Public Domain Books
Before we talk about the top 10 public domain books, let’s first understand what it means. A book falls under the category of public domain after five or seven decades of the author’s demise. After that, its consumption becomes free as it’s no longer under the ownership of any company or writer. Basically, anyone can read, share, or copy the contents without seeking permission.
Now, some of you may wonder why it takes years for a book to enter the public domain. It’s pretty simple; the law allows the author’s family to benefit from the book’s royalties. However, after 50 or 70 years (depending on the country’s rules), no one holds any copyright over its contents.
Top 10 Public Domain Books
Now that you have understood what the public domain is, let’s dive into the top 10 public domain books everyone should read.
Pride and Prejudice
Talking about classic literature without alluding to Pride and Prejudice is a sin. In the world of a plethora of romance books and series, people still talk about the beauty of William Darcy’s subtle hand flex after helping Elizabeth Bennet into the carriage. The novel revolves around the situation of women in the nineteenth century, their dependence on men to live a basic life, social class, love, and individual growth. What sets this book apart is Jane Austen’s ability to add wit and humour in her books.
Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights is the second novel published by Emily Brontë. A story that depicts love, revenge, and family conflicts. A must-read, and the best time to read it is at night, for the book gives literal chills. Many classic literature lovers are still not able to get over the part wherein Heathcliff dug Catherine’s grave while screaming, “You said I killed you, haunt me then. Be with me always, take any form; drive me mad. Only do not leave me in the abyss, where I cannot find you.” Heathcliff had a troubled childhood, but sought revenge upon acquiring wealth and power. However, he could never live in peace, for his grief engulfed him.
Though Heathcliff’s and Catherine’s lives were teemed with tragedies and unhappiness, Emily Brontë gave justice to the readers by ending it on a positive note. The book still lives rent-free in readers’ heads; even the famous ‘After’ film series used its quote, “Whatever our souls are made of, hers and mine are the same.”
Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre is another classic masterpiece and a must-read. It’s the story of an orphaned girl who lived half her life seeking a home, love, and acceptance, and the other half valuing her self-worth and respecting her boundaries. When Jane became a governess at Thornfield Hall, she slowly fell in love with the gloomy owner of the estate: Mr Rochester. As time passed, they decided to marry. However, what Jane found the night before her wedding turned her world upside down. Upon knowing that Mr Rochester was already married to a mentally ill woman named Bertha Mason, who was kept hidden in the attic, Jane left the mansion, and their wedding was called off.
Years later, when she returned to Thornfield Hall, she found it burned to the ground. Charlotte Brontë ended the story on a positive note, when Mr Rochester and Jane reunite, giving the readers utmost gratification the moment they read the line, “Reader, I married him.”
The Great Gatsby
Scott Fitzgerald is known for his impeccable writing style; his books contain the elements of modernism, disillusionment of the post-WWI era, and fading promises of the American dream. The Great Gatsby is one such book that depicts the themes of love, delusion of past recreation, corruption of the American dream, and moral decay.
The story revolves around how Jay Gatsby falls in love with a married woman, Daisy Buchanan and throws grand parties in the hope that one day Daisy would attend them and he would get the chance to rekindle their love or at least talk to her. The story ends with Gatsby’s death, which wouldn’t gratify you in a conventional happy way, but it will satisfy you on an intellectual level.
Nevertheless, the ending will break you when the realisation — Gatsby deserved better — hits you.
The White Nights
Fyodor Dostoevsky has written multiple masterpieces, and White Nights is one of them. Although most of his books contain elements of strict realism, White Nights carries the themes of realism with romanticism, offering psychological insights. It explores the feelings of love, loneliness, and heartbreak. The story revolves around how the narrator, after being lonely for his entire life, falls in love with Nastenka, only to end up being heartbroken when Nastenka chooses her past lover over him. She walks away, leaving him behind on the bridge.
It’s a perfect example of true love because when you start reading it, you realise that the narrator never reveals his name, but Nastenka’s name is mentioned 138 times. The ending will leave you angry, sad, and wondering about the quote from the book, “My God, a moment of bliss. Why isn’t that enough for a whole lifetime?”
Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment is yet another masterpiece of Fyodor Dostoevsky, which revolves around the themes of redemption, crime psychology, free will, morality, and alienation. In this book, the protagonist, Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, is a mentally troubled, poor, and alienated student who believes that he can go beyond the rules and regulations to do something for the greater good; he even wrote an article explaining his theory. However, to prove it, he decides to kill an old and greedy pawnbroker with an axe, but ends up killing her sister as well, who arrives during the crime.
Guilt and anxiety consume him after this act. Meanwhile, he encounters multiple characters who influence his decision to seek redemption, including Sonya, a kind prostitute. The book is a detailed study of a criminal’s mind, which will force you to question your life.
The Stranger
Have you ever felt that life has no true meaning? If yes, then this book is definitely for you. The Stranger by Albert Camus explores the elements of existentialism. In this book, Meursault’s mother dies, and surprisingly, he is incapable of showing any emotions or remorse; he doesn’t even shed a single tear. When he comes back from the funeral, he meets a woman and commits to marrying, but finds the idea of marriage meaningless. In the second part of the story, he kills a man on the beach without any reason or feeling of guilt.
Later, he is sentenced to death, but he still shows no signs of remorse.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde explores the themes of aestheticism and Faustian bargains. It revolves around a young and handsome man named Dorian Gray, who is painted by an artist named Basil Hallward. Dorian would often wish to remain young throughout his life while the portrait ages instead of him. Surprisingly, his wish came true. After that, he started living a selfish life, and his portrait depicted every bad thing that he did. When Basil confronted him about his reputation, Dorian killed him in a fit of rage. Frustrated Dorian tried to destroy the portrait, but ended up dying while the picture turned back to normal and beautiful.
Great Expectations
The book explores the themes of social class, love, betrayal, and individual growth. It revolves around a poor boy named Pip who assisted an escaped prisoner with food. Little did he know that the prisoner would become his secret benefactor in the future and pay for his studies and expenses. He used to think that Miss Havisham wished for him to marry her daughter, Estella; however, he was stunned to know that Magwitch was his patron.
As the story progresses, Pip understands that true happiness doesn’t come with money, but it’s in being true to yourself.
Emma
Emma by Jane Austen revolves around the themes of social class, the situation of women, their dependence on men, true love, and growth. When Emma Woodhouse begins her passion for mismatching, she misjudges multiple people. However, with time, she realises that she’s in love with Mr Knightly. You can expect happy marriages and self-realisation by the end of the story.
Also, check – Top 10 Prestigious Literary Awards
On a Parting Note
These top 10 public domain books aren’t just stories, but classics that have shaped literature into values and learnings that often keep one awake at night. From reading romantic fiction to exploring psychological insights, these 10 Public Domain Books are a key to unlocking escapism while embracing reality.
