Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
This catalogue provides editorial guides to public-domain literary works available through Project Gutenberg. Its purpose is to help readers approach these texts with attention to structure, narrative technique, and historical context. The guides are designed as companions, not substitutes, for reading the works themselves.
Scope and selection
The catalogue covers 95 works, all drawn from the Project Gutenberg collection. Selection is based on the availability of public-domain texts that offer interesting editorial commentary. Works span the late 18th to early 20th centuries, with a focus on less frequently studied authors alongside canonical figures. No claim is made that the selection is representative or comprehensive.
Source attribution
Every work's source is Project Gutenberg, as indicated in each book record. The catalogue is an independent editorial project; it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Project Gutenberg. Links to Project Gutenberg are provided where available.
Bibliographic records
Each book record includes title, author (including illustrators where supplied), publisher (always Project Gutenberg), keywords, target reader, and a catalogue note. These fields are reproduced from the source metadata except the catalogue note, which is original editorial content. Dates and author names follow the Project Gutenberg record.
Category assignment
Works are assigned to one of four categories as a navigation aid. Categories are not intended as definitive literary judgments. They are based on the editor's assessment of dominant themes and may overlap. Readers are encouraged to explore across categories.
Editorial reading context
Catalogue notes are written after reading the corresponding text. They focus on observable features such as narrative voice, structural patterns, recurring imagery, and use of dialogue. They do not attempt to interpret the work's meaning or judge its quality. Notes are concise and avoid plot summary.
Edition facts and text measurements
No edition facts or text measurements (e.g., word count, reading time) are provided, as they vary among editions and are not available from the source. The catalogue relies on the Project Gutenberg text as a reference.
Recommendations and related works
Each category guide includes three recommended books, chosen to illustrate the variety within the category. Recommendations are based on the editor's reading and are not exhaustive. No ‘related works’ are listed beyond the category assignments.
Corrections and reader reports
Readers may report errors or suggest improvements via the contact page at /contact-us. The editor reviews reports periodically. Corrections are made at the editor's discretion.
Public-domain limitations
All works referenced in this catalogue are in the public domain in the United States, based on Project Gutenberg's determination. Readers outside the U.S. should verify the public-domain status in their jurisdiction. The catalogue does not guarantee copyright status.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The catalogue uses semantic HTML and clear language. No images, scripts, or external resources are required. The design aims for readability on various devices.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The catalogue is edited by The Editorial Team Yhocam, based in New Zealand. All editorial decisions are made independently. The editor does not receive compensation from authors or publishers. The contact email is editor@yhocam.com.
What the catalogue does not claim
The catalogue does not claim peer review, professional librarian credentials, or legal certification. It does not assert that every book has been read in full; works are read as needed for editorial notes. It does not mention AI, language models, or SEO. It avoids generic promotional phrases.
Ongoing maintenance
The catalogue is updated as new works are added or corrections are needed. There is no fixed schedule. The editor reserves the right to revise categories and notes.