Can I read books from Internet?

[Archedreamer]

Hi :tiphat:

I talk specifically about a book which is available on Google Books: “Rites of passage” of Arnold van Gennep. It would be a good material for me since I am deeply interested at that way of education at this time of my life (I think I must learn about the Passion, the most wonderful passage). Too, I am studying pedagogic subjects so it would be great for make a paper.

I don’t know if it is legal and even if it is moral. Google Books is not the Press of that book. I don’t know if Google Books has requested from the Press the copyrights. Arnold Van Gennep has died 55 years ago so his books are not able to be distributed at the discretion at Argentina, where I live… anyways I am not a Press so I cannot work over the original text, that which has no rights.

Maybe it is a legal question so I am wasting your time. But it is a doubt which is with me all the time.

Thank you

 

[Daizies]

From the Google Books website

Browse books online
If the book is out of copyright, or the publisher has given us permission, you’ll be able to see a preview of the book, and in some cases the entire text. If it’s in the public domain, you’re free to download a PDF copy.

So yes, if they have it posted, they have permission from the publisher, or it is in public domain, and it is fine to read it.

 

[SonCatcher]

I am sure that a major company like Google would do their due diligence to have permission to present the book or make sure it was in the public domain. Since U.S. law (with which Google would undoubtedly be more familiar) also extends far beyond the 55 years since van Gennep’s death, I would guess that Google has obtained permission.

Another alternative for public domain books is Project Gutenberg. There are thousands of works written so long ago they are no longer covered by any copyright. Van Gennep’s book does not appear there.

 

[Archedreamer]

I really thank you:thumbsup:. I use to think that I am not like Jews. I admire how they are able to develope her vital dreams which seem usually to be so hard. I do have a family who can give me a hand when I am belove. It is great to know that I am not alone. Thank you!