Toronto Public Library: Free eBooks

PeterT · 12-14-2011, 05:40 PM

The Toronto Public Library now has available Project Gutenberg books in ePub format. These are DRM free and available to all. Not sure though on the quality of the formatting!

http://toronto.lib.overdrive.com/2A2...Collection.htm

Quexos · 12-15-2011, 03:33 PM

I wouldn't expect much of Gutenberg books as far as format quality goes.

spindlegirl · 12-15-2011, 03:42 PM

I can't speak for Gutenberg books that are obtained from places other than Project Gutenberg, but when I get the plain vanilla e-texts (in ePub format) from the website itself, I find the quality and readability to be really good.

I download it directly via calibre (Project Gutenberg is one of the "Stores" in the "Get books" option on calibre), and then slap on whatever cover I feel like and then put it on my e-reader. Of course I can't speak for all specific books, I tend to mostly read from the top 100, but everything I've downloaded so far has been nice.

Many of the public domain classics are also really well done by many volunteers at mobileread too, and are available in epub format, and I've downloaded many books from here. I really get a thrill that I can get any public domain book for free. Before I knew about this I spent christmas money to get paperback copies of Jane Eyre, Emma, etc... then six months later I discover project gutenberg! Sigh. But I am very happy now.

Soldim · 12-16-2011, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quexos

I wouldn't expect much of Gutenberg books as far as format quality goes.

That surprises me, most books I have gotten from Gutenberg have been both very well proofread and properly formatted. In fact, after having read quite a few books from Gutenberg, I'd argue that their quality often surpasses that of commercial publishers.

banjobama · 12-16-2011, 02:03 AM

I have gotten several very poorly formatted ebooks from PG, so many so that now I don't download them at all.

I have found the MobileRead library to have the best looking and least erroneous books anywhere online.

carpetmojo · 12-16-2011, 02:34 AM

I find the MR Library to be excellent, a happy result of the work of committed enthusiasts. Never had a hookey one yet, and doubt I will.

The bad reports about Gutenburg I find a real surprise - I have used PG a lot, and on some really obscure works, and again, very few problems at all.
I have had a couple of slightly "off" books, but these were the fault of the original work, and I can accept that, although I'd like it to be perfect!

12-14-2011, 05:40 PM	#1
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,160 Karma: 73448616 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Nexus 7, Clara, Touch, Tolino EPOS	Toronto Public Library: Free eBooks The Toronto Public Library now has available Project Gutenberg books in ePub format. These are DRM free and available to all. Not sure though on the quality of the formatting! http://toronto.lib.overdrive.com/2A2...Collection.htm

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12-15-2011, 03:33 PM	#2
Quexos Member Retired Posts: 1,999 Karma: 11348924 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Limbo Device: none	I wouldn't expect much of Gutenberg books as far as format quality goes.

12-15-2011, 03:42 PM	#3
spindlegirl Wizard Posts: 1,594 Karma: 21245891 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra h20, Paperwhite 2017, Phone & Tablet w Moonreader	I can't speak for Gutenberg books that are obtained from places other than Project Gutenberg, but when I get the plain vanilla e-texts (in ePub format) from the website itself, I find the quality and readability to be really good. I download it directly via calibre (Project Gutenberg is one of the "Stores" in the "Get books" option on calibre), and then slap on whatever cover I feel like and then put it on my e-reader. Of course I can't speak for all specific books, I tend to mostly read from the top 100, but everything I've downloaded so far has been nice. Many of the public domain classics are also really well done by many volunteers at mobileread too, and are available in epub format, and I've downloaded many books from here. I really get a thrill that I can get any public domain book for free. Before I knew about this I spent christmas money to get paperback copies of Jane Eyre, Emma, etc... then six months later I discover project gutenberg! Sigh. But I am very happy now.

12-16-2011, 02:03 AM	#5
banjobama Busy Read'n Posts: 980 Karma: 5039283 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Auburn, WA Device: Pocketbook Touch Lux 5	I have gotten several very poorly formatted ebooks from PG, so many so that now I don't download them at all. I have found the MobileRead library to have the best looking and least erroneous books anywhere online.

12-16-2011, 02:34 AM	#6
carpetmojo Wizard Posts: 3,117 Karma: 9269999 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: UK Device: Sony- T3, PRS650, 350, T1/2/3, Paperwhite, Fire 8.9,Samsung Tab S 10.5	I find the MR Library to be excellent, a happy result of the work of committed enthusiasts. Never had a hookey one yet, and doubt I will. The bad reports about Gutenburg I find a real surprise - I have used PG a lot, and on some really obscure works, and again, very few problems at all. I have had a couple of slightly "off" books, but these were the fault of the original work, and I can accept that, although I'd like it to be perfect!

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