What is Project Gutenberg?
Project Gutenberg is the oldest digital library on the web, offering more than 75,000 free eBooks. The collection focuses on older works whose copyright has expired in the United States, so you will find classic novels, poetry, plays, history, philosophy and science texts.
Books can be read online in the browser or downloaded in formats such as EPUB, Kindle and plain text. There are no fees, no registration and no ads. The project is run by volunteers who digitise and proofread the books, and it is supported by donations.
Main Features
- Over 75,000 free public domain eBooks
- Read online or download as EPUB, Kindle or plain text
- No registration, fees or ads
- Browse by author, title, subject and popularity
- Many languages beyond English
- Volunteer proofread texts
How to Get Started with Project Gutenberg
- Go to gutenberg.org.
- Search for a title or author, or browse the Frequently Downloaded list.
- Open the book page and choose Read online or a download format.
- Send the file to your e-reader or app, or read it in your browser.
Project Gutenberg Pricing
Project Gutenberg is completely free. There are no paid plans, and the volunteer project is supported by donations.
Who Should Use It?
- Readers who love classic literature
- Students studying set texts
- Teachers building reading lists
- E-reader owners looking for free books
- Researchers working with historical texts
Project Gutenberg Alternatives
- The StoryGraph: Track your reading and get book recommendations based on mood.
- Khan Academy: Free courses and lessons across school subjects.
- Learn Anything: Curated learning paths for almost any topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Project Gutenberg free?
Yes. Every eBook is free to read and download, with no account, fees or ads.
Why are the books free?
Project Gutenberg mainly offers works whose US copyright has expired, so they are in the public domain. Check the copyright rules in your own country before reusing them.
Can I read Project Gutenberg books on a Kindle?
Yes. Most books are available in Kindle and EPUB formats that you can download and send to your device.