How to Reach the catalogue project
We welcome thoughtful correspondence from readers, researchers, and rights holders. Your observations help us maintain a reliable catalogue of historical texts.
When to Write
Consider contacting us if you notice:
- Incorrect metadata — a wrong title, author name, publication date, or category placement (e.g., a work placed under Nations, Peoples & the Past that belongs in Wars, Revolutions & Nations).
- Unreadable or corrupted files — a download that fails to open, missing pages, garbled text, or images that do not render.
- Source link or catalogue issues — If a Project Gutenberg source link is unavailable, or if a catalogue page contains a broken link or display problem, please send us the ebook title, the catalogue page URL, and a short description of the issue.
- Accessibility problems — insufficient alt text, poor contrast, lack of semantic structure, or other barriers for users of assistive technology.
- Privacy questions — concerns about how your data is handled when you browse or download from the site.
- Copyright or rights concerns — if you believe a text in our catalogue is not in the public domain in your jurisdiction, or if you are a rights holder with a legitimate claim.
- General editorial observations — suggestions for additional context, reading notes, or corrections to the editorial commentary accompanying a title.
What to Include
To help us act efficiently, please provide as many of the following details as possible:
- The exact page URL where the issue appears.
- The full title of the ebook (and author, if applicable).
- If relevant, the Project Gutenberg source link associated with the ebook.
- The device or browser and its version (e.g., Kindle Paperwhite 11th gen, Chrome 120 on Windows 11, Safari on iOS 17).
- A clear description of the observed problem — what you expected and what actually happened.
- If your message concerns copyright or rights, any supporting information you can share (e.g., your relationship to the work, jurisdiction, and relevant legal details).
Our Editorial Address
All correspondence should be directed to GONUY Catalogue, catalogue project, at [email protected]. Ernest oversees the preservation of historical texts and the compilation of author biographies, and he reads every message personally.
A Note on Response
We read each message carefully and reply as soon as we are able. Because we are a small independent operation, we cannot guarantee a specific turnaround time, but we do our best to acknowledge receipt and address the matter promptly. Thank you for helping us keep the Modern History Library accurate and accessible.
Guidance for Specific Inquiries
To help you direct your message appropriately, here is additional context for common types of correspondence:
Metadata corrections. If you find a title misattributed or a publication year incorrectly listed, please include the source of your correction (e.g., a library catalogue, a published bibliography, or a reliable online record). This helps us verify and update the entry efficiently.
File and reader issues. When reporting a corrupted download or a display problem, mention whether the issue occurs in all formats or only a specific one. For example, a PDF may open correctly while the EPUB version fails. Screenshots or error messages can also be helpful, though not required.
Accessibility barriers. We are committed to improving the accessibility of our catalogue. If you encounter a barrier, describe the assistive technology you use (e.g., screen reader, magnification software) and the specific element that is problematic. Your feedback will inform our ongoing adjustments.
Copyright and rights. If you believe a text in our catalogue is not in the public domain in your jurisdiction, please indicate the country and the applicable copyright term. For rights holders, providing proof of ownership (such as a registration or chain of title) allows us to review your claim promptly. We take such concerns seriously and will respond with the appropriate action.
Privacy and Data Handling
When you email us, we receive only the information you voluntarily provide. We do not share your email address or any personal details with third parties, and we retain correspondence only as long as necessary to address your inquiry. For more details, please see our Privacy page.