Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
The INUOD Public Domain Literature Library aims to provide a curated, context-rich collection of public-domain works in folklore, myths, legends, and fairy tales. Unlike a simple aggregation, this catalogue offers editorial observations that help readers understand each work's style, structure, and cultural background. The purpose is to support informed reading and scholarly exploration.
Scope and selection
Works are selected from established public-domain sources, primarily Project Gutenberg. The collection focuses on English-language editions of traditional narratives, with an emphasis on works that have editorial relevance—whether through their author's note, translator's preface, or distinctive narrative voice. The catalogue currently includes 96 books, with periodic additions as appropriate public-domain texts become available.
Source attribution
Every book record includes the digital source (Project Gutenberg) and relevant bibliographic details such as editor, translator, or illustrator when present. The catalogue does not alter the original texts; editorial content is provided separately as reading notes and contextual essays. Links to the source editions are included where possible.
Bibliographic records
Each record contains: title, author(s) with roles, publisher, keywords, target reader designation, catalogue note, and URL. The title used in the catalogue may include a descriptive subtitle added by the editor for clarity, such as 'Reading Companion' or 'Text and Context.' Keywords are taken from the source or assigned based on subject content. The catalogue note is an original editorial summary that focuses on authorial choices and narrative features, not plot summary.
Category assignment
Books are grouped into three categories: Folklore, Myths Legends, and Fairy Tales. These categories are editorial constructs meant to highlight thematic connections and guide browsing. They are not definitive literary classifications; a single work could reasonably belong to multiple categories. Category assignments are reviewed periodically to ensure consistency.
Editorial reading context
Editorial notes are written by The Editorial Team Inuod, Collection Editor, based on close reading of each work. These notes examine diction, narrative structure, recurring motifs, and the interplay between text and paratext (prefaces, illustrations). They do not claim to represent the author's intention or to provide comprehensive analysis; rather, they offer a starting point for the reader's own engagement.
Edition facts and text measurements
Where available, edition details such as publication year and translator are included. The catalogue does not include page counts or word counts, as these vary by format. The focus is on the textual content and editorial context rather than physical book characteristics.
Recommendations and related works
Each category guide includes three recommended books, chosen to represent the range of content within that category. Recommendations are based on editorial judgment and are not exhaustive. Related works may be suggested in catalogue notes or category descriptions, but no algorithmic or crowd-sourced recommendations are used.
Corrections and reader reports
The editor welcomes corrections and suggestions via the contact page at /contact-us. Reader reports regarding factual errors, broken links, or misattributions are reviewed and addressed promptly. The catalogue is maintained as a voluntary project by the editor.
Public-domain limitations
All works in the library are in the public domain under applicable law. The catalogue does not guarantee copyright status in all jurisdictions; users are responsible for verifying the legal status of any work for their specific use. The editor does not assert any new copyright over the original texts.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The catalogue is designed for readability, with clear typography and structured HTML. Editorial content uses plain language and avoids jargon. The site aims to be accessible across devices and browsers, though no automated accessibility testing is currently conducted.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The INUOD Public Domain Literature Library is an independent project by The Editorial Team Inuod. It has no institutional affiliation, no funding from external organizations, and no advertising. Editorial decisions are made solely by the editor, based on the content and quality of the works. The library does not accept submissions or paid placements.
What the catalogue does not claim
The catalogue does not claim that every book has been read in full, though editorial notes are based on substantial excerpts. It does not claim peer review, legal certification, or professional librarian credentials. It does not use AI-generated content or promotional language. The catalogue is a personal editorial project, not a scholarly publication.
Ongoing maintenance
The catalogue is updated periodically as new public-domain works are added or as editorial notes are revised. The editor reviews category assignments and recommendations to ensure their continued relevance. Readers are encouraged to provide feedback through the contact page.