Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
The YERVU Public Domain Literature Library aims to make historically significant works of philosophy, ethics, and logic accessible to contemporary readers by providing editorial companions that illuminate context, structure, and translation choices. These notes are designed to assist independent study, not to replace the primary texts.
Scope and selection
The catalogue currently includes 97 works, all sourced from Project Gutenberg. Selection prioritizes texts that are widely referenced in intellectual history and that benefit from editorial framing—especially those with notable translation histories or complex structures. Works are drawn primarily from Western and Eastern philosophical traditions, with an emphasis on English translations that shaped scholarly reception.
Source attribution
Every book record explicitly identifies the publisher (Project Gutenberg), original author, translator or editor, and any known contributors. Links to the original source files are provided. The catalogue does not host full texts but directs users to the public-domain versions.
Bibliographic records
Each entry includes title, author(s), translator, publisher, subject keywords, target-reader description, and a catalogue note. The catalogue note is an editorial essay, not a summary; it may discuss translation style, argumentative structure, historical context, or peculiarities of the edition.
Category assignment
Works are assigned to one of two categories—'Knowledge, Meaning & Political Thought' or 'Thought, Character & Human Nature'—based on their dominant subject matter. These categories are broad and intended as navigation aids; many works could fit in either. Category descriptions acknowledge this limitation.
Editorial reading context
Editorial notes are written from the perspective of a single reader (the editor) and do not represent institutional or peer-reviewed consensus. They aim to be informative and provocative, encouraging readers to engage directly with the texts.
Edition facts and text measurements
Where available, the notes mention date of original publication, translation date, and edition details (e.g., 'Library Edition, 1891'). Text measurements such as number of volumes or chapters are noted when relevant to structure.
Recommendations and related works
Each category guide recommends three works with specific reasons. These recommendations are based on thematic coherence and reader accessibility, not popularity or authority. Related works are suggested within the catalogue, but cross-references are limited to avoid overconnection.
Corrections and reader reports
Users may report errors or suggest improvements via the contact page. The editor reviews reports and updates records as needed. No formal peer review process is in place.
Public-domain limitations
All texts are confirmed to be in the public domain in the United States and most other countries. Users are responsible for verifying local copyright status. The catalogue does not guarantee that every edition is freely usable worldwide.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The catalogue uses simple HTML without inline styles, JavaScript, or images, ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies. Section headings and semantic tags structure content for screen readers. All editorial notes are written in plain English.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The library is independently maintained by Nathaniel Fitzgerald, a bibliographic consultant based in Australia. It has no affiliations with universities, publishers, or commercial entities. Editorial decisions are made solely by the editor.
What the catalogue does not claim
The catalogue does not claim peer review, professional librarian credentials, legal certification, or guaranteed copyright status for all editions. It does not assert that every book was read in full by the editor, nor does it make claims about scholarship or research activity beyond the editorial notes.
Ongoing maintenance
The catalogue is updated periodically as new public-domain works become available or as editorial notes are revised. The editor may add, remove, or re-categorize works at their discretion. Suggestions from readers are welcome.