
The library contains 98 works, all sourced from Project Gutenberg. Selection focuses on folklore, fairy tales, and related narratives. No works outside the public domain are included. The editor, William Shelley, selects titles based on their cultural and historical interest.
Source Attribution
Every book record lists Project Gutenberg as the publisher. The original publication dates and authors are provided where known. Editorial notes are separate from the source texts and are clearly attributed to the editor.
Bibliographic Records
Each entry includes the title, author(s), Library of Congress subject keywords, a target-reader description, and a catalogue note. The catalogue note is a short interpretive essay, not a summary or review.
Category Assignment
Works are grouped into two categories: Folklore and Fairy Tales. These categories are navigational aids and do not represent definitive literary classifications. A work may fit multiple categories; placement is based on the editor's judgment of predominant themes.
Editorial Reading Context
Catalogue notes are written after a careful reading of the work. They highlight structural elements, recurring motifs, and notable stylistic choices. The notes are not intended as exhaustive analysis but as a companion for the first-time reader.
Edition Facts and Text Measurements
Where available, the catalogue notes mention publication dates, illustrators, translators, and other edition-specific details. No quantitative text measurements (e.g., word counts) are provided unless present in the source material.
Recommendations and Related Works
Each category guide includes three recommended titles. Recommendations are based on the work's representativeness, readability, and potential to lead readers to other related works. No claim is made that these are the "best" or "essential" works in the category.
Corrections and Reader Reports
Readers may contact the editor via the contact page (/contact-us) to report errors or suggest improvements. The catalogue is updated periodically in response to feedback.
Public-Domain Limitations
All works in this library are confirmed to be in the public domain in the United States. Readers outside the U.S. should verify the copyright status in their jurisdiction. The catalogue does not guarantee copyright clearance for all users.
Accessibility and Readable Presentation
The catalogue is designed to be navigable without JavaScript. Text is presented in a clear, readable format. No external resources are required to view the content.
Independence and Editorial Responsibility
The editor, William Shelley (Poetry Editor), is solely responsible for the content of the catalogue notes. The library is not affiliated with any academic institution, publisher, or commercial entity.
What the Catalogue Does Not Claim
The catalogue does not claim that every work has been read in full, that the notes constitute peer review, or that the classification is authoritative. It does not claim any legal certification or professional librarian credentials. No reviews, awards, or research activity are cited.
Ongoing Maintenance
The catalogue is maintained by the editor as a personal project. New works may be added over time. The editorial standards are reviewed periodically and updated as needed.