Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
The AARFI Public Domain Literature Library serves as a curated guide to a selection of public-domain plays and verse dramas, primarily sourced from Project Gutenberg. Its aim is to assist readers in discovering and understanding these works through editorial notes, contextual information, and reading recommendations. The catalogue does not aim to be comprehensive but to provide a thoughtful entry point for readers of historical and public-domain texts.
Scope and selection
The library contains 98 works, chosen for their literary interest, historical significance, or representative quality within their genres. Selections include comedies, tragedies, farces, and verse dramas from the 16th to the early 20th century, by authors such as Oscar Wilde, William Congreve, Ben Jonson, and Frank Wedekind. Works were selected based on their availability in public domain and the editor's judgment of their value to contemporary readers.
Source attribution
All underlying texts are sourced from Project Gutenberg, a digital repository of public-domain works. Each book record credits Project Gutenberg as the publisher and notes any additional contributors, such as translators, illustrators, or editors of specific editions. The editorial notes and commentary are the work of David Hawthorne, the anthology editor, and are not part of the original texts.
Bibliographic records
Each book record includes: the title and subtitle, full author name(s) with life dates, the publisher (Project Gutenberg), subject keywords derived from library cataloguing (e.g., Library of Congress Subject Headings), a target-reader indication (typically 'Readers of public-domain and historical texts'), and a catalogue note written by the editor. These records are intended to help readers decide whether a work suits their interests.
Category assignment
Works are assigned to one of four categories: A Guide to Verse and the Stage, World Events in Context: Texts & Context, A Guide to Romance & Domestic Life, and Lives, Customs & Historical Worlds. Categories are based on the editor's assessment of the work's primary themes, style, and content. They serve as navigation aids and are not definitive literary classifications. Some works may fit multiple categories, and readers are encouraged to browse across categories.
Editorial reading context
The catalogue notes are written from the perspective of a first-time reader, highlighting the work's structure, key scenes, and notable features. They draw on excerpts from the texts but do not aim to summarize the entire plot. The editor aims to provide useful orientation without replacing the experience of reading the work itself.
Edition facts and text measurements
Where applicable, catalogue notes may mention the number of acts, the year of first performance or publication, and the original language. For translated works, the translator's name is given. No word counts or other quantitative measures are provided, as the focus is on qualitative description.
Recommendations and related works
In category guides, the editor recommends three distinct works with concrete reasons for each recommendation. These are intended as starting points, not as a ranked list. Recommendations are based on the works' content, not on external popularity or critical consensus.
Corrections and reader reports
Readers who notice errors in the catalogue notes or have suggestions for improvement are encouraged to contact the editor via the contact form. The editor reviews such reports and makes corrections as needed. However, the underlying public-domain texts are not modified.
Public-domain limitations
All works in this library are in the public domain in the United States and many other countries. Readers outside the U.S. should verify the copyright status of specific works in their jurisdiction. The catalogue does not assert any copyright over the editorial notes, which are released under a permissive license.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The catalogue pages are designed for clear, readable presentation without reliance on images or complex layouts. HTML markup uses semantic elements and avoids inline styles. The editor aims to make the content accessible to readers using screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The editor, David Hawthorne, operates independently and has no affiliation with any academic institution, publisher, or commercial entity. The catalogue is a non-commercial project intended to support public-domain literacy. Editorial decisions are made based on the editor's own reading and judgment.
What the catalogue does not claim
The catalogue does not claim peer review, legal certification, or university affiliation. It does not assert that every book has been read in full, nor does it guarantee copyright status for all jurisdictions. The editorial notes are suggestions, not scholarly editions. The catalogue does not use AI-generated content, SEO tactics, or promotional language.
Ongoing maintenance
The library is periodically updated to correct errors, improve catalogue notes, and add new works as they become available in public domain. The editor welcomes reader engagement but cannot promise a fixed update schedule.