Is a book out of copyright if it has been reprinted?
Question
I have a book originally published in london in 1883, but re-published in 1970 in New York. The book contains no copyright statement. I want to know whether I can reproduce a chapter from the book in my own book. Can you advise me on this matter?
Response
Thank you for contacting the SU Copyright Advisory Committee. The book from which you wish to include a chapter is now in the public domain. Even back in 1970, prior to the 1976 Copyright Act, the book was likely in the public domain and therefore needed no copyright statement in the reprint. Anything published outside the US prior to July 1st 1909 is considered in the public domain. Your 1883 edition was published in the UK and therefore covered. Books in the public domain can be reproduced in whole or in part, as long the costumary attribution and authorship are given.
I would strongly urge, however, that whatever publishing house you go with in getting your own book into print review all pertinent legal ramifications of using an entire chapter of the 1883 volume. Best to be on the safe side before publication.
