Frequently asked questions
Last updated: 2026-10-28
Is it really free and legal?
Yes. Every book here is recorded by Project Gutenberg as public domain in the United States, and we label whether it is also likely free in countries that use a life-plus-70-years term. There is no fee, no account and no catch. If you live outside the US, check the rights label on the book page and your local law.
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Which formats can I download?
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How do I read these on a Kindle?
Download the EPUB and send it to your Kindle with Amazon's Send to Kindle service, or copy it over USB. Our guide "How to Read Free Ebooks on Kindle" walks through it.
Why does a book I searched for only have a "catalog entry"?
It has been imported but not yet reviewed by an editor, or its rights outside the US are unconfirmed. Until then the catalog entry links to the Project Gutenberg record where you can read it immediately.
Where do the covers come from?
From the Project Gutenberg file set: either an illustration from the public-domain edition or a generated title cover.
Who writes the introductions?
Our editors, following the editorial policy. Drafting tools may be used for a first version, but nothing is published until a person has checked it against sources.
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Can I request a book?
Yes, via the contact page. If it is already on Project Gutenberg and public domain worldwide, it can usually be reviewed and added.
I own rights in a work that appears here. What do I do?
Use the takedown request page. Valid notices lead to the work being suspended and its files removed, usually within two working days.