Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
The GONUY Public Domain Literature Library exists to make historically significant public-domain texts accessible to general readers. The catalogue emphasizes primary sources and personal narratives from periods of conflict, offering editorial notes that help readers engage with the material without imposing modern interpretations. The library serves as a discovery tool, not a scholarly edition.
Scope and selection
The catalogue currently includes 100 ebooks, all sourced from Project Gutenberg. Selection is guided by thematic coherence: most works relate to war, revolution, or nation-building from the 19th and 20th centuries. Priority is given to texts with strong narrative voices, distinctive perspectives, or documentary value. The editor, Ernest Orwell, curates the collection based on these criteria.
Source attribution
Every book record identifies Project Gutenberg as the publisher. No modifications are made to the original texts; the catalogue supplements them with reading notes, context summaries, and keyword metadata. The library does not assert any ownership over the works themselves.
Bibliographic records
Each entry includes title, author(s), publisher, keywords (Library of Congress subject headings), target reader, and a catalogue note. The catalogue note is written by the editor and provides a concise analysis of the work’s voice, structure, and themes. It is not a substitute for reading the text.
Category assignment
Works are divided into two categories: Wars, Revolutions & Nations: Sources & Perspectives and Sea Voyages & Shipwrecks. Categories are based on broad thematic similarities and are intended as navigation aids. Some works could reasonably fit in multiple categories; the assignment reflects the editor’s judgment of the most salient aspect.
Editorial reading context
Editorial notes and category guides are informed by close reading of the texts. The editor draws on the catalogue notes to highlight narrative techniques, historical context, and points of interest. These materials aim to enhance, not replace, the reader’s own engagement with the primary source.
Edition facts and text measurements
The catalogue does not record word counts, page numbers, or edition details beyond the publisher (Project Gutenberg). Readers should refer to the original source files for such information. The library focuses on content, not bibliographic apparatus.
Recommendations and related works
Category guides recommend three specific books with brief reasons. These recommendations are based on the editor’s assessment of representative works that illustrate the category’s scope. They are not exhaustive. Related works are suggested implicitly through the category structure rather than explicit cross-references.
Corrections and reader reports
Readers may report errors or suggest improvements via the contact page. The editor reviews all submissions and makes corrections as needed. This includes fixing broken links, updating metadata, or revising unclear editorial notes.
Public-domain limitations
All texts in the library are in the public domain in the United States and most other countries. The library does not guarantee copyright status for every jurisdiction. Readers are responsible for complying with local laws. The texts may contain outdated language, cultural assumptions, or factual errors that reflect their original publication context.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The catalogue is presented in simple, well-structured HTML without complex formatting. No images, scripts, or tables are used, ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies. The library encourages readers to download texts for offline use from Project Gutenberg’s original files.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The GONUY Library is an independent effort by Ernest Orwell, Poetry Editor, based in Australia. It has no institutional affiliation. The editor takes responsibility for the accuracy of the metadata and the quality of the editorial notes.
What the catalogue does not claim
The library does not claim peer review, professional librarian credentials, or legal certification. It does not assert that every book has been read in full. It does not guarantee that all texts are free from errors or omissions. The catalogue is a resource for readers, not a scholarly authority.
Ongoing maintenance
The library is updated periodically as new public-domain texts are added or existing records are improved. The editor monitors feedback and makes adjustments. There is no fixed schedule for updates. For the latest information, visit the about page.