Access to public domain books 2025 and 2026 offers an exciting opportunity for readers and creators. As classic works enter the public domain, they become accessible through numerous digital platforms and libraries. This allows anyone to read, share and adapt these texts without legal restrictions. In 2025, notable works by Hemingway, Woolf and Remarque will be available, followed by Faulkner, Christie and Lawrence in 2026. These releases not only enrich cultural resources but also spark creative possibilities for modern interpretations and adaptations.
This blog post explores where to access these public domain books released in 2025 and 2026 and how to creatively use them while respecting copyright boundaries.
- Where to access public domain books?
- Public domain books 2025
- Public domain books 2026
- Using public domain works
- Editing services for public domain texts
Where to access public domain books 2025?
Accessing public domain books is relatively easy, as many digital libraries and online platforms offer a wide range of public domain literature. They include Google Books, HathiTrust, Internet Archive, LibriVox, Open Library, Project Gutenberg, Wikisource and others.
Bibliomania
Bibliomania provides access to hundreds of free public domain texts, including classic literature, poems, short stories and plays. It also features study guides and notes.
Digital Public Library of America
The DPLA stores millions of public domain books, images and more from the US libraries, archives and museums. Many of these works are digitised and freely accessible.
Europeana
Europeana provides access to millions of digital items from European libraries, museums and archives, including public domain books, art and cultural heritage materials.
Feedbooks
Feedbooks has a public domain section where you can download thousands of classic works in various formats (ePUB, PDF, Kindle). It also provides information on copyright status.
Google Books
Google Books includes a vast collection of books, and many older works have entered the public domain. You can use the advanced search feature to filter results by copyright status.
HathiTrust Digital Library
HathiTrust is a partnership of academic and research institutions that provides access to a vast collection of digital content, including public domain books.
Internet Archive
The Internet Archive offers diverse digital content, including books, music and videos. The ‘Books’ section provides access to numerous public domain books.
LibriVox
LibriVox provides free audiobooks of public domain works. Volunteers worldwide record audiobooks of classic literature, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Open Library
Open Library offers over 1.7 million free ebooks, including a significant number of public domain works. It provides an easy-to-use interface for borrowing digital books.
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is one of the oldest and largest digital libraries, offering a collection of over 60,000 free eBooks, including many classic works in the public domain. The books are available in multiple formats, including HTML, ePUB, Kindle and plain text.
Sacred Texts
Sacred Texts is an archive of public domain religious and spiritual texts from around the world covering topics like mythology, religion and folklore.
Standard Ebooks
Standard Ebooks takes public domain books and professionally formats them, offering beautifully designed and easy-to-read versions. Their books are available for free download in various eReader-friendly formats.
Wikisource
Wikisource is a Wikimedia project that aims to host free, freely licensed and public domain source texts. It includes a growing collection of literary works in multiple languages.
Public domain books 2025
Every year, new literary works enter public domain. In 2025, they will include works by Ernst Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, Agatha Christie and many others.
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway tells a tragic love story set during World War I, focusing on the harsh realities of war and personal suffering.
All Quiet on the Western Front (English version) by Erich Maria Remarque
This novel offers a raw depiction of World War I’s physical and emotional toll on German soldiers. A Netflix adaptation in 2022 gained critical acclaim and multiple awards.
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
Woolf argues for women’s intellectual and financial independence, using the metaphor of ‘a room of one’s own.’ This essay laid the foundation for feminist literary criticism.
Cup of Gold by John Steinbeck
Steinbeck’s debut novel follows pirate Henry Morgan’s pursuit of wealth and power in the Caribbean, combining historical fiction with adventure.
Emil and the Detectives (in German) by Erich Kästner
In this classic children’s detective story, Emil and his friends track down a thief in Berlin. Filmmakers adapted this story multiple times, including a 1964 Disney version.
Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves
Graves recounts his traumatic experiences during World War I and the societal changes that followed. This memoir provides a sharp critique of war and its aftermath.
Gods’ Man by Lynd Ward
Ward’s wordless novel, told through woodcut illustrations, follows an artist’s fall from innocence in a dystopian society. It is one of the earliest examples of the modern graphic novel.
Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe
This semi-autobiographical novel tells the coming-of-age story of Eugene Gant, exploring family dynamics, identity and small-town life.
Passing by Nella Larsen
Larsen’s Harlem Renaissance novel examines racial identity and societal pressures through the story of two women. A 2021 Netflix film, directed by Rebecca Hall, explores these themes further.
Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie
This collection follows Tommy and Tuppence, a charming detective duo who solve various mysteries. The British TV adaptations in 1983 and 2015 capture the duo’s adventurous spirit.
Tarzan and the Lost Empire by Edgar Rice Burrough
In this installment of Tarzan adventures, Tarzan embarks on a journey where he uncovers a hidden Roman civilisation in Africa.
The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham
Albert Campion, introduced in this novel, unravels a murder mystery at a weekend house party. Campion later starred in many of Allingham’s detective stories.
The Last September by Elizabeth Bowen
Bowen set her novel during the Irish War of Independence, focusing on the decline of the Anglo-Irish gentry. The 1999 film adaptation features Maggie Smith and Fiona Shaw.
The Magic Island by William Seabrook
Seabrook’s travelogue, inspired by his experiences in Haiti, introduced the concept of ‘zombies’ to Western culture and influenced numerous horror films and stories.
The Maracot Deep by Arthur Conan Doyle
Doyle tells an undersea adventure involving a lost civilisation, blending science fiction and speculative fiction. Though not as well known as his Sherlock Holmes stories, this novel shows Doyle’s imaginative range.
The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen
This murder mystery, set in a New York theatre, introduces the famous detective Ellery Queen. The character later appeared in multiple TV adaptations, including a popular 1970s series.
The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie
Christie’s detective novel follows a string of murders linked to a secret organisation.
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
Faulkner uses multiple perspectives to tell the story of the Compson family’s tragic decline in this Southern Gothic novel. James Franco directed a film adaptation in 2014.
The Winding Stair by W. B. Yeats
Yeats explores Irish nationalism, personal spirituality and aging in this poetry collection, continuing his engagement with both personal and political themes.
Tintin in the Land of the Soviets (French version) by Hergé
Hergé’s debut comic introduces Tintin, a young Belgian reporter who uncovers corruption in Soviet Russia. Tintin became a global icon, and his adventures appeared in numerous adaptations, including the 2011 Spielberg film The Adventures of Tintin.
Public domain books 2026
The following works are confirmed to be entering the public domain in 2026:
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
A Southern Gothic classic, Faulkner’s novel tells the story of the Bundren family’s journey to bury their mother. It remains one of his most famous works. The novel was adapted into a film in 2013, directed by and starring James Franco.
Ash Wednesday by T. S. Eliot
A key work in Eliot’s career, this poem marks his transition towards Christian themes and personal reflection.
Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud
One of Freud’s most important works, examining the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.
East Wind: West Wind by Pearl S. Buck
Buck’s debut novel from 1930 explores cross-cultural relationships, following a Chinese woman adjusting to the modern ideas introduced by her Western-educated husband.
Poems by W. H. Auden
This collection solidified Auden’s reputation as one of the leading poets of the 20th century.
Whoroscope by Samuel Beckett
Beckett’s first published work, a long poem reflecting his philosophical and literary style.
Works by by Agatha Christie
- The Murder at the Vicarage: The first full-length novel featuring Miss Marple, Christie’s iconic amateur detective. This first Miss Marple novel has had multiple adaptations, notably in the popular Marple TV series, most recently in the 2004 Geraldine McEwan series.
- The Mysterious Mr. Quin: A collection of short stories about the enigmatic Mr. Quin, who helps solve mysteries in unconventional ways.
- Giant’s Bread: Written under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott, this is one of Christie’s few romance novels.
Works by D. H. Lawrence
- Love among the Haystacks and Other Stories: A collection of short stories by Lawrence, delving into themes of love and relationships.
- The Virgin and the Gypsy: A novella that explores class and sexual freedom in rural England.
Works by Vladimir Nabokov
- The Defense: A novel about a chess prodigy whose obsession leads to personal disintegration. Nabokov’s novel inspired the 2000 film The Luzhin Defence, directed by Marleen Gorris and starring John Turturro and Emily Watson.
- The Eye: A novella exploring the blurred lines between reality and perception.
Using public domain works
When drawing inspiration from public domain books, writers have a wide range of creative possibilities, but they must also be mindful of certain restrictions. Here’s a breakdown of what writers can and cannot do with public domain works:
What writers can do
- Write a sequel or prequel: Writers can freely expand on the stories and characters of public domain works. They might write a sequel, prequel, or even create spin-off stories based on characters or plotlines from these books.
- Update or retell the story: Writers can modernise the language, setting, or themes of a public domain work. They may update it for a contemporary audience while keeping the core elements intact.
- Create adaptations: Writers can adapt public domain works into new forms, such as screenplays, stage plays, graphic novels, or even video games. For instance, classic novels like Pride and Prejudice have been reimagined as films, and even unique takes like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
- Combine elements from multiple works: Writers can merge characters or plots from different public domain works to create new, hybrid stories. This can lead to imaginative crossovers or fresh, original narratives based on pre-existing worlds.
- Reimagine characters or settings: Writers are free to delve into untold backstories or reimagine characters from public domain works, offering alternative perspectives or exploring different outcomes.
- Create annotated editions: Writers can produce editions that include annotations, commentary, or scholarly interpretations of public domain works, enriching the original material for modern readers.
What writers cannot do
- Plagiarise: Even though public domain works can be freely used, directly copying the text without proper attribution still constitutes plagiarism. Writers should credit the original author when relevant and avoid presenting the work as entirely their own.
- Claim moral rights: In many jurisdictions, the moral rights of the original creator (e.g. the right to be identified as the author) may still persist even after the work enters the public domain. Writers should respect these rights, particularly when adapting or transforming public domain works.
- Use trademarks: While the text of a work might be in the public domain, any associated trademarks or branding (like a characters name or iconic imagery) may still be protected. Writers should avoid infringing on trademarks when creating derivative works.
- Infringe on modern adaptations: If a modern adaptation of a public domain work introduces new elements, such as additional characters or storylines, those elements may still be under copyright. Writers cannot freely use these new additions without permission from the creators.
- Mislead or falsely attribute the work: Writers cannot falsely attribute a public domain work to themselves. Proper recognition should be given to the original author, especially in scholarly or educational contexts.
Editing services for public domain texts
Professional editing services can be a valuable asset for an author working on a text inspired by a public domain work in the following ways:
Ensuring originality and avoiding plagiarism
Developmental editing helps ensure the final product is creative and original, guiding authors to avoid overly relying on the public domain material. The developmental editor works closely with the author to identify areas where new elements can be introduced while steering clear of direct duplication, ensuring the work feels fresh and unique.
Adapting language and style
Line editing refines the language and ensures the text resonates with contemporary readers. A line editor helps the author modernise the tone or, if needed, retain the historical feel of the original material. They focus on the clarity, style and flow of sentences to make sure the writing is engaging and suited to its audience.
Improving structure and narrative flow
Developmental editing enhances the overall structure of the manuscript. A developmental editor helps the author examine the big picture of the story. They ensure the plot moves smoothly, characters develop in a meaningful way and the pacing works. This service is particularly useful when authors expand or reimagine public domain works, requiring cohesive integration of new ideas.
Clarifying legal boundaries
Developmental editing also assists authors in navigating the legal complexities of using public domain works. Experienced editors help ensure that authors avoid incorporating modern adaptations or new creative elements from copyrighted versions, preventing potential legal issues.
Enhancing style and voice
Line editing supports the author in crafting a unique style and voice. This service refines sentence structure, rhythm and word choice to ensure the writing stands out and does not simply echo the public domain source. Line editors help authors find their distinct voice within the framework of their inspiration.
Providing historical and contextual insights
Developmental editing includes offering insights into the historical and cultural context of the public domain work. A developmental editor helps the author adapt these elements in a way that feels relevant to modern readers or preserves historical accuracy, depending on the author’s goals.
Maintaining consistency across re-imagined worlds
Copyediting ensures internal consistency throughout the manuscript, especially when an author merges different public domain sources. Copyeditors focus on maintaining consistency in character names, settings, terminology and timelines to ensure that the final work reads seamlessly.
Polishing the final product
Proofreading provides the final layer of refinement, focusing on eliminating grammar, punctuation and typographical errors. Proofreaders ensure that the work is polished and ready for publication, addressing small details without altering the content itself.
Key takeaways
The public domain books 2025 and 2026 provide immense cultural and creative potential. Platforms like Project Gutenberg, Internet Archive and Bibliomania offer free access to these classics. Writers, too, can draw on these works to develop new stories, adaptations and annotations. With professional editing support, authors can avoid plagiarism and ensure originality while updating language and style. By exploring and respecting these timeless works, readers and writers alike help preserve and revitalise literary history for modern audiences.
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